Lena's Story | “Some carriers want a print out, some want to see a PDF, some want a share code, some want you to login on the spot and show them your phone - there appears to be no standard procedure.”

Lena* was travelling back from Greece when she was asked to login into View & Prove and show her immigration status to her airline.

From April 2024, EU citizens who come to visit the UK have to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This has unintended consequences for those of us who live here: there’s now much more of a need for airlines to know who does not need an ETA.

In theory, the process should be seamless: the airline being able to automatically verify from your passport that you have the right to live in the UK.

In practice, more and more people are reporting confusing, worrying and differing experiences.

“I am a German citizen with settled status in the UK. I have only ever had online proof, now called eVisa. I’ve lived in the UK since the 90s. 

Up until yesterday, I never had a problem with travelling back to the UK from an EU country. 

I was traveling back from Greece and I was asked to show them my live immigration status. I tried to log in, but there was no Internet at the check-in desk.

My British partner and I kept trying to get on the gov.uk webpage to prove my status, but the page was not loading and it was getting very, very stressful. I nearly experienced a panic attack, as I thought I would not be allowed to board the flight home. I had work the next day, so how would I explain to my employer that I could not work because despite my status I wasn't allowed on the return flight?

Then a different attendant came, asked to see my UK driving license, and waved me through. 

I was relieved that a solution could be found, but I am now extremely anxious as we have another flight next week and I am extremely worried.

Some carriers want a print out, some want to see a PDF, some want a share code, some want you to login on the spot and show them your phone - there appears to be no standard procedure.

People who have lived in the UK for decades are now suddenly being refused by airlines to board their flight home. It's a total scandal.”

*the3million changes people’s real names, to ensure anonymity.