As of 2025, there are 40 countries that you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa. This list has shrunk a bit in the last one year, but 40 is still quite a good number.
UK visa doesn’t have the long-term appeal like the US visa or Canada visa. If you don’t have a US or Canada visa, a UK visa is still one of the powerful visas to have.
Even though UK visitor visas are mostly short-term (C-Type) visas valid for 6 months, UKVI is now issuing 5 and 10 years visas more often. It’s just a matter of visa fee. If you can pay a higher fee, you may be able to get a long-term visa. The fee for a 10-year UK visa is an astonishing 1,200 USD though.
RELATED: 37 VISA-FREE Countries for UK BRP/ILR (eVisa) Holders in 2025
IMPORTANT
I wrote the original version of this article in 2018. Since then, I have been updating this article (see change history) and responding to your comments (over 567 comments so far), questions and emails.
With the influx of copycats and AI regurgitated websites, readers like you are not able to find my articles, which are well-researched and written with personal experience, on search engines. What can you do to help?
- Sign up for my email updates so you will know when I update this article
- Join Visa Traveler Facebook group to ask questions and share your experiences
- Share this article on social media (using the buttons below) so others can benefit from it
Table of Contents
***
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)
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.
***
North America
01. Mexico
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: Up to 180 days
- Entry rules: UK visa must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
- Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico
RELATED: 55 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a US visa in 2025
***
Central America
02. Panama
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 30 days
- Entry rules:
- UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK before
- UK visa 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: 41 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2025
***
Caribbean
03. Anguilla (British Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Anguilla tourist board, entry requirements
—
04. Antigua and Barbuda
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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
—
05. Aruba
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Additional requirements: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of stay
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
—
06. Bahamas
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas
—
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 must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
- Official source: Government of Bermuda
—
08. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
—
09. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 180 days
- Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: British Virgin London Office
—
10. Cayman Islands (British Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Jamaica
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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
—
11. Curaçao
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
—
12. Dominican Republic
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
- 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
—
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
- Entry granted: 30 days
- Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica
—
14. Sint Maarten
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Netherlands Worldwide
—
15. Turks and Caicos (British Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos
RELATED: 81 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2025
***
South America
16. Peru
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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: 17 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa in 2025
***
Europe
17. Albania
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except for Iranian nationals; Albania cut its diplomatic ties with Iran over cyber attacks)
- Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Entry rule:
- The UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
- Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania
—
18. 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
- 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
- Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Armenia Visa on Arrival or Armenia e-Visa (applicable to Egypt, India and Iraq)
- VOA or e-Visa fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia
—
19. Georgia
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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
—
20. Gibraltar (British Territory)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 180 days
- Entry rules: UK visa must have been issued for at least 6 months or more
- Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency
—
21. Ireland
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Bahrain
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- China
- Colombia
- India
- Indonesia
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kuwait
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Peru
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK short-stay standard visitor visa
- 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
- UK visa must be a visa sticker in the passport (ETAs are not accepted)
- Official source: Department of Justice of Ireland
—
22. Moldova
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Bahrain
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- China
- Comoros
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Guyana
- Haiti
- India
- Jamaica
- Kuwait
- Madagascar
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Nauru
- Oman
- Papua New Guinea
- Qatar
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Thailand
- Togo
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
- Entry granted: 90 days
- Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of stay
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
—
23. Montenegro
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 30 days
- Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
- Official source: Government of Montenegro
—
24. North Macedonia
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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
—
25. Serbia
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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
—
26. Turkey
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Afghanistan
- Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
- Bangladesh
- Cape Verde
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- India
- Iraq (those aged 15-50)
- Libya (those aged 16-45)
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Sri Lanka
- Vietnam
- Yemen
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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
