Here are 6 important things you need to know before traveling to or from the UK/US.

1. Checking Travel Advice

It’s better to keep yourself updated with the latest information and the recent changes being made to restrictions on travel. Whether you’re visiting the US or the UK or flying back from a trip, it’s essential to check and follow foreign travel advice. This is because it can help you stay safe and plan for your trip accordingly. Since there are more risks involved with traveling internationally, it’s crucial to follow the procedures of the airline as well as that of your destination.

2. Covid Test

As per the instructions given in both countries, passengers are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding the flight. You’ll either need to get the test done one day or three days before travel, depending on whether you’re vaccinated or not. Especially if you have any of the three covid symptoms, like temperature, cough, or loss of sense of taste and smell, getting a PCR test done is highly necessary. This also applies to people who have been in close contact with an infected individual or with someone who’s showing symptoms of being infected.

3. Lateral Flow Test

If you don’t have any symptoms of coronavirus and are fully vaccinated, you can take a lateral flow test (LFT) instead of a PCR test. These tests are cheaper in comparison and can be purchased from any private provider. To be allowed to travel, passengers are required to show images of their antigen test UK to their private provider, and if the result turns out to be positive, they need to take a PCR test. If you’ve already bought a PCR test, you don’t need to buy the LFT one. The result needs to be sent and verified by the company they purchased the test from.

4. Proving Vaccination Status

Passengers who have had their complete dosage of vaccination against COVID-19 are allowed to travel to the US and UK, provided that at least 14 days have passed since the last dosage was administered. However, wherever you decide to get the vaccination, it is essential that they meet the conditions for travel in that country. The vaccine administered should either be from UK/US vaccination programs or from other international vaccination programs, with proof of vaccination for traveling overseas. It is important that you keep all proof of vaccinations like vaccination certificates along with other travel documents with you while traveling internationally.

5. Children’s Safety

Children are allowed to travel to the US/UK under certain conditions. Firstly, all children below the age of 4 can travel even if they are not vaccinated and do not need to be quarantined upon arrival. For children between the ages of 5 and 17 who are traveling from countries with approved proof of vaccination list, only a COVID-19 test a day or two before arrival is required. For other countries, COVID tests are required before traveling, on the day or before the second day of arrival, on the eighth day after arrival, and quarantine for 10 days at the place of stay in the US/UK.

6. After Arrival in the US/UK

Once you do return to your place of stay, it is important for you to realize that air travel significantly increases your chances of being exposed to the virus. It is recommended for you to quarantine for at least 7 days, even if your COVID test result is negative, as the test result can be a false negative. If, however, you decide to not take the COVID test, you should quarantine for 10-15 days and look out for symptoms of COVID. If your test comes back positive, immediately isolate yourself from others and get proper treatment from your healthcare provider to manage symptoms.

As life slowly moves back to normal after the COVID pandemic, air travel is now picking up pace again after the majority of the counties are vaccinating their populations against this disease. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary to ensure complete vaccination as well as adherence to precautions for traveling safely.

Still, it took four more years for the UK to officially withdraw. Brexit had a tremendous impact on the United Kingdom’s economy, but that’s only one of its consequences. It made it also more difficult for foreign-born nationals to travel to the UK and work there. 

However, as there is a lot of confusion surrounding this topic, we have prepared this article to explain the most common questions about the consequences of Brexit for foreign nationals.

What Are The Main Changes Made by Brexit to the Immigration System?

The main changes made by Brexit to the immigration system are as follows:

• If you are a citizen of a country that is not in the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you will need to apply for a work permit. 

• You will have to undergo checks by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before you can be granted a visa. This will happen regardless of whether you are a new or existing employee. 

• UKVI will no longer issue certificates of sponsorship. Only employers who already have sponsorship applications in progress will be able to make them. The UKVI will not accept any new applications for certificates of sponsorship. 

• If you were studying in the UK and had applied for post-study work, you will not need to make an application if you have already begun your studies. 

