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 43 countries and territories VISA-FREE with UK visa.
I encourage you all to get 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 happen to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than not having any visas at all. There are about 40 countries and territories you can visit with a UK visa.
UK tourist visas are mostly short-term (C-Type) visas valid for 6 months. The UK does issue long-term visas for 5/10 years but it would cost an arm and a leg.
The UK visa application is not the most difficult, but it can be stressful due to its lengthy processing times and lack of customer service.
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.
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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.
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North America
01. Mexico
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted resident permits: All valid ILRs (permanent resident cards)
- Entry granted: Up to 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
- Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico
WARNING
UK BRP cards are NOT ACCEPTED to enter Mexico. Only valid/unexpired UK visas (visa sticker in the passport) or UK ILR cards (permanent residency) are accepted. Also, if you are from the African continent (ex: Nigeria, Ghana, etc.), please check with Mexican authorities before planning your travel. I’m hearing a lot of stories of entry refusals and deportations at Mexican airports.
RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a US visa in 2024
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Central America
02. Costa Rica
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Tier 1, 2, 4 or 5 visas (student and work only)
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 30 days
- Entry rules:
- IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
- UK Tier 1, 2, 4, 5 visas or BRPs must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA
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03. Panama
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 30 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
- Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
- Original sources: Embassy of Panama in the USA
RELATED: 38 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2024
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Caribbean
04. 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
- Official source: The Government of Anguilla
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05. Antigua and Barbuda
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident permit)
- 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
- Official source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda
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06. Aruba
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- 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
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
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07. Bahamas
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident card)
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas
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08. 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
- Passport must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
- Official source: Government of Bermuda
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09. 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
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
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10. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: None
- Entry granted: 180 days
- Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: Government of the Virgin Islands (British)
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11. 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: 30 days
- Entry rule: Must arrive in the Cayman Islands directly from the UK. Arriving from a third country is not permitted.
- Official source: Cayman Islands Customs and Border Controls
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12. 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: 90 days
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
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13. Dominican Republic
- 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 rule: If arriving by land or sea, must pay a departure tax of 20 USD before departing. If arriving by air, the departure tax is included in the airfare.
- Official source: Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UK
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14. 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
- Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica
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15. Sint Maarten
- 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
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
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16. 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: 30 days
- Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos
RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2024
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South America
17. Peru
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident card)
- Entry granted: 180 days
- Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru
RELATED: 18 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa or PR in 2024
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Europe
18. 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 rule: UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania
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19. Armenia
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Algeria
- Bahrain
- Belize
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Egypt
- Fiji
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- India
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jamaica
- Kiribati
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Philippines
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Solomon Islands
- Suriname
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turkmenistan
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
- VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
- Visa must be a STICKER in the passport, E-Visa prints are not accepted
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
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20. 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
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
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21. 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 have been issued for at least 6 months or more
- UK residence permit must have been issued for at least 12 months or more
- Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency
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22. Ireland
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- China
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Philippines
- Serbia
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- 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
- Official source: Department of Justice of Ireland
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23. Moldova
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Angola
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Botswana
- Myanmar
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- China
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Dominican Republic
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lesotho
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Swaziland
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- Togo
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Entry rule: The UK visa or BRP must be valid for the intended period of stay
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
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24. 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 rule: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
- Official source: Government of Montenegro
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25. 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
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
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26. 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
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
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27. Turkey
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Afghanistan
- Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
- Bangladesh
- Cape Verde
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- India
- Iraq
- Libya
- Nepal
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- 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 Turkey e-Visa online
- eVisa fee is 43 USD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
If you hold a UK visa or BRP, you can follow this step-by-step guide to apply for Turkey e-Visa. This guide has step-by-step instructions and screenshots to help you fill out the application, pay the visa fee and download your approved e-Visa.
