One of the frequent questions I get is which countries can I visit with a UK visa. The short answer is the UK. The long answer is you can travel to 25 countries VISA-FREE with UK visa.
I encourage you all to secure a US visa or at least a Canada visa first. Both these visas are long-term visas. These visas offer VISA-FREE travel to quite a few countries. But if you happened to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than not having any visas at all. There are about 25 countries you can visit with a UK visa.
UK does not issue long-term visas like the US or Canada. UK tourist visas are mostly short-term (C-Type) visas valid for 6 months. They do issue long-term visas for 5/10 years but it would cost an arm and a leg.
The UK visa is not the most difficult to get, but it can be stressful due to its lengthy processing times and lack of customer service.
Which UK Visas are eligible?
The following UK visas can be used
- UK tourist visa
- UK student visa
- UK work visa
- UK permanent residency
Some countries require the UK visa to be multiple entries and have been used at least once to travel to the UK.
So, without further due, here are the countries.
BONUS: Click here for a country cheat sheet for your VISA-FREE travel with UK visa
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North America
Basílica de Nuestra Señora in Guanajuato, Mexico
01. Mexico
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Secretary of Foreign Relations, Mexico, Consulate of Mexico in Washington DC, USA, Consulate of Mexico in Toronto, Canada and Consulate of Mexico in India
Also Read: All you need to know about UK tourist visa
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Central America
Church in the old town of Panama City, Panama
02. Panama
- Applies to all nationalities
- UK visa must be valid for at least one year from the date of arrival
- UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK before
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Panama in the USA and Consulate of Panama in Toronto, Canada
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Caribbean
Colorful streets of Havana, Cuba
03. Antigua and Barbuda
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda and Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC
04. Aruba
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
05. Bahamas
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bahamas.com and TIMATIC web
06. Cuba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must hold the Tourist Card, which can be obtained from Cuban embassies, authorized airlines and travel agencies
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: IATA Travel Center, TIMATIC Web and Go Cuba
07. Dominican Republic
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Dominican Republic in the UK, Embassy of Dominican Republic in the US and Internal Revenue Department
08. Jamaica
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Albania
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Dominican RepublicEstonia
Honduras
Kazakhstan
Latvia
Lithuania
MacedoniaMoldova
Montenegro
Romania
Serbia
Slovenia - Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Consulate General of Jamaica in NYC and Jamaica Immigration Department
Also Read: 10 Reasons for UK visa refusal (and how to overcome them)
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South America
Machu Picchu in Peru
09. Peru
- Applies to India and China passport holders only
- The UK visa must have been granted for at least 6 months
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru and Embassy of India in Lima, Peru
Also Read: 14 ways to get a travel itinerary for visa application
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Europe
Giant’s Causeway in Ireland
10. Albania
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must have used the visa to enter the UK at least once
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania
11. Belarus
- Applies to the following passport holders only
China
Gambia
Haiti - Must have used the visa to enter the UK at least once
- Must enter and exit through Minsk National Airport only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus
12. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in India and Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Norway
13. Georgia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
14. Ireland
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Kuwait
Montenegro
Oman
Qatar
Russia
Saudi Arabia - Must enter Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different than visa expiry date)
- Can enter Ireland directly from the UK or elsewhere, but must enter before the exit date on the UK entry stamp
- Entry up to 90 days or until the exit date on the UK entry stamp, whichever is shorter
- More info: Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service and Department of Justice and Equality of Ireland
15. Macedonia
- Applies to all nationalities
- The visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
- Entry up to 15 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
16. Moldova
- Applies to China, Kuwait and Qatar passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
17. Montenegro
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
18. Serbia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
19. Turkey
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Afghanistan
Angola
Bangladesh
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Cote d’Ivoire
Congo, Dem. Rep, of
Congo, Rep. of
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
EritreaEthiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
India
Iraq
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Nepal
NigerNigeria
North Korea
Pakistan
Philippines
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Vietnam
Yemen
Zimbabwe - Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for a 30 day eVisa online.