• EU citizens will no longer be given preferential treatment under the Tier 2 visa system. They will need to pass the Resident Labour Market Test to stay in the UK after Brexit. 

• The UK government will remove students from the Tier 4 visa limit. 

What Are the Rules Regarding Visas and Immigration for EU Citizens?

Before Brexit, EU citizens could travel freely between EU countries and work there without any restrictions. But now, due to Brexit, this has changed. 

From 1st January 2021, all EU citizens who are not UK citizens will have to apply for settled status to continue living in the United Kingdom. 

From that date, they will also be required to show their passports if they need to prove their identity when dealing with public authorities. 

What are Settled Status and Pre-settled Status?

Settled status is a UK immigration status that gives someone indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom. If you have settled status, you can live and work in the UK indefinitely. 

Pre-settled status is a new status announced by the Home Office. It is granted to those people who have already been living in the UK before Brexit. Pre-settled status allows them to remain in the UK until they apply for settled status. The Home Office will start accepting applications for pre-settled status from 2021. 

There is also discretionary leave to remain, which the home office grants outside of immigration rules. That allows someone to live and work in the UK for a short or limited period of time. Brexit has did not affect the status of discretionary leave to remain with the last significant changes to this ruling being implemented in 2012.

What About EU Citizens Who Moved to the UK Before 2021? 

EU citizens who arrived in the UK before 31st December 2020 will be eligible for a temporary status, which means they can stay and work in the UK until June 2021. After this date, they must apply for pre-settled status. 

How Can I Apply for Settled Status?

EU citizens who want to stay in the UK after Brexit should apply for settled status before June 2021. This means that they must send their application before 30th June 2021, at the latest. 

After this date, there will be no way of applying for settled status. You can apply for settled status online, using an app, or by post. You must show the Home Office a valid passport and proof that you are exercising your treaty rights in the UK. You will also need to prove that you have been living in the country since before 31st December 2020. The documents you need will depend on your situation. 

What if I Am Not Eligible for Settled Status? How Can I Extend My Stay in the UK?

After 30th June 2021, there will be no way of extending your stay in the UK after Brexit. 

However, if you are a citizen of an EU member state but are not eligible for pre-settled status, you may still be able to apply for new immigration status. This depends on your current immigration status and whether you can meet the criteria for settlement or pre-settlement. 

For example, if you are working in the UK as a Tier 2 visa holder with a sponsor, you may be able to apply for permission to stay after 30th June 2021 as a worker. If your current immigration status is ‘Tier 4’, you might be able to apply for post-study work after that date.

What Happens If I Have Settled Status but Lose My Job?

If you have settled status, it means that you have indefinite permission to live and work in the UK. However, it doesn’t mean that you are entitled to benefits or healthcare. 

You will need to apply for a new visa if you want to stay in the UK after losing your job. After Brexit takes place, if you lose your job, you will have to apply for another visa and go through the whole immigration process again. 

What about Family Members of EU Citizens Who Have Settled Status? What Happens After Brexit?

EU citizens who have settled status in the United Kingdom won’t need to worry about their family members who joined them after Brexit. Family members of EU nationals who arrive in the UK before 31st December 2020 will be able to apply for settled status without any restrictions. 

If they arrive after that date, they will be considered EU citizens and can apply for settled status once it becomes available. 

Will I Be Able to Stay in the UK If I Am Currently Studying in the UK?

EU citizens who are currently studying in the UK will not need to apply for a visa after Brexit takes place. They will be able to continue studying until they finish their studies. 

It is important to note that if students decide to stay and work in the UK after their studies are over, they will have to apply for new immigration status. 

Will EU Students Still Be Able to Receive the Same Funding as Before?

Yes, EU students will still be able to receive the same funding as before. The Home Office has confirmed that students receiving financial support from sources such as HEFCE or UCAS before Brexit will continue to do so. 

However, there is one thing that might change after the end of 2020: students who come to the UK before 2021 will be able to apply for funding for the course they are currently attending right now. If they arrive after this date, they will only be able to apply for funding when they arrive at their university.