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28. 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)
RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip
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Middle East
29. Bahrain
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: None
- Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
- Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
- Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 30 days
- Single-entry eVisa fee is 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
- Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
- For VOA, the UK visa must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
- For eVisa, the UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
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30. Jordan
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Afghanistan
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Belize
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
- Congo, Rep. of
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea Bissau
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lao
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Syria
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Uganda
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Zambia
- Permitted visas: None
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Jordan E-Visa
- The ILR or BRP must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: Jordan E-Visa Portal
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31. 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: 10 or 30 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
- 26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
- 26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
- Official source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
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32. 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 A3 Visa online on the Hayya portal
- A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
- Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
- UK visa or BRP/ILR must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
- Official source: Qatar Tourism Board
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33. Saudi Arabia
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa (other visas not accepted)
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
- VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
- UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
- Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority
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34. 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 all 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
- Official source: Embassy of UAE in London, UK
RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)
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Africa
35. Egypt
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
- Permitted residence permits: None
- Entry granted: 30 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports
- VOA fee is $25 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
- UK visa must have been used to enter the UK at least once
- Official source: Egypt Tourism Department
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36. Morocco
- 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:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa
- E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
- UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
- Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal
RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia: A step-by-step guide
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Asia
37. Japan
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa
- eVisa fee is JPY 3,000, valid for 90 days, single-entry only
- Must submit proof of residence to prove that you reside in the UK
- Must show the visa issuance confirmation via the eVisa website on your phone at the immigration (Prints and PDFs are not accepted)
- Must enter Japan by flight only
- IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
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38. Kyrgyzstan
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry UK visas, issued for at least for 3+ years
- Permitted residence permits: None
- Entry granted: 7 days
- Entry rules:
- UK visa must be a long-term visa issued for 3 or more years, visas issued for less than 3 years are not accepted
- After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only reenter Kyrgyzstan again after 21 days
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan
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39. 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 the stay
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
- Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India
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40. Singapore
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
- Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
- 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
- UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
- Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
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41. South Korea
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 23 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
- 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 rule: Must be traveling to/from the UK through South Korea
- Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
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42. 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
- Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs
- Entry granted: 14 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online
- 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
- Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
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43. Thailand
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
- Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR or BRP
- Entry granted: 60 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
- E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
- Must submit proof of residence in the UK such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc
- IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
- Original Sources:
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Conclusion
So, there you have it! 43 countries and territories you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa.
Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) where you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa? Let me know in the comments below.
Change history: For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.
| Date | Changes |
|---|---|
| 21 Mar 2024 | Countries added: (1) Moldova, (2) Japan, (3) Kyrgyzstan Updated eligibility and requirements for 2024 for quite a few countries |
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Chris Ratcliffe says
Dear Thirumal,
Thanks for the detailed information. I’m a UK citizen but my wife is Iranian in her 3rd year on spouse visa / BRP. We travel a lot mostly by getting 6 month Scheghen visas although we have been to Montenegro and Albania with her BRP. A word of warning to other Iranian passport holders, double check that you can get in as there have been a number of cyber attacks in Albania by Iranian proxies and as such they are very wary of letting Iranians in. We only found this out as we got to immigration in Tirana and were told we couldn’t enter. Luckily after nearly an hour of talking to the High Commission in Tirana we were granted access.
I was actually emailing to see if there were any updates as i’ve watched quite a number of videos which I think may be incorrect stating that Serbia, North Macedonia, Mexico and Jamaica are all now accessible with BRP. Checking with quite a wide range of sources it seems North Macedonia definitely isn’t however the other 3 less obvious. Can you please confirm as even emailing the embassies has proven to be riddled with uncertainty.
Thanks in advance,
Chris
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Chris! Thanks for the update for Iranian travelers to Albania!
Regarding Serbia, North Macedonia and Jamaica, these countries do not accept UK BRP cards. They only accept valid UK visa vignettes in the passport. There may have been instances of one or two travelers been able to use their BRP cards to enter these countries, but official sources and embassies say otherwise. I cannot mislead my readers so I can’t include any information that’s not confirmed by MFA or embassy.
For Mexico, the BRP card must be an ILR. Only permanent residents of UK are allowed to enter Mexico without a visa. BRP cards other than ILR are not accepted.
