Security

UK eVisa Updates - November 2024

The UK is transitioning from physical immigration documents to eVisas. This change impacts those who currently use physical immigration documents such as biometric residence permits (BRPs), passports containing visa vignette stickers and ink stamps, or biometric residence cards (BRCs), to enter the United Kingdom. Visa holders are encouraged to visit www.gov.uk/eVisa to learn what steps they need to take, BRP holders should do so before most BRPs expire on 31 December 2024. 

Key points to note: 

If you are a visa holder who lives in the UK and uses a physical immigration document to prove your rights, you should take action now to create a UK Visas and Immigration account to access your eVisa. Find out more at: www.gov.uk/eVisa. 

The move to an eVisa will not impact your underlying immigration status. 

Until the end of 2024, you will need to continue to carry your physical document when you travel, if you have one. 

Visa holders who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport they intend to use for travel if it is not already linked to their UKVI account. They can do this using the ‘Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ service www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details 

Security Update - June 2024

On 9 June 2024 the Department for Transport reintroduced restrictions on carrying liquids over 100ml in hand luggage at UK airports. Liquids need to be removed from hand luggage and in containers of 100ml or less, placed in a clear plastic bag measuring 20cm by 20cm, in trays for screening. 

Changes to Security introduced on 1 June 2024

New regulations came into effect on 1 June 2024 which required UK airports to upgrade their x-ray screening equipment for hand baggage to enhance the security experience for passengers.

Passengers travelling though HIAL airports are now able to:

• Leave all electronic devices in their hand baggage for screening.

Body scanners are being used to screen passengers at the following airports:

• Benbecula
• Inverness
• Islay
• Kirkwall
• Stornoway
• Sumburgh

Passengers are able to request an alternative search method.

What has stayed the same?

Passengers are required to remove outer clothing, hoodies, heeled shoes and boots, belts, watches, empty pockets, and place items in trays for x-ray screening.

The limit of 5 litres (in containers of up to 2 litres) of alcohol of between 24-70% proof equivalent to 7 bottles per passenger remains in place.

How to make the security process smoother

Please bear with us while we introduce the new security procedures and we advise you to allow more time to pass through security for your flight.

Screening equipment will vary at UK airports, and we advise that you check the security procedures for all airports that you will be travelling through in advance of your journey.

For more information about security procedures at HIAL airports, please visit the relevant Airport Information page.