Countries and Places to Visit Without Visa From UK | A Complete Guide
- MSD Solicitors
- Feb 21
- 8 min read
Are you a UK citizen and have dreams of travelling the world?
As of November 2024, you can visit up to 144 countries visa-free with your UK passport. But that's not all with options like eVisas and visa-on-arrival, you can visit around 172 countries!
But before you start packing, there are a few key things you should know to ensure your travels go smoothly. This blog will guide you on:
Which countries you can visit visa-free?
Which countries offer eVisas or visa-on-arrival.
The documents you’ll need for these trips (like your BRP).
The benefits of your BRP and why it’s important when travelling.
So let's start.
Understanding the UK Passport, BRP and BRC
The UK passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. It is very valuable to international travel as it allows UK citizens to travel to several countries with free visa or visa on arrival access.
What is a British Residence Permit (BRP)?
Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) is worth a lot. The is not just a card for your residence in the UK, but it can help with travel too in some cases, proving your status as a resident and providing you with some travel benefits.
What is the Difference Between BRC and BRP?
BRP: A BRP is a secure identification card, and a BRC is also known as a UK residence card. A UK Home Office issued a secure identification card. It is personal information including the name of the holder, date of birth, fingerprints, and photograph. The holder’s immigration status and visa conditions are also included. | BRC: Also known as a UK residence card. EU Settlement Scheme status has been granted to BRC holders but they must keep their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account up to date with their latest passport/national identity card details and latest contact details. |
Visa-Free Countries for British Nationals in 2024
Europe | Africa | Americas | Asia | Oceania |
Albania (90 days) | Angola (30 days) | Antigua and Barbuda (6 months) | Armenia (180 days) | Fiji (4 months) |
Andorra (N/A) | Botswana (90 days) | Argentina (90 days) | Brunei (90 days) | Kiribati (30 days) |
Austria (90 days) | Cape Verde (30 days) | Bahamas (8 months) | Georgia (1 year) | Marshall Islands (90 days) |
Belarus (30 days) | Eswatini (30 days) | Barbados (6 months) | Israel (3 months) | Federated States of Micronesia (30 days) |
Belgium (90 days) | Gambia (90 days) | Belize (N/A) | Kazakhstan (30 days) | Samoa (60 days) |
Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days) | Lesotho (14 days) | Bolivia (90 days) | Kyrgyzstan (60 days) | Tuvalu (1 month) |
Bulgaria (90 days) | Malawi (30 days) | Brazil (90 days) | Malaysia (3 months) | Vanuatu (30 days) |
Croatia (90 days) | Mauritius (90 days) | Chile (90 days) | Mongolia (30 days) | Pitcairn Islands (14 days) |
Cyprus (90 days) | Morocco (90 days) | Colombia (90 days) | Oman (14-30 days) | Cook Islands (31 days) |
Czech Republic (90 days) | Mozambique (30 days) | Costa Rica (3 months) | Philippines (30 days) | French Polynesia (N/A) |
Denmark (90 days) | Namibia (90 days) | Dominica (6 months) | Qatar (30 days) | New Caledonia (3 months) |
Estonia (90 days) | Rwanda (30 days) | Dominican Republic (30 days) | Singapore (90 days) | Northern Mariana Islands (45 days) |
Finland (90 days) | São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days) | Ecuador (90 days) | Taiwan (90 days) | Wallis and Futuna (N/A) |
France (90 days) | Senegal (90 days) | El Salvador (6 months) | Thailand (60 days) | |
Germany (90 days) | South Africa (90 days) | Grenada (6 months) | Turkey (3 months) | |
Greece (90 days) | Tunisia (90 days) | Guatemala (90 days) | United Arab Emirates (30 days) | |
Hungary (90 days) | Zambia (30 days) | Guyana (N/A) | Vietnam (45 days) | |
Iceland (90 days) | Mayotte (90 days within 180 days) | Haiti (90 days) | Uzbekistan (30 days) | |