—
27. 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
***
Middle East
28. Bahrain
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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 1 month
- Single-entry eVisa fee is 10 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
- Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 17 BD, valid for 13 months, entry up to 1 month
- Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
—
29. Oman
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- Albania
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Bhutan
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- India
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Peru
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Vietnam
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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: Foreign Ministry of Oman
—
30. Qatar
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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 must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
- Official source: Qatar Tourism Board
—
31. Saudi Arabia
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa (other visas are not accepted)
- 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
—
32. United Arab Emirates
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
- Permitted visas: Valid long-term multiple-entry UK visa, such as student, work, etc. (UK standard visitor visas may not be accepted)
- Entry granted: 14 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain UAE Visa on Arrival at all international airports
- VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
- UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Official source: UAE Government Portal
RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)
***
Africa
33. Egypt
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry UK visas
- 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: IATA Travel Centre
—
34. Morocco
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities, except Iran, Palastine and Syria
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- 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 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
***
Asia
35. Japan
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
- Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
- 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 enter Japan by flight only
- IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
—
36. 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
- 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)
- UK visa must in current passport (valid visa in old/expired passports is not accepted)
- Eligible only if entering by air through Manas International Airport
- After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only reenter Kyrgyzstan again after 21 days
- Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan
—
37. Philippines
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
- Entry granted: 30 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
—
38. Singapore
- Eligible nationalities: Following nationalities only
- China
- India
- Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
- Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Singapore 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 must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
- Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
—
39. 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
- Entry granted: 30 days
- Entry rule:
- Must be traveling to/from the UK through South Korea
- If there is a transit or stop over before South Korea, it cannot be more than 3 days
- Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
—
40. 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
- Entry granted: 14 days
- Entry rules:
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for Taiwan Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) online
- TAC is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
- If using an EXPIRED UK visa, the visa must have expired in the last 10 years
- Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
***
Change history
| Date | Changes |
|---|---|
| 16-Jun-2025 | Countries updated: (1) Moldova (eligible nationalities list shrunk from 56 countries to 30) |
| 05-Jun-2025 | Countries updated: (1) Philippines (duration of stay for Indians is now 30 days) |
| 05-Mar-2025 | NOTE: This article is becoming too large to maintain, so I created a separate article for UK BRP holders. Refer to this article for VISA-FREE countries for UK BRP or ILR holders. Countries deleted: 1. Costa Rica (does not accept UK visas) 2. Jordan (does not accept UK visas) 3. Thailand (Thai eVisa is now available to everyone) Countries updated: Armenia (updated eligible countries), Ireland (updated eligible countries), Moldova (updated eligible countries), Oman (updated eligible countries) and Morocco (updated eligible countries exceptions) |
| 21-Mar-2024 | Countries added: (1) Moldova, (2) Japan, (3) Kyrgyzstan Updated eligibility and requirements for 2024 for quite a few countries |
***
There you have it! 40 countries and territories you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa, updated for 2025.
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.
Credits: Maps are made with mapchart.net
37 VISA-FREE Countries for UK BRP/ILR (eVisa) Holders (2025)
Can a US green card holder travel to UK without visa: A comprehensive guide
How to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa (that will impress the ECO)
MUSTAFA MEAH says
Hi, I have a Bangladeshi passport with BRP. Can I get visa on Arrival for Egypt? Please help as I’m getting mixed information also the embassy won’t answer the phone.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Mustafa! Unfortunately, all official sources say “UK visa”, so I’m not sure if you can use your UK BRP. I haven’t gotten any response from the embassy either, so I can’t confirm.
Abubakar Tahiru says
I’m on a student visa and I have my UK BRP. Can I travel to Mexico or Costa Rica with BRP?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Abubakar! You CANNOT travel to Mexico using a UK BRP. You would need a UK visa in the passport or UK ILR to travel to Mexico. But for Costa Rica, yes. You can use your UK BRP to travel to Costa Rica.
Aveek Mukhopadhyay says
Hello Thirumal, very helpful article. I see that Egypt has been mentioned as a destination allowed with a Uk visa. I have an Indian passport and UK Visa so based on this article and the source posts, I should be eligible. However, when I am trying to check the e-visa (which was mentioned as an alternative to the VOA) and mention my nationality as India, it says that I cannot get an entry. I do not see any provision to mention that I have Uk visa. I was planning to travel with my wife and an infant, so I am a bit concerned about whether this is being allowed in practice. Do you know anyone who has traveled to Egypt just using a UK visa (if they belong to a country that is otherwise not allowed?)