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
20. United Kingdom (Of course!)
- Includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Also Read: 11 mistakes that can get your visa denied. And how to avoid them
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Middle East
The city skyline of Doha, Qatar
21. Oman
- Applies to the following passport holders only
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
22. Qatar
- Applies to all nationalities
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then avail Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Qatar Tourist Authority and Ministry of Foreign Interior, Qatar
Also Read: What is Visa on Arrival and how to get it successfully every time
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Asia
Carabao Island in the Philippines
23. Philippines
- Applies to only India passport holders
- Entry up to 14 days
- A 7 day extension is possible
- More info: Embassy of Philippines in Singapore and Embassy of Philippines in India
24. Singapore
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Must be traveling to or from India
- Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
- Entry up to 96 hours (4 days)
- More info: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
25. Taiwan
- Applies to Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam passport holders only
- Visa is EXEMPT but must apply online for Republic of China Travel Authorization Certificate (Valid for 90 days) before arrival
- Entry up to 14 days
- More info: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
Also Read: What to pack for international travel
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VISA-FREE travel with UK Permanent Residency
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Central America
01. Belize
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Belize.com, Belize High Commission in London and Consulate of Belize in Alberta, Canada
02. Costa Rica
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada, Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA and Immigration and Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica
Caribbean
03. Aruba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
04. Sint Maarten
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Government of Sint Maarten
Europe
05. Romania
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
Middle East
06. United Arab Emirates
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 14 days
- Sources: UAE Government Portal, Embassy of UAE in Washington DC, US, Embassy of UAE in London, UK and Embassy of UAE in India
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VISA-FREE travel with UK visa to British and Dutch Territories
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01. Bermuda (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bermuda Attractions and Government of Bermuda
02. Bonaire (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bonaire Travel Guide, VFS Global India – Dutch Caribbean Visas and The Netherlands and You
03. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: British Virgin Islands Tourism
04. Cayman Islands (British Territory)
- Applies to China and Jamaica passport holders only (if in possession of UK visa)
- Applies to all nationalities (if in possession for UK residence permit)
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Cayman Islands Immigration Department
05. Gibraltar (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- UK multiple-entry visas must be issued for at least 6 months or more
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Government of Gibraltar and Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency
06. Turks and Caicos (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Turks and Caicos Tourism and Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
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Conclusion
So, there you have it! 25 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa.
Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) that you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa? Let me know in the comments below.
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How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival – A complete guide
11 Reasons for UK visa refusal (and how to overcome them)
How to travel 39 Non-Schengen countries VISA-FREE with Schengen visa
Sundram singh says
Thanks Thirumal for replying. I have one more question. I would like to know for applying for a multi-entry tourist Schengen visa for 6 months, which European country shall I opt for the visa interview. Additionally, if I don’t have to book and show a travel ticket in advance then it would be great.
Thirumal says
Hi Sundram! It depends on your itinerary. As per the Schengen rules, you must apply for your Schengen visa from the embassy of the country that you will enter first or stay the longest in your itinerary.
Example 1: If you plan to travel to Spain (3 days), France (3 days) and the Netherlands (3 days), then you must apply for your visa at the Spain consulate as Spain will be your first country to enter on your itinerary.
Example 2: If you plan to travel to Spain (3 days), France (5 days) and the Netherlands (3 days), then you must apply for your visa at the France consulate as you will be staying the longest in France during your travel.
Schengen country consulates recommend NOT purchasing flight tickets before your visa is approved. So, you just have to show a flight itinerary for your visa. Once your visa is approved, you can purchase your flight tickets. To get a flight itinerary for your Schengen visa, refer to my article on travel itinerary for visa application.
Sundram says
I am Sundram (Indian passport holder), currently working in the UK (under tier-2 ICT visa). I have a BRP (residence permit) which is valid for 1 year. I would like to know, do I need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. I am a little bit confused now since the immigration officer told me just keep Indian passport along with this BRP and then you free to travel anywhere in Europe.