Ireland (Freedom of movement) | Réunion (90 days within 180 days) | Jamaica (180 days) | Malaysia (3 months) | |
Italy (90 days) | Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (Visa not required up to 3 months) | Mexico (180 days) | Taiwan (90 days) | |
Latvia (90 days) | Nicaragua (90 days) | Philippines (30 days) | ||
Liechtenstein (90 days) | Panama (90 days) | Singapore (90 days) | ||
Lithuania (90 days) | Paraguay (90 days) | Thailand (60 days) | ||
Luxembourg (90 days) | Peru (183 days) | Turkey (3 months) | ||
Malta (90 days) | Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months) | Vietnam (45 days) | ||
Moldova (90 days) | Saint Lucia (6 weeks) | Qatar (30 days) | ||
Monaco (N/A) | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (6 months) | Taiwan (90 days) | ||
Montenegro (90 days) | Suriname (90 days) | Armenia (180 days) | ||
North Macedonia (90 days) | Trinidad and Tobago (N/A) | Israel (3 months) | ||
Norway (90 days) | United States (90 days via ESTA) | Kazakhstan (30 days) | ||
Poland (90 days) | Uruguay (90 days) | Georgia (1 year) | ||
Portugal (90 days) | Venezuela (90 days) | Mongolia (30 days) | ||
Romania (90 days) | ||||
San Marino (N/A) | ||||
Serbia (90 days) | ||||
Slovakia (90 days) | ||||
Slovenia (90 days) | ||||
Spain (90 days) | ||||
Sweden (90 days) | ||||
Switzerland (N/A) | ||||
Ukraine (90 days) | ||||
Vatican City (N/A) |
What is eVisa?
An eVisa is an electronic visa that you apply for online before you travel. When you need to go to a country but don’t have permission to do so, it’s a quick and convenient way to get permission to visit.
What is Visa on Arrival?
This is a visa you get once you land in the destination country, a visa on arrival. If you are already there, you’ll apply for it at the airport or border, making it a simpler process.
Country | Visa Type | Duration | Region |
eVisa | |||
Azerbaijan | eVisa | 30 days | Asia |
Benin | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Burkina Faso | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Cameroon | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Democratic Republic of Congo | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Djibouti | eVisa | 31 days | Africa |
Egypt | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Gabon | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Guinea | eVisa | 90 days | Africa |
India | eVisa | 60 days | Asia |
Kenya | eVisa | 90 days | Africa |
Kuwait | eVisa | 90 days | Asia |
Lesotho | eVisa | 14 days | Africa |
Malawi | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Myanmar | eVisa | 28 days | Asia |
Mozambique | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Namibia | eVisa | 90 days | Africa |
Nepal | eVisa | 90 days | Asia |
Pakistan | eVisa | 90 days | Asia |
Rwanda | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
São Tomé and Príncipe | eVisa | 15 days | Africa |
Seychelles | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Tanzania | eVisa | 90 days | Africa |
Togo | eVisa | 7 days | Africa |
Uganda | eVisa | 90 days | Africa |
Zambia | eVisa | 30 days | Africa |
Zimbabwe | eVisa | 90 days | Africa |
Visa on Arrival | |||
Egypt | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Africa |
Jordan | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Asia |
Kuwait | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Asia |
Lebanon | Visa on Arrival | 1 month | Asia |
Maldives | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Asia |
Nepal | Visa on Arrival | 90 days | Asia |
Palau | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Oceania |
Rwanda | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Africa |
Saudi Arabia | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Asia |
Seychelles | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Africa |
Sri Lanka | Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Asia |
Tanzania | Visa on Arrival | 90 days | Africa |
Uganda | Visa on Arrival | 90 days | Africa |
Visiting European Countries After the UK Left the European Union. Does It Make an Impact?
