On December 31, 2024, UKVI updated guidelines to confirm the travel document requirements for non-EEA family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen traveling to the UK. Those travelers need a valid national passport, and either an EU Settlement Scheme family permit or a an EU Settlement Scheme pre-settled or settled status.
Entering the UK as an EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen
Irish citizens can continue to enter and live in the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. They can cross the UK border using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time they are in the UK.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can continue to use the automatic ePassport gates to pass through the border on arrival.
Individuals cannot use an EU, EEA or Swiss national ID card to enter the UK unless they:
- have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
- have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
- have a frontier worker permit
- are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
- are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa
In these cases, they can continue to use their national ID card to enter the UK until at least December 31, 2025.
Individuals waiting for a decision on their application for settled or pre-settled status can still use their EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:
- they’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
- they’ve been issued with confirmation their application is valid
- they’re not applying as a joining family member
Other types of cards
British citizens can continue to use a Gibraltar identity card to travel to the UK. Irish citizens can continue to use a passport card to travel to the UK.
Entering the UK as a non-EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen
Travelers need a valid national passport, and one of the following:
- an EU Settlement Scheme family permit
- an EU Settlement Scheme pre-settled or settled status
Travelers cannot use an Article 10 or Article 20 residence card issued by an EEA member state.
Entering the UK from a non-EEA country
A passport (and visa if applicable) will be checked at border control. Travelers will usually be asked why they’re coming to the UK. They can use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and the automatic ePassport gates if they’re from: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United States.
Entering the UK for Business Travel
EU, EEA or Swiss Citizens travelling to the UK for a short business trip, may not need to apply for a visa.
Under the UK’s new points-based immigration system, they can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa. In most cases they can stay for up to 6 months. They may participate in a wide range of activities including business-related activities such as meetings, events and conferences. They may enter the UK multiple times during that period but may not live in the UK by means of frequent or successive visits.
Business visitors cannot:
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
- do a work placement or internship
- sell directly to the public or provide goods and services
For employers who need to send EU, EEA or Swiss citizens to work in the UK for longer than 6 months, they need to apply for a visa.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
The UKVI has additional guidance and updates related to school travelers to the UK, what travelers are permitted to bring into the country, healthcare, driving, and other matters, here. Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.