Careful travel tracking protects your eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) later. Most work routes have an absence limit across rolling 12-month windows (commonly called the “180-day rule”). Rules can change, so always verify against current official guidance.
Why tracking matters
Before you plan long trips, understand how days away are counted over time. That way, you can make choices that don’t jeopardise your qualifying period.
- Absences are checked across your qualifying period (often 5 years for Skilled Worker).
- It’s rolling: a heavy travel spell can breach a window, then drop below once older trips “roll out”.
- Good records make forms and any later checks much easier.
How to count days away (practical approach)
Counting can be nuanced (e.g., departure/return days). If you are close to limits, keep exact timings and be conservative in your totals.
- Record exact entry and exit dates for every trip.
- Track full days outside the UK unless guidance for your route says otherwise.
- Keep boarding passes/e-tickets to show timings for overnight or multi-leg flights.
Use our ILR Calculator to estimate your earliest date and scan absences across rolling windows. It’s a helper, not legal advice.
A simple system that works
A light, consistent process beats a complex one you won’t maintain. Set this up once and update it after every trip.
- Keep a single tracker (spreadsheet or note) with: From, To, Country, Reason, Notes.
- Save evidence (PDFs/screenshots) in one folder: tickets, boarding passes, stamps, employer letters.
- Update the tracker immediately after returning.
Planning around the 180-day window
When your last 12 months are busy with travel, a little scheduling goes a long way.
- If near the limit, defer non-essential trips until older absences fall out of the window.
- Avoid stacking long trips late in your qualifying period.
- Business travel counts too — keep short employer letters confirming purpose and dates.
Re-entry basics (returning to the UK)
Border checks are usually straightforward if your documents and status are in order. Keep the essentials handy.
- Carry a valid passport that matches your record.
- If you have an eVisa, ensure your new passport is linked and you can log in.
- If you still hold a BRP, follow current instructions; many routes have moved to eVisa only.
- Keep a proof pack on your phone (status, employer letter if relevant).
Visas for other countries
Many destinations (and transit airports) have their own entry rules. Check these early to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Confirm visa/ETA/ESTA rules for every country you enter or transit.
- Airlines often link to IATA/Timatic; still verify with the destination’s official site.
- Check passport validity and blank pages requirements.
What to keep (evidence)
Think of this as your “travel audit trail”. You won’t need everything every time, but having it removes friction later.
- eTickets and boarding passes (PDFs or screenshots).
- Passport pages with relevant entry/exit stamps, if issued.
- Brief employer travel letters for business trips.
- Hotel/Airbnb confirmations or host invitation where relevant.
FAQs
Do departure and return days count as absences?
Counting rules can be nuanced and depend on the route and current guidance. As a practical approach, track full days outside and keep exact travel timings (tickets/boarding passes). If you’re close to a limit, get tailored advice and verify the current rules for your route.
What if I renewed my passport while on this route?
Update your UKVI account/eVisa with the new passport details. When travelling, carry the new passport and (if relevant) the old one so past visas/stamps can be checked if needed.
Overnight or multi-leg flights make dates messy — how should I record them?
Record the date you left the UK and the date you re-entered the UK. Keep tickets/boarding passes showing actual times to explain edge cases (midnight crossings, time zones).
Is one long trip worse than many short trips?
Absences are checked in rolling 12-month windows. Multiple short trips can still breach a window if they cluster. Review your last 12 months often and plan accordingly.
Can I travel while an in-country application is pending?
Usually don’t. Leaving the UK (or the Common Travel Area) can often be treated as withdrawing your application. If you must travel, check the current rules for your application type and seek advice first.
Do business trips count against absence limits?
Yes. Time outside the UK generally counts regardless of reason. Keep employer letters that briefly confirm the purpose and dates of travel.
I’m close to 180 days — what can I do?
Consider delaying non-essential travel until earlier absences fall out of your last 12 months. Re-check your windows with a tracker. If still borderline, seek tailored advice before applying.
Information only — not legal advice. For edge cases or if you’re near a limit, speak to an OISC-registered adviser and verify current rules on official guidance.