Travel with eVisa — what to check before you fly
Updated 23 May 2026
the3million NGO Q1 2026 report: ~46% of complaints relate to travel (an NGO submission, not Home Office stats). Source: https://the3million.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/t3m-report-evisa-problems-2026-Q1-08May2026.pdf From 2 June 2025 expired BRP is not accepted for boarding. Carriers may check your status electronically before boarding; do not rely on a printed or screenshot share code alone. Checklist — 24 hours before your flight.
Carriers may check your status electronically before boarding, including through iAPI (Interactive Advance Passenger Information). If your UKVI account is not set up or the status shows incorrectly — deny boarding, even if you have an expired BRP in your pocket. Check your UKVI account 24 hours before your flight.
01 Checklist — 24 hours before your flight
Go to gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status → make sure your visa type and expiry date are shown correctly.
In case of technical problems during boarding. A screenshot is not official proof, but it helps when you escalate with airline staff.
If staff at check-in ask for proof, keep an S-prefix share code as backup, but acceptance is not guaranteed. Valid for 90 days.
If your phone battery dies or you have no network — a paper code helps explain the situation to airline staff.
iAPI checks using your passport number. If you recently changed your passport — you need to update it in your UKVI account at least 7 days before your flight.
Your new passport must be linked in your UKVI account in advance. Update your details →
02 How the airline checks your eVisa
The carrier (BA, Lufthansa, Turkish, Uzbekistan Airways, Air Astana, etc.) uses the iAPI (Interactive Advance Passenger Information) system — automatic status check before boarding.
- iAPI is a backend system of the carrier that queries the Home Office database before check-in
- You do not "send" anything — the check happens automatically using your passport number
- If the status in the Home Office database is correct → boarding is allowed
- If your UKVI account is not set up or the status is wrong → deny boarding, even if you have an expired BRP
- Most CA airlines (Uzbekistan Airways, Air Astana) are already integrated with iAPI — standard process
03 Carrier refused boarding — what to do
- Call 0800 876 6921 (24/7, free from UK). Explain the situation: "I have an eVisa, my status is digital, the carrier should check via iAPI system."
- Ask the airline supervisor to check your status through gov.uk using your share code
- If the carrier insists on a physical BRP — this is against Home Office guidance. Document: time, staff name, flight number
- Take screenshots of everything — for a possible compensation claim later
- After you resolve the situation — submit an error report (SLA response: 5-15 working days)
04 For migrants from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan
- From Uzbekistan via Tashkent: Uzbekistan Airways is integrated with iAPI. Standard process — check your UKVI account in advance.
- From Kazakhstan via Almaty: Air Astana is integrated with iAPI. Same.
- Transit through Istanbul or Dubai: Turkish Airlines and Emirates use iAPI. More options → check your UKVI account in advance.
- Refugee travel document (physical booklet): From 11 March 2026 it is automatically linked to your UKVI account. Take both the booklet and an S-prefix share code.
- Asylum seekers: Do NOT leave the UK with an active claim — except for a medical emergency with Home Office permission.
05 Special cases
| Situation | What you need |
|---|---|
| EUSS Settled / Pre-Settled | Passport + UKVI account active. Share code (S-code) if needed. |
| Refugee status (from March 2026 — 30 months) | Refugee travel document + share code (S-code). Not your country passport. |
| Refugee document NOT linked to UKVI | Call 0300 790 6268 to link it in advance. |
| Changed passport before travel | Update in UKVI account at least 7 days before your flight. |
| UKVI account not activated for 6+ months | Log in and check — the status may show incorrectly. |
06 Ready to fly vs not ready
Ready to fly
- UKVI account is active and status is correct
- Passport is linked in UKVI account
- S-prefix share code generated (backup)
- Screenshot of eVisa on phone
Risk — check in advance
- You rely only on expired BRP (denied from 2 June 2025)
- You just changed your passport and did not link it in UKVI
- UKVI account not opened for 6+ months
- Refugee travel document not linked to UKVI
07 What is important to know
What is important to know
- Denied boarding — your financial problem
The carrier does not refund your ticket if the status did not pass the iAPI check. Insurance usually does not cover it.
- Status can break suddenly
81k confirmed errors Apr-Oct 2025. EUSS settled → pre-settled bug is known and happens. Check your UKVI account 24 hours before your flight — not one minute before the gate.
- 0800 876 6921 — the only free number
24/7 from UK. You can call directly from the airport gate. From abroad +44 203 337 0927 (not free).
- Screenshot of eVisa ≠ official proof
A screenshot helps for escalation if airline staff does not understand digital status. But for official check you need a live share code.