Protect eVisa holders: Support amendments to the Civil Aviation Bill

Millions of UK residents relying on digital eVisas face being wrongly denied boarding and refused compensation under current UK passenger rights rules (UK261). When automated verification checks fail, airlines can classify passengers as "inadequately documented" - leaving passengers stranded abroad and bearing the cost of travel disruption, despite holding valid immigration status. 

We think it is unacceptable that the onus is on passengers with digital-only status to prove their rights when airlines systems fail - even though carriers have various options at their disposal if the automated systems linking directly to your passport (or other travel document) don't work, such as accepting your share code or checking with the Carrier Support Hub.

What the3million has done so far

• Regulatory advocacy: We gathered case studies and engaged with the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA), which confirmed its intention to raise these concerns with the Civil Aviation Authority. (Read the IMA’s letter to the3million)
• Proposed legislative amendment: We drafted a specific amendment to the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill setting clear verification rules for carriers before they can claim inadequate documentation. (Read proposed amendment & briefing)
• Direct ministerial engagement: We sent a joint letter with the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association (ILPA) to Aviation Minister Keir Mather MP urging government support. (Read joint letter to the Aviation Minister)
• Parliamentary intervention: We secured direct parliamentary intervention when Graham Leadbitter MP (SNP) raised our proposed amendment during the Second Reading debate in Parliament. (Watch 1.5-minute parliamentary speech recording or read the debate in Hansard) 

Write to Your MP Today!

MPs are deciding over the next few weeks what amendments they will support to the Civil Aviation (Consumer Protection and Regulatory Reform) Bill that is currently going through Parliament. This is the moment when your voice can shape what goes into the legislation, as we seek to gather MP support for an amendment.

That’s why we’re asking you to write to your MP.

• What to do: Contact your local MP immediately and ask them to help secure an amendment to the Civil Aviation Bill that protects eVisa holders.
• Why it is urgent: The Bill enters Committee stage on 20th October 2026, meaning MPs are deciding right now which amendments to support. Direct pressure from constituents over the next few weeks is critical to closing this legal loophole. A strong push from constituents over the next few weeks can make a big difference!

We’ve created a downloadable template letter for you for you (clicking here downloads Word document to your device), with all the information you need. All you need to do is add a line about your personal situation and send it to your MP without delay (please remember to cc [email protected])! 

Please write to your MP as soon as you can. Your message could help secure the protections fellow eVisa holders have been waiting for!

Key Resources

• Download template letter to your MP (download Word version or PDF version)
• Read joint letter from the3million and ILPA to the Aviation Minister
• Read proposed amendment & briefing paper
• Watch parliamentary question recording