Work is underway to give Isle of Man residents with a right to remain the same access to electronic travel documentation as those elsewhere in the British Isles.
The Treasury Minister confirmed the work but explained that physical documents are unlikely to be replaced before July 2026.
Answering Jason Moorhouse MHK in the House of Keys, Chris Thomas MHK said the Isle of Man is working “in lockstep” with the UK Home Office and the Channel Islands on the development of digital immigration products, including E‑visas that would replace wet‑ink stamps, visa vignettes and status letters.
These digital documents would allow holders to evidence their immigration status, right to work and personal details through an online account.
E-Visa
Minister Thomas said the timeline remains uncertain, noting that even the UK has not completed its own transition to E‑visas. He has written to the UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship to stress the impact on Manx residents and the need for progress.
Until digital systems are in place, the Minister urged travellers to carry the government’s guidance document International travel requirements for holders of Isle of Man immigration permissions, alongside their physical immigration evidence.
He said that when travellers “stay calm and explain the situation”, border officials generally accept the documentation.
Mr Moorhouse raised several practical issues affecting residents, including the wording of status letters and clarity in government fact sheets.
Minister Thomas said these suggestions were already being examined by officers, describing them as “very important” operational improvements.
He apologised for the inconvenience faced by residents and advised travellers to allow extra time at ports until digital systems are introduced.
The full exchange can be heard below:
