Step by step on how to apply for UK visas from January 2025
The United Kingdom (UK) government has announced the launch of an Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system, set to take effect from January 1, 2025. In a communiqué to Ghana’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the British High Commission confirmed that the new system will replace physical visa documents, including visas stamped in passports, as well as Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC). These documents, which are used to verify the immigration status of individuals staying in the UK for over six months, will no longer be valid after December 31, 2024.
The British High Commission advised individuals traveling outside the UK, particularly during the Christmas season, to apply for their E-Visas before the end of the year to avoid complications when re-entering the UK.
Starting in January 2025, Ghanaians wishing to travel to the UK will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access their E-Visa. The UKVI account will replace physical documents with an online record to verify the immigration status of foreign nationals living in the UK.
To create a UKVI account, applicants will need:
- A smartphone or laptop
- An identity document (passport or BRP)
- An application number (created during the process) or BRP number
- Date of birth, email address, and mobile phone number
- Access to the UK Immigration ID Check app (available on Google Play Store or the App Store)
Steps to create a UKVI account:
- Visit gov.uk/evisa to create a UKVI account. Fill in the required details and click Create Account. A confirmation email will be sent upon successful creation.
- Confirm your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app and follow the instructions provided.
- Link the E-Visa to your UKVI account by completing all sections on the task list and confirming the declaration before submitting.
- Once complete, the E-Visa will be linked to the identity document used during account creation.
Ghanaians are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the process well ahead of the January 2025 deadline to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel to the UK.
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