How to travel 35 countries VISA-FREE with a UK visa [2021 edition]

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 35 countries and territories 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 35 countries and territories 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?

Depending on the country, any of the below UK visas can be used.

UK Visitor Visa (Standard visitor and Short-term study)
UK Student Visa (Tier 4)
UK Work Visa (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5)
UK Transit Visa (DATV and Visitor in Transit)
UK Family Visa (Spouse)
UK Residence Permit (ILR and BRP)

Refer to each country below for permitted UK visa types. Some countries require the UK visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to travel to the UK.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

BONUS: FREE Cheatsheet

Enter your name and email to download a VISA-FREE country cheatsheet for UK visa

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North America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Guanajuato Mexico — Basílica de Nuestra Señora in Guanajuato, Mexico

01. Mexico

Eligible nationalties: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted resident permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 180 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa or residence permit must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
- Passport must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
Original Sources:

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Central America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Panama City — Church in the old town of Panama City, Panama

02. Panama

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permts: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa or residence permit must have been used at least once to enter the UK before
- UK visa or residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
- Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of $500 USD
Original sources:
- Embassy of Panama in the USA
- Consulate of Panama in Toronto, Canada

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Caribbean

Beach of Catalina Island in Dominican Republic | Photo: depositphotos

03. Anguilla (British Territory)

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Original sources:
- The Government of Anguilla
- Anguilla Tourist Board

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04. Antigua and Barbuda

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
- VOA fee is $100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
- UK Visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda
- Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC

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05. Aruba

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Bolivia
- China
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- India
- Jamaica
- Peru
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs (applies to all nationalities)
Entry granted: 30 days
Original sources:
- Visit Aruba
- Aruba.com

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06. Bahamas

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (applies to all nationalities)
Entry granted: 30 days
Original sources:
- Bahamas.com

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07. Bermuda (British Territory)

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa or residence permit must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
Original sources:
- Bermuda Attractions
- Government of Bermuda

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08. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Original sources:
- The Netherlands and You
- Bonaire Travel Guide

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09. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 180 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK before (OR)
- UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- British Virgin Islands Tourism

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10. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Jamaica
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 180 days
Entry rules:
- Must arrive in the Cayman Islands directly from the UK. Arriving from a third country is not permitted.
Original sources:
- Cayman Islands Immigration Department

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11. Curaçao

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Original sources:
- Curaçao Tourism
- Netherlands and You

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12. Dominican Republic

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- If arriving by land or sea, must purchase a Tourist Card on arrival for $10 USD. If arriving by air, the tourist card is included in the airfare.
- Passport must be valid from at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Original sources:

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13. Jamaica

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Albania
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Dominican Republic
- Honduras
- Kazakhstan
- Macedonia
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Romania
- Serbia
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- Jamaica Immigration Department

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14. Sint Maarten

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: None
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- UK residence permit must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- Government of Sint Maarten

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15. Turks and Caicos (British Territory)

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Original sources:
- Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos
- Visit Turks and Caicos Islands

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South America

Machu Picchu Peru — Machu Picchu in Peru | Photo: The Sole Speaks

16. Peru

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR
Entry granted: 180 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru
- Embassy of India in Lima, Peru

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Europe

Signagi in Kakheti Region of Georgia | Photo: depositphotos

17. Albania

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

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18. Georgia

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid on the day of arrival in Georgia
- Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

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19. Gibraltar (British Territory)

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 180 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be issued for at least 6 months or more
- UK residence permit must be issued for at least 12 months or more
Original sources:
- Government of Gibraltar
- Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency

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20. Ireland

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- China
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Montenegro
- Oman
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK short-stay standard visitor visa
Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 90 days or until the exit date on your UK entry stamp, whichever is shorter
Entry rules:
- Must enter the UK first before entering Ireland
- Must enter and exit Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different from the visa expiry date)
- Can enter Ireland directly from the UK or elsewhere, but must enter Ireland within the exit date on the UK entry stamp
Original sources:
- Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service
- Department of Justice and Equality of Ireland

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21. Montenegro

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
- Consulate of Montenegro in India

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22. North Macedonia

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 15 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
- Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 3 months in any 6 months period
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia

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23. Romania

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: None
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 90 days
Entry rules:
- UK residence permit should have been granted for 5 or more years
- Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania
- Tourism of Romania

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24. Serbia

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 90 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
- Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia

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25. Turkey

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities 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
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- India
- Iraq
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Uganda
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa online
- eVisa fee is $43 USD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
Original sources:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

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26. United Kingdom (Of course!)

Includes all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Includes British Crown Dependencies: Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey)

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Middle East

The West Bay City Skyline of Doha Qatar — The West Bay City Skyline of Doha, Qatar | Photo: depositphotos

27. Oman

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bhutan
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- India
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Peru
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa online
- eVisa fee is 50 OMR, valid for 1 year, multiple entry and must be used within 1 month of approval
Original sources:
- Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police

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28. Qatar

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar
- eTA is free of charge, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
- UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- Qatar Tourist Authority
- Ministry of Foreign Interior, Qatar

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29. Saudi Arabia

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa
Permitted residence permits: None
Entry granted: 90 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports in Saudi Arabia
- VOA fee is 440 SAR (equivalent to $117 USD), valid for 1 year, multiple-entry
- Must arrive by air on one of the official Saudi National airline – Saudia, Flynas, and Saudi Gulf
- UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
Original sources:

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30. United Arab Emirates

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
Permitted visas: None
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR, BRP and spouse visas
Entry granted: 14 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at UAE airports
- VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
- UK residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Original sources:

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Asia

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Carabao Island in Philippines — Carabao Island in the Philippines

31. Armenia

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 120 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
- VOA fee is 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry only
- Passport must to be valid during the entire stay in Armenia
Original sources:
- Embassy of Armenia in India
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenia

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32. Philippines

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 14 days
Entry rules:
- UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of stay
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
Original sources:
- Embassy of Philippines in India
- Embassy of Philippines in Singapore

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33. Singapore

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
Entry rules:
- Must be traveling to or from the country of passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
- Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
Original sources:
- Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore

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34. South Korea

Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 24 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 30 days
Entry rules:
- Must be traveling to go to any of the 26 Schengen countries or Cyprus, Ireland, Romania or UK through South Korea (OR)
- Must depart from any of the 26 Schengen countries or Cyprus, Ireland, Romania or UK to go to a third country through South Korea
Original sources:

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35. Taiwan

Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Vietnam
Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit visas
Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs
Entry granted: 14 days
Entry rules:
- Visa is EXEMPT but must apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online before arrival
- ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
- If using an EXPIRED UK visa or residence permit, the visa or residence permit must have expired in the last 10 years
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
Original sources:
- Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

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Conclusion

So, there you have it! 35 countries and territories 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.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is a world traveler and digital nomad from India. He is on a mission to travel to every country in the world on his Indian passport. He believes that his weak passport cannot stop him from traveling the world. Through this blog, he inspires many to take up the life of travel despite their weak passports. His guidance has helped many secure their visas and fulfill their travel dreams.

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