Entering UK without BRP

Hello,

I’ve been reading conflicting articles about this ranging between flat out admission refusal to no big deal, so is it possible to enter UK without the BRP card?

My card is with the DVLA for my first provisional license and I need to travel for work in the next 2 weeks. It’s very highly unlikely that I’ll get back my card back anytime soon, given the massive backlog the DVLA is currently dealing with.

I know I’ll be able to board my flight back to the UK without issue. So can I just show them a photocopy of the BRP and my passport at the immigration counter? Does anyone have a similar experience?

Thank you,

Your BRP is your visa and therefore your only proof of your right to live in the UK, so you always need to travel with both your passport and BRP.

Is there any way to contact DVLA and request your BRP back urgently? I don’t know if there would be enough time to get it back before you travel though.

You really shouldn’t leave the UK without your BRP, but if you do end up outside the UK without it (I.e. it was lost or stolen while abroad) you are supposed to apply for a single-entry replacement BRP visa before you can return to the UK - which can take several weeks to be issued.

You could try entering with your passport and a photocopy of the BRP, but it’s risky as it’s at the immigration officer’s discretion… they do not have to let you in and could send you straight back to the country you travelled from.

I found this on the Exeter Uni website for international students who have lost their BRP and need to travel back to the UK:

Entering the UK without applying for a single entry BRP visa

You do still have valid immigration leave, even though you have lost your BRP card. We are aware that some students have been allowed to re-enter the UK with their passport and a photocopy or scan of their missing BRP card. UK Border Officers have the discretion to allow this but it is not official procedure and therefore there is a risk that you would be refused entry and sent back to the country you travelled from. Visa nationals in particular could also be refused permission to board their flight to the UK.

This option is therefore risky and we would always recommend applying for a single entry replacement BRP visa rather that travelling to the UK without your BRP. However, if you wish to attempt it you should be prepared to show a scan of your missing BRP card and your Student Status Letter.

E-passport gates

If you are a national of a country permitted to enter the UK via the e-passport gates you can attempt to do so. However, if for any reason you are unable to use the gates and you need to see a UK Border Officer you would be expected to show evidence of your leave. If you do not have a single entry replacement BRP visa in your passport this carries the same risks outlined above.

(https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/international/visaconditions/lostorstolenbrpsandpassports/returningtotheukwithoutyourbrp/)


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Everything ksand said is 100% true.

However, it *is* likely you will be okay as you don't have an application processing. 

Your toughest challenge will be boarding the flight, as I always had to show my visa as I didn't have a return ticket.  The airlines are charged if you are denied entry and sent back, so they try to eliminate that risk.

At the border, especially as you have a copy of your BRP, it shouldn't be too much trouble.  Worst case will you be have to sit in the pen while they check all your details, likely give you a telling off and tell you not to travel without your BRP again, and send you on your way. 

If you had an application in with UKVI, it'd be a non-started.  But as it's with DVLA, I'm hopeful they will have a bit of compassion for you.

Thanks, Ksand24 and KFdancer for your replies.
I tried contacting the DVLA, however, it is impossible to get to talk to an actual human being. The automated system tells you they are busy then hangs up on me, stellar customer service. I hope they are lenient at the border, as the government leaves us no option but to send them original documents for identity proof purposes.

I was never asked by any airline to show my BRP for checking in or boarding.

One more question, if I try to use the egates to enter, wouldn’t that void my BRP as I will be admitted as a short term visitor not a resident?

When did you apply for your license? 

DVLA is currently processing applications received week of 25th of October, which should help you figure out when you'll get yours (about 10 weeks from application date). 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

When did you apply for your license? 

DVLA is currently processing applications received week of 25th of October, which should help you figure out when you'll get yours (about 10 weeks from application date). 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

No chance then, I applied mid December so it’s been about 3 weeks.

I guess I will have to risk it, as I can’t not travel. Hopefully I get a nice officer who will understand and just let me in.