Thirumal says
Hi Sundram! UK BRP holders REQUIRE a Schengen visa to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries. There are many non-Schengen countries within the European continent that you can visit using your UK BRP. A few examples are – Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, etc. Please refer to the list of countries in this article for more information.
nachikethas says
Hi Thirumal! I appreciate your efforts. I have a couple of doubts though. I have a BRP card valid from 2 October 2019 till 7th April 2020 (just more than 6 months). Is this enough to go to Peru? I’m planning for the Christmas holidays. Or do I need 6 months of validity from the day I land in Peru? Also, the flights from the UK are going through Madrid. Since the carrier is the same do I need a transit Schengen visa to switch flights in Madrid?
Thirumal says
Hi Nachikethas! If you have a BRP with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), you can use it to enter Peru. But your BRP has an expiry and it will not be considered as “permanent residence”. You cannot use your BRP as a “visa” either since it’s not a visa “sticker” in your passport.
If you have a UK visa sticker in your passport that would be valid for at least 6 months on the day you land in Peru, you can use it to enter Peru. Otherwise, unfortunately, you cannot.
Mindy says
Hi, Thank you so much for this. I am holding a Chinese passport and have UK student visa. Just wanna make sure I don’t need a visa to enter Moldova for multiple times. The link is unfortunately broken. Can you send it to me again! Many thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Mindy! Chinese passport holders with a valid visa from “any country in the EU” can enter Moldova. The UK is still part of the EU since the Brexit is not finalized yet.
Sorry about the broken link. Here is the link to the requirements. Scroll all the way down. Expand the section that says “The list of countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when traveling to the Republic of Moldova”. Look for “China” in the list and read additional information.
Narjis says
I’m Moroccan, I have a UK tourist visa of 2 years (but will expire on 10 March 2020). Which countries can I visit with that visa, please? Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Narjis! You can travel to all the countries listed in this article that says “applies to all nationalities”. I will be updating the list soon, so you will have updated information for these countries.
Jeanette says
I’m a Filipino and a UK residency permit holder. Can I travel to Prague without a Schengen visa? Thanks.
Thirumal says
Hi Jeanette! You would need a Schengen visa to travel to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic does not honor UK visas or residence permits.
J says
Hi Thirumal, I have two questions that I was hoping you could answer.
I am an Indian national living in Australia as a permanent resident. I may be moving to the UK soon to start a job there. Can I travel across Europe on a UK work visa or would I need to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK?
Secondly, I am expecting to become an Australian citizen in a few months’ time. If I’m living and working in the UK while this happens, can I continue to use my Indian passport with the UK visa? I understand that I’m expected to give up my Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship but wouldn’t I lose all the visas issued to me If I did that?
Cheers,
J
Thirumal says
Hi J! No. A UK visa cannot be used to travel across the Schengen zone. But there are some countries in Europe that you can enter using your UK visa or residence permit. Please refer to my article on VISA-FREE travel with UK visa for the list of countries.
You can keep using your India passport up to “3 months” from the date of acquiring your Australia citizenship. Using it beyond 3 months is an offense. Therefore, you will have 3 months to transfer over your UK work visa on to your Australia passport. I am not aware of the transfer procedure, so please contact UKVI.
For other unexpired visas on your India passport, you must first check if you can enter those countries without a visa with your Australia passport. If you can, then you are fine. If you can’t, please contact the embassies of those countries for the procedure to transfer those visas on to your Australia passport.
Also, you must surrender your India passport at the embassy of India in Australia within 3 years of acquiring your Australia citizenship. You will then be eligible to apply for OCI card which allows indefinite leave to remain in India.
Rafael Pagaling says
I am a Filipino with UK visa. Can I use it to visit Spain?
Thirumal says
Hi Rafael! You cannot use your UK visa to enter Spain. Spain is in the Schengen zone and you would need a Schengen visa.
Abdirizak says
Hi Thirumal,
I have a 6 months visit visa to the UK. In your article, you mentioned that I can be eligible for a 30 days stay in Turkey. The question is, can I extend it to 60 or even 90?
