BRPs are Dead: The 2026 Guide to Using the UK eVisa for Indian Travelers

If you’re a parent in Kochi preparing for a trip to visit family in London, or an NRI student returning home for the holidays, your travel checklist just changed forever.

As of January 2026, the era of the physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and paper visa stickers is officially over. The UK has transitioned to a 100% digital system. If you turn up at the airport expecting to show a plastic card or a stamped page in your passport, you might be denied boarding.

Here is the essential breakdown of the new UK eVisa for Indians 2026 and how to avoid the most common travel “headaches.”

eVisa vs. ETA: Don’t Get Confused!

There is a lot of “internet noise” about the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). Here is the simple truth for Indian passport holders:

1. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): This is NOT for Indians. It is for “non-visa” nationals (like US or EU citizens).

2. eVisa: This IS for you. If you are an Indian citizen with a Work, Student, or Family visa, you must replace your BRP with a digital visa account.

Important: Even if your physical BRP says it expires on “31 Dec 2024,” your actual visa permission is likely still valid in the system—but you must link it to a UKVI account to travel in 2026.

How to Set Up Your UKVI Account (The 3-Step Process)

To travel, your passport must be “linked” to your digital status. If you haven’t done this yet, follow these steps:

• • Step 1: Create the Account. Visit the official GOV.UK website. You will need your BRP number or your original Visa Application Number (UAN/GWF).

• • Step 2: Use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” App. You’ll need a smartphone to scan your passport’s chip and take a digital photo. This verifies that you are who you say you are.

• • Step 3: Link Your Current Passport. Ensure the passport you are flying with is the one linked to your account. If you get a new passport in Kochi, you must update your UKVI account details before you head to the airport.

Why “Digital” Doesn’t Mean “Paperless” (Yet)

While the UK border is now digital, airlines in India can sometimes be cautious. At Visa Xpert Kochi, we advise all our clients to carry a “Safety Pack”:

• Print your “Share Code”: Generate a PDF from your UKVI account that proves your status.

• Keep your old BRP: Even if it’s expired, carry it as a backup for your first few trips in 2026.

• Check your email: Keep a copy of your original “Visa Grant” letter on your phone.

How Visa Xpert Kochi Helps Our Seniors & Families

We know that digital apps and “UKVI accounts” can be overwhelming, especially for parents traveling alone. Our UK visitor visa Kochi service now includes:

• Digital Onboarding: We set up your UKVI account for you and ensure your eVisa is active.

• Document Linking: We assist in updating your account if you’ve renewed your passport recently.

• Pre-Flight Briefing: A 10-minute session to show you exactly what to show the airline staff at Nedumbassery (COK) or London Heathrow.

Don’t wait until the week of your flight.

The eVisa system can sometimes take a few days to “sync” after you create your account.

Are you unsure if your old BRP is correctly linked to your digital status?Contact Visa Xpert Kochi and we will help you verify your eVisa today!

Frequently asked questions

Do Indian citizens need a UK ETA?

No. The ETA is for travellers who do not need a visa for short visits. Indian passport holders need a UK visa, such as a Standard Visitor visa, instead.

What is a UK eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your UK immigration permission. You view it in your UKVI account, and it replaces physical documents such as the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

My BRP card has expired. Has my visa expired too?

Not necessarily. The expiry date printed on many BRPs was 31 December 2024, but your permission lasts until the date shown in your eVisa. Sign in to your UKVI account to check.

I renewed my passport. What should I do before travelling?

Add your new passport details to your UKVI account before you travel, so airlines and UK Border Force can match your eVisa to the passport you are using.

How do I prove my status to an employer, landlord or airline?

Use the GOV.UK service to view your eVisa and generate a share code. The share code lets others check your status without seeing your full eVisa.