UK citizens are probably one of the most well-travelled people I know. In every corner you turn your head, you will hear a Brit. You’ll meet them in a hostel dorm room in Southeast Asia, tour groups in Europe, tourist bars in South America, and even on the top of an African mountain – there is a British traveller.

UK passport is one of the strongest passports in terms of travelling. In this article, you will find out the visa free countries for British citizens – countries they can travel without a visa. This British passport visa-free article will also show the visa-on-arrival and/or evisa and the countries that the UK citizens need a visa to enter or travel to.

Despite the Brexit hanging around the corner, the Brits travel a lot either for holiday, business, or immigration, they bring a lot of businesses to different countries in the world. I know my opinion doesn’t matter, but if we are only talking about visa privileges, I personally think that the UK citizens will be able to work on visa arrangements with other countries one way or another.

RELATED POSTS:

• Visa-free countries for US citizens
• Australian passport visa-free countries
• ​Visa-free countries for Canadian passport holders
• New Zealand passport holders visa-free countries
• Visa free countries for Philippines passport holders
• German passport visa-free countries

HOW MANY COUNTRIES CAN A BRITISH CITIZEN VISIT WITHOUT A VISA

There are 174 countries that British citizens can travel without a visa. While they can receive 45 visas on arrival or evisa, and 35 countries require a British passport holder to apply for a visa beforehand.

RELATED POST: Best books to read when travelling

HOW STRONG IS A BRITISH PASSPORT IN TERMS OF TRAVELLING

If you are planning to travel on a British passport, you are lucky. It’s on the 4th rank most powerful passport in the world on the 21st place together with most European countries, Japan, and Canada.

BRITISH PASSPORT VISA FREE COUNTRIES: Visa-Free, Visa-On-Arrival, & Visa Requirement

Here are the visa-free countries for British passport holders plus visa on arrival, evisa, and which countries require to apply for a visa before entry. It’s all categorised by continent and in alphabetical order.

RELATED POST: Best walking shoes for concrete for travelling

VISA GUIDE FOR AFRICA

There are many countries in Africa that are visa-free access for UK citizens. While others gave limited access, you can easily apply for an extension or a specific visa to prolong your stay depending on the purpose.

RELATED POST: Best travel jacket with hidden pockets for men and women

Central Africa

VISA-FREE:

• Sao Tome and Principe – 15 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Angola – evisa for 30 days, must show an onward ticket and hotel reservation
• Gabon – visa on arrival or evisa for 90 days, evisa must arrive via Libreville International Airport
• Rwanda – evisa or visa on arrival for 30 days, can enter using a valid East Africa Tourist Visa issues by Kenya or Uganda

VISA REQUIRED:

• Burundi
• Cameroon – pre-approved visa can be received on arrival
• Central African Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Chad
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Republic of the Congo
• South Sudan

RELATED POST: Best 50L backpacks on the market

East Africa

VISA-FREE:

• Mayotte – freedom of movement, must hold a valid ID or Passport
• Mauritius – 90 days
• Reunion – freedom of movement, must hold a valid ID or Passport
• Seychelles – 90 days free of charge

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Comoros
• Djibouti – evisa for 31 days – how to apply for Djibouti evisa
• Ethiopia – evisa or visa on arrival from 30 days for up to 90 days which must be obtained or arrive via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport – APPLY FOR AN EVISA HERE
• Kenya – visa on arrival or evisa for 90 days, can enter with valid East African Tourist Visa from either Kenya or Uganda
• Madagascar – visa on arrival or 30 days – find out how you can get an evisa online – or apply now
• Somalia – visa on arrival for 30 days, available at Berbera, Borama, Bosaso, Burao, Erigavo, Galciao, Hargeisa, and Mogadishu airports only
• Tanzania – evisa or visa on arrival for 90 days
• Uganda – visa on arrival or evisa, must get online, you can also enter using East Africa Tourist Visa from Kenya or Rwanda
• Zambia – visa on arrival or evisa, can apply for Universal Visa to use for Zambia and Zimbabwe – APPLY FOR AN EVISA HERE
• Zimbabwe – evisa or visa on arrival, and apply for Universal Visa to use for Zimbabwe and Zambia

