Do you Need a Visa? - Countries Requiring Visas for Summer Travel
Some popular destinations require Britons to obtain a visa before they arrive. Here’s a list of visa and permit requirements - to help you enjoy a smooth, hassle-free holiday.
No one enjoys hearing this at the airport check-in desk:
"Sorry, you must have a visa in place before you can board the aircraft."
Airlines are sticklers for making sure you, as a passenger, have the right visa. If you don't and you're refused entry in the destination country, they are responsible for getting you back home.
So no matter how obscure your destination, the airline will know which visas and other documents to check for.
Transit visa nightmares
But it's not just general entry visas you need to worry about. Transit visas are sometimes required for when you pass through a country, however briefly.
For example, at some airports you may need a transit visa in place if:
- You have a long time to wait - e.g. 12 hours or more
- You have to change airports in a particular country
- You have to change airline
Research your destination's visa/permit requirements
While the UK passport is one of the best out there for visa-free travel (it's ranked 6th on the Passport Power Index), Britons do have to obtain a visa for some countries.
This is sometimes due to bad relations between the UK and the destination country, or is a 'tit for tat' move in response to strict UK visa entry requirements. For example, Indians must pay £120 for a 6-month visa to the UK, while Britons must pay £127 to enter India on a long-stay visa (albeit allowing a 12 month stay).
Other permits and levies
Note that some countries may not charge for a visa, but may levy other fees. For example, Britons can visit New Zealand without a visa, but must apply for an electronic travel authority and pay a conservation levy, amounting to about 28 GBP in total.
How to get a visa or e-visa: Top destinations for Brits
Note: Most countries require at least 6 months of passport validity at date of entry. Information applies to British passport holders.
United States - You must obtain an ESTA
The UK falls under the US Visa Waiver Program, which means British passport holders can visit the USA for up to 90 days without a visa (for business or tourism).
However, you must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).
Getting an ESTA takes up to 72 hours. You can do this online using the official ESTA website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta
Beware fake ESTA websites and agents who will add a fee.
It costs $21 for an ESTA ($4 initial charge, and $17 charge if your application is successful). You'll need to upload your passport biographic page and enter name, address, contact details, date of birth etc. and you may need to provide details of your stay.
Those who have been arrested, convicted of any offence, or been refused entry to the USA before cannot apply for an ESTA.
Thailand
Visa exempt for 30 days. However, longer stays will require a paid visa extension (if already in Thailand).
For those planning longer visits, a 60-day visa can be applied for online (£30) before arrival. Approval takes 5-10 working days.
Dubai
British passport holders are given a visa stamp on arrival; you do not need to prepare any documents. The visa lasts for 30 days, plus a 10-day grace period.
Hong Kong (China SAR)
No visa required for stays of up to 6 months. One month passport validity required.
China
Visa-free transit in many cities, including Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing (all 144 hours). Other cities allow 72 or 24 hours visa-free transit, depending on the city. Hainan island can be visited for up to 30 days without a visa.
Some transit visas are long enough for a quick visit to the city in question.
However, to travel in mainland China, you'll need a visa.
Apply online then go to a visa application centre (Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh). It costs £151, but more for Express and Postal applications. Visas are single entry and valid for 30 days. You'll need to show a round trip ticket.
http://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/visa/notice/202304/t20230403_11053668.htm
Egypt
You'll normally need a visa to visit Egypt. Apply for an e-visa on the link below. Cost: $25. 30-day validity. Visa must be used within 3 months of issue.
However, if you're visiting Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba for 15 days or less, you'll get a free entry permission stamp.
India
Visa required. An e-Tourist visa can be applied for online. A 30-day visa costs £25. You can also apply for a one-year paper visa (£127), among other visa types.
E-visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Paper visa: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
Jordan
You can get a visa on arrival, costing 40 Jordanian Dollars - or an e-visa/Jordan Pass.
If you are staying for at least 3 nights (4 days) and you buy a Jordan Pass (70 JOD), you will not need to pay the visa entry fees, so a Jordan Pass is the best option for most visitors. The Jordan Pass also gives you entry to key attractions.
For travel to Israel or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, you'll need a regular visa:
https://www.mfa.gov.jo/en/embassy/London
Laos
Visa required. Buy on arrival ($30) at Vientiane's Wattay International Airport, Luang Prabang's and Paske airports.
You can also apply for an e-visa online (at least 3 days in advance). $35.
Cambodia
Visa on arrival ($30) plus "stamping charge" of $5 - $15.
E-visa can be applied for in advance, which may save you from spurious fees. 30-day validity.
Vietnam
Free 45-day visa issued on arrival.
Madagascar
Visa on arrival: Under 15 days: free, but with 10 euro admin charge. 35-day visa costs 35 euros; 60-day visa costs 40 euros.
An e-visa can be obtained in advance:
https://madagascar-e-visa.com/
Sri Lanka
Visa required. Apply for an e-visa ahead of your trip. A 30-day visa costs $40, plus an $10/$18.75 service fee. Short transits are permitted without a visa.
Nepal
Visa required.
You can buy on arrival (pay in USD cash), but you'll probably save time (due to lengthy queues) if you buy an e-visa. Buy up to 15 days in advance of your arrival.
15-day visa: £25; 30-day visa: £40.
https://www.immigration.gov.np/
New Zealand
No visa required for up to 6 months tourism stay. However, you must request a NZeTA (NZD $17 via app; NZD $23 online) and pay the IVL (International Visitor Levy) of NZD $35. This will be around £28 altogether if applying online.
Onward flights and proof of funds required.
https://nzeta.immigration.govt.nz/
Australia
E-visa required. This is free and allows up to 3 months stay for tourism purposes. However, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) via a special app, use of which attracts an AUD $20 fee.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601
Turkey
British nationals don't need a visa for tourism visits of 90 days or less (within a 180-day period).
If you wish to stay beyond the 90-day period, you must get a short-term residence permit before the end of your initial stay.
https://www.mfa.gov.tr/general-information-about-turkish-visas.en.mfa
Pakistan
Visa required. 30-day visa on arrival now available. Photo and hotel booking required.
You can also apply for a 30-day e-visa (at least 10 days before arrival). $60 USD.
Schengen area: No visa required
This includes: Spain, France, Portugal, Germany, Italy, Malta and a number of other European countries.
British nationals don't need a visa for tourism visits of 90 days or less (within a 180-day period).
St Maarten
British passport holders do not need a visa to enter St Maarten for periods of 90 days or less.
Maldives
You’ll get a free 30-day visa on arrival.
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