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Aveek! Unfortunately, Indian nationals need to book a tour or a meet-and-greet service in order to apply for the E-Visa. You can book this service after your visa is approved too. In practice, many Indian nationals travel without using any agent. But the airline or the immigration in Cairo can make things difficult if you do not have a tour operator. To be on the safe side, you can book a 2-day tour with an agent just so they can come to the airport for you. Ibis Egypt Tours is well-reputed. Many Indian nationals seem to use them for their E-Visas. You can contact them to see if they can help.
Regarding VOA, I don’t know anyone that actually used it successfully to enter Egypt. This VOA with UK visa information is already in TIMATIC, so the airlines are aware of it and will not stop or prevent you from boarding. But whether or not immigration in Cairo is aware of it still remains uncertain.
Rhea Pillai says
Hi, your post is very helpful. However, I am finding it a bit conflicting with so many answers to read. Pardon me if this is a repeat question.
I am an Indian passport holder residing in the UK with Tier 1 General Entrepreneur BRP. Can I travel to Dublin without a visa? I was once refused to board the plane from Edinburgh to Dublin to Bombay. But, I do not recollect showing my BRP to the ground staff. She just said you have an Indian passport with no Schengen and hence I cannot allow you to board the plane.
Can I travel to Schengen countries with my BRP?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Rhea! No. You cannot use UK BRP to travel to Ireland. You would need to apply for an Ireland visa. Also, Schengen countries do not accept UK BRP, therefore you would need a Schengen visa to travel to Schengen countries.
Fahim MUSHTAQ says
Hi, I am from Pakistan. I have a UK standard visitor visa. My question is can I travel to Mexico or do I need a visa for Mexico?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Fahim! If your UK visitor visa is a sticker in your passport and is still valid, then yes, you can use your UK visa to enter Mexico. You don’t need a separate Mexico visa.
Prashant says
2-year long-term Standard Visitor UK visa on an Indian Passport will have BIVS and allow me to enter Ireland? OR BIVS is applicable only on a Standard Visitor visa of 6 months?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Prashant! That’s a good question. In my experience, I have seen BIVS only on 6-month visas so far. But I assume you can request BIVS on 2 or 5-year visitor visas as well. Even though they have 2 or 5-year validity, the allowed stay is still 6 months which makes it a short-stay visitor visa.
Gloria says
Hello! Good evening. Thank you for this post. Very insightful. I am Nigerian and I would love to visit Morocco in a few but I want to confirm if it’s still an e-visa I need. I live in the UK and I have my BRP.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Gloria! Yes, Nigerian passport holders are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa using their UK BRP. That being said, there is always some sort of scrutiny against Nigerian passport holders, so please confirm with Moroccan authorities before planning your travel.
Emmanuel says
Thirumal! Thank you for your wonderful experience update. I am a Nigerian passport holder I want to know which visa is the best the Schengen visa and UK visa. Please advise me. Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Emmanuel! Schengen is the best as it gives you more visa-free countries than a UK visa. But your first Schengen visa will be given just for the days you have asked for. Your subsequent Schengen visas will have longer validity and that’s when you can start taking advantage of visa-free countries.
Umair says
Personal experience with Pakistani Passport:
North Macedonia – they do not accept BRP/Residence permits or entry permits stamped on the passport. Must have any kind of UK visa which is not yet expired and also have travel insurance.
Albania – they do not stamp your passport, only electronic data collection. No problem with entry.
Serbia – No problem in entry – no questions asked
Montenegro – No problem with entry – no stamp on the passport if you enter by train from Serbia.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Umair! Thanks for the update! Very useful to the other readers. Regarding Serbia, were you able to use your UK BRP? Did you enter Serbia by air or via land?
FK says
Hi dear, I need help with confirmation so I don’t make mistake for something like this. Thank you in advance.
1. Indonesia passport holder.
2. ILR visa.
How do I find which country I can visit from your list? “Indonesia/All nationalities” in eligible nationalities, and Permitted residence permits if shown ILR? Also, if you could recommend me 3 countries that are worth visiting?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi FK! That’s correct! “Indonesia/All nationalities” in eligible nationalities and “ILR” in permitted residence permits. It’s worth visiting all countries on this list, but if I have to recommend only 3, I would say Mexico, Georgia and Turkey. If Indonesia is not eligible for Turkey, then Serbia.