Thirumal says
Hi Abdirizak! Visa extension is not possible for eVisa. You can only stay for 30 days using an eVisa. If you stay longer than that on an eVisa, it can be considered as visa overstay. If you need to stay longer than 30 days in Turkey, you should apply for a pre-approved visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate.
mandal says
Hi dear, I want to travel to Europe. I have a 11-months multiple short term student visa of UK. Can I travel to Europe on the UK visa? I’m a Mongolian passport holder.
Thirumal says
Hi Mandal! If your UK visa is a C-Type short stay/study visa, then yes, you can travel to the countries listed within “Europe” section such as Albania, Georgia, etc. Please note that you cannot travel to any Schengen countries as those countries require a Schengen visa.
MARY ANN SALAS says
Hi, could you please confirm if a Pakistani passport holder does not require Bahamas visa if he has a valid UK, US & Canada visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Mary! Unfortunately, Pakistan passport holders REQUIRE a visa for the Bahamas. Currently, the visa exemption with the US, UK or Canada visa is only for India passport holders.
pappy says
Hello Thirumal, well done with the good work you are doing here. I have two questions:
First question: I have a valid 2 years UK visa. Can I apply for a Cyprus Visa in London when I travel? I hold a Nigerian passport.
Second question: Can I stay in the UK for 6 months (the maximum time allowed) and travel out for a week and return again? Would I encounter problems coming back again?
Thirumal says
Hi Pappy!
1. I have never applied for a Cyprus visa, so I am not sure about the visa procedure. Please check with your nearest Cyprus embassy if you can apply for the visa while in the UK.
2. If you have requested your UK visa for a 6-month stay, then yes. But if you have requested your UK visa for a 2-week stay and you end up staying for 6 months in the UK, then you will face issues. You may face issues while leaving the country, entering back into the UK and even when applying for any future UK visas.
Daniel says
Hello mate, thank you for helping everyone. I have a lot of questions there sorry haha.
I am Cameroonian and I have indefinite leave to remain UK permit.
1- You said below that I don’t need a visa for Gibraltar but I don’t know how it works. Do I go with the passport and the IRL card? Are they going to put a stamp in the passport? Are they going to ask for more information about my stay?
2- Do I need a visa for Belize?
3- Do I need a visa for Mexico?
4- Do I need a visa for Romania
5- If not, is it the same process in the airport as Gibraltar?
Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Daniel!
1- You don’t need a visa for Gibraltar but you must meet the below requirement.
“Persons who hold indefinite leave to remain in the UK and persons who hold UK certificates of entitlement to the right of abode and have not been absent from the UK for more than 2 years.”
“Visa nationals who have a UK “certificate of entitlement to the right of abode” or “indefinite leave to remain in the UK”. The label must be in their current valid passport and not in an expired or cancelled passport;”
2- Unfortunately, Belize stopped honoring UK Residence Permits. Therefore, you cannot use your ILR card to enter Belize. (I will update the article soon)
3- Yes, you can use your ILR card to enter Mexico.
4- Yes. But you must meet the below requirement.
“The holders of permanent residence permits issued by the UK or Ireland (the validity of which is of 5 years or more). The right of stay on the territory of Romania shall not exceed the right of stay granted as per such residence permits.”
5- Yes. It’s the same process. You just have to show your current passport and ILR card.
Daniel says
Thank you very much!
Ruby says
Hi, I have an Indian passport, married to British citizen so hold a UK spouse visa. Can I go to Barbados for a holiday?
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Ruby! As far as my knowledge goes, India passport holders DO NOT REQUIRE a visa for Barbados. But there is conflicting information on the internet. I suggest contacting your nearest embassy or consulate of Barbados to confirm the requirements.
Ruby says
Thanks. I have been going around in circles!
The embassy website says Indians do need a visa. I called them and they said that I do not need a visa. Wikipedia says I do not. I contacted the airlines and they say I do need a visa. This is crazy!
Thirumal says
Though the airline said that you need a visa, I’m sure they will let you board the flight. At the time of check-in, the airline staff refers to TIMATIC database to verify the visa requirements. TIMATIC says that India passport holders DO NOT REQUIRE a visa. Therefore, you will be allowed to board your flight to Barbados. Here is the link to TIMATIC on United Airlines if you like to verify and carry a print with you.
