As of 2024, a British passport is one of the strongest in the world, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a wide range of countries. Holders of a British passport can travel to over 180 countries without needing a visa in advance. This includes countries offering:
- Visa-free entry: You can enter these countries without obtaining a visa beforehand or at the border.
- Visa-on-arrival: You can obtain a visa when you arrive in the country.
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)/Electronic Visa (eVisa): Some countries may require you to apply for electronic authorization before travel, which is typically an easy and fast process online.
Here’s a breakdown of visa requirements for UK citizens:
Regions offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel:
- Europe: Most European countries are accessible without a visa due to the UK's visa-free agreements with many European nations. However, after Brexit, UK citizens no longer have freedom of movement within the European Union and the Schengen Area, so stays are generally limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Americas: Most countries in the Americas, including Canada, Mexico, and much of South America, allow British citizens to enter visa-free or with an eTA (like for Canada).
- Asia: There are many countries in Asia where UK passport holders can enter visa-free or with a visa on arrival, including Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. However, some countries, like China and India, require visas.
- Africa: Several countries in Africa, such as South Africa and Mauritius, allow British passport holders to enter without a visa, though others may require visas or offer visas on arrival.
- Oceania: Countries like Australia and New Zealand allow British citizens to apply for an electronic visa (ETA), while many smaller Pacific island nations offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.
Notable visa-free or visa-on-arrival countries:
- Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the entire Schengen Area.
- Asia: Japan, Thailand, Indonesia (30-day stay), Malaysia, Singapore.
- Americas: Canada (eTA required), Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile.
- Oceania: Australia (eVisa), New Zealand (NZeTA), Fiji.
- Africa: South Africa, Mauritius, Seychelles.
Countries requiring a visa for British citizens:
Some countries still require UK citizens to apply for a visa before arrival, including:
- Russia
- China
- India
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
Visa policies change periodically, so it’s always best to check the specific entry requirements of a country before planning your trip.