Can I travel while waiting for a visa application decision 2026? 

Whether you can travel while waiting for a decision on an immigration application depends on the application you made, the UK visa you applied for and if this was done from inside or outside the UK. 

Applications made inside the UK

If you applied for an immigration application from inside the UK and are waiting for a decision, travelling outside the UK can impact you and your immigration application. This is because most applications, protection claims, administrative reviews or appeals will be withdrawn if you travel outside the UK.  Rules for applications under the EU Settlement Scheme are considered differently. 

Applications made outside the UK

If you are outside the UK and have made an immigration application for entry into the UK and are waiting for a decision, we suggest you do not try to travel to the UK as a visitor. Travelling to the UK as a visitor while you have a pending application can cause technical legal difficulties. 

Importantly, travelling to the UK as a visitor while you have an outstanding immigration application can overrule your pending immigration application. 

You may also be refused entry as a visitor if you decide to travel to the UK while your immigration application is pending. If you are a non-visa national, you normally apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to be granted permission to enter the UK as a visitor. An ETA is permission to travel only. However, if you have a pending application to live in the UK and you travel to the UK as a visitor, you may be questioned at the border. Border Force may refuse your entry (even with the ETA) on the basis of not being a genuine visitor or that you are not intending to leave at the end of your visit. 

There are exceptions if you hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or hold EUSS status with another form of immigration status.

Certificates of application under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you are still waiting for a decision on your EU Settlement Scheme application and hold a certificate of application (CoA), the travel rules are different to other pending applications.

The Home Office permits carriers (e.g. airlines, ferry companies, Eurostar) to board EU nationals and other non-visa nationals. However, this policy relates specifically to carrier checks to travel to the UK. That means it does not guarantee that travellers with a CoA will be allowed to enter the UK when they arrive at the UK border.

If you have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme and have a pending application, you should not apply for an ETA to travel as a visitor. This is because you are applying to live in the UK and are not a visitor.

This only applies to non‑visa nationals like EU citizens. Visa nationals with a CoA must still hold a valid visa to travel to the UK and travel carriers will not allow you to board without one. 

Even though non‑visa nationals with a CoA should be allowed to travel to the UK, nothing about the policy at the UK border has changed. Further information can be found in the Home Office guidance. 

CoA holders can still be questioned by Border Force about their eligibility under the EU Settlement Scheme when they arrive in the UK. This may include being asked to provide evidence of continuous residence since before 31 December 2020. For family members, they may be asked for evidence that their relationship was previously recognised by the Home Office, for example in form of previously issued Biometric Residence Cards or family permits. 

Therefore, non‑visa nationals travelling with a CoA should expect to be questioned at the border, and there is a risk that they will not be allowed to enter.

If you are applying to the EU Settlement Scheme as a joining family member you will be permitted to enter with a CoA if you have previously been issued with an EUSS Family Permit (even if this has now expired). If you are applying to switch into the EU Settlement Scheme from visitor status inside the UK, the wording on CoAs is clear that leaving the UK may mean that you will not be allowed to re‑enter.

As the travel rules for CoA holders are complex, you should seek legal advice or inform your existing legal adviser of any travel plans so they can advise you on your specific circumstances.

Citizenship applications

If you are applying for citizenship, this is not technically an immigration application. You can submit the application and travel, and your application will not be withdrawn. You will still need to attend your biometric appointment and your citizenship ceremony in person. 

If you leave the UK and plan to live abroad for a longer period of time, keep in mind that one of the requirements for citizenship is having the future intention to remain in the UK and make the UK your main home.

Read more about applying for citizenship.