ME Reynoso says
Hi! How about Bosnia and Herzegovina? The flag image is there but could not see it in the text.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi! Previously Bosnia and Herzegovina allowed visas from all EU member states. Since Brexit, the UK is not been part of the EU anymore and therefore UK visas are not allowed. The image was created pre-Brexit so the flag is still there.
Nana Olanrewaju says
Hi Thirumal, I’m on a student visa and I have my UK BRP. Can I travel to Malta with my UK visa and BRP?
Thirumal Motati says
Ni Nana! Malta is a Schengen state so you would need a Schengen visa to travel to Malta. You cannot use your UK visa or BRP.
NevR says
Though 99% of what is written is correct, I would like to add an incident that happened to me while I was traveling to the Philippines. Based on the Philippines Embassy details, an Indian with a valid visa could enter the Philippines and would receive a visa on arrival. Hence based on this fact, I booked my travel and reached Heathrow airport. I am living in the UK with a General Tier 2 work visa, and I was stopped by Qatar Airways check-in staff, and they refused to allow me to board even though I tried to explain regarding it. So, I guess, this is also a matter of flight requirements as well. I guess, a valid visa would mean Permanent residency status and not just any visa.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi NevR! Sorry to hear that Qatar airways staff denied your boarding. Philipines immigration, embassies and TIMATIC (airline database) all mention that a “UK resident visa” can be used. A resident visa can be a student visa, work visa, spouse visa, etc. that gives the holder the legal right to reside in the UK for a temporary period. If you have a BRP, that’s considered a “resident visa” as well. It is not true that only permanent residents can enter.
Qatar is notorious for its untrained staff that deny boarding on every silly thing that they spot. I have been denied boarding by Qatar staff a few times and I usually demand to speak to their manager. Once I speak with their manager, I would immediately be allowed to board. So please do the same. Demand to speak to their manager, explain and pull up the embassy page and show it to them.
Johan says
You are absolutely right. Some airline staff do not really understand immigration rules. Therefore you have to speak to the manager who understands. It also happened to us even though for different routes. Once we spoke to the manager, everything was fine and we could fly.
Bea says
Hello, I’m from the Philippines and I have a 2-year standard tourist UK visa that is valid until 2024. Please confirm if I can just hop on a plane and fly to Mexico or do I need to prepare anything else. Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Bea! You just need your passport and UK visa. Nothing else. But keep in mind that your UK visa must be multiple-entry and must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico.
Vanessa says
Thanks for all the info, it’s frustrating finding nice places to go as a Nigerian:). Can you please advise where I can travel without the visa hassles/visa-free? I have a Nigerian passport and my student visa (sticker) expires on the 15th of October. However, I am now on a graduate visa with BRP validity until 2024. Kindly help, thank you!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Vanessa! A few countries only allow UK visas and a few only ILR. But there are plenty that allows UK BRPs. So go over the list and check for countries if “Nigeria or All nationalities” is mentioned in “Eligible nationalities” and UK BRP in “Permitted residence permits”. You can travel to all of those countries.
Ahmad says
Hi, does a UK BRP which is on a pre-settled basis (temporary leave to remain) for 5 years expiring in 2025 allow a Pakistani passport holder to enter Egypt, Morocco, Montenegro and Serbia for a short 7-10 day trip without a visa so its VOA?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ahmad! For Egypt and Serbia, you would need a UK visa. I’m sure they accept UK BRPs. For Morocco and Montenegro, yes, you can use your UK BRP.
Sandra says
Hello thirumal. I have been following you here for a while well done. I am a NIGERIAN but studying in the UK. Please can you list 5 nice countries I can travel to with my UK BRP? I want to go on vacation with my boyfriend so I need a country I can visit with my UK BRP. Awaiting your quick response. Thank you!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sandra! You can try Montenegro, Georgia, Albania or Morocco (e-visa). They are all nice countries and allow UK BRPs. But you can also check the entire list to see if you like any other country.