Sid says
Hi Motati sir, we talked few yrs back from my other email I’d. So I am Indian passport holder with UK ILR card. I travelled to Montenegro and Albania with my UK ILR card. But from 31 dec 2024 UK is starting e-visas or online status. After that how can we travel to these countries like Montenegro etc because BRP cards will be invalid.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sid! I’m assuming some of these countries will adapt to the new visa changes. You may have to carry a print of e-Visa/online status when you travel. The immigration officers will validate your UK residency status online at the airport/land border. But adapting to the new changes will be very slow as we have seen this already with Australia e-visa. I suggest traveling to some of these countries while your physical BRP card is still valid.
s duncan says
Thanks for your feedback on responses. they are very helpful. My questions are:
(1) I am UK citizen, my wife has Philippines passport, lives in UK and has BRP card(LTR). Can she travel to Saudi Arabia with either eVisa or VOA?
(2) Can a Schengen visa be obtained online anywhere instead of travelling to the relevant embassy?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi S Duncan! (1) Philippine passport holders with UK BRP are eligible to obtain Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-Visa. I suggest getting e-Visa, as e-Visa is processed instantly and you can download it right away. VOA is also fine as you can get your visa at the airport using the self-serve kiosks.
(2) No. Schengen visa cannot be applied online. You will have to apply via VFS Global or the embassy/consulate of the Schengen country.
Lina says
Hi, so previously when traveling to these countries required showing a physical valid UK BRP card at immigration control – with the physical cards being phased out, do you know what the process would be like now?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Lina! It all depends on how quickly these countries catch up with the changes. They will start accepting some other proof of residence such as UK electronic visas. The adoption will be very slow as immigration offers in these countries must learn how and where to validate these electronic visas and proofs. Some countries will catch up quickly, some in a few months and some will never. I’m monitoring the changes and will update the article accordingly.
Chas says
As of the end of the year, 2024, the UK isn’t issuing physical BRP cards any longer, and most expire then, despite peoples’ residence status being longer than that date. Everyone is being transferred to an ‘EVisa’ which is entirely digital and online.
Do you know if UK residents will be able to present a print-out or digital copy of their visa status in the UK to gain visa free access to the countries above? I’m worried the scheme will stop after this date or countries might refuse entry as there is no longer physical proof of people’s residency. Do you happen to know any more? Thanks for the great article!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Chas! Some of these countries will start accepting UK digital visas as proof of residence but the adoption rate would be very slow. We’ve already seen this with Australian visas. Australia transitioned to electronic visas long time ago and some countries still do not accept eVisas as proof. Armenia is an example and they still accept only sticker visas in passport as proof.
Not all countries are as technologically advanced as the UK and may not have the resources to train their personnel on how to validate electronic visas.
I will update this article or write new ones to keep up with the changes. Make sure to refer to my website when you’re planning your trip.
Mahyar says
As of August 2024, the “Permitted residence permits” is set to “None” for some countries i.e. Serbia or North Macedonia. Does it mean they require a visa and no BRP card is accepted?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Mahyar! Yes, those countries accept only UK visas and not UK BRPs. If a UK residence permit is in the form a visa sticker, they may accept it.
avtarsingh says
Can I travel to Japan with an Australian visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Avtarsingh! No. Japan does not allow Australian visas. You REQUIRE a Japan visa to travel to Japan.
Ukpabi says
With UK visa as Nigerian passport holder, can now travel to Japan without Japan visa? If yes, what are the necessary documents that will be required to present at the border?
Thirumal Motati says
No. You need a visa for Japan. If your UK visa is a “residence” visa such as student, work, spouse, etc., you are eligible to apply for Japan eVisa. You must be residing in the UK and must upload a proof of residence such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc.
Kadidjath Abeo Christelle RADJI says
Hi, can I Travel to Spain with a UK BRP?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Kadidjath! You will need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain. Spain does not accept UK BRP.
Muhammed Ramzi says
Hello team! Thank you for taking the time to create this brilliant website and answer all the comments. You have helped a lot of people in clearing their doubts about getting a tourist Visa. I’m an Indian national holding an Indian Passport living in the UK under a skilled worker Visa (Tier 2) holding a UK BRP which is valid for three years. I’m planning to visit Saudi Arabia and I have got a 6 hours layover in Romania. Do I require an Airport Transit visa If I’m leaving the visa-free zone to self-transfer for the next flight to Saudi Arabia?