NOTE: TIMATIC is a paid service accessible only to airlines’ staff. Only a few airlines make it available to their passengers. One of them is United Airlines. It’s fine to take a print from United Airlines’ website even if your boarding airline is different.
Keema says
Hi, I just want to be clear. I am a Jamaican passport holder and my children have British passports. I have a UK limited leave to remain (biometric residence permit BPR) visa for 2.5 years which I renew every 2.5 years I am now on my third one as I am on a 10-year route to settlement as a parent and I am a UK resident. Can I use my BPR to travel to Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Island without the need to apply for a visa for those countries?
Thirumal says
Hi Keema! Yes, you can use your UK BRP to travel to both Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands. For the Cayman Islands, you must fly directly from the UK to the Cayman Islands. Turks and Caicos don’t have such requirement, therefore you can fly into Turks and Caicos from anywhere.
Andrew says
Hello sir! I am a Filipino with a UK permanent residence card issued at march 2011 and will expire in march 2021. I plan to travel to Romania but their website says that the permit must be valid for 5 years. I am not sure whether they mean valid for the next five years or with a total validity of 5 years since issue. Is it still possible to travel with my residence permit? Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Andrew! It is the total validity of your permit. Residence permits that are issued with a validity of 5 or more years are eligible. Therefore, you can use your UK residence permit to enter Romania.
YOUSUF IQBAL says
Hello Sir, I am traveling to the UK on visit visa type C. I intend to visit turkey for a week during my stay in the UK and want to return back to the UK before I go back to Pakistan. Is it possible on my visit visa?
Would greatly appreciate your reply. Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Yousuf! Since you have a valid UK visa, you are eligible to apply for Turkey eVisa. If your Turkey eVisa is approved, then you can enter Turkey with the eVisa.
YOUSUF IQBAL says
Thank you so much sir for your reply.
Will I then be able to come back to the UK from Turkey if my visa is valid. I have multiple entry UK visa.
Regards
Thirumal says
Yes. You can enter the UK again with your visa since your visa is multiple-entry.
swathi says
Hi Thirumal, can I know if a person holding an Indian passport? He is travelling from London to USA (ticket issued from India). Can we issue travel insurance from India? If not Why.
Kindly help with this information.
Thirumal says
Hi Swathi! Yes, you can purchase travel insurance from India though you are traveling to the US from the UK.
Jaime says
I was recently refused a UK visa even though I had a 5 yrs US visa but never travelled with it. After the UK refusal, I got a 5 yr Canada visa too. I have since travelled to the US and Canada. What are my chances of getting the UK visa if I reapply?
Thirumal says
Hi Jaime! You have very good chances. But, your previous UK visa refusal could be a red flag. I suggest improving your travel history a bit more to compensate for that. Also, make sure you are “not making” any of the mistakes outlined in the article – UK visa refusal reasons.
Abiola says
Good day sir! You are really doing a great job. Please am a Nigerian and want to travel to Dublin with my UK 6 month visa. What will I need? And what is B I V S?
Thirumal says
Hi Abiola! Nigeria passport holders REQUIRE a visa for Ireland. You CANNOT use their UK visa to travel to Ireland unless the UK visa has BIVS. If you have a UK visa with BIVS, then you can travel to Ireland.
BIVS means, British Irish Visa Scheme. It’s a single visa for both UK and Ireland. You have to ask for BIVS at the time of applying for UK or Irish visa. Then you will be issued a visa with BIVS.
Kiran says
Hi Thirumal,
Firstly thanks a very nice and informative article.
My parents have a 3-year Australian visitor/family visa, could they visit the UK on any visa exemption?
Really appreciate your response.
Regards,
Kiran
Thirumal says
Hi Kiran! Unfortunately, they would need a UK tourist visa to visit the UK. They cannot use their Australia visa.
NOTE: There is a 24-hour entry provision for Australia visa holders but that is only when transiting through the UK while heading to Australia.
