The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued an urgent travel advisory for Ghanaians and other nationals planning long-term stays in the United Kingdom, as the UK prepares to implement a major shift to Electronic Visas (E-Visas) starting Wednesday, 1 January 2025.

This new policy will replace all physical visa documents, including Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) and Biometric Residence Cards (BRC), which will no longer be valid after Sunday, 1 December 2024.

According to a statement from the British High Commission, the E-Visa system is designed to streamline visa processing and bolster security.

“Starting January 1, 2025, all individuals planning to stay in the UK for more than six months will need to apply for an E-Visa,” the advisory noted, as shared by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry further highlighted the impact on current BRP holders with permissions to live, work, or study in the UK, stressing that all BRP cards will expire by Sunday, 31 December, regardless of the dates originally printed on them.

This transition will require affected residents to secure E-Visas to maintain their residency status.

The advisory, signed by Victor N. A. Adamah, Acting Director of the Ministry’s Information and Public Affairs Bureau, also cautioned those planning holiday travel outside the UK to ensure they have their E-Visa by Wednesday, 31 December to avoid potential re-entry challenges.

Ghanaians are encouraged to visit the British High Commission’s website or contact UK immigration authorities for guidance on applying for the new E-Visa.