VISA REQUIRED:

• Eritrea – pre-approved visa can be received upon arrival

North Africa

VISA-FREE:

• Morocco – 90 days
• Tunisia – 90 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Egypt– evisa or visa on arrival for 30 days – get your evisa here or read this guide in filling out Egypt visa application form

VISA REQUIRED:

• Algeria
• Libya – if you have a pre-approved visa, it  can be picked up upon arrival
• South Sudan

South Africa

VISA-FREE:

• Botswana – 90 days
• Eswatini (Swaziland) – 30 days
• Gambia – 90 days
• Lesotho – 14 days
• Namibia – 90 days in a calendar year
• Senegal – 90 days
• South Africa – 90 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Malawi – 90 days visa on arrival or evisa – check this guide on how you apply for an evisa or apply here
• Mozambique – visa on arrival for 30 days

RELATED POST: Best quick dry towels for backpacking

West Africa

VISA-FREE:

• Gambia – 90 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Benin – visa on arrival for 8 days and evisa for 30 days, must show an international vaccination certificate
• Burkina Faso – visa on arrival for 30 days
• Cape Verde – visa on arrival
• Cote d’Ivoire – evisa for 90 days, must enter through Port Bouet Airport – APPLY HERE – Ivory Coast visa application guide
• Guinea-Bissau – evisa and visa on arrival for 90 days
• Mauritania – visa on arrival on Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport only
• Togo – visa on arrival for 7 days

VISA REQUIRED:

• Ghana – you can pick up your pre-approved visa when you land
• Guinea
• Liberia – it’s ok to pick up your pre-approved visa when you land
• Mali
• Niger – you can pick up your pre-approved visa when you land
• Nigeria
• Sierra Leone – it’s ok to pick up your pre-approved visa when you land

VISA GUIDE FOR ASIA

Asia is a great destination for British travellers especially East and Southeast Asia where most countries do not require a visa to enter and travel. Some of them even give a lot of free visa days. Plus, nowadays, there are many direct flights from the UK or Europe to Asia which makes travelling easier.

ALSO READ: Fun and educational trips to add on your Asia bucket list and Eco-friendly travel accessories to pack

East Asia

VISA-FREE:

• Hong Kong – 180 days in a calendar year
• Japan – 90 days, can be extended once – things to know before travelling to Japan
• Macau – 180 days
• South Korea – 90 days
• Taiwan – 90 days – things to know before travelling to Taiwan

VISA REQUIRED:

• China – 72-hour transit is free via Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Guilin, Harbin, Kunming, Qingdao, Wuhan, Xi’an and Xiamen. Can transit for 144-hours via Beijing Capital International Airport,Dalian, Hangzhou, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei, Nanjing, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Railway Station and the Port of Shanghai) ; Shenyang and Tianjin Binhai International Airport. – apply online (only for groups and business visa)

• Mongolia

• North Korea – a special permit is required and must be with an approved tour agency only

Central Asia

VISA-FREE:

• Kazakhstan – 30 days
• Kyrgyzstan – 60 days
• Uzbekistan – 30 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Tajikistan – evisa for 45 days – check how to get an evisa

VISA REQUIRED:

• Turkmenistan

South Asia

VISA-FREE:

• Maldives – 30 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL/EVISA:

• Bangladesh – visa on arrival for 30 days, must enter through Dhaka International Airport
• India – evisa for 180 days, evisa can only be used twice in a calendar year and must be used via 26 international airports or 3 seaports – check this Indian visa online guide or get your evisa now
• Nepal – visa on arrival for 90 days and can be extended
• Pakistan – evisa for 30 days, single entry – you can apply here
• Sri Lanka – evisa/visa on arrival for 30 days, can be extended once you are in the country for a maximum of 90 days – APPLY FOR AN EVISA