Swati says
Hi, I have a UK visa. Can I travel to Singapore and stay there for sightseeing?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Swati! To use your UK visa to travel to Singapore, you must be in transit to a third country preferably India or UK. A India-Singapore-India itinerary will not work. It must be something like India-Singapore-UK or UK-Singapore-India or India-Singapore-Thailand-UK or UK-Duabi-Singapore-India, etc.
Dhruv says
Thirumal, I just discovered your blog and I’m amazed by the useful tips you have shared. I’m on a work visa in the UK for almost 5 years and I wish I knew about all this useful info much earlier. How long can I be in Singapore if I’m in transit to India? UK – Singapore – India. Also, any extra benefits if I have an ILR?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Dhruv! You can stay up to 96 hours in Singapore on your way to India. Yes, ILR gives you access to countries that you can’t enter with a temporary BRP or UK visa such as Mexico, Bahamas and Peru.
Chinwe says
Hello, thanks for all the info you share. I am Nigerian, living in the UK with a student visa + BRP. I was just making plans for Turkey and decided to check your page again. I am sure the requirement for Nigerians with UK visas was the same (visa-free) but you seem to have taken Nigeria off the list. What happened? What do I require to enter Turkey? I am seeing contradictory info on some sites that maintain that Nigerians in the UK do not need the visa. Please help.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Chinwe! Turkey’s ministry updated its requirements so I had to update the article to reflect the new requirements. Unfortunately, Nigerian passport holders with UK visas/BRP are not eligible for Turkey e-Visa anymore.
Chinwe says
Thank you, Thirumal. What a bummer! Can you please confirm what are the requirements now for Mexico? Can I use my BRP to enter Mexico as a tourist or do I need a tourist visa? I am a Nigerian passport holder living in the UK on a graduate visa, with BRP valid until 2024
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Chinwe! Mexico allows only valid UK visas or UK “permanent residence permits” such as ILR. Unfortunately, you can’t use your student BRP to travel to Mexico. If you like to apply for a Mexico visa, you can apply from your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. Here are the details on how to apply for a Mexico visa.
Beauty says
I would have preferred to be stopped by British airways en route to Mexico with my sister last summer, it was a terrible event as I was traveling with a BRP card and she’s a Uk passport holder. She gained entry while I was detained and treated like a criminal in their smelling detention for 48hrs (till there was an available flight seat for me)
It was horrible as I was denied water for almost 24hrs and had no access to phone calls, a stinking infected toilet, and super cold with nothing but kitchen foil as a blanket. I do not wish this experience on my worst enemy. It was the worst experience of my life, I now have a phobia for a BRP travel-free countries, in fact I think I have a phobia for all travels. Flight wasted hotel bookings, site seeing tickets, all wasted plus inhumane treatment because of a simple mistake on my part.
P.S.: I also think the boss had a thing against Nigerians, it’s so sad that a few eggs have ruined the whole crate.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Beauty! Sorry to hear that! What a horrible experience. Mexico has been changing its requirements constantly so it’s causing a lot of issues for us with weak passports. Their embassies are also not in sync, which is leading to more confusion. I’m sorry again for what you went though. Please take care of yourself.
bady says
Hello, thanks for the tremendous work. I am an Ivorian living in the UK with (ILR and BRP) issued after Brexit. Do I need a visa to travel to Schengen Countries? there is conflicting info on Gov.Uk. I don’t quite know who they refer to by” ILR holders can travel up to 90 days free of Visa”. Thanks again.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Bady! As far as I know, only UK citizens can travel to the Schengen area without a visa. Those with UK ILR or BRP would still need a visa to travel to the Schengen area.
Matt says
Hi, thanks for the advice. My wife is Iranian and has a UK BRP. It’s a nightmare trying to find a destination other than Turkey to travel to. Which do you recommend as the most straightforward?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Matt! You guys can check out Montenegro and Georgia. Both are nearby and accept Iranians with UK BRP. Albania is also nice and easy to get to.
