United Kingdom

Visa Requirements for British Citizens

British citizens traveling abroad may be required to apply for a visa in person, an eVisa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a Visa on Arrival (VOA), or they may be permitted to enter certain countries without a visa.

For convenient travel to  45 countries, British citizens can apply online for an eVisa or ETA.

For countries that require a traditional sticker or stamped visa, applicants must visit the embassy or consulate. Some countries allow travelers to book an appointment online before visiting the diplomatic mission.

Regardless of visa requirements, British nationals must ensure their passport is valid for at least six (6) months from the date of entry into any foreign country.

With a passport ranked 8th in the world, British citizens can travel to 118 countries without needing a visa. Visa on Arrival is also available in 14 countries.

As visa rules vary by country, it is recommended to review the specific visa requirements of the destination country before starting the application process.

UK citizens can apply for an eVisa to these countries effortlessly with us:

Countries Offering eVisa and ETA to UK Citizens

An eVisa is a digital visa that is issued electronically. Applicants can complete the application process online, without the need to visit the embassy or consulate of the destination country. Once approved, the eVisa can be stored on a smartphone or printed and presented at the airport upon arrival.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an electronic travel permit that allows entry into a country without needing to get a visa in advance. Upon arrival, travelers can receive their visa directly from immigration authorities.

Like the eVisa, the ETA can also be applied for online and will be sent to the applicant’s email. However, unlike the eVisa, an ETA is valid only within a specific timeframe. Travelers must enter the destination country and report to immigration within that timeframe to receive their visa.

If the validity period of the ETA expires before entry, it becomes invalid, and a new application will be required.

Here is the  list of countries that offer either an eVisa or ETA for British citizens:

eVisa Required Countries (37)

  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Congo (Dem. Rep.)
  • Cuba
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Laos
  • Libya
  • Madagascar
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Nigeria
  • Oman
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Uganda

eTA Required Countries (8)

  • Canada
  • Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
  • Kenya
  • New Zealand
  • Pakistan
  • Seychelles
  • Sri Lanka
  • United States of America

Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

VoA or Visa on Arrival is a type of visa that allows travelers to apply for a visa after arriving at the destination country’s airport or border. 

As the immigration authorities hold the power to change the policy of VoA at times, it is best to check the recent range in policy of your destination country before traveling. 

The countries mentioned below allow British citizens to get a VoA:

VoA - Visa on Arrival Countries (14)

  • Comoros
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iraq
  • Lebanon
  • Maldives
  • Mauritania
  • Palau
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Zimbabwe

Visa-Free Destinations

As the British passport ranks 8th worldwide, citizens can visit 118 countries visa-free.

Here is a list of countries British citizens can visit visa-free:

Visa Free Countries (118)

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Cape Verde
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Netherlands
  • Nicaragua
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Rwanda
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • San Marino
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkiye
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Viet Nam
  • Zambia

Visa-Required Destinations

British citizens are required to apply for a sticker visa before traveling to 19 countries. The application process for this type of visa may be applicable either online or offline.

In some cases, the online application can be completed without the need to visit an office and send your passport by post. This depends on the visa policies of the destination country.

The offline process, however, requires applicants to appear in person at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. There, they must submit the completed visa application form, necessary documents, and their passport.

Additionally, the validity and duration of the visa will vary based on the type of visa issued and the purpose of travel. It is essential to review the specific visa requirements of the destination country before beginning the application process.

Here is the list of countries that require a visa from British citizens:

Visa Required Countries (19)

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Congo
  • Eritrea
  • Ghana
  • Iran
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • North Korea
  • Russian Federation
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkmenistan
  • Yemen

Visa-Free Transit

British citizens can enjoy visa-free transit while traveling through the following countries. The visa-free transit period differs for each country, so we recommend you check with the respective countries’ immigration before your transit.

  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • China
  • Egypt

General Visa Requirements for British Citizens

Certain visa requirements are consistent across most countries. British citizens traveling internationally must meet the following general criteria:

  • Valid Passport: A valid British passport with at least six (6) months of validity remaining from the date of entry into the destination country.
  • Visa Application Form: A completed visa application form, which must be submitted either online or in person at the embassy or consulate of the destination country. The form will require personal information, travel details, supporting documents, and the purpose of your visit.
  • Photograph: One or more recent passport-size photographs (taken within the last three months) with a white background, clearly showing your face from all angles.
  • Flight Tickets: Proof of travel, such as your inbound and outbound flight tickets, may be required by some countries.
  • Proof of Accommodation/Stay: Evidence of where you will be staying, such as hotel reservations, Airbnb bookings, or accommodation with friends and family, must be provided. You will need to either submit proof of booking or specify a genuine address on your visa application form.

Travel Restrictions for British Nationals

Travel restrictions are imposed on British nationals by the government due to their safety, diplomatic relations with the destination country, and security concerns. You can check the Foreign Travel Advice section on the official website of the Government of the United Kingdom about your destination before travel.

Partners We Work With

Foreign and Commonwealth Office
UK Visas and Immigration Department

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries can we visit with a British passport?

You can visit 196 countries with your British passport. As the British passport is ranked 8th globally, you can visit 118 countries without a visa. 

Can a UK citizen hold three passports?

Yes, a UK citizen can hold three passports if there is a valid reason, such as needing one for travel while the other is used for visas. Additional passports are issued under specific circumstances.

What is the best way to prove citizenship?

The best way to prove UK citizenship is with a British passport. Other documents, like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, may also serve as proof.

Can a UK citizen have dual citizenship?

Yes, a UK citizen can have dual citizenship. The UK allows citizens to hold citizenship in multiple countries, but other countries may have different rules.

Can a UK citizen travel to the EU without a visa?

Yes, UK citizens can travel to the EU for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits. Longer stays or work require a visa.

Do UK citizens need a visa for the USA?

Yes, UK citizens generally need to apply for a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to visit the USA. ESTA allows travel for tourism or business for up to 90 days.

  • Information Updated on:
  • April 10, 2025