VISA REQUIRED:

• Afghanistan
• Bhutan – visas must be processed via the Embassy, Consulate, or approved tour operators only
  

Southeast Asia

RELATED POSTS: Backpacking in Southeast Asia, 2 weeks up to 6 months itineraries, travel budget for Southeast Asia, and when is the best time to visit,  vaccinations for Southeast Asia, visas for Southeast Asia

VISA-FREE:

• Brunei – 90 days
• Indonesia – 30 days – read this Indonesia tourist visa
• Malaysia – 90 days – check this Malaysia visa guide
• Philippines – 30 days, can be extended once you are in the country – here is the Philippines visa guide or retire in the Philippines
• Singapore – 90 days – read my Singapore tourist visa guide
• Thailand – 30 days, if arriving via land, you are only allowed to enter Thailand twice in a year – check out this Thailand visa guide
• Vietnam – 15 days or can apply for evisa for 30 days or longer visa (up to 90 days) – more information on Vietnam visa guide

VISA ON ARRIVAL / EVISA:

• Cambodia – evisa/visa on arrival for 30 days, can be extended for another 30 days – find more details on Cambodia visa guide
• Laos – visa on arrival for 30 days – read this Laos visa guide or apply for an evisa
• Myanmar – evisa for 28 days, must enter through a specific point depending on what you place on your application – APPLY FOR AN EVISA – here is my Myanmar visa guide
• Timor-Leste – visa on arrival for 30 days via Dili Seaport or Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport
• Vietnam – evisa for 30 days or longer – check your visa options

West / Middle East

VISA-FREE:

• Armenia – 180 days
• Georgia – 365 days – read my article about Georgia visa guide
• Israel – 90 days – how to extend your Israel tourist visa
• Palestine
• Qatar – 30 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL / EVISA:

• Azerbaijan – evisa for 30 days – get your evisa or read how to apply for Azerbaijan visa
• Bahrain – visa on arrival for 90 days, evisa for 14 days can be extended once
• Iraq – visa on arrival for 15 days at Erbil and Sulaymaniyah Airport
• Jordan – visa on arrival for 30 days – read this how to apply for Jordan pass which is best for the value of money, you can also check the prices here
• Kuwait – evisa/visa on arrival for 90 days – a guide on how to get Kuwait evisa or look at the fee
• Lebanon – visa on arrival for 30 days, can be extended for two additional months for free at Beirut International Airport
• Oman – evisa for 30 days – apply for an evisa
• Turkey – evisa for 90 days -check for evisa price – Turkey visa guide
• Saudi Arabia – evisa, you can use up to 90 days in 1-year validity – see how to apply
• United Arab Emirate – visa on arrival for 30 days for free

VISA REQUIRED:

• Iran
• Syria
• Yemen – a single tourist visa can be obtained upon arrival for 60 days

VISA GUIDE FOR EUROPE

Europe is definitely the number one holiday destination for a British. It’s easy to get around to, borders almost do not exist, and the flights are crazy cheap and short – even just a weekend trip is possible.

RELATED POST: Best filtered water bottle

European Union Member

The United Kingdom started the process of withdrawing from the European Union until the final steps are done, the British citizens still have the right to enter, travel, and live in the Schengen State/European Union member countries.

* – non-member of EU but British passport holders and citizens can move freely

RELATED POST: Best 40L backpack for men and women

Non-European Union Member

Here are the non-EU member countries but still offer great visa policies for British passport holders.

VISA-FREE:

• Albania – 90 days
• Andorra
• Belarus – 30 days, must arrive in Minsk International Airport and should be registered at the police if staying for more than 5 days
• Kosovo – 90 days
• Macedonia – 90 days
• Moldova – 90 days in 180-day period
• Monaco
• Montenegro – 90 days
• San Marino
• Serbia – 90 days
• Ukraine – 90 days in 180-day period
• Vatican City

VISA REQUIRED:

• Russia – you need an invitation letter from a person in Russia or a travel agency if you are applying for a visa, you can get it online too

VISA GUIDE FOR AMERICA

Travelling to the north, central, and South America is quite easy too. This part of the world gives British passport visa-free countries access. The visas are not a problem while the affordable and direct flights can be found with a little research, these destinations are simply must-travel.