Tanvir says
Hi, Thirumal. I am a Bangladeshi citizen and now I’m living in the UK with a UK student Visa and BRP. I would like to travel to USA or Canada in December during the Christmas Vacation. But in my visa sticker, the UK entry clearance is valid until November 2022 but my BRP is valid until August 2023. So how can I visit any of the two countries or what do I have to do for the visit?
Thirumal Motati says
HI Tanvir! You would need a US or Canada visa to travel to those countries. US and Canada do not accept UK visas or BRP.
Mohammad Abdali says
Hi, I have a UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to remain) it will expire in December 2024. Does ILR allow me to travel with an Afghan passport to South Korea? Or do I need a visa for South Korea?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Mohammad! Unfortunately, you cannot use your UK ILR to travel to South Korea. Afghanistan is one of the 24 excluded countries from this scheme.
Hafiz Ahmad Hussain says
Hi, Just wanna say thanks to you. What a tremendous work you have done. I live in the UK as a temporary resident but want to travel to the world with so so many questions in my mind. All the information under one single ROOF is just fabulous mate. Keep up the good work. All the best for your future.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Hafiz! Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. You can also use the contact form to email me directly.
Vinu says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for this website. I downloaded the ebook and see Romania listed as visa-free if one holds a residence permit from the UK for 5 or more years. I don’t see it listed here though. Can you please confirm?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Vinu! Sorry, the ebook is a bit outdated. I’m currently in the process of updating it, but till then please use this article. This article and other VISA-FREE articles are up to date.
Ikechukwu says
Hi, I’m on a dependent visa with a BRP. My wife and I are planning on going to Dubai. Would we need a visa to enter Dubai or we can enter with our BRPs.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ikechukwu! If you hold an Indian passport, then you both can get VOA in Dubai using your UK BRP. If you hold any other passport, then you would need a visa. You would need to apply for your UAE visa online prior to your trip.
Harshjeet says
Morocco also started visa on arrival facility with Schengen visa, UK visa, Australian visa and US Visa. Tourist visa or BRP is acceptable.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Harshjeet! Thanks for the info! Yes, I have updated the article with Morocco now.
Moon says
Hi, My wife is a British citizen and I am on a spouse visa with BRP. Can I travel to Switzerland with my wife?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Moon! No. You would need a Schengen visa to travel to Switzerland. Prior to Brexit, it was possible to travel to Schengen if accompanied by a UK citizen spouse but not anymore. You would need to get a Schengen visa.
Jay says
Hi, I have a UK student Visa and BRP and I would like to travel to Mexico. Do I just need to buy a ticket and hop on the flight or there are some other steps to take?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Jay! Mexico accepts only UK visas but not BRP. So if your UK student visa in your passport is still valid, then yes, you can travel to Mexico. All you need is your passport and the UK visa in it.
Angela says
With Moldova Passport and a UK visa 10 years, I can travel to Dubai for 1 week? Thanks!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Angela! For Dubai, Moldovan passport holders need a UAE tourist visa. You cannot use your UK visa. Only Indian nationals are allowed to get a Visa on Arrival in UAE with a long-term UK visa such as ILR, BRP or spouse visa. I have a detailed guide on how to apply for UAE/Dubai visa. You can check that one out.
Hish says
Hello, checked the Jordanian website and they allow on arrival visa for Permanent residents of UK and US.
From the website below,
Passport holders of the following countries:
Angola, Albania, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central Africa, Chad , Congo, Colombia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique,
Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Srilanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Union of the Comoros, Vietnam, Zaire, Zambia.
If you hold a passport from one of the above countries, and you have a residence in the United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union countries, Gulf States (not tourism or visit visa) valid for more than six months, then you can:
1. You can get your visa upon arrival to Jordan! except who intends to enter Jordan via the King Hussein Bridge crossing border, in this case, you should get visa in advance from any Jordanian consulate around the world (see required documents below).
2. If you wish to apply at the consulate, bring (or someone on your behalf) the above required documents. Fees can be paid either onsite (via card only) or online.
3. If you wish to send your application via post, send the above documents,
payment receipt, and a self-addressed prepaid envelope (special delivery) to the following address:
Jordanian Consulate
6 Upper Phillimore Gardens
London , W8 7HA
If you hold passport from one of the above countries, and you do not have residence in the United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union countries, Gulf States (not tourism or visit visa) than six months then , you have to apply here.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Hish! Fantastic! Thanks for the info. I did some research today and added Jordan to the list. Thanks again for this info.