Following Brexit, UK citizens have been restricted in their freedom of movement to the EU. However, UK citizens are still permitted to travel to and visit European countries for up to 90 days over 180 days without a visa. While this is still great for holidays and short trips, it has affected travellers and visitors. If you are staying for longer, a visa permit or an eVisa is required.
What are the Options for UK Citizens to Visit the US?
If a UK citizen travels to the USA; he will have to follow the proper guidelines for travelling to the us. Check out below:
UK Citizens Entry Requirements
As part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), UK citizens do not need a visa to visit the US for up to 90 days. But you need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval before you travel. It’s best to have a passport valid for the duration of your stay.
What is an ESTA?
UK citizens can visit the US for tourism, business or transit purposes through ESTA, an online travel authorization. You must apply for it at least 72 hours before departure and it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
Visa Options for Longer Stays
If you are a UK citizen, you need the relevant visa for visits longer than 90 days or for work, a US work visa for UK citizens, study or permanent residency purposes; for example, a B1/B2 visa for long stays or an employment visa.
What Exceptional UK Passport Offer to the Citizens?
The UK passport may not be ranked as the number one most powerful passport, but it still offers access to as many countries as the top-ranked passports. Even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, UK passport holders can still travel to Europe without a visa for a limited period.
Tips On What You Need to Visit Another Country Visa-Free from the UK?
These are the important documents and the information you should be aware of; You will find these tips helpful the time you enter other countries:
1. A Valid Passport
For the most part, your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned date of return. Check to see if it has enough blank pages for stamps.
2. Onward Travel Ticket or Return
You may need to provide proof of your return flight or onward travel to show you won’t overstay your visit.
3. Proof of Funds
You may need to demonstrate financial stability during your trip by providing:
Recent bank statements.
Sufficient cash or credit cards.
4. Proof of Accommodation
Immigration officers may ask for details of your stay, such as:
Hotel bookings.
An invitation letter if not staying with friends or family.
5. Travel Insurance
Some countries require valid travel insurance to cover:
Medical emergencies.
Trip cancellations.
6. Purpose of Visit
Visa-free entry is typically allowed for:
Tourism.
Short-term business trips.
Family visits.
You will probably need a visa for work or studies.
7. Documents for UK Residents with BRP/BRC
If you’re a UK resident but not a citizen, always carry:
Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Card (BRC).
Your valid passport for re-entry to the UK.
8. If applicable COVID-19 Requirements
Some countries may require proof of:
Full vaccination.
Negative test result in a recent test.
9. Entry Conditions for Transit
If you’re transiting through another country, make sure you don’t need a visa for the layover.
10. Embassy Guidelines
Double-check entry requirements with the country’s embassy as these can vary and change frequently.
Next Step?
Being a UK national and holding a British passport brings major benefits. However, if you don’t have a British passport or are not currently in the UK, you can still apply for British passport or UK citizenship. If you're staying in the UK for a longer period, now is the time to take the next step. Book a free consultation with our expert solicitors to understand the UK visa requirements and ease your way forward.
MSD Solicitors is a well-established name in the UK for immigration, British citizenship, and asylum-related services. Our proud services stand among the best, with a large number of happy clients. Start today and bring about a positive change.
FAQs
Can UK citizens live and work visa-free in any specific places?
Yes, UK citizens can live and work visa-free in the following locations:
The Common Travel Area: This includes Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Ireland.
Gibraltar: A British Overseas Territory.
Paraguay: UK nationals can live and work without a visa.
Belize: UK citizens enjoy visa-free access to living and working.
Why Countries Give Visa-Free Access to UK Passport Holders?
Countries allow nationals from other countries to visit their borders without the need for a visa to promote:
Diplomatic Relations
Security and Trust
Economic Influence
Tourism and Business
Why is the UK Passport Great?
A UK passport offers several major benefits, such as:
Global Mobility
Ease of Travel
Political and Economic stability
What is a US Visa Waiver?
UK citizens and nationals of participating countries can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. To qualify under this programme, travellers have to have an ESTA before entering the US.
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