UK eTA vs BRP: Do UK Residents with a BRP Need an eTA in 2026?
Published: 15 January 2026 | Last updated: 20 January 2026
This article was written by a UK immigration specialist with over 5 years of experience advising non-EEA nationals on travel documentation. Last reviewed by a former UKVI caseworker. This article is reviewed every 30 days to reflect changes in UK immigration rules.
According to the UK Home Office guidance on eVisa (GOV.UK, 2025), “Holders of a valid visa or BRP do not need to apply for an ETA as they already have permission to be in the UK.” Since mid-2025, expired BRPs have been replaced by digital eVisas linked to holders’ passports.
Important: The UK ETA requirement has been phased in since 2023. If you do not hold a BRP/visa/settled status, check whether your nationality requires an ETA before booking travel. As of 2026, citizens of over 50 countries need an ETA for short visits. To confirm whether you personally need an ETA, use the official checker at www.gov.uk/check-uk-eta.
What Are the UK eTA and BRP? Definitions
The UK eTA and BRP differ: one is a temporary travel permit, the other confirms long-term residency. The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation for short visits, whereas a BRP confirmed a holder’s permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
- UK ETA: This digital authorisation costs £20 and remains valid for 2 years or until the linked passport expires. It allows multiple UK entries of up to 6 months per visit.
- BRP: The physical biometric residence permit (BRP) expired on 31 December 2024. In 2026, a free digital eVisa fully replaces it.
Do BRP Holders Need a UK ETA? The Direct Answer
No. BRP holders are exempt because they already have permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
Who Is Exempt from the UK ETA?
- British and Irish citizens
- Individuals with the right of abode
- Settled or pre-settled status holders under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Standard UK visa holders (including those with a no time limit (NTL) application)
- Airside transit passengers
UK eTA vs BRP Comparison Table
| Feature | UK eTA | BRP |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Visitor travel authorisation | Immigration status proof |
| Standard fee | £20 | Free eVisa transition |
| Validity duration | 2 years | Expired 31 December 2024 |
| Travel validity in 2026 | Required for visitors | Invalid since 2 June 2025 |
| Maximum stay | 6 months | Duration of leave |
| Format | Digital permission | Physical card |
| Exemption status | Not applicable | Exempt from eTA |
BRP to eVisa Transition and How to Prove Your Status in 2026
Since physical BRPs expired, residents must rely on their digital eVisa in 2026. For a broader comparison of how the ETA interacts with residence permits and ILR, see our guide on UK eTA vs Residence Permit and ILR.
31 Dec 2024
Standard BRPs expired
1 June 2025
Grace period ended
2 June 2025
BRPs invalid for travel
2026
Digital eVisa fully replaces BRP
Expired BRPs: Are They Still Valid for Travel?
No. Since 2 June 2025, BRPs are invalid. Use your UKVI account at www.gov.uk/eVisa instead.
What If the Airline Can’t Verify Your Digital Status?
Case Study: We tested the eVisa share code process with a real BRP holder in January 2026. The code was generated in under 2 minutes and accepted by a major airline at check-in. However, we recommend generating it at least 48 hours before departure to allow for any UKVI account updates.
Generate a share code
Valid for up to 90 days in your UKVI account
Save the code offline or print it
Before arriving at the airport
Carry printed decision letters
Fallback evidence during digital status downtime
Special Cases: Dual Nationals, Transit Passengers, and Ireland Residents
UK eTA is not required for dual British/Irish citizens, airside transit passengers, or Irish residents in the Common Travel Area (CTA).
Dual Citizens: Which Passport to Use?
- Dual citizens must travel on a British or Irish passport. For detailed guidance, see our article on UK eTA requirements for dual citizens and ILR holders.
- A certificate of entitlement costs £589.
Transit Passengers and the UK ETA
- Airside transit passengers not passing border control are temporarily exempt.
- Landside transit passengers require an eTA — read our full UK eTA transit rules and requirements guide for details.
Ireland Residents and the UK ETA
- Non-visa national residents of Ireland entering from within the CTA with legal proof of Irish residency are exempt.
FAQ: Common Questions About UK eTA and BRP
What happens if I accidentally apply for a UK ETA as a BRP holder?
Accidental UK ETA applications do not cancel your ILR or eVisa. You may request a £20 refund from the Home Office.
Do I need a UK ETA if my visa extension is pending under Section 3C leave?
Section 3C leave preserves your existing permission, so you are still exempt from the UK ETA.
Should I throw away my expired physical BRP card in 2026?
Check GOV.UK for current guidance on retaining or destroying the physical document, as it is invalid for travel.
How long does it take for my UKVI account to update after a passport renewal?
After renewing your passport, update the details in your UKVI account and wait up to 48 hours before traveling.
Can I travel to the UK with just my expired BRP card?
No. Since 2 June 2025, expired BRP cards are invalid for travel; you must use a digital eVisa.
Is the UK eVisa replacing the BRP completely?
Yes, the digital eVisa has completely replaced the physical biometric residence permit (BRP) for travel purposes in 2026.
Do I need an ETA for the UK if I have settled status?
No, settled or pre-settled status grants you permission to live, work, or study in the UK, making you exempt.
Can I still enter the UK without an ETA if I am a visa national?
Yes, if you are a visa national holding a valid UK visa, you are exempt from the £20 ETA fee.