Michael Gerard Sayson says
South Korea— immigration staff advised that we still need to apply for a visa to visit the country (and pay) despite having a valid UK visit visa or BRP.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Michael! Thanks for the update. Looks like they haven’t started their “tourists in transit to third countries” category yet.
Dara says
Hi, my name is Dara and I hold a Nigerian Passport. I have a UK student visa and BRP. What are the requirements to travel to Colombia? Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Dara! Nigerian passport holders require a visa for Colombia. You can apply for an E-Visa. Here is a guide on how to apply for Colombia E-Visa.
John says
Hi, I hold a Nigerian Passport and I have a UK student visa and BRP. I’m currently planning a trip to Montenegro but the entry rules say UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay. My UK visa expired last year December but I’ve got my BRP, can I still travel?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi John! Yes. A BRP is a temporary residence permit. Montenegro accepts both UK permanent (ILR) and temporary (BRP) residence permits.
Hasin says
Hi Thirumal, hope you are doing well. I am a Bangladeshi citizen and currently, I have a valid 2 years multiple entry UK visit visa. According to your article, I can see that I am eligible to travel to Armenia and I would be granted a visa on arrival. I have followed the link, which is the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, that you posted, but I cannot find any such information on the website. Could you help me? Am I missing something on the website?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Hasin! Sorry, it was my mistake. Armenia visa on arrival is only available to 51 eligible nationalities. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not on that 51 eligible nationalities list.
Gabriel Okpuno Okei says
Hi Thirumal, I am a Nigerian with a graduate BRP in the UK and I’m wondering what places I can travel to without an additional visa and places I can get an e-visa for.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Gabriel! Look at “Eligible nationalities” for each country in the list. If it says “All nationalities” or “Nigeria”, then you can travel to that country using your UK BRP.
Yash says
Hi Thirumal, I have an Indian passport with the UK Spouse visa (BRP Card – valid until 2024). I wanted to ask if I can travel to North Macedonia without needing to apply for a visa? Many thanks!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Yash! North Macedonia only allows UK visas (visa sticker in the passport) and not UK residence permits. A BRP is considered a residence permit. That being said, temporary or permanent residence permits from any EU country are also allowed. So there is a slight chance that they may have forgotten to update their visa requirements post-Brexit. You can contact them for clarification.
Fateh jan says
I am from Pakistan and have a British UK valid visa. Can I enter Gibraltar?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Fateh Jan! Yes, you can enter Gibraltar with your UK visa. Keep in mind that your UK visa must be multiple-entry and it was issued for 6 months or more.
Burhanuddin Morbiwalla says
Does that mean we have to go from uk first? Or travel directly?
Thirumal Motati says
You can travel to Gibraltar directly. There is no need to travel to the UK first.
Ali aqdas says
Hi, I have a UK student visa tier-4. Its validity is 3 months and multiple entery. Can I enter Mexico without a visa with a Pakistani passport? How long I can stay in Mexico with a UK student sticker visa with 3-month validity? Also, I have BRP whose validity is 24 months.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ali! Mexico does not accept US BRP. With your UK student visa sticker, you can enter Mexico. You will be given 3 months (90-day) entry in Mexico since your UK visa will expire in 3 months.
ali aqdas says
Bro, my UK student clearness sticker visa is going to expire after 40 days so if I go to Mexico without visa so how long I can stay in Mexico because my visa validity is 40 days. I also emailed the Mexican embassy and they told me I should bring a visit visa. So I’m puzzled. You are saying in your article we can easily enter Mexico on our UK student multiple entry clearance but the embassy says if I hold ILR then you can enter Mexico without visa.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ali! To enter Mexico, you will have to have either (1) a UK visa sticker on your passport or (2) a UK ILR. Since you have a UK student visa sticker on your passport, you can enter Mexico. Keep in mind that your UK student visa expires in 40 days, so you will get a maximum of 40 days of entry.