Also, it is mentioned that UK Visa holders can get a Visa on Arrival for Saudi Arabia. Is it valid If I’m holding a BRP of three years validity? And is it possible If I’m boarding a Wizz Air flight from Bucharest Airport Romania or VoA is only applicable when boarding Saudi Airlines?
Thank you for your time :)
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Muhammed! For Romania, you would need an airport transit visa if you are leaving the international transit area. Romania offers VISA-FREE access to those with a Schengen visa or a visa from any EU country, but unfortunately not for UK BRP holders.
Saudi Arabia offers VOA for those with permanent residency in the UK, meaning you must hold a UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Your BRP is temporary and unfortunately, you won’t be able to get VOA in Saudi Arabia based on your UK BRP.
Kevin Watson says
Hi, I’m from the UK but my wife is Thai with an ILR visa but she also has a USA ESTA visa does this mean we can go to Spain, Portugal and Italy without Schengen?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Kevin! Spain, Portugal and Italy are all Schengen countries and they DO NOT allow UK ILR or US visas. She would REQUIRE a Schengen visa to travel to any of those countries.
Sheetal Mathew says
Hi Thirumal, I am an Indian passport holder with a UK student visa. Am I eligible to visit Morocco or Georgia with this current Visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sheetal! Yes. You can visit Morocco and Georgia with your UK student visa. But for Morocco, you must apply for its e-Visa before traveling. You are eligible to apply for Morocco based on your UK visa.
Rasaq Bankole says
Hi all, I have a UK BRP visa. Do I need a Schengen visa to visit European countries for holiday?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Rasaq! You would need a Schengen visa to visit Schengen countries. But countries in Europe that do not fall under the Schengen zone can be visited using your UK BRP. Some examples are Georgia, Montenegro, Turkey, etc.
S M U A Baloch says
Hello, my wife and children hold valid UK BRP (Leave to Remain), can they travel to Greece and what other European countries that give Visas on Arrival? Could you please guide us accordingly with a comprehensive list of VOA countries as dates for Schengen are too busy? Regards
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Baloch! All 27 Schengen countries including Greece do not allow UK BRPs. You would need a Schengen visa to travel to any of those 27 Schengen countries including Greece. But there are some countries in Europe that allow UK BRPs such as Albania, Montenegro, Armenia, Georgia, etc. You can find the list in this article under the section “Europe”.
Jibrann khan says
Hi Thirumal sir! Greetings! I have a UK visitor visa. I am from Pakistan. Which countries I can visit in Europe on a UK visitor visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Jibrann! There are quite a few countries in Europe that you can visit using your UK visitor visa, such as Albania, Georgia, Montenegro, Turkey, etc. Please refer to this article for more information.
md amir faisal says
I am from Bangladesh. I have 10 years multiple-entry type C visa. can I travel to Ireland? How many countries to visit with this UK visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Md Amir! Bangladesh passport holders are not eligible to enter Ireland using a UK visitor visa unless their UK visa has “BIVS” endorsed on it. If you have “BIVS” on your UK visa, then you can travel to Ireland. For other countries, please refer to this article.
Mj says
Hi there. Firstly thank you for this article it has been so so helpful. In regards to Aruba, there are certain countries listed. However, with the BRP/ILR it says all nationalities. As a Nigerian national with a British ILR, does that qualify me to travel there? Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi MJ! Yes, those with British ILR/BRP can travel to Aruba irrespective of what nationality they hold. So with your Nigerian passport and UK ILR, you can travel to Aruba.
Preet says
I have 2 years standard UK visitor visa. Can I travel to Japan visa-free?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Preet! No. You would need a Japan visa.
Aditya says
Hi, I’m an Indian passport holder with a UK student visa tier 4. What countries can I visit visa-less in 2023? Can you please reply? Thank you in advance.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Aditya! It depends on whether you have a valid UK student visa in your passport or a BRP card. You can go through this article and find eligible countries for your visa or BRP.
Patience says
Hi, please I have a UK student visa and I want to travel to France for a holiday. I am from Nigeria, please advise if this is possible or if I need a France tourist visa and if I can apply from the UK or from my home country.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Patience! You would need a Schengen visa to travel to France. You can apply for your Schengen visa from the French embassy in the UK.