Yes. For EU Settlement Scheme travel permit applications made from 30 July 2026, applicants are no longer required to provide fingerprints. A facial photograph and evidence confirming identity and EUSS status remain part of the process.
The change was introduced by the Statement of Changes HC 259, laid before Parliament on 9 July 2026. It applies to EUSS travel permits, not EUSS family permits.
A travel permit application is free. The resulting entry clearance is valid for six months from the decision date and can be used for multiple journeys while valid. Applications must be made from outside the UK.
Why an EUSS travel permit may be needed
An EUSS travel permit is designed for someone who:
- holds settled or pre-settled status;
- is outside the UK;
- cannot update the personal details in their UKVI account; and
- needs to travel using a new or different passport or travel document.
This can happen after a passport renewal or where an EUSS biometric residence card has been lost, stolen or expired. The person’s existing status must still be valid and must not have lapsed, been cancelled, curtailed or revoked.
Under the system of eVisas and digital immigration status, carriers usually check a passenger’s permission electronically. A passport that is not correctly linked to the UKVI account can therefore create boarding problems. The change may assist people affected by eVisa travel disruption earlier in 2026, while the wider move away from physical BRPs makes accurate digital records increasingly important.
What changes on 30 July 2026?
| Item | Before 30 July 2026 | From 30 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Fingerprints | Required unless an exemption applied | Not required for an EUSS travel permit |
| Facial photograph | Required | Still required |
| Visa application centre appointment | Normally required to enrol fingerprints | Not required solely for fingerprint enrolment, although applicants must follow the identity process stated on the application |
| Application fee | Free | Free |
| Validity | Six months from the decision date | Six months from the decision date |
| Where to apply | Outside the UK | Outside the UK |
| Entries | Multiple entries while valid | Multiple entries while valid |
The applicant will normally need a valid passport and the 16-digit unique application number confirming the grant of settled or pre-settled status. Where a biometric residence card was lost or stolen, this should also be reported to the Home Office.
The removal of fingerprints does not remove every identity check. The application process will still require a facial image and may include further steps where UKVI needs additional evidence. Our guide to biometric appointments and document submission explains what to expect if an appointment is requested.
How the revised process may work in practice
Suppose you hold pre-settled status and obtain a replacement passport while abroad. You cannot access your UKVI account or link the new passport yourself, so the airline cannot confirm your permission.
From 30 July 2026, you can apply for a travel permit without providing fingerprints. If the application succeeds, UKVI should email you to confirm that your details have been updated and that you can travel using your eVisa. Do not assume that submitting the application itself gives permission to board. Wait for the confirmation and allow sufficient time before making fixed travel arrangements.
What the change does not do
It does not grant EUSS status to someone who has never held it or restore status that has lapsed or been cancelled. A late first application to the EUSS still requires reasonable grounds for the delay.
It does not remove fingerprints from EUSS family permit applications. Those permits are for eligible family members travelling to join or accompany someone in the UK and remain subject to separate requirements.
It does not affect Electronic Travel Authorisations. A person with valid settled or pre-settled status does not need an ETA, as explained in our guide to UK ETA rules in 2026.
It also does not resolve an underlying refusal or status dispute. Relevant guidance is available on EU Settlement Scheme refusals and what to do if your settled or pre-settled status is refused.
Planning your longer-term position
Once you are back in the UK, check that your current passport is linked correctly to your account before travelling again. People with settled status may later consider British citizenship, including the specific considerations covered in our guide to British citizenship for EEA nationals with settled status.
Where EUSS is unavailable, another route such as a spouse visa may be relevant. Qualifying lawful residence can also lead to ILR based on long residence. The Start-up visa is closed to new applicants, while Innovator Founder or a properly structured Skilled Worker strategy may suit some business owners.
If you are outside the UK and cannot get your status recognised, speak to the immigration solicitors in London at Garth Coates Solicitors on +44 (0)20 7799 1600 before making travel arrangements.
