Travelling to and from the UK with an eVisa: what is needed at the border and with the airline? Is a share code required?

Who does this apply to?

• This is general information. It does not assess anyone's personal situation. It is for people with a UK visa or indefinite leave (ILR) who travel on an eVisa. It is based on the GOV.UK "Travel with your eVisa" page (October 2026).

Before you travel

• GOV.UK says to check before travel that your UKVI account and eVisa details are correct. Wrong details can stop you boarding or delay you at the border.
• Your account must show your correct personal details and your current passport or travel document.
• Your details must match exactly the passenger information you give your carrier.

When you travel

• Carry the valid passport or travel document that you added to your UKVI account.
• Your eVisa is checked when you leave and enter the UK, by a border officer or at the eGates, and when you check in with your carrier to return.
• Also check the entry and exit requirements of the country you are visiting.

Do you have to show it at the border?

• Not necessarily; your eVisa is checked at the border. But a carrier or border official may ask for additional proof.
• Many people in groups say "the passport officer did not ask for a share code". That is personal experience and is consistent with the official page: proof is not always asked for, but it can be.

Share code

• If you are asked for additional proof, you can get a share code by signing in to view your eVisa.
• A travel share code is valid for 90 days, can be used more than once and can be obtained before you travel.
• Alternatively you can carry a physical document: a sticker or stamp in an old passport showing indefinite leave to remain or enter, a right of abode certificate, or a Home Office travel document.

What can the airline do?

• If your details are wrong, the carrier may refuse you travel.
• If a carrier cannot check your eVisa, it should contact the UK Border Force carrier support hub.

If your passport or details change while you are abroad

• If your passport or personal details change, you must update your UKVI account, or ask UKVI to update it, before you return.
• Biometric passport: you can update online if your passport number, expiry date, name or nationality has changed. Other changes need a request to UKVI, and you may have to give biometrics at a visa application centre.
• Non-biometric passport: you can update online only the passport number and expiry date. Other changes need a request to UKVI and biometrics may be needed.

If you cannot access your eVisa

• Check that you set up your account correctly. If you lost access to your phone or changed your email, use the account recovery service. If you can sign in but cannot see your eVisa, report an error. For other questions use the UKVI webchat.
• In the groups people reported problems such as "the email did not arrive" or "the chip would not read". The official page does not describe these; if the problem continues, try the routes above.

Points to watch

• Official pages change. This post is a general summary.

What can you do?

• Read Travel with your eVisa.
• For codes, see View your eVisa and get a share code.