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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

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British Passport

The British passport is an official travel document, issued to citizens of the United Kingdom. Holders can access 131 countries visa-free. In addition, they can obtain 42 e-visas and 17 visas on arrival. However, a visa is required for travel to 23 countries.

The UK's population is diverse and multicultural. As of 2021, it stands at approximately 67 million people. England is the most populous country within the UK, followed by Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. London, the capital, is the most populous city.

British passport holders enjoy a high level of mobility. The passport ranks as one of the most powerful in the world. It is a symbol of the UK's global influence and its strong diplomatic relations.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for British passport holders are Ireland, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Belgium and France .

Visa free countries

So, where can Britishs travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where United Kingdom citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

• 🇦🇱 Albania (N/A)
• 🇦🇩 Andorra (N/A)
• 🇦🇹 Austria (N/A)
• 🇧🇾 Belarus (N/A)
• 🇧🇪 Belgium (N/A)
• 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (N/A)
• 🇧🇬 Bulgaria (N/A)
• 🇭🇷 Croatia (N/A)
• 🇨🇾 Cyprus (N/A)
• 🇨🇿 Czech Republic (N/A)
• 🇩🇰 Denmark (N/A)
• 🇪🇪 Estonia (N/A)
• 🇫🇮 Finland (N/A)
• 🇫🇷 France (N/A)
• 🇩🇪 Germany (N/A)
• 🇬🇷 Greece (N/A)
• 🇭🇺 Hungary (N/A)
• 🇮🇸 Iceland (N/A)
• 🇬🇧 Ireland (N/A)
• 🇮🇹 Italy (N/A)
• 🇱🇻 Latvia (N/A)
• 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein (N/A)
• 🇱🇹 Lithuania (N/A)
• 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (N/A)
• 🇲🇹 Malta (N/A)
• 🇲🇩 Moldova (N/A)
• 🇲🇨 Monaco (N/A)
• 🇲🇪 Montenegro (N/A)
• 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (N/A)
• 🇳🇴 Norway (N/A)
• 🇵🇱 Poland (N/A)
• 🇵🇹 Portugal (N/A)
• 🇷🇴 Romania (N/A)
• 🇸🇲 San Marino (N/A)
• 🇷🇸 Serbia (N/A)
• 🇸🇰 Slovakia (N/A)
• 🇸🇮 Slovenia (N/A)
• 🇪🇸 Spain (N/A)
• 🇸🇪 Sweden (N/A)
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland (N/A)
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine (N/A)
• 🇻🇦 Vatican City (N/A)
• 🇬🇬 Guernsey (90 days)
• 🇮🇲 Isle of Man (N/A)
• 🇯🇪 Jersey (N/A)
• 🇬🇮 Gibraltar (N/A)
• 🇦🇴 Angola (N/A)
• 🇧🇼 Botswana (N/A)
• 🇨🇻 Cape Verde (N/A)
• 🇸🇿 Eswatini (N/A)
• 🇬🇲 Gambia (N/A)
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho (N/A)
• 🇲🇼 Malawi (N/A)
• 🇲🇺 Mauritius (N/A)
• 🇲🇦 Morocco (N/A)
• 🇲🇿 Mozambique (N/A)
• 🇳🇦 Namibia (N/A)
• 🇷🇼 Rwanda (N/A)
• 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe (N/A)
• 🇸🇳 Senegal (N/A)
• 🇿🇦 South Africa (N/A)
• 🇹🇳 Tunisia (N/A)
• 🇿🇲 Zambia (N/A)
• 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (N/A)
• 🇦🇷 Argentina (N/A)
• 🇧🇸 Bahamas (N/A)
• 🇧🇧 Barbados (N/A)
• 🇧🇿 Belize (N/A)
• 🇧🇴 Bolivia (N/A)
• 🇧🇷 Brazil (N/A)
• 🇨🇱 Chile (N/A)
• 🇨🇴 Colombia (N/A)
• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica (N/A)
• 🇩🇲 Dominica (N/A)
• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic (N/A)
• 🇪🇨 Ecuador (N/A)
• 🇸🇻 El Salvador (N/A)
• 🇬🇩 Grenada (N/A)
• 🇬🇹 Guatemala (N/A)
• 🇬🇾 Guyana (N/A)
• 🇭🇹 Haiti (N/A)
• 🇭🇳 Honduras (N/A)
• 🇯🇲 Jamaica (N/A)
• 🇲🇽 Mexico (N/A)
• Netherlands (N/A)
• 🇳🇮 Nicaragua (N/A)
• 🇵🇦 Panama (N/A)
• 🇵🇾 Paraguay (N/A)
• 🇵🇪 Peru (N/A)
• 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis (N/A)
• 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia (N/A)
• 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (N/A)
• 🇸🇷 Suriname (N/A)
• 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (N/A)
• 🇺🇸 United States (N/A)
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay (N/A)
• 🇻🇪 Venezuela (N/A)
• 🇦🇮 Anguilla (3 months)
• 🇧🇲 Bermuda (6 months)
• 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands (1 month)
• 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands (6 months)
• 🇫🇰 Falkland Islands (1 month)
• 🇲🇸 Montserrat (6 months)
• 🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)
• 🇦🇲 Armenia (N/A)
• 🇧🇳 Brunei (N/A)
• 🇬🇪 Georgia (N/A)
• 🇮🇱 Israel (N/A)
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (N/A)
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan (N/A)
• 🇲🇾 Malaysia (N/A)
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia (N/A)
• 🇴🇲 Oman (N/A)
• 🇵🇭 Philippines (N/A)
• 🇶🇦 Qatar (N/A)
• 🇸🇬 Singapore (N/A)
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan (N/A)
• 🇹🇭 Thailand (N/A)
• 🇹🇷 Turkey (N/A)
• 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (N/A)
• 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan (N/A)
• 🇻🇳 Vietnam (N/A)
• 🇫🇯 Fiji (N/A)
• 🇰🇮 Kiribati (N/A)
• 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands (N/A)
• 🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia (N/A)
• 🇼🇸 Samoa (N/A)
• 🇹🇻 Tuvalu (N/A)
• 🇻🇺 Vanuatu (N/A)
• 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands (14 days)
• Akrotiri and Dhekelia (N/A)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 8/1/2024.

• Ireland visa free countries
• Belgium visa free countries
• Netherlands visa free countries

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If you're looking to make a smooth start to your journey, you need to make sure you have the right documents, such as a valid passport and the relevant visas.

To help, we've summarised some of the key considerations and requirements here - but it's not a full list of all possible requirements around the world. It's your responsibility to ensure you have the right documents to be allowed to travel.

Passports and ID cards

To travel on an international flight your passport must:

• Be valid for the required time after your planned return date . This is often at least three or six months after the day you plan to leave your destination. Check the Expiry Date on your passport.
• Meet the specific passport validity requirements for your destination . Check the  IATA Travel Centre  for more information.
• Be signed by its owner . Please ensure each passport is signed with the owner's signature. You may be denied entry or fined in some countries for travelling with an unsigned passport. More information is available for UK passport holders at  HM Passport Office .

If you are not an EU national and wish to travel on an international flight to an EU member state (except Ireland) or any of the following Schengen zones — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, or Vatican City — your passport must:

• Have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country. Check the Date of Issue on your passport and see the UK Government advice for further information.

If you are not an EU national and wish to travel on an international flight to anywhere other than an EU member state (excluding Ireland) or one of the Schengen zones listed above , your passport must meet the entry requirements of the destination country. Please check the UK Government advice for entry requirements for specific countries.

Children's passports

Children need their own passports to travel internationally, including infants under two. Infant and children's passports are only valid for five years, so please check the expiry date before departure.

EU, EEA or Swiss national ID cards

These are are no longer accepted as valid documentation for entering the UK, unless you’re exempt. Please check the latest  UK Government advice  for more details.

Please note, it’s your responsibility to ensure you have valid documentation when you travel.  If you fail to comply with these requirements, you may not be allowed to travel, or you may be refused entry at your destination and have to pay associated costs.

You do not require a passport to travel within the UK, but you will need to carry one type of photographic ID when travelling with us. Examples include:

• Valid passport
• Valid driving licence, either provisional or full
• Valid EU national identity card
• Valid armed forces identity card
• Valid police warrant card or badge

If you are a citizen of the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man and were born in these areas, you do not need a passport to travel between these destinations, but you do require some form of photographic identification, such as a driving licence.

All other travellers require a valid passport to travel between these destinations.

Processing times for passports vary but it may take six weeks or longer to receive a passport after applying, so we advise that you wait until your passport has arrived before making a booking. Many countries offer fast-track applications where required.

If you need a passport or need to renew an existing one you can apply directly to your nation’s passport office. In the UK, that’s the UK passport service .

If you’d like help with your application, British Airways has partnered with VisaCentral, a company that will do all of the hard work for you. VisaCentral can help with passport renewals and replacements, name changes, second passports and new passports for children. Plus, as a British Airways customer you’ll get a 30% discount on the service fees.

Get a passport through VisaCentral

If there is a place on your passport for you to sign, please sign your passport with your signature.  Your passport is not valid until it is signed . For British passports, you can learn more from  HM Passport Office .

Visas and other travel documentation

How to check if you need a visa

Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your journey, you may need a visa, or an equivalent form of authorisation, for every country you enter as part of your journey — even if you are only in transit or connecting from one flight to another in the airport of that country without going through border control — known as a transit visa.

This is in addition to a valid passport.

There are several ways you can check if you need a visa:

Check if you need a visa via the IATA Travel Centre  - it's free to check and also includes passport and health requirements, as well as customs, currency and airport information.

If you need a visa, our partner VisaCentral can help  - it's free to check and they’ll tell you exactly what documents you need to get one. Plus, as a British Airways customer, you’ll get a 30% discount on VisaCentral service fees should you need help with an application.

Check if you need a transit visa to connect through the UK  - even if you’re only connecting from one flight to another, you may need a transit visa, such as a Direct Airside Transit (DATV) visa or a Visitor in Transit visa, to connect through the UK.

Check if you need a visa via the Sherpa online search tool below .  Sherpa can also help obtain many e-visas, and advise of other possible information you may need for your travels.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An ETA will soon be required for people travelling to the UK who do not need a visa, including children and babies. It will be electronically linked to your passport and will give you permission:

• To visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or to study.
• To visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession .
• To transit through the UK – including if you’re not going through the UK border control.

An ETA will be required from 15 November 2023 when travelling from certain countries, with more being added to the scheme over time. Please check if you require an ETA .

Read further information and apply for an ETA  or watch more about ETA .

The information provided on this page is for information purposes only and could be subject to change at very short notice. It is your responsibility to check and observe all the health and entry requirements applicable to your journey and you should always check the latest travel guidance from your government before you travel and the guidance provided by the relevant public authorities of your destination. Failure to meet applicable requirements means that British Airways will not be able to carry you, and compensation and care and assistance provisions will not apply. Please note that Sherpa is a third party service provider that may apply fees for such services.

Entry requirements and other travel documents

If you're a citizen of a country covered by the Visa Waiver Programme (such as the UK) you are able to travel to the USA with an Electronic System Travel Authorisation (ESTA) instead of a visa.

Make sure you apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure .You may not be allowed to travel if you arrive at the airport without an ESTA.

You will need a valid e-Passport to use ESTA. These have a microchip symbol on their front cover. ESTAs are valid for multiple journeys for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Apply for an ESTA

More about the Visa Waiver Program and ESTAs

When you need a visa

You will need to apply for a visa to travel to the United States and should contact your local US Embassy in the following circumstances:

• If you are a citizen of a country not covered by the Visa Waiver Programme.
• If you have dual nationality with one passport being issued by a country eligible under the Visa Waiver Programme and the other issued by Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.
• If you have an ESTA and have visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria since 1 March 2011.

Help with your ESTA application

Our partner VisaCentral can take the hard work out of applying, and offers a safe, secure and easy way to obtain your ESTA. Benefits of using its service include:

• Specialist support – access to a visa specialist via phone or email if you have questions regarding your application.
• Automated monitoring - applications not instantly approved automatically get resubmitted or assigned to a visa specialist for review; there’s no need to re-apply.
• Discounted rate – get a 30% discount on VisaCentral's handling fees as a British Airways customer.

Get an ESTA through VisaCentral

Many visitors need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada. You can check Canada’s entry requirements before flying.

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can quickly, securely and easily obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization for you.

Get an eTA through VisaCentral

If you're travelling to China, you'll need to check what type of visa you require. Transit visas are available if you are staying for less than 144 hours.

If you have a British passport, the GOV.UK website shows what types of are available when travelling to or through China.

Find out more about visa requirements for China  (British passport holders only)

If you have a passport from any other country, please ensure you check with your nearest Chinese Embassy .

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can quickly, securely and easily obtain a Visa for you.

Get a visa through VisaCentral

If you are travelling to India, you may be able to obtain an eTourist Visa online, just four days before you travel. The visa will be valid for 60 days and you will need to present a printed copy when you check in to be able to travel.

Find out more and apply for India e-Tourist Visa

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can quickly, securely and easily obtain an eTourist Visa for you.

While we make every effort to keep this information up to date, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) visa restrictions can change at short notice. Please  check the IATA Travel Centre  before you book.

If you are a pilgrim

If you are a Hajj or Umrah pilgrim, you must enter KSA through Jeddah with a valid Hajj or Umrah visa. Travel must be between the official pilgrimage travel dates.

You cannot:

• travel for Hajj using an Umrah visa
• travel for Umrah using a Hajj visa
• enter, transfer or transit through Riyadh
• travel outside of the official pilgrimage dates determined by the Saudi authorities each year

If you are travelling from the UK, we recommend to book through our specialist partner Masterfare who can arrange your flight and Hajj/Umrah visa through a KSA Ministry of Hajj approved agent.

If you are travelling from another country, or you book on ba.com, it is your responsibility to ensure you get the correct pilgrimage visa from a KSA Ministry of Hajj-approved Hajj or Umrah agent.

If you do not have the correct documentation, or have booked to travel outside the official pilgrimage dates, you will not be allowed to travel or be able to get a refund.

Non-pilgrim visitors

If you are not Muslim, you can enter Jeddah or Riyadh at any time using a business or visit visa.

If you are Muslim, are using a business or visit visa during Hajj, or are travelling in the 6-week period up to and including Hajj, you must enter KSA through Riyadh.

If you are Muslim with a business or visit visa, you will need a Hajj visa to travel during the official pilgramage travel dates.

These restrictions do not apply to residents or citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

KSA visa restrictions change at short notice. Please check the IATA Travel Centre before you book.

Some countries' immigration departments require additional documentation for all children under 18 years travelling into, out of or transiting their country. This varies depending on the country so please check before you travel on the IATA Travel Centre. Just make sure you use the date of birth of your child to receive the correct information.

South Africa requirements

If you need a visa for your journey, you can apply directly with the embassy or high commission of the country you want to travel to — visit their website or local consulate to learn more about the process.

Alternatively, our partner VisaCentral can do all of the hard work for you:

• it's a safe, secure and easy way to obtain your visa
• it can help save time — VisaCentral will stand in line at the embassy or consulate on your behalf
• you'll get a 30% discount on handling fees as a British Airways customer

Advance Passenger Information (API)

Many countries require us to collect some passport and travel information about who's flying into their country. The information you provide is sent securely to the necessary government authorities.

You will need to supply some or all of the following details:

• your full name (as it appears on your passport)
• your date of birth
• your gender
• your nationality
• your passport number
• your passport expiry date
• the country that issued your passport
• your country of residence.

Additionally, when travelling to the US, you will need to provide:

• the destination address of your first night’s stay
• Alien Registration Number (Green Card) for those who have US residency
• Traveler Redress Number   if you have one (this enables travellers who have experienced problems entering the US to avoid future difficulties).

If you're a US citizen and have a 'Global Entry' number, you don't need to provide this as part of your API. When you arrive in the US your Global Entry status will be recognised when you use the dedicated Immigration kiosk.

Some governments require us to provide them with information from flight bookings, which will contain additional passenger details to those listed above.

You can add Advance Passenger Information to your booking on ba.com using   Manage My Booking . If there is any information you need to provide, you'll see a red exclamation mark against the passenger information section at the top of the page.

Add Advance Passenger Information

Legal statement for US flights

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the US Department of Homeland Security requires us to collect information from you for purposes of watch list screening, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. section 114, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Providing this information is voluntary; however, if you don't provide it, you may be subject to additional screening or denied transport or authorisation to enter the post-security area. TSA may share information you provide with law enforcement or intelligence agencies or others under its published system of records notice. For more on TSA Privacy policies, or to view the system of records notice and the privacy impact assessment, visit   tsa.gov .

Travel schemes

If you are a national of one of the below countries you can join the 'Registered Traveller' scheme and enjoy faster entry to the UK, as long as you have a biometric passport.

When you apply, the UK Border Force carries out checks to see if you are eligible to join. If accepted, you won't need to fill out a landing card for the UK. You'll be able to enter the UK at the ePassport gates or the UK/EU lanes at several UK airports, including all London airports, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

Find out more or apply for the Registered Traveller scheme

UK citizens can get through US passport control faster by joining Global Entry, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) programme. The scheme allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers arriving in the United States. Benefits include:

• no processing queues
• no requirement to complete a paper customs declaration form
• reduced waiting times
• TSA Pre✓® Eligibility (faster, more efficient security screening at participating US airports).

Membership lasts for five years and the application process includes background checks (at a non-refundable cost of £42 payable to the UK government), online enrolment with the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (at a non-refundable cost of USD100) and attendance at a face to face interview at an official enrolment centre.

More about Global Entry and FAQs

Apply for Global Entry

We participate in the TSA Pre✓ ® programme for customers with a Known Traveller Number (KTN) departing from US airports. TSA Pre✓ ® is a faster, easier security screening process at US airports. Once enrolled, you will be able to speed through security without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets.

Who is eligible?

• Members of the Global Entry scheme.
• US citizens and US lawful permanent residents enrolled in TSA Pre✓ ® , NEXUS or SENTRI. 
• Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS. 

Enter your Global Entry, TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS or SENTRI membership number (your KTN) into your booking each time you travel to demonstrate your eligibility. You can add your KTN during online check-in via   Manage My Booking   on ba.com, at an airport desk or by   contacting us .

Even if you are eligible for TSA Pre✓ ® as a member of a trusted traveller programme, TSA Pre✓ ® does not guarantee expedited screening.

Find out more and enrol

Find out where TSA Pre✓ ® is available  

Where a TSA Pre✓ ® lane is not available, you can show your TSA Pre✓ ® boarding pass and may receive a form of expedited screening in a standard lane.

You can now submit an electronic arrival card via the Web Service and Mobile App before you arrive in Singapore. You will then be able to head directly to immigration clearance, allowing you to avoid unnecessary delays and save time at the airport.

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Simon Calder travel advice: When to renew your passport before visiting Europe

Everything you need to know about the expiry rules post-brexit, article bookmarked.

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Since Brexit , the rules on passport validity for British visitors to the European Union have tightened.

Gone are the days when you could travel to the EU at any point before your travel document expired; the UK is now a “third country”, with rules to match.

Added confusion has come in the form of the UK’s own HM Passport Office, which has continued to give out incorrect information regarding child passport expiry dates .

These are the key questions and answers based on EU rules.

What’s changed?

While the UK was in the European Union, British passports were valid up to and including their expiry date for travel within the EU. But since the end of the Brexit transition phase, British passport holders are treated as “third country nationals” with stipulations about passport issue and expiry dates – together with limits on the length of stay almost everywhere in Europe.

For the avoidance of doubt, these are not “new EU rules” – they were decided while the UK was in the European Union.

What is required for my passport to be valid?

The requirements for the Schengen Area – comprising most EU countries plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and a handful of micro-states – are crisply expressed on the Travel page of the European Union’s Your Europe site : “If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:

• valid for at least three months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
• which was issued within the previous 10 years.”

(All children’s passports meet this latter condition – see below.)

For the avoidance of doubt, there is no problem travelling to Europe with a passport issued for over 10 years, so long as it is under 10 years old on the date of departure to the EU and will have three months remaining on the date of return.

Why the line about ‘issued within the previous 10 years’?

For many years, until September 2018, the UK had a generous policy of allowing credit for “unspent” time when renewing a passport, issuing documents valid for up to 10 years and nine months.

So a passport issued on 31 October 2012 could show an expiry date of 31 July 2023.

This was fine around Europe and the world for decade – until Brexit, whereupon a longstanding rule kicked in. For non-members of the EU hoping to enter the Schengen Area, a passport must have been issued in the past 10 years.

With a passport issued on 31 October 2012, regardless of the expiry date, you’re not allowed to enter the EU post-1 November 2022.

Until September 2018 the government appeared unaware of the problem. Once the issue was identified, the practice of giving up to nine months’ grace ended abruptly.

Are the “issued less than 10 years ago” and “valid for three months” rules combined?

No. There is no need to have a passport issued less than nine years, nine months ago. The two conditions are independent of one another.

The Migration and Home Affairs Department of the European Commission in Brussels told me: “Entry should be allowed to those travelling with passports issued within the previous 10 years at the moment of entry into the Schengen area.

“The condition that the passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years does not extend for the duration of the intended stay. It is enough if this condition is fulfilled at the moment of entry.

“To give a practical example, a non-EU traveller arriving on 1 December 2021 for a 20-days stay in the EU with a passport issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 will be allowed entry.”

If I get wrongly turned away, what are my rights?

For flights: you can claim denied boarding compensation (either £220 or £350, depending on the length of the flight) and associated costs – for example, booking another flight on a rival airline, or for wasted car rental and hotel expenses that cannot be reclaimed.

I’ve just read a report saying I need six months remaining for Europe?

Some news outlets, regrettably, continue to publish incorrect information. Ignore it.

Does that 10-year-plus rule apply anywhere else in the world?

No as far as I am aware. The concern around the date of issue is relevant only for travel to the European Union – not for the rest of the world.

For destinations outside EU, the only significant consideration is the expiry date. And for destinations such as Australia, the US and Canada, your passport is valid up to and including this date.

So with that passport expiring on 31 July 2023, you could be in New York until that very day (though you would need to get a daytime flight back to avoid your passport running out en route.

Read the Independent ’s guide to how many months you need left on your passport to travel worldwide

What about children?

Passports for under-16s are typically valid for five years (plus any extra credit). A child’s passport issued for five years and nine months is clearly within the 10-year limit, and there is no possibility of breaching that condition.

(During 2021, the Home Office’s defective passport checker stripped all extra credit, which was both wrong and unhelpful. The online checker has now been switched off.)

But beware of the three-months-remaining-on-exit rule, which children are more likely to fall foul of because of the shorter duration of their passports.

What about this 90/180 day rule?

For trips to the Schengen area (most EU nations plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and some small countries) British passport holders can stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180. That’s roughly three months in six.

it is tricky to explain, but I shall do my best. Imagine a calendar that stretches back almost six months from today. What happened more than 180 days ago is irrelevant. What counts is the number of days you were either inside (I) or outside (O) the Schengen Area in the past 180 days.

You can easily keep count on a calendar yourself, either printed or digital.

If “I” hits 90, you must leave that day and stay out for almost three months, to accumulate 90 “Os” in a row. Then you can go back in, for a maximum of 90 days.

During the course of a calendar year, it could work like this (assuming no travel to the EU in the previous six months).

• 1 January: enter the EU and stay for 90 days until the last day of March, when you must leave.
• 1 April: remain outside for 90 days, which takes you to 29 June.
• 30 June: enter the EU and stay for 90 days, until 27 September. Then leave.
• 28 September: remain outside the EU until 26 December.

For longer stays, some countries offer visas that allow British citizens to remain for months on end. If you get one of these, then the time spent in that country does not count towards the “90/180” rule – in other words, you can explore other EU countries with a fresh calendar.

What about non-Schengen EU members?

For British visitors to Ireland , there are no limits on passport validity. Indeed, a passport is not legally mandatory for British travellers to the republic, though some airlines insist on it.

Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania have identical rules to the Schengen Area: passport issued in the past 10 years, and with three months validity remaining on the day of leaving the country. But time spent in any of these nations does not contribute to the “90/180” day total.

Help! My passport is full of stamps and I have no space left. Will I be turned away?

No, even though Eurostar warns British passport holders : “Check that you have a clear page in your passport as it will need to be stamped with your travel date when you’re travelling to and from the EU.”

The EU’s Practical Handbook for Border Guards is explicit about a “document enabling a third-country national to cross the border [that] is no longer suitable for affixing a stamp, as there are no longer available pages”.

It says: “In such a case, the third-country national should be recommended to apply for a new passport, so that stamps can continue to be affixed there in the future.

“However, as an exception – and particularly in the case of regular cross-border commuters – a separate sheet can be used, to which further stamps can be affixed. The sheet must be given to the third-country national.

“In any case, the lack of empty pages in a passport is not, in itself, a valid and sufficient ground to refuse the entry of a person.”

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Foreign Office issues travel warning as Brits face 'exit bans' and having passports seized

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice after reports of holidaymakers being prevented from leaving the country and having their passports seized

• 10:53, 16 Aug 2024

The UK Foreign Office has sounded the alarm on 'exit bans' affecting Brits abroad, updating its travel advice for those jetting off to Vietnam.

A worrisome trend of tourists finding themselves unable to leave the country and having their passports confiscated sparked the government's renewed guidelines. Holidaymakers caught in such dilemmas are urged to seek legal counsel and get in touch with the closest British embassy or consulate.

A government spokesperson cautioned: "Vietnamese authorities may place an exit ban on certain individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. Your passport will be seized until the case is fully investigated."

In case of being snagged by an exit ban, the advice is clear: "If you are unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact your nearest British embassy or consulate."

Will this impact your travel plans? Email us at [email protected]

The directive goes into detail about the various situations that may trigger an exit ban, noting: "An exit ban can relate to investigations into: an individual, their family or an employer, criminal and civil matters, such as business disputes or motor vehicle accidents, employment without a work visa [or] unpaid financial debts. Check with your airline before departing," reports Birmingham Live .

Moreover, the Foreign Office has tweaked its safety and security guidance for UK nationals in Vietnam, especially regarding online activities.

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In a statement, individuals planning to travel away were warned: "Within the Vietnamese territory, local authorities can block access to websites [and/or] social media. You should not expect internet privacy. Local authorities can review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices."

Holidaymakers are being alerted to the stark risks of drug possession in certain countries, with the gravest of repercussions. "You can get the death sentence if you're found with even small amounts," a statement warned.

Travellers were further advised: "Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. British nationals in Vietnam have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use."

Fancy earning money when you book a holiday? Thanks to Quidco, you can. After signing up for free, Quidco gives you a chunk of money back every time you spend. If your first purchase is within 30 days of signing up and is £5 or more, you'll receive cashback on that purchase and a £15 bonus.

The warning continued with dire specifics about substances in Vietnam: "Recreational drugs available in Vietnam can be extremely dangerous and can result in death.

"Drugs sold in Vietnam may be fake, synthetic, or laced with toxic ingredients undetectable to the buyer. This includes nitrous oxide balloons widely available in nightlife establishments."

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Visa-Free Countries for British Passport Holders in 2024

Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by Michelle Krause

Do you understand the power of your British passport? Well, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of visa-free countries to explore in 2024 because of the power of your passport!  

The UK passport ranks 27th in the world as of March 2024 according to VisaGuide Passport Index. This means that UK citizens can travel visa-free to 154 countries in the world. – According to Visaguide.world

This blog post will list all the visa-free countries you can visit without worrying about getting a visa. So whether you’re looking to travel for leisure or business, your next destination will most likely be visa-free.

So, which countries are visa-free for British passport holders?

There are 139 countries where you can enter visa-free as a British passport holder and another 38 countries where you can obtain a visa on arrival. Here is the complete list of visa-free countries for British passport holders:

• Albania  – 90 days
• Anguilla –  90 days
• Antigua and Barbuda  – 180 days
• Argentina –  90 days
• Armenia  – 180 days
• Aruba –  30 days, extendable up to 180 days
• Bahamas  – 21 days, extendable up to 8 months
• Barbados  – 180 days
• Belarus –  30 days
• Belize  – 30 days
• Bermuda  – 180 days
• Bolivia –  90 days
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina  – 90 days
• Botswana –  90 days
• Brazil –  90 days, can be extended for another 90 days
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei –  90 days
• Cape Verde Islands
• Cayman Islands  – 180 days
• Chile –  90 days, extendable
• Colombia –  90 days, which can be extended for a total of 180-days in a calendar year
• Cook Islands  – 31 days
• Costa Rica –  90 days
• Curacao –  90 days
• Czech Republic
• Dominica  – 180 days
• Dominican Republic –  90 days
• Ecuador –  90 days, extendable
• El Salvador –  90 days
• Eswatini (Swaziland)  – 30 days
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji –  120 days
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Gambia –  90 days
• Georgia –  365 days a year
• Gibraltar  – British citizens have the right to abode in Gibraltar.
• Greenland –  90 days within 180 days
• Grenada  – 180 days
• Guam  – 90 days
• Guatemala –  90 days
• Guyana –  90 days
• Haiti –  90 days
• Honduras –  90 days
• Hong Kong (SAR China)  – 180 days
• Indonesia –  30 days
• Israel –  90 days
• Jamaica  – 180 days
• Japan –  90 days, which can be extended once
• Kazakhstan –  30 days
• Kiribati –  30 days
• Kosovo –  90 days
• Kyrgyzstan –  60 days
• Lesotho  – 14 days
• Liechtenstein
• Macao (SAR China)  – 180 days
• Malaysia –  90 days
• Marshall Islands –  90 days
• Mauritius –  90 days
• Mayotte –  freedom of movement, must hold a valid ID or Passport
• Mexico –  180 days
• Micronesia –  30 days
• Moldova –  90 days in a 180-day period
• Montenegro –  90 days
• Morocco –  90 days
• Namibia –  90 days in a calendar year
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand  – 180 days
• Nicaragua –  90 days
• North Macedonia –  90 days
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palestinian Territory
• Panama  – 180 days
• Paraguay –  90 days
• Peru  – 90 to 183 days
• Philippines –  30 days
• Qatar  – 30 days
• Reunion –  freedom of movement, must hold a valid ID or Passport
• Sao Tome and Principe  – 15 days
• Senegal –  90 days
• Serbia –  90 days
• Singapore –  90 days
• South Africa –  90 days
• South Korea –  90 days
• Kitts and Nevis –  90 days
• Lucia  – 6 weeks
• Maarten  – 90 days
• Vincent and the Grenadines  – 30 days
• Switzerland
• Taiwan –  90 days
• Thailand –  30 days, if arriving by land
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia –  90 days
• Turkey  – 90 days
• Turks and Caicos Islands –  90 days
• Ukraine –  90 days in a 180-day period
• Uruguay –  90 days
• Uzbekistan –  30 days
• Vanuatu –  30 days
• Vatican City
• Venezuela –  90 days
• Vietnam  – 15 days
• Zambia  – 90 days

Which countries can you visit with a visa-on-arrival?

In addition to the above, you can visit the following countries with a visa on arrival:

• Bahrain  – up to 3 months
• Bangladesh  – 30 days
• Burkina Faso  – 30 days
• Cambodia  – 30 days
• Comoros Islands
• Egypt  – 30 days
• Ethiopia  – up to 90 days
• Gabon  – 90 days
• Guinea-Bissau  – 90 days
• Kenya  – 90 days
• Kuwait  – 90 days
• Laos  – 30 days
• Lebanon  – 30 days
• Madagascar – 90 days
• Maldives  – 30 days
• Mozambique  – 30 days
• Nepal  – 90 days
• Palau Islands  – 30 days
• Papua New Guinea  – 60 days
• Rwanda  – 30 days
• Seychelles  – 90 days
• Solomon Islands  – 90 days
• Suriname  – 90 days
• Tajikistan  – 45 days
• Tanzania  – 90 days
• Timor-Leste  – 30 days
• Togo  – 7 days
• Tonga  – 31 days
• Tuvalu  – 30 days
• United Arab Emirates  – 30 days
• Zimbabwe  – 90 days

There are also 7 countries that British citizens can travel to with travel authorisation. These are American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, the United States, and US Virgin Islands.

Renewing your UK passport from the USA? Read our ultimate guide here.

Keep your British Passport up to date

Although you can visit many countries visa-free with a British passport, you will not be allowed entry into some countries unless your passport is valid for at least six months.

If you are planning on travelling to a visa-free country in 2024, make sure to keep your British passport up to date! You can renew your passport online at mybritishpassport.com.

How far in advance can I renew my UK passport? Find out here.

About MyBritishPassport

MyBritishPassport is a leading British passport service provider. We specialise in British passport applications, renewals and replacements from abroad. The areas we operate in include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the USA/ South America/ Mexico/ the Caribbean, Canada, Asia and Europe.

Our mission is to make the UK passport application or renewal process for British citizens living abroad simple and stress-free. Our services include:

• Free and informed advice from our team of British passport specialists.
• Passport Forms Preparation & Verification
• Safe & secure online payments
• Delivery To Your Doorstep

Contact MyBritishPassport

Is your British passport expired? Click here to find out what to do.

UK PASSPORT RENEWAL

• Renew British Passport from South Africa
• Renew UK Passport from Australia
• British Passports in the USA
• UK Passport Renewals Canada
• Renew UK Passport in NZ
• Renew British Passport from Europe

ABOUT MYBRITISHPASSPORT

A member of the U.K.PASSPORTS™ group, MyBritishPassport is the leading international British Passport Service Provider catering to British citizens residing outside of the UK. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has been offering efficient and hassle-free online services for British Passport renewals, replacements, and applications from abroad.

The company has gained a reputation as a leading service provider in the industry, with countless verified five-star reviews from satisfied clients worldwide. This speaks volumes about their excellent service quality.

MyBritishPassport has a highly knowledgeable team of British Passport Consultants who are well-versed in all the requirements of the HM Passport Office. They are continuously updated with the latest rules and regulations governing passport issuance, ensuring that their clients receive the most up-to-date advice and guidance.

Richard Branson’s Private Caribbean Island, Beautiful Vineyard Wedding Destinations And More Travel News

Plus: How Disney is expanding its theme parks, Qsuites get an upgrade, and expert tips for combatting travel anxiety.

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Live Like Royalty at Richard Branson’s Private Caribbean Island

Since 2014, billionaire Richard Branson’s Moskito Island, a 125-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands, has been a vacation destination for jetsetters. Now four homeowners on the private Caribbean island have decided to rent their estates . Each villa can accommodate around 20 guests, all of whom have access the island's three beaches, botanical gardens, swimming pools and several bars. Two tennis courts, hiking trails, a gym and a water sports center are also available to all island guests.

What To Know About Disney’s Expansion Plans

It may be a small world after all, but Disney is always looking to expand it. This week, the entertainment giant’s theme park division announced major changes to Walt Disney World in Orlando and Anaheim’s Disneyland. Among the new projects are a Villains Land and a Monsters, Inc. roller coaster in Orlando and a new Avatar ride and several new Marvel Studios attractions in California. Here’s what you need to know about Disney’s expansion plans .

This is the published version of Forbes’ Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Europe’s most beautiful vineyard wedding venues.

With vineyard weddings becoming a bigger trend, the European ferry operator DFDS recently conducted a study to identify the most beautiful wineries in Europe that also serve as wedding venues . From the hills of Italy and France to standout vineyards in Croatia and Albania, here’s where to say “I do” with a Premier Cru.

Travel anxiety can ruin a vacation even before it begins. Here are five expert-recommended approaches—using psychological techniques, spiritual aids and mindfulness practices—to help you manage—and overcome—travel anxiety .

Inside Qatar Airways’ New Business Class Qsuite

Ever since Qatar Airways revolutionized business class travel in 2017 with the introduction of the Qsuite, premium seating with a door is now the gold standard for long-haul travel. Last month, in an effort to compete with other carriers, Qatar Airways revealed major upgrades to its Qsuite service . In addition to longer and wider seats—which can be configured into a double bed—the new Qsuite also features 22” 4K OLED screens and Starlink WiFi. But the biggest change is that two window seats can now be combined to face one another to form a “Companion Suite.” But behave yourself—the walls to the cabin aren’t a mile high.

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Foreign Office travel warnings for Spain, Greece and Croatia tell UK tourists to 'photocopy passport'

U K tourists visiting holiday hotspots like Spain, Greece and Croatia have been advised by the Foreign Office to 'keep a copy' of their passport's photo page for safety reasons.

Travel advice issued by the British Foreign Office includes guidance on what documents holidaymakers should carry while out and about when travelling abroad. In some countries, such as Greece and Portugal, it's a legal requirement for visitors to carry photographic ID at all times and copies may not always be accepted.

However, the Foreign Office advises that making a photocopy of the passport photo page is still worthwhile in case of emergencies. For example, if a passport is lost or stolen, then a copy may prove useful when making police reports and may help to prove identification when seeking help from the local embassy.

Read more: Foreign Office issues travel warning over 'exit bans' and says 'your passport will be seized'

In some tourist areas, thieves will target travellers and may use distraction techniques. In its travel advice for Brits visiting Spain, the Foreign Office advises: "Be alert to the risk of street crime.

"Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire. Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe."

The travel warning for tourists in Greece reads: "Thefts of passports, wallets and handbags are common on the metro and in crowded tourist places, particularly in central Athens. Carry your valuables in different bags and pockets and keep a copy of your passport photo page somewhere safe."

And the advice for Croatia visitors adds: "Always carry your passport or, if you’re a resident, your Croatian ID card. Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page in a safe place."

Holidaymakers are advised to keep their passport in a safe place separate from the photo page copy to avoid both being stolen together.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad

Renew or replace your adult passport

You must renew your passport before you can travel if either:

• your passport has expired
• you do not have enough time left on it

How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you’re visiting. Check the entry requirements of the country you want to travel to .

There are different rules if your passport is lost, stolen or damaged or you need to change your name or personal details .

If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can still use it as long as it’s valid for travel.

Supporting documents

To renew your passport you’ll need:

• your old passport
• any valid passports you have from a different country - send either a colour photocopy of every page (including blank ones) or the physical passport

Renew online

Use this service to renew your passport online. It costs £88.50.

You’ll need:

• a digital photo
• a credit or debit card
• your passport

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) .

Renew using a paper application form

You can get a paper application form by either:

• going to a Post Office that has a Check and Send service
• calling the Passport Adviceline

It costs £100. You can pay by either:

• debit or credit card - fill in the form in the application pack
• cheque - made payable to ‘HM Passport Office’

You’ll need 2 new and identical printed photos of yourself.

Unexpired visas

Send your previous passport with the visa attached to it with your application. Your previous passport will be returned to you.

You’ll be able to use the visa if you carry both passports.

The rules are different if you’re travelling to Russia .

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