RELATED POST: Long-haul flight essentials and for connection

Central America / Caribbean

VISA-FREE:

• Aruba – 30 days can be extended up to 180 days
• Antigua and Barbuda – 180 days
• Bahamas – 21 days, can be extended up to 8 months
• Barbados – 180 days
• Belize – 30 days
• Bermuda – 180 days
• Cayman Islands – 180 days
• Costa Rica – 90 days
• Curacao – 90 days
• Dominica – 180 days
• Dominican Republic – 30 days
• El Salvador – 90 days
• Guatemala – 90 days
• Grenada – 180 days
• Haiti – 90 days
• Honduras – 90 days
• Jamaica – 180 days
• Nicaragua – 90 days
• Saint Kitts and Nevis – 90 days
• Saint Lucia – 6 weeks
• Turks and Caicos – 90 days
• Panama – 180 days

VISA REQUIRED:

• Cuba

North America

VISA-FREE:

• Canada – 180 days, eTA is required if arriving by air
• Greenland – Schengen visa rule is applied 
• Mexico – 180 days but must have a tourist card – get yours
• United States – 90 days, ESTA is required if arriving via air or sea, not required in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands – travelling to the US checklist

RELATED POST: Travel electric toothbrush to pack for your next trip

South America

VISA-FREE:

• Argentina – 90 days
• Bolivia – 90 days
• Brazil – 90 days, can be extended for another 90 days – things to know before travelling to Brazil
• Chile – 90 days, can be extended
• Colombia – 90 days, can be extended for a total of 180-days in a calendar year, must show Yellow Fever Vaccine if coming from Brazil and Uganda
• Ecuador – 90 days, can be extended
• Guyana – 90 days
• Paraguay – 90 days
• Peru – 183 days, but depends on the immigration officer, normally they give 90 days and you can extend for less than $2 in the immigration office in any major cities in Peru
• Venezuela – 90 days
• Uruguay – 90 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL / EVISA:

• Suriname – tourist card on arrival for 90 days or get it online, you can also read this guide on how to apply for Suriname evisa

VISA GUIDE FOR OCEANIA

Maybe the flights can be long if heading to Oceania, the one thing you can assure is that it’s full of unbeaten and non-touristy destinations. Visas shouldn’t be an issue either.

RELATED POST: Best wheeled backpack

VISA-FREE:

• Australia – evistor permit for 90 days for free, valid for 1 year
• Fiji – 120 days
• Kiribati – 30 days
• Marshall Islands – 90 days
• Micronesia – 30 days
• New Zealand – 180 days – must get an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) prior to arrival starting October 10th 2019
• Palau – 30 days
• Samoa – 60 days
• Solomon Islands – 90 days
• Tonga – 31 days
• Tuvalu – 30 days
• Vanuatu – 30 days

VISA ON ARRIVAL / EVISA:

• Papua New Guinea – evisa or free visa on arrival for 60 days – read our Papua New Guinea evisa guide or apply now

VISA REQUIRED:

• Nauru​​​​

OTHER BRITISH TERRITORIES

Being part of the Commonwealth nation also helps British citizens to travel to current and old member of the Commonwealth nations. Today, there are 14 British territories that a UK passport holder can enter, travel, and some of them even allow freedom of movement Check the list here and their visa policies.

I really hope that you found this guide about visa requirements for UK citizens useful and helped you plan your next holiday or backpacking trip. If you have any questions or I missed or made a mistake, let me know in the comment section and I’ll correct it right away.

DISCLAIMER

A Mary Road is not responsible for any situation where the reader was denied admittance to the above-listed countries. Please refer to our Disclosure. We advise you to always double-check visa information as they change quite often to avoid any hassles.

ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? SAVE THIS TO READ LATER: