visa free travel with uk ilr

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43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2024 edition]

Updated: March 21, 2024 533 Comments

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 40 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.

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

• 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
• 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

Central America

02. Costa Rica

• 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
• 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
• Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
• 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

04. Anguilla (British Territory)

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
• Entry granted: 90 days
• Official source: The Government of Anguilla

05. Antigua and Barbuda

• Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident permit)
• 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
• Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs (applies to all nationalities)
• Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

07. Bahamas

• Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident card)
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas

08. Bermuda (British Territory)

• 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

09. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

10. british virgin islands (british territory).

• 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)

11. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

• 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

12. Curaçao

13. dominican republic.

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
• 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

14. Jamaica

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Dominican Republic
• Entry rules: UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
• Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica

15. Sint Maarten

16. turks and caicos (british territory).

• Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos

RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2024

South America

• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

RELATED: 18 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa or PR in 2024

18. Albania

• Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry UK visas
• Entry rule: UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

19. Armenia

• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
• 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

20. Georgia

• 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

21. Gibraltar (British Territory)

• 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

22. Ireland

• North Macedonia
• 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
• 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

23. Moldova

• Central African Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• South Africa
• 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

24. Montenegro

• Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
• Official source: Government of Montenegro

25. North Macedonia

• Entry granted: 15 days
• 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
• UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
• Afghanistan
• Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
• North Korea
• 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.

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

Middle East

29. Bahrain

• Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
• 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
• Burkina Faso
• Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Guinea Bissau
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Permitted visas: None
• 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
• El Salvador
• Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
• 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
• 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

33. Saudi Arabia

• Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa (other visas not accepted)
• 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

34. United Arab Emirates

• Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR, BRP and spouse visas
• Entry granted: 14 days
• 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)

• 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

36. Morocco

• 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

• Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
• 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
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

38. Kyrgyzstan

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry UK visas, issued for at least for 3+ years
• Entry granted: 7 days
• 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

39. Philippines

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
• Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India

40. Singapore

• Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
• 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

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)
• Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the UK through South Korea
• Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
• Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
• Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs
• 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)

43. Thailand

• Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR or BRP
• Entry granted: 60 days
• 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
• Thai E-Visa Portal

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.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

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Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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A UK Visa Allows for Visa-Free Travel to Over 30 Countries Across the Globe

We all know that a Schengen visa allows for free travel to all countries in the Schengen region, but guess what a visa to the UK allows you to travel to 34 countries without a visa.

The best part is that the UK visa is not the most difficult visa to get. And the visa-free travel applies to anyone on the following visa types: 

• UK Work Visa
• UK Residence Permit 
• UK Family Visa 
• UK Student Visa
• UK Visitor Visa  
• UK Transit Visa 

However, different countries have different visa regulations so make sure to read on to find out more about which country you can visit with your UK visa.

Table of Contents

Let’s begin with European countries

If you have a visa to the UK then you should make sure you visit these amazing holiday destinations in Europe before your visa expires: 

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 rules: UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas

Entry rules: UK visa must be valid on the day of arrival in Georgia.

The total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.

Gibraltar (British Territory)

Entry granted: 180 days

Entry rules:

• UK visa must be issued for at least 6 months or more
• UK residence permit must be issued for at least 12 months or more

Eligible nationalities: Not for all nationalities so make sure you contact a consulate or the embassy of Ireland near you.  

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

• 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

Entry granted: 30 days

• UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay

North Macedonia

Entry granted: 15 days

• A UK visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay.
• The total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 3 months in any 6 months.

Permitted visas: None

• UK residence permits should have been granted for 5 or more years.
• The total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180 day period.
• The UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Eligible nationalities: Not all nationalities so please contact a Turkish embassy or consulate near you before planning a trip to Turkey.

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa online.
• eVisa fee is USD 43, valid for 180 days, single-entry only.

North, Central, South America, and the Caribbean

Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas

Permitted resident permits: All valid ILR and BRPs

• UK visa or residence permit must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico.
• Passport must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico.

Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas

• 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.
• Passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival. Must show proof of at least USD 500

Anguilla (British Territory)

Antigua and Barbuda

Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA).VOA fee is USD 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only.
• The UK Visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival.
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival

Eligible nationalities: Not all nationalities. so please contact a respective embassy or consulate near you before planning a trip.

Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs (applies to all nationalities)

Bermuda (British Territory)

• UK visa or residence permit must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda

Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

British Virgin Islands (British Territory)

• UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK before (OR).
• UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival

Cayman Islands (British Territory)

• Must arrive in the Cayman Islands directly from the UK.
• Arriving from a third country is not permitted.

Dominican Republic

• If arriving by land or sea, you must purchase a Tourist Card on arrival for USD 10.
• If arriving by air, the tourist card is included in the airfare. Passport must be valid from at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival

Sint Maarten

• UK residence permit must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival

Turks and Caicos (British Territory)

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit

Asia and the Middle East

• Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa online, valid for 1 year, multiple entries and must be used within 1 month of approval
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar eTA is free of charge, valid for 30 days, single-entry only.
• Your UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival.

Saudi Arabia

Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports in Saudi Arabia the VOA fee is 440 SAR (equivalent to USD 117), valid for 1 year, multiple-entry.
• You must arrive by air on one of the official Saudi National airlines – Saudia, Flynas, and Saudi Gulf and your UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK.

United Arab Emirates

Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR, BRP and spouse visas

Entry granted: 14 days

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at 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

Entry granted: 120 days

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but you are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL VOA fee is 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry only.
• Passport must to be valid during the entire stay in Armenia

Philippines

• The UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of stay.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure

Permitted visas: All valid used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit

Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)

• 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

South Korea

• Must be traveling to go to any of the 26 Schengen countries or Cyprus, Ireland, Romania or UK through South Korea (OR) Must depart from any of the 26 Schengen countries or Cyprus, Ireland, Romania or the UK to go to a third country through South Korea.

Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit visas

Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs

• Visa is EXEMPT but must apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online before arrival.
• 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.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival

So, if you are planning to move to the UK anytime soon, don’t forget that you could plan a hassle-free trip to any of these exotic locations.

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What Countries Can I Visit With UK ILR?

While waiting for an Indefinite Leave to Remain application decision, you are not advised to leave the UK as it will ultimately mean your application will become void and you will have to start the application process over again.

Once you have been granted Indefinite leave to remain and have applied for citizenship , you are permitted to leave the UK at your leisure.

For details on the process or to speak to one of our friendly immigration lawyers who will advise you on the application, call us today on 028 4379  8679 or fill out the contact form on our website.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

The United Kingdom does not grant long-term visas, instead UK visas are mostly short-term visas and valid for 6 months.

Depending on the country, any of the UK visas listed can be used:

• UK Visitor Visa (Standard visitor and Short-term study)
• UK Student Visa
• UK Work Visa
• UK Transit Visa
• UK Family Visa (Spouse)
• UK Residence Permit (ILR and BRP)

It is strongly advised applicants waiting for a pending ILR visa or residence permit do not travel outside the United Kingdom during this period, otherwise their application will be invalidated and they will have to reapply and pay the fees again.

However, once you have got your Indefinite Leave to Remain granted and have already applied for citizenship status, you are permitted to travel outside of the UK while your citizenship application is pending.

When applying for citizenship you are able to send a copy of your passport with your application and keep your physical passport with you, allowing you to travel.

If you are deported from the UK your indefinite leave will be invalidated. It can also be revoked if you are unable to be deported due to refugee status or are no longer a refugee, or obtained ILR by deception.

Your ILR will lapse if you stay outside the UK for 2+ continuous years, or 5+ if you have been granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Can I visit British Territories with a UK visa?

There are a total of 14 British overseas territories, formerly known as British dependent territories.

• British Antarctic Territory
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Falkland Islands
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• St Helena and its dependencies
• Turks and Caicos Islands

These territories have a constitutional link with the UK and are under its formal control but they do not form part of the UK. They are self-governing and have separate jurisdictions but rely on the UK for matters such as foreign policy or defence.

If you are a British citizen and you would like to move to one of the British overseas territories, you will have to apply for a visa.

As a British citizen, you have to go through all the immigration procedures that other foreign nationals go through before emigrating to these territories.

Can I travel to Europe with ILR post Brexit?

You will need to have spent at least 5 years in the UK before you are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and a further 12 months to be able to apply for British citizenship.

When an individual has successfully received their ILR status, they do not receive their extended citizenship rights right away. This only applies to certain visa routes and you will need to ensure that the one you are on is applicable.

Once you have your British citizenship, you will then gain your extended rights. Only then will you have the same rights as a British citizen.

If you have a UK visa, you will only be able to travel within the UK. If you wish to visit, live or work in another country, then you will have to apply for a visa directly from that country.

However, if you wanted to relocate within Europe, you would now need a visa from that country.

Currently, British citizens are only permitted to stay in a European country for up to 90 days, If you wish to relocate further afield, then you would need a visa from that country.

What about EEA Nationals, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British National Overseas, British Overseas citizens?

EEA nationals and their family members can apply for UK Citizenship.

If you are a British Overseas Territories Citizen, a British National Overseas citizen, a British Overseas citizen, a British subject, or a British protected person then you are not a British citizen; however naturalisation is unlikely to be suitable for you as you are likely to have an alternative route to British citizenship through registration.

How can Newcastle Immigration lawyers help you?

Obtaining ILR or citizenship is a long process, which can have an uncertain result. Our Immigration team is qualified and ready to help you with visa applications or walking you through the process.

Navigating visa routes or application forms can be tricky, especially if you speak a different language.

We have friendly, experienced lawyers waiting to help you with you and your families immigration case today.

Our list of assistance includes but is not limited to:

• Provide a Letter of Representation
• Assist you in completing your application to the best it can be, including fixing errors and proofreading
• Conduct a thorough document check to make sure everything is included in your application
• Walk you through eligibility for multiple visas that best suit your needs
• Help you prepare for both the Life in the UK test and your English language examination
• Liaise with the Home Office on your behalf throughout the entire process

Call us today on 028 4379  8679 or fill out the contact form on our website.

Do you need help applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain? Our lawyers can assist you. Get in touch

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British citizenship, spouse visa application, indefinite leave to remain, spouse visa extension, skilled worker visa, sponsor licence application.

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Countries You Can Travel VISA-FREE with a UK Visa

Traveling with a UK visa opens the door to numerous countries and territories around the globe, allowing for visa-free or simplified entry. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your international travel with a UK visa.

Visa Overview

UK tourist visas typically offer short-term entry, valid for up to six months. There are also long-term options available for 5 to 10 years, though these come with higher costs. It’s important to ensure that your visa application aligns with your travel plans, given the complex nature of the process.

Important Reminder

Visa regulations are subject to change, and it is crucial to consult official sources or conduct due diligence to confirm the visa requirements of your destination before traveling.

Visa-Free Travel by Continent

North america.

• Mexico : Visa-free entry for up to 180 days. Must have a valid UK visa or residence permit during the stay.
• Costa Rica : Entry for 30 days. Requires a UK visa or BRP valid for at least 3 months from the date of arrival.

Central America

• Panama : Permitted a 30-day stay. A UK visa or residence permit must have been used at least once prior to arrival.
• Anguilla (British Territory) : Entry granted for up to 90 days with any valid UK visa.
• Bahamas : 90-day entry for citizens of India, among others, holding any valid UK visa.
• Bermuda : Visa-free access for 30 days, requiring the visa or residence permit to be valid for at least 45 days beyond departure.

South America

• Peru : 180-day entry for nationals from selected countries including China and India, holding a valid UK visa.
• Brazil : Allows UK visa holders extensive entry options, often with a straightforward process.
• Georgia : 90-day entry within a 180-day period for all nationalities with a valid UK visa.
• Ireland : Allows for a 90-day stay or until the UK entry stamp expires, whichever is shorter.

Middle East

• Bahrain : 14 or 30 days entry with a visa on arrival or eVisa depending on the stay duration.
• United Arab Emirates : 14 days via Visa on Arrival, exclusively available at UAE airports.
• Egypt : 30-day entry with Visa on Arrival for all nationalities holding any valid UK visa.
• Morocco : Allows for a 30-day stay through an e-Visa application, requiring the visa to be valid for at least 90 days from arrival.
• Japan : 90-day entry available for those with a resident UK visa.
• Singapore : 96 hours through the Visa Free Transit Facility, subject to specific conditions like onward travel within the same itinerary.

Additional Notes

Certain countries require the UK visa to be a multiple-entry visa and to have been used at least once for travel to the UK. The information provided here is for general guidance and travelers should verify specific details with the official immigration authorities or embassies before making travel plans.

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Which Countries Can I Visit with UK Residence Permit without Visa?

Visa-free travel refers to entering a country without applying for a visa due to agreements between your home country and other countries and regions, which aims to simplify the procedures of crossing borders and personnel exchanges. For example, UK citizens can visit almost anywhere without visas. The good news is that some UK residents enjoy similar privileges. If you have a UK residence permit, you might wonder “ Which countries can I visit with UK residence permit without visa ?” In this passage, we will find out the answer.

BRP vs. Residence Card vs. ILR

A UK residence permit is an immigration authorization that guarantees an individual can legally live, work, access certain public benefits and even settle down in the country but with nationalities of other countries. Here are some common types.

Biometric Resident Permit

BRP is issued to those who:

• apply to enter the UK for more than 6 months, or
• extend their visa for over 6 months, or
• intend to settle in the UK, or
• transfer their visa to another passport, or
• apply for travel documents from the Home Office.

This plastic card is usually valid for 10 years. There is a chip on it that is used to prevent identity theft and misuse.

UK Residence Card

It is known as a European Economic Area (EEA) biometric residence card (BRC), but it is no longer available since Brexit. EU citizens have to obtain other types of permission to continue staying in the UK, such as EU Settlement Scheme.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

ILR is also called a UK permanent residence permit, allowing the holder to live, work, study and engage in business activities in the UK without restriction of stay and visa extension. It is issued to those who:

• have been legally staying in the country for a qualifying period, or
• have family (spouse, partner, parent, child, or other relatives) in the UK, or
• are a Commonwealth citizen, or
• are a refugee or enjoy humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave
• are coming back to the UK with a previous ILR
• served in the armed forces

🔎👉 Read Also:

UK Passport Visa Free Countries 2024

What Countries Can I Visit Visa Free with UK ILR

Which Countries Can I Visit with UK Residence Permit Without Visa

The visa-free policy for UK residence permit holders covers a variety of countries and regions. In this section, we will talk about eligibility, entry rules, duration of stay, etc. Please note that we mainly focus on visa-free travel for ordinary passport holders who travel internationally for non-gainful purposes.

Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations for travelers from all over the world. Britain has reached an agreement with the European Union (EU) to allow its citizens and residents to have a short visit without a visa. The purpose of travel and length of stay might vary from country to country.

Travelers of all nationalities are eligible to enter Albania as long as they present a passport valid for at least 3 months and a valid, multiple-entry UK visa stamped on the passport or a separate valid UK resident permit. Please don’t stay over 90 days during a 6-month period.

Foreign visitors can take a visa-free travel to Armenia with passports issued by the countries listed in the table and a valid, multiple-entry UK visa or valid UK resident permit. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days or during your stay in Armenia which should not exceed 180 days in a year.

People of all nationalities are allowed to enter this country without a visit and stay for 90 days within a 180-day period when showing a valid, multiple-entry UK visa on their passports or a valid UK resident permit. The passport must be valid for at least 3 months and has at least 2 blank pages at the time of entry.

● Gibraltar

International visitors with a valid, multiple-entry UK visa issued for at least 6 months or a valid UK resident permit issued for at least 12 months are exempt from applying for a visa to enter Gibraltar regardless of their nationalities. The visa-free duration of stay should be less than 180 days.

● Montenegro

All nationals around the world enjoy a 30-day vasa-waiver stay in Montenegro with a valid, multiple-entry UK visa or valid UK resident permit and a passport valid for no less than 3 months.

● North Macedonia

Valid, multiple-entry UK visa, UK BRP or UK ILR holders can stay in North Macedonia for 15 days without an extra visa. The validity of the UK visa or residence permit must be 5 days longer than the expected period of stay in North Macedonia. Make sure your passport does not expire in 3 months when you arrive.

North America

UK permanent residence permit (ILR) holders and valid/unexpired UK visa holders can travel to Mexico without a Mexican visa despite their nationalities. Permitted visa-free stay does not exceed 180 days. The authority might request foreign visitors to show proof of the intended duration of stay and purpose of travel, such as onward or returning air ticket, and travel itinerary.

Central America

People of any nationality with a valid used multiple-entry UK visa or UK residence permit can visit the Republic of Panama and stay for a maximum of 30 days. Here are some extra entry rules.

• A UK visa or permit must have been used to visit UK before entering Panama.
• The UK visa or permit must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival.
• The passport must be valid for at least 3 months upon arrival.
• Proof of financial support of USD 500 is required.

Caribbean Areas

As a British Overseas Territory, it does not require an extra visa for British nationals, residents and already in possession of a UK visa. These visitors will be granted a 3-month stay. If you go there for any form of employment, a work permit is a must.

Holders of a valid temporary or permanent residence permit (all nationalities) from the United Kingdom and Bolivian, Chinese, Cuban, Dominican, Haitian, Indian, Jamaican, and Peruvian nationals with a valid multi-entry UK visa are exempted from Aruba visas. The maximum period of stay as tourists should not be over 30 days. The passport or other travel documents must be valid at arrival and during your stay in Aruba.

It is a British overseas territory, allowing all nationals with valid multiple-entry visas, ILR, BRP to enter without an additional visa. The duration of stay should not exceed 30 days. At the date of leaving Bermuda, the passport and UK visa or residence permit must have 45 days of validity.

Holders of a valid residence permit for the United Kingdom are exempted from the visa requirement. The length of stay is usually 14-30 days. On the date of entering Bonaire, your passport must be valid for at least six months.

● Cayman Islands

As a British territory, it welcomes travelers with a valid ILR or BRP and a passport issued by China, India and Jamaica to take a 30-day visa-free trip. You must arrive from the UK instead of from a third country. 

Foreign nationals of all nationalities and legal UK residents can stay in Curacao for 90 days without a visa. You must present a passport and a valid UK visa, ILR or BRP to prove your citizenship and residency.

● Dominican Republic

Multiple-entry UK visa and UK residence permit holders are permitted to enter Dominica and stay for 90 days without visas regardless of nationality. A Tourist Card and passport with at least 6 months of validity is required. If you travel by land or sea, you should pay extra fees to purchase the card.

● Sint Maarten

UK residence permit holders (either temporary or permanent) are granted a 30-day trip without a visa. Make sure your BRP or ILR is valid for at least 30 days upon arrival.

● Turks and Caicos 

This British territory is open to UK multiple-entry visa holders and UK long-term or permanent residents. If you are eligible, you can stay for 90 days at most.

South America

According to Peru entry requirements, if you are a Chinese or Indian national with a valid multiple-entry UK visa or UK permanent resident card (ILR), you can enter the country without a visa and stay for 180 days. Make sure your UK visa or ILR is valid for 6 months or longer from the date of arrival.

● Philippines

India nationals with a valid multiple-entry UK visa, ILR or BRP are not required to apply for a visa to visit the Philippines, but you cannot stay for more than 14 days. The officer will check whether all travel documents are valid during your stay and whether your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure.

● Singapore

As a popular tourist destination, Singapore welcomes UK temporary and permanent residents with Chinese and Indian nationality to enter and stay for no more than 96 hours (4 days) without a visa, but you must be arriving from or returning to your country of passport.

● South Korea

Transit passengers with UK residency can enter the country without a visa and stay for 30 days. They must be arriving from 26 Schengen countries, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania or UK or arriving in one of these 30 European countries after leaving South Korea. Please note that nationals of the following 24 countries are not eligible for this policy.

● Taiwan, China

All ILR or BRP (valid/expired) holders with nationalities of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam are eligible to stay in Taiwan for 14 days with a visa, but you have to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online before arrival, which is free of charge and valid for multiple entries in 90 days.

Q: Can I travel to Europe with UK BRP?

A: Yes. It acts as proof of immigration status in the UK and carries essential personal information, but make sure to use it along with a valid passport.

Q: Do UK BRP holders need Schengen visa?

A: It depends on your country of citizenship. If you are from a visa-required country and legally live in the UK, you can apply for a Schengen visa from UK as long as your UK residence permit is valid.

Q: Am I UK resident with BRP?

A: Yes, a BRP holder is a temporary resident in the UK.

Q: Why is my UK BRP expiring in Dec 2024

A: The Home Office is planning to grant digital immigration status to residents before the end of 2024. That is to say, there will be no physical BRP cards starting from 2025.

Q: Can I Travel to USA with BRP?

A visa is required to enter the USA unless you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. Plus, a biometric residence permit is not a travel document on its own and you need to show it alongside a passport.

Q: Which countries can I visit with UK student visa?

There are 30 countries you can travel with UK student visa, including Albania, Anguilla, Dominican Republic, Georgia, Ireland, Moldova, Serbia, which allows you to stay up to 90 days. You can enter Aruba, Bahamas, Belarus, Bermuda, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, Jamaica, Montenegro, Panama for no more than 30 days. While Peru allows you to stay for no more than 180 days.

Q: Which countries can I visit with uk visa on Pakistani passport?

There are 5 countries you can visit visa-free when you have a valid UK visa on Pakistani passport, including Albania, Turkey, Georgia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.

After reading this passage, you must have found the answer to the question – which countries can I visit with UK residence permit without visa. UK resident permit includes a BRP (biometric resident permit) and ILR (permanent residence permit). With this permit, one can travel to 22 countries and territories without visas, but you have to use it along with a valid passport or other required travel documents. The entry requirements and duration of stay might vary from country to country. When it comes to “which countries can I visit with UK BRP”, most of the countries above are eligible for BRP holders, except Mexico.

Related Posts:

What Is a BRP and How to Apply for It

Does Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR) in UK Expire

By Dolores Xiao

I am a content creator and marketer with over 5 years of professional writing experience. I hold a bachelor's degree in communications and have a natural curiosity about technology, as evidenced by my technology blog. As an avid traveler, I draw upon adventures in over 10 countries to inject unique cultural perspectives into my articles and social media campaigns. I thrive on developing engaging content that informs and inspires audiences.

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Which countries can UK residents travel to?

With visa-free travel often being touted as a benefit of UK residency visas, it begs the question, which countries can UK residents travel to? Whilst UK citizenship affords visa-free access to over 180 different nations worldwide, UK residency is somewhat more restrictive. With that being said, a person with permanent residency in the UK, depending on the passport they have, will still be able to access an additional 34 countries and territories. The different types of access can be split into 3 categories; visa-free access, visa-free access for certain nationalities; and visa on arrival/eVisa. If global mobility is important to you and your family, ‘which countries can UK residents travel to?’ is an important question to ask.

Which countries can UK residents travel to visa free?

There are 16 countries/territories that permit visa-free access to individuals holding a UK visa, regardless of their nationality. These countries include; Mexico (180 days), Panama (90 days), Anguilla (90 days), Bermuda (30 days), Bonaire (90 days), British Virgin Isles (180 days), Curaçao (30 days),  Dominican Republic (30 days), Sint Maarten (30 days), Turks and Caicos (90 days), Albania (90 days), Georgia (90 days), Gibraltar, (180 days), Montenegro (30 days), North Macedonia (15 days), Serbia (90 days).

Whilst all of these countries listed provide visa-free access irrespective of nationality, some have certain restrictions. Some stipulate that the individual must have a certain type of visa, must have proof of funds for their stay, or must have used their UK visa at least once. It is important to talk to a professional who can talk you through each country’s specific requirements before you visit.  

Countries with visa free access for certain nationalities

Although UK passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to these countries, it is important to remember that this benefit only applies to certain nationalities. Aruba (180 days), Bahamas (30 days), Jamaica (30 days) Peru (180 days), Ireland (90 days), Philippines (14 days), and South Korea (30 days) all allow UK visa holders access to their country, providing they hold a passport from an approved country. It is advised you check prior to travel if you are eligible to travel visa-free, as well as to see if there are any other restrictions. 

Countries with visa on arrival/eVisa 

Visa on arrival provides relatively hassle-free travel as there is no need for visitors to apply beforehand.  However, they can be an unpleasant experience for some, with long wait times and tedious bureaucracy. As such many countries now offer eVisa’s. An eVisa is a visa that travellers can apply to online prior to their arrival. This means visitors do not have to wait to get a visa at border control. 

Countries that offer visa-free/eVisa’s for UK residency holders include; Turkey (30 days), Oman (30 days), Qatar (30 days), Saudi Arabia (90 days),  UAE (14 days), Antigua & Barbuda (30 days), and Armenia (120 days). For Taiwan, whilst UK residents are exempt from getting a visa, those wishing to visit Taiwan will need to apply for ROC Travel Authorisation Certificate. This is free, valid for 90 days, and allows for multiple entries. 

Visa free countries for British citizens

So these are the countries you can visit whilst having UK residency. However, a lot of individuals that apply for UK residency do so with the aim of getting British citizenship. Therefore the next big question is where can UK citizens travel to? A UK passport is one of the strongest in the world. Ranking 7th in the world in terms of global mobility, it allows holders access to 185 countries. This includes the USA, Canada, the Schengen Area, and Singapore, amongst many other countries. 

How can you get British citizenship?

Whether you already have British residency, or maybe it is something that you are looking to obtain in the future, you might be wondering what the process is of getting British citizenship. Before getting citizenship, you must first apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). To be eligible for this visa, you must have lived continuously in the UK for at least 3-5 years. Alongside your ILR application, you will have to submit a lot of evidence regarding your life in the UK.

Whilst applicants can apply for British citizenship themselves, it can be a complex process. Determining what needs to be submitted and when can be a challenge. It’s recommended to have a consultation with an expert advisor who can assist you with the application. Upon receiving ILR and lived in the UK for 5 years, you will be able to apply for UK citizenship. Provided you speak English proficiently, and you pass the ‘Life in the UK’ test, you can apply for UK citizenship.

At Bridgeway Trust, not only do we help you with the initial visa but give you support whilst you are in the UK. From your first consultation, right up until you become a British citizen we will guide you. For more information about which countries UK residents can travel to or other information regarding UK residency and the benefits that come with it, contact us today to book a free consultation with one of our expert advisors .

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What Are the Visa-Free Countries for the UK?

A United Kingdom passport is revered throughout the world and is much sought after. It gives its bearer the ability to travel to 139 countries visa-free, such is its strength. The UK ranks at No. 6 in the list of the most powerful passports worldwide, sharing this place with the USA and Norway.

Moreover, the list of countries that welcome British citizens visa-free continues to increase. Holding a valid UK passport with free entry to roam around so much of the world is a major benefit for UK citizens. Find the full list of visa-free countries for Brits below, plus how long you can visit for!

In the meantime, for countries that do still require eVisas (Electronic Visas) for Brits, we at Byevisa are happy to assist, advise and process your application on your behalf.

• 1 What Are the Visa-Free Countries for UK Citizens?
• 2 What Should I Know About the ‘Visa-Free Countries for UK’ Rules?
• 3 How Long Can UK Passport Holders Stay in the Visa-Free Countries?
• 4 I Have Heard of the EU’s ETIAS Waiver – Do These Count as ‘Visa-Free’ Countries?
• 5 What Countries are Visa-Free for UK Citizens Vs Passport Holders?
• 6 What Countries Can I Travel to If I Have a UK ILR?
• 7 How Many Countries Are Still Restrictive on Visa Applications From the UK?

What Are the Visa-Free Countries for UK Citizens?

The list of visa-free countries for UK citizens seems all but endless.

The following list encompasses countries to visit for the purposes of tourism and business. Countries are listed alphabetically, followed by the length of validity allowed per visit, in days unless stated otherwise.

Countries not on the list will require either an e-Visa, a Visa on Arrival (a VoA, which you apply for upon arrival in your destination) or even a traditional embassy/consulate visa.

If you require an alternative visa unrelated to tourism or business, such as a permanent resident visa, it is wise to check with the embassy or consulate of that country. This is to ensure that you comply with all the entry and documentation requirements.

What Should I Know About the ‘Visa-Free Countries for UK’ Rules?

Usually, ‘visa-free’ means that you only require a valid passport to enter, and your passport won’t be stamped when you arrive at customs. Nonetheless, in certain countries, you may be asked to present additional documents to enter.

For example, member states of the EU currently only require Brits to hold a passport to visit. However, other countries could require you to hold other documentation such as:

• Valid travel insurance with proof, like a copy of the policy, for instance.
• Proof of booked accommodation such as a hotel confirmation. If you have pre-paid, then you may also use a receipt of payment, clearly stating the hotel or booking agency.
• Proof that you are able to support yourself financially for the duration of your stay.
• Vaccination certificates, if a particular country has diseases that are quite common or that have regular outbreaks. Moreover, we suggest that you check the health advice for your destination, especially if it’s further afield.
• Bank or building society official.
• Minister of religion.
• Doctor/dentist (who has known you for at least 2 years).
• Chartered accountant
• Solicitor or notary.
• Teacher or lecturer.

The best option is normally a solicitor or judge in the UK legal system.

How Long Can UK Passport Holders Stay in the Visa-Free Countries?

In the above list of visa-free countries that UK citizens can visit, you will see the current length of stay permissible in the second column. If in doubt, contact us for up-to-date information on the permitted length of stay or entry requirements for your destination, as these can occasionally change.

In some instances, UK passport holders can extend their visas whilst in-country, as we also show in the list above. For many destinations, the extension allows for visits of up to 180 days, although a few nations permit extended trips of up to 1 year from the date of entry.

Of course, to ensure your trip goes smoothly, it is wise never to extend your stay over and above the local rules.

I Have Heard of the EU’s ETIAS Waiver – Do These Count as ‘Visa-Free’ Countries?

The EU’s ETIAS stands for ‘European Travel Information and Authorisation System’. Technically, this is not a visa, but rather a visa waiver, similar to the USA’s ESTA.

This EU electronic travel pass will be obligatory to visit Schengen Zone countries from 2022/3. Prior to this, an entry permit was not required for Europe for nationalities such as the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and Japan, among others.

Although the ETIAS is a waiver rather than a full visa, it’s not ‘free’ in the sense that it is expected to cost 7 EUR to purchase online, plus a processing fee. For complete information, see our detailed ETIAS Countries and Eligibility section.

The Schengen Area countries that UK passport-holders will need an ETIAS to visit are as follows:

* Currently pending

What Countries are Visa-Free for UK Citizens Vs Passport Holders?

Being a UK citizen is not quite the same legally as being a passport holder, but fortunately, in terms of the ‘visa-free’ list, it rates as having the same benefits.

If you were born in Great Britain, or either of your parents were, then you may be considered a British citizen. If you’re in any doubt, you can check the UK government’s Check British Citizenship page to verify this, especially if you do not yet have a British passport.

Since 1981 and the British Citizens Act, the rules have changed as the years have gone on, so much so that whether you’re a British citizen may depend on the year you were born.

Prior to 1981, all those born in Great Britain were considered citizens. If you are a legalised citizen (you can apply for citizenship after a minimum of 1 year), you will be afforded the same rights, although it may take up to 6 months to attain this.

Again, if you’re in doubt, it’s worth checking, particularly if you want the full ability to travel as a Brit without too much additional paperwork.

What Countries Can I Travel to If I Have a UK ILR?

A UK ILR, or an ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ permit, entitles you to travel to all countries as if you were a UK passport holder, including the ones listed above. If a country asks for other documentation to enter, you must still comply with these requirements.

In terms of the ILR, ‘indefinite’ means exactly that, as there are no longer any time limits to its validity.

Meanwhile, if you are not yet a UK passport holder, a BRP (Biometric Resident’s Permit) is another useful form of identification. This can be attained with any visa that is recognised by the UK.

A BRP permit will confirm your identity (fingerprints etc) and allows you to stay here, work or study here (as long as you hold an appropriate visa), plus exit and enter freely. If you exit and do not return for 2 years or more, you will need to reapply to update your information.

How Many Countries Are Still Restrictive on Visa Applications From the UK?

A total of 34 countries currently have stricter visa requirements for Brits. These are:

To learn the visa rules for these destinations, speak to the nearest embassy or consulate.

So to sum up, UK passport holders can visit a vast variety of nations visa-free. This makes travelling abroad a cinch, whether you’re visiting Barbados, South Africa, Turkey, or a long list of other countries, compared to if you had to apply for a travel pass in advance!

Of course, though, whether you hold a UK passport or another form of ID, it is worth double-checking the maximum length of stay you’re permitted. In addition, it’s a good idea to confirm the validity of your passport or other ID before making your travel plans.

Similarly, countries can sometimes change their entry rules, including for UK passport holders, so these are also worth confirming in advance. Feel free to get in touch to confirm the visa requirements for where you’re planning to visit.

The world now seems to be a much smaller place, with the option to travel more freely than ever before. Visa-free access for Brits makes going abroad a lot easier without the rigmarole of paperwork. Enjoy!

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25 countries you can visit with a UK visa

By Mitali Joshi , Ria Gupta and Maahi Shah

It may be one of the more taxing visas to get, and it's definitely not cheap. But for all the trouble, a UK visa comes with its rewards. Like easy access to 25 countries around the world that will give you a visa on arrival , or won't ask for one at all, provided you have a valid UK visa. Here are 25 gorgeous countries Indians with a UK visa can visit visa-free. (Note: Visa rules can change without notice. So be sure to check with the visa office of the country you are visiting before you pack your bags)

Jump to North America Europe Asia Middle East Caribbean British Overseas Territory South America Central America

North America

The dominican republic.

Reason to go: The second largest country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is most famous for its white-sand beaches , buzzing nightlife and the Damajagua waterfalls. We’d urge you to visit the island’s many picturesque towns and cities such as Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata and indulge in the local coffees, and rums. Visa Information: Travellers can visit the country for 30 days with a UK visa How to get there: Fly via Frankfurt to Punta Cana

Reason to go: From its turquoise waters, pink-sand beaches , and buzzing nightlife, to art galleries, museums and forts, there’s something for everyone in Bermuda. For nature and adventure enthusiasts, visit the Crystal and Fantasy Caves– underground crystal and rock formations, akin to chandeliers. You can take a tour of the various historical sites such as the Tucker House Museum, St. David’s Lighthouse, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. Visa Information: Travellers can visit the country for a period of 21 days with a valid UK visa How to get there: Fly to Bermuda via London and New York

Cayman Islands

Reason to go: Go on a hike along the Mastic Trail that passes through the mangrove forest and other serene sites. You can also go kayaking in the bioluminescent bay, sunbathe and swim with stingrays at StingRay City, unwind at the gorgeous Seven Mile Beach and enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive resort. Visa Information: A valid UK visa gets you in for 30 days How to get there: Fly via London to North Carolina to Grand Cayman Island

Turks and Caicos Islands

Reason to go: Turks and Caicos Islands are most famous for their secluded beaches and turquoise blue waters, perfect to swim in. Visit the Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) to explore different natural habitats such as mangrove and buttonwood communities, hyper-saline areas and coastal scrub. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for water sports such as jet skiing, scuba diving and parasailing. Visa Information: You can visit for 90 days with a valid UK visa How to get there: Fly via London and Miami to Providenciales

Reason to go: Spend the day exploring the country’s rich history and cultural heritage at sites such as the Belgrade Fortress or the Temple of Saint Sava. Watch the sunset along the banks of the Danube River and experience the buzzing nightlife at places such as The Kafane, the Savamala neighbourhood, which is known for the underground music scene and Skadarlija district, famous for many eateries. Visa information: Travellers can stay in Serbia for 90 days during a six-month period with a valid UK visa How to get there: Fly directly to Belgrade

Reason to go: Besides the Verdant mountains , breathtaking beaches, and glacial lakes, Montenegro is also known for its Balkan cuisine, and historical sites such as the Bay of Kotor, the Ostrog Monastery and more. Visa information: Enter, stay or pass through Montenegro for up to 30 days with a valid UK visa How to get there: Fly via Istanbul to Podgorica

Reason to go: Explore the country’s valleys with vineyards, natural hot-springs, and the many historical sites and churches such as the Art Palace, a cave monastery called Vardzia, an ancient rock-hewn town called Uplistsikhe, the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, and more. Visa information: A UK visa allows a visit of not more than 90 days in a 180-day period How to get there: Fly directly to Tbilisi

Republic of North Macedonia

Reason to go: Macedonia has a mix of Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritage with several spectacular sites such as the Ancient Macedonian theatre and city and the Painted Mosque in Tetovo. The country boasts of dramatic mountains, quaint walking trails, lakes and national parks, where travellers can choose from experiences such as hikes, kayaking and more. Visa information: You can enter the country with a multiple-entry UK visa valid for at least five days beyond the intended period of stay. The visa lets you stay in the country for not more than 15 days How to get there: Fly via Istanbul to Skopje

Jahnavi Bhatt

Condé Nast Traveller

Poorvi Singhal

Julian Manning

Reason to go: Wander amidst the quaint streets and get lost in the birthplace of Oscar Wilde with stunning scenery, abundant history, some of the best hiking trails in the world.. Sip on some Irish whisky as you learn about the country’s history through its seaweeds, learn yoga in an underground cave and more. Visa Information: With a valid UK short-stay visa, one can enter Ireland for a period of under 90 days How to get there: Fly directly to Dublin

Reason to go: Known for its fortress towns, sparkling beaches and majestic mountains, Albania is a must-visit for all the adventure enthusiasts out there. From exploring an abandoned bunker, and camping on the beach to hiking across the Albanian Alps, there’s much the country has to offer. Visa Information: A multiple-entry UK visa allows travellers to visit and stay in Albania for a period of 90 days within 180 days How to get there: Fly to Tirana via Dubai

Philippines

Reason to go: Explore hidden caves, emerald-green rice fields, and plunge pools or go diving with sharks at El Nido. From taking part in adventure sports to rejuvenating at a spa, the Philippines offers a host of experiences. Visa Information: Indian nationals can enter with a valid used or unused UK visa. However, this visa-free entry is only valid for 14 days and can be extended by seven days with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. How to get there: Fly via Singapore to Manila

Reason to go: Visit the many sites at Garden by the Bay such as the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest. Spend your day unwinding at Sentosa Island or Universal studios, take in the views at Lavos, a rooftop bar at the Marina Bay Sands and complete the day with a trip to the Singapore Zoo for a night safari. If you’re lucky, you can also catch a major performance (think Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars ) at the National Stadium. Visa information: Singapore allows you to stay for four days under visa-free transit to or from a third country if you have a valid UK visa How to get there: Fly direct to Singapore

Reason to go: Breathtaking medieval architecture, the biblical mountain of Ararat, the Wings of Tatev cable car and the cognac, of course. You can hike to monasteries such as Haghpat or Geghard in the upper Azat Valley, see striking rock formations in Garni and also experience the country’s nightlife. Visa information: Indians can obtain a visa on arrival for 120 days at the Armenian border, if they present a valid UK visa How to go there: Fly via UAE to Yerevan

Middle East

Reason to go: Apart from visiting Muscat's Grand Mosque, local souks, wind-blown deserts and indulging delectable Omani food, we’d also recommend swimming through emerald waters at Wadi Shab, diving into the Bimmah Sinkhole and glamping at Wahiba Sands in the Oman Desert. Visa Information: Indian citizens with a valid UK visa can apply for an Oman visa valid for 30 days How to get there: Fly directly to Muscat

Reason to go: Pearl snorkelling! This is where you can discover expansive oyster beds underwater and shop galore on land at the Manama souq. Explore the country’s history and cultural heritage at the Bahrain Fort or Al Fateh Grand Mosque, and indulge in traditional Bahraini food. What to know: Travellers can obtain a visa on arrival upon presenting a UK visa. Choose from a single entry visa for two weeks and a multiple entry visa for three months How to get there: Fly direct to Bahrain

Reason to go: If Istanbul's Blue Mosque, Cappadocia's hot-air balloon rides and Pamukkale's hot-water springs aren’t enough, think about a dip in the thermal pools, enjoying a hamam bath, or even exploring the country’s many architectural marvels. Visa information: With a valid UK visa, Indian passport holders can apply for single-entry e-visas valid for one month via the website How to get there: Fly directly to Istanbul

Reasons to go: Adventure sports, hub for innovation, technology and architecture, rich culture and heritage. Visa Information: Indian passport holders can visit Qatar with a valid UK visa provided that they show proof of their return ticket and a minimum two night reservation at a hotel, booked through Discover Qatar. The visa is valid for a period of 30 days and can be extended. How to get there: Fly directly to Qatar

Reason to go: Gorgeous beaches, pristine waters, and thriving reefs– the Bahamas are ideal for water lovers to go snorkelling and scuba diving to explore the thriving marine life. Go on a food tour and visit the island’s famous rum distillery, watch pigs swimming or get your tan by the pink sand beaches. Visa information: A valid UK visa for a maximum stay of 90 days How to get there: Fly via London to Nassau

British Virgin Islands

Reason to go: With exclusive beaches , pristine waters, and fancy boats, the British Virgin Islands are the perfect escape from the crowds. You might just spot a celebrity or three! Visa Information: Holders of a valid UK visa can enter BVI for six months, provided the visa has a remaining validity of six months or has been used to travel to the UK How to get there: Fly via Kuwait and London

Reason to go: Visit a butterfly farm and explore the country’s wildlife at the Arikok National Park, lounge by white-sand beaches , go snorkelling to see a sunken ship, and experience the high-octane nightlife in Aruba. Visa information: Valid multiple-entry UK visa to stay for 30 days How to get there: Fly via Amsterdam to Oranjestad

Antigua and Barbuda

Reason to go: Spectacular blue waters, soft-sand beaches , colourful huts and rum– the perfect out-of-office vacation you need. Visa information: Visa will be granted on arrival to valid UK visa holders. This visa is valid only for 30 days. How to get there: Fly via London or New York

Reason to go: Enjoy the coastline on a horseback, watch the sunset while sailing on a classic ship, go kitesurfing, take a moke ride, savour the seafood and relax on pristine beaches of Anguilla. Visa information: A valid UK visa gets you visa-free entry into Anguilla and travellers can stay there for a period of 90 days How to get there: Fly to Anguilla via London and Miami

British Overseas Territory

Reason to go: With beautiful beaches , Gorham's Cave complex (a UNESCO world heritage site), St. Michael’s Cave, Gibraltar Museum and fresh seafood along the beach,Gibraltar should definitely be on your travel bucket list. Visa information: A holder of a multiple-entry UK visa that is valid for six months or more can enter Gibraltar for a period of 21 days How to get there: Fly via London

South America

Reason to go: With undulating mountains , historic towns and lush green nature, Peru is the place to trek for the most unmatched views. You can also explore the country’s rich history including one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, plus the Sacsayhuamán, and more. Visa information: With a UK visa with a validity of six months, one can stay in the country for up to 180 days How to get there: Fly to Lima via Paris

Central America

Reason to go: Wander through the streets of Casco Viejo, take a dip in Caldera’s hot springs, hike up to Baru, Panama’s highest peak to watch a spectacular sunrise or relax by the white sand beaches across the country. Visa Information: A UK visa valid for a minimum six months gets you entry for 30 days. The visa should have been used to enter the UK before How to get there: Board a direct flight to Panama city

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Countries Nigerian Passport Holders Can Visit with a UK Visa

I have previously written about applying for a UK visa from Nigeria in this post but did you also know that there are 20 other countries to visit with a UK visa on a Nigerian passport? Yes, a UK visa expands the small list of countries Nigerian passport holders can see in addition to these other places we can visit either visa-free or with a visa on arrival .

This post will list these additional countries, including references to their official immigration sites. As travel requirements are constantly changing, I implore you to do your research, especially before your travel dates, to ensure you have the latest travel requirements .

Related : 7 Foolproof Ways to Build Your Travel History

What's Covered in this Post

The Summary: Countries to Visit with a UK Visa on a Nigerian Passport

This article focuses on travellers with valid UK tourist visas. Other visa types may be used as well, however, I recommend that you confirm the entry requirements for yourself. Also, remember that some countries will require you to have a multiple-entry visa and you must have utilised this visa first in the UK.

And without further ado, here are the countries you can visit with a UK visa on a Nigerian Passport.

Countries to Visit with a UK Visa in Africa

• Sao Tome & Principe

*See the warning below for asterisked countries

Countries to Visit with a UK Visa in America (North, South and Central)

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Caribbean parts of the Netherlands – Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten
• Dominican Republic
• The British Virgin Islands

Countries to Visit with a UK Visa in Europe

• The UK (surprise!)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Macedonia

Countries to Visit with a UK Visa in the Middle East and Asia

• Qatar (E-Visa)
• Saudi Arabia

There’s been some feedback about Nigerian passport holders being denied boarding and entry into Egypt and Mexico using their BRP cards and tourist visas. Please contact the airlines and immigration offices before you travel and get a confirmation (preferably a written one), that you will be allowed to board and enter the country with your valid documents.

Trip Planning Resources

Book your accommodation : Find accommodation options for any budget on Booking.com

Purchase Travel Insurance : I use SafetyWing for both my travel and visa application needs

Activities : Find fun activities and tours in your destination via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook Travel

More on Countries You Can Visit with a UK Visa on a Nigerian Passport (2023)

Found this post helpful?

I will update this article as often as possible, but please be aware that visa policies may change at any time. Before you pack your bags, get an update on your visa status from the Immigration Offices of the countries you intend to visit.

Please share your experiences travelling with a  Nigerian Passport , and if you have visited any of these countries with a UK visa, please share your thoughts to improve this post!

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Hi Amarachi Please any recent update on refusal of Uk visa holders into Mexico? I have a trip next month and I want to be certain if I will be allowed entry.

Hello Sica, I haven’t heard anything for sure. I hope someone who has visited recently can respond. For now, it’s best to attempt to reach out to the embassy/consulate/airline maybe.

Hi love, can I get Egypt e visa with a uk brp?

Hi, a few people have mentioned that this is not possible and some have had issues with boarding. It is best to call the airline to be sure. It seems only those with tourist visas are allowed to get the visa on arrival.

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Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Frequently Asked Questions

Not quite British citizenship , and yet more than just a visa…the status of ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ has its own specific characteristics. In this post, we take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions from those who have been granted this status, including how to prove it, the rights that it gives you, and how it can be lost or maintained. 

Q: What is ILR?

A: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) is an immigration status which allows the person who holds it to live and work in the UK for an unlimited time, without any need to apply for a visa extension. 

If you are granted ILR, you are able to leave and re-enter the UK without any immigration restrictions. Unlike British citizenship, which is granted for life, an individual’s ILR can lapse in certain circumstances, for example if they leave the UK for a period of two years or more (see section: Can my indefinite leave to enter or remain be taken away? ). 

Q: How do I prove that I have Indefinite Leave to Remain?

A: There are various ways in which ILR can be documented: 

• a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). If you are settled in the UK your BRP will display either ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’, ‘Indefinite Leave to Enter’, or ‘No Time Limit’;
• a No Time Limit (NTL) stamp in your passport (expired or otherwise), stating ‘There is at present no time limit on the holder’s stay in the United Kingdom’;
• an Indefinite Leave to Enter (ILE) stamp in your passport (expired or otherwise), stating ‘Given indefinite leave to enter the United Kingdom’;
• an ILR stamp in your passport (expired or otherwise), stating ‘given leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period;
• an ILR endorsement in your passport (expired or otherwise);
• a letter from the Home Office confirming your right to remain indefinitely in the UK. 

Q: What if I do not have a document to prove that I have ILR?

A: If you have ILR, but you do not have a document to prove it, you can apply for confirmation of this status in the form of a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You can do this through an administrative process called a no time limit (NTL) application. 

You are also able to make an NTL application if you previously held a passport which contained proof of your ILR but this has been lost or stolen, or has expired. If this is the case, you may have to provide extra information such as a crime reference number or a police report, in order to prove to the Home Office that you are the same person who has previously been granted ILR. 

If you make an application for a permit showing your ILR and you do not have any documentary evidence of your ILR, the Home Office will check all their available systems and files for any records that provide evidence that you have been granted ILR. 

It is not mandatory for you to apply for a residence permit, or indeed to have any documentary evidence of your ILR. However, there are benefits which make it more convenient for you to do so. A BRP has enhanced security features which make it less likely to be used fraudulently than old-style passport stamps or endorsements. It can be used when you travel to and from the UK to facilitate your travel, as it evidences your right to enter and remain in the UK. 

Also, it proves to any employer that you have the right to work in the UK. Employers are required under Section 25 of the Immigration Act 2016 to check that their employees have the right to work. If you do not have any documents to prove that you have ILR, your employer will have to contact the Home Office’s Employer Checking Service to verify that you have the right to work. If you have an NTL BRP, you can demonstrate your entitlement to work more easily by simply showing it to your employer. 

Q: Do I need permission to work in the UK once I have ILR?

A: Once your application for ILR is approved, you do not need permission from a Government Department to take up new employment, or to change your employment. Moreover, any restrictions that were previously placed on your hours or type of employment are lifted. 

You may engage in any kind of business or profession, self-employed or otherwise (as long as you comply with any general or statutory regulations for that business or professional activity). 

Q: Can I live or work in the UK after I have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain?

A: Once you have ILR, there are no longer any restrictions on your living and working in the United Kingdom. 

However, if you are thinking of going to live or work in the Isle of Man or one of the Channel islands, you should first consult the immigration authorities of the Island concerned. 

Q: Can I study in the UK with ILR?

A: Once you have ILR, you are free to study in the UK. You will also be eligible to pay home tuition fees (i.e. the same rate as British, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens) at higher education institutions, and to apply for student finance, provided that you have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years before the first day of the academic year of your course. (‘Ordinarily resident’ means that you are habitually and normally resident in the UK, and any absences have been of a temporary or occasional nature). 

Q: Can I vote in the UK once my settlement application has been approved?

A: If you have ILR, you can only vote in national and local elections and referenda in the UK if you are a qualifying Commonwealth citizen. The definition of a Commonwealth citizen can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website . 

Q: Can I access healthcare once I have ILR?

A: Generally, healthcare will be available to you if you have ILR and you are ordinarily resident (you are habitually and normally resident in the UK, and any absences have been of a temporary or occasional nature). 

For more information, see the government’s guidance on healthcare. 

Q: Can I access public funds once I have Indefinite Leave to Remain? 

A: If you have ILR, you have access to public funds. You are able to claim job seekers’ allowances and other benefits. 

Q: Do I still need to register with the police once I am settled in the UK?

A: If you were previously required to report any changes in your circumstances to the police, you no longer need to do so once you are granted ILR. Your police registration certificate will be stamped to show this. 

Q: What happens to my ILR if I leave the UK?

A: In order to be considered as settled in the UK, you will have to be able to show that you are habitually and normally resident in the UK, and that any absences have been of a temporary or occasional nature. 

If you leave the UK, you will normally be readmitted for settlement as a returning resident, provided that: 

• you did not receive assistance from public funds towards the cost of leaving the UK;
• you had indefinite leave to enter or remain here when you last left;
• you have not been away for longer than two years ; and 
• you are returning for the purpose of settlement. 

If your absence from the UK is for longer than two years but you can still demonstrate that you had indefinite leave to enter or remain here when you last left, and you are returning for the purpose of settlement, you may still qualify for admission as a returning resident if, for example, you have maintained strong connections with the UK.

You do not require a visa to return to the UK provided you are returning for settlement after an absence of two years or less. However, if you are returning for settlement to the UK after an absence of over 2 years, you are advised to apply for entry clearance at the nearest British Diplomatic Post in the country in which you are living. This should then facilitate your re-admission to the UK. 

You will not be re-admitted as a returning resident if you are resident overseas and only return to the UK for short periods. 

Q: What if I was outside the UK for 2 years due to COVID-19? 

A: If you were prevented from returning to the UK due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result you spent 2 years or more outside the UK resulting in the lapse of your ILR, you will be able to apply under the Returning Resident visa route if: 

• Your ILR lapsed on or after 24 January 2020, and 
• You have been unable to return to the UK due to travel restrictions in place relating to coronavirus. 

You will still need to complete the online Returning Resident application form and pay the fee of £516. As part of your application you will need to explain how coronavirus restrictions prevented your return to the UK.

For more information, please see our previous blog post on Returning Resident Visa Applications and Covid-19 . 

Q: What if I have a child born in the UK? Will they be British?

A: If you have a child who is not a British citizen, but who was born in the UK on or after 01 January 1983, they may be able to register as a British citizen once you have ILR.

Any child born to you in the UK while you remain settled in the UK may be a British citizen automatically at birth. 

Q: What about family members who want to live with me in the UK?

A: Family members who are not British citizens may be able to join you in the UK. There are different rules depending on what type of family member they are (partner/spouse/fiancé(e), child, parent, or adult coming to be cared for by a relative). The different rules for applying for family visas can be found here . 

Q: Can my indefinite leave to enter or remain be taken away?

A: It is possible to lose ILR in certain circumstances. 

If you commit a serious crime and you are deported from the UK, your ILR will be invalidated. 

Your ILR will be revoked if: 

• you are liable to deportation but cannot be removed for legal reasons, such as the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention or the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); 
• you obtained leave by deception ; or 
• you were granted leave as a refugee and cease to be a refugee.

Under Paragraph 20 of the Immigration Rules , your ILR will lapse if you stay outside the UK for a continuous period of more than two years, as you will be considered to be no longer present and settled in the UK. 

If you wish to re-enter the UK after two years, you will have to apply for a Returning Resident visa (see above at What happens if I leave the UK? ). 

Q: I have pre-settled/settled status. Is this the same as ILR? 

Pre-settled status and settled status are the two types of status granted to EEA nationals who applied through the EU Settlement Scheme before it closed to applications on 30 June 2021. Settled status is also referred to as “unlimited leave granted by virtue of Appendix EU.”    

Individuals with pre-settled status have the right to live, work and study in the UK. However, this is time limited, lasting only for a period of five years. Those with settled status (unlimited leave granted by virtue of Appendix EU) have the right to live, work and study in the UK indefinitely, without immigration restrictions.

The main difference between ILR and settled status (unlimited leave granted by virtue of Appendix EU) is the length of time that an individual can spend outside the UK. A person with unlimited leave granted by virtue of Appendix EU is able to leave the UK for five years without their settled status lapsing (or four years if the person is a Swiss national). However, a person with ILR can only leave the UK for two years before their ILR will lapse (see above at What happens if I leave the UK? ).

Q: If my indefinite leave to enter or remain is revoked, can I challenge this? 

A: There is no longer any right to appeal a decision to revoke ILR so the only way to challenge revocation is by judicial review. There may be a basis on which to challenge revocation under Section 76(2) of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 by way of judicial review if the Secretary of State has made an irrational decision to revoke or has otherwise made an unlawful decision to revoke.

For more information, please see our previous blog post: Revocation of ILR which has been obtained by deception . 

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For expert advice and assistance regarding an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settlement in the UK, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or complete our enquiry form below.

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Home » Living Abroad » Moving to London » What is UK ILR and How Do You Get It?

What is UK ILR and How Do You Get It?

There are acronyms aplenty when you’re discussing UK visas. HMRC, NHS, UKVCAS–the list goes on. But there’s one acronym that pops up in immigrants’ conversations more than anything else: ILR.

But what exactly is UK ILR, and why does everyone want it?

Here’s what you need to know.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional regarding your personal circumstances.

RELATED: How to Move to the UK: Ultimate FAQ

What is UK ILR?

In the UK, ILR stands for “indefinite leave to remain” . It’s also referred to as settlement or permanent residency.

Unlike visas, which have to be renewed in order for you to keep living and working in the UK, Indefinite Leave to Remain lasts forever (with a couple important caveats I’ll address later).

Why should I apply for ILR?

UK ILR has a whole host of benefits that aren’t available to most visa holders:

• Right to live, work, and study in the UK
• Right to vote
• Eligibility for public benefits
• No need to renew

Having ILR also makes it much easier to buy property in the UK as an expat . While lenders do give mortgages to non-permanent residents, their criteria are much more strict and often require higher salaries and deposits.

The other big reason to apply for ILR is that it leads to British Citizenship . Once you’ve held ILR for 12 months, you can apply to become a citizen if you so choose.

When can I apply for ILR?

The process for getting ILR depends on the type of visa you hold.

For most UK visa holders, you’ll be eligible to apply for ILR after five continuous years of residency on an eligible visa (ex. Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa, UK Ancestry visa, Partner visa).

Some visa holders, like those with Tier 1 