Which Countries Can Enter the UK Without Visa?
The UK is the fifth most powerful passport in the world and citizens of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Crown Dependencies (the Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey) are able to travel to 34 countries without needing a visa.
If you’re planning to travel outside of the UK, you may need to apply for a visa. There are many different types of UK visas to choose from.
South Africa
South Africa is one of the 52 countries that do not require a visa for tourism or business trips of up to 90 days. That makes it easy to visit to photograph wildlife, eat biltong and bunny chow, see where two oceans meet, and commemorate Nelson Mandela at the 27 Madiba’s Journey sites.
Travelers should be aware that civil unrest can occur in South Africa. These protests can develop suddenly without warning, and may turn violent.
South African government officials say they’re getting frustrated with Britain’s apparent reluctance to lift its visa requirements for South Africans. They say this is damaging UK-African relations. The UK government should take action to reduce barriers and redress this situation. The visa process should be streamlined and fees reduced from current levels.
Taiwan
Taiwan does not technically exist as a country; it is a territory of the Chinese mainland. This means that it does not qualify as a member of the United Nations, nor is it recognised by 13 UN member states and the Vatican City/Holy See.
As a result, it is not eligible for visa-exempt entry for nationals of all countries. As such, it is recommended that you apply for a visa before travelling to Taiwan.
Travellers should keep up-to-date with official government advice regarding any changes to entry and exit conditions, particularly when travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. You can do this by checking the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), National Immigration Agency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites, as well as following their social media accounts.
As with other countries, the rules for Taiwanese nationals visiting uk without visa can change at short notice. It is therefore vital that you ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of your departure from Taiwan, and that you have visible means of support while you are in uk (credit cards work).
China
China is the world’s largest country by population and is home to 1.44 billion people. It is also the world’s second largest economy and a key player in the global tech industry.
The government has said that people from the EU, EEA and Switzerland can visit the UK for up to six months without a visa as non-visa nationals (standard visitors). They can also stay for longer if they’re doing a study course or volunteering with a registered charity.
However, visitors from China who arrive in England on direct flights must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test. They should also check the rules before they travel.
Indonesia
Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, lies between Southeast Asia and Australia in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of five main islands – Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan and New Guinea – and 30 smaller ones.
Its lands are inhabited by more than 250 million people, making it the most populous Muslim-majority country in the world. Despite its tumultuous history, Indonesia has become one of the world’s most vibrant countries and a leading democracy.
The country has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 26degC (79degF) in the inland regions to 28degC (82degF) on the coastal plains. Rainfall varies from area to area, with western Sumatra, Java and Bali getting the wettest weather.
It is a presidential representative democratic republic with an elected legislature, which consists of the Council of the People’s Representatives (lower house) and the Council of Regional Representatives (upper house). President Joko Widodo leads a multiparty system.
Kuwait
If you’re a Kuwaiti citizen, you can enter the UK without a visa. Currently, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa Waiver (EVW).
The UK government is piloting a new travel authorisation for GCC countries that will replace the EVW in 2022. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a fully digital system that will make the visa application process easier for Gulf Arab nationals and others traveling to the United Kingdom.
You will need a valid email address to sign up for the ETA. This is required by officials to send you a notification when your application has been approved. You’ll also be asked to answer a series of health and security questions.
Oman
Oman is a country that does not require a visa to enter the UK. Citizens from Oman can enter the UK with a valid ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
While Oman is a relatively traditional Gulf state, it has seen political dissent in the past. However, most visits to Oman are largely trouble free.
The country is bounded by Yemen in the southwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and UAE to the north. Its Musandam exclave sits on the northern tip of the peninsula, separated from the rest by the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar
Qatar is a small country that sits on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf. It is one of the most wealthy countries in the world, thanks to its vast oil reserves.
Its economy has grown rapidly, and the country is now home to a large number of foreign workers. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning on visiting Qatar.
As an Islamic country, you should be aware of the local laws and customs. If you break any of them, you could be arrested or even deported.
Travel to Qatar is safe, but you should remain vigilant at all times. Petty crime is not uncommon, and there are also reports of credit card scams. If you have any concerns, contact the local authorities for advice.
UAE
The UAE, a federation of seven emirates, is the wealthiest nation in the Middle East and is an increasingly important player in global politics. It has a moderate approach to foreign policy and is one of the few countries in the region to avoid armed conflict and civil unrest.
Travellers from the UAE can visit the UK for a number of purposes without needing a visa. This includes tourists, students and business travellers.
Currently, Emiratis and nationals from the six GCC countries (Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia) are able to travel visa-free with an Electronic Visa Waiver. However, beginning in 2023 they will be able to enter the UK through a new visa scheme called the Electronic Travel Authorisation.
British nationals who have Israeli visas or stamps in their passports can also enter the UAE as long as they are not going to work or study. However, if you plan to travel for work purposes, you may have to undergo further checks.
Australia
Australia is a very popular destination for tourists and business people alike. It’s known for its pristine beaches, beautiful natural attractions and the Great Barrier Reef.
Citizens of the UK can enter Australia for up to 6 months as a Standard Visitor without a visa. This means that they can enjoy the country’s attractions and activities, but they cannot work.
If you’re a UK citizen, you can also apply for the Australian Emergency Travel Document (ETA), an electronic visa that replaces the visa label in your passport. This visa is available to British citizens who want to travel to Australia for business or tourism purposes.
The ETA costs $20 USD, or your currency equivalent. It’s an electronic system that lets you travel to Australia easily and quickly, replacing the visa stamp in your passport. You can apply for an ETA online and receive an answer within hours.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a beautiful and diverse country that offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. From hiking, cycling and swimming in national parks to rafting and skydiving, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this amazing country.
British citizens visiting New Zealand for short stays of no more than six months do not need a visa, but must obtain a NZeTA before arriving. It can be applied for online or through the NZeTA app.
The NZ eTA application form is very easy to complete. It asks for personal details, your contact information and a passport-type photograph. It also asks you to agree to the eTA terms and conditions. You will be sent a confirmation email.