April says
Hi there, I am from the Philippines holding a c-visit visa. Are all your list of countries above updated for the visa-free travel? I would like to visit Bosnia next week but I’m not sure whether I can go travel without having to apply for a separate visa. Many thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi April! I have updated this article in March but I haven’t found any changes since then. I suggest making a list of countries that you would be visiting in this trip and then using the links (official sources) I have provided to verify the requirements.
Prathik says
Hi, I have an Indian passport and a UK Tier 4 student visa with a BRP valid till October 2020. I have a university trip to France for 2 weeks. Is my BRP sufficient or will I need to apply for a Schengen Visa?
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Prathik! You need to apply for a Schengen visa. You cannot use your UK BRP to enter France (Schengen zone).
King says
Hi there. I have a Nigerian passport. Can I travel to the UK with a Canada visitor visa and or travel to Canada with a UK visitor visa.
Thanks for your time.
Thirumal says
Hi King! Unfortunately, no. You CANNOT travel to the UK with Canada visa or Canada with a UK visa. There is a 24-hour entry provision at London’s Heathrow airport. If you are traveling to Canada via London’s Heathrow airport, you can request for a 24-hour entry at the Heathrow airport.
Piyu says
I want to travel to Ireland, Europe. Can I travel with a UK tourist visa to Ireland? And if yes, then there is one past rule that after or within 6 months you have to enter UK for at least once.
And a Schengen visa is required or not.
Thirumal says
Hi Piyu! You can travel to Ireland with a UK visa. But there are two types of UK visas and the rules are different.
UK short stay visa: If you have this visa, you must first enter the UK. From there, you can enter Ireland by land or air. Your stay in Ireland must be within the “leave to enter” time specified in the UK entry stamp.
UK short stay visa with BIVS: If you have this visa, you can enter Ireland any time. You don’t have to enter the UK at all.
A Schengen visa cannot be used for Ireland as Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone. You would need an Irish tourist visa.
Anandakumar says
Dear Thirumal, Thanks for sharing this blog. It was really useful it worked well for me.
I travelled
– Serbia
– Bosnia
– Montenegro
– Albania
– Macedonia
– And Turkey (evisa)
With my UK multiple entry Visa
Thanks again!
Thirumal says
Hi Ananda Kumar! That’s fantastic! I’m glad the article was useful in your travel through those countries. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Mshoaib says
Dear, I have a UK visitor visa. After attending my business meeting, can I go around for the six months to allowed countries from the UK?
Another question is whether Malaysia is on the list? If not, what is the legal process to visit Malaysia after being entered to the UK in visit visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Mshoaib! Yes, you can travel to the countries listed in this article with your UK visa after your business meeting in the UK.
You cannot use your UK visa to enter Malaysia. You would need a Malaysia visa. You can refer to my Malaysia visa guide for more details.
Muhammad Zargham Haider says
Hi,
I am Zargham from Pakistan. I got a UK visit visa (6-Month). I want to visit Turkey on my way back from the UK to Pakistan. As per your suggestion, I will have to obtain E-Visa for Turkey or I can have a transit visa while traveling back through Turk Air.
Please also guide if I get Russian visit visa, are there other countries I can visit too?
Thirumal says
Hi Zargham! Yes, you can obtain eVisa for Turkey using your UK visa. I’m not aware of the transit visa facility by Turk Air. So, I cannot comment on that.
Unfortunately, Russian visa does not give access to any other countries.
Cruz says
Hello, I have a UK six month visa and I am planning to travel to Dublin from London for 2 days. I am an Indian citizen but applied for the UK visitor visa from the UAE (I live in Dubai). Will I be able to travel to Dublin? visa type is UKVI05 multiple entries valid for 180 days, C visit.
Thirumal says
Hi Cruz! Yes, you can enter Ireland from the UK using your UK short stay visa. No separate visa for Ireland is necessary. Make sure you follow the below two rules –
– Must have entered the UK and went through the UK immigration before entering Ireland
– Must enter Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different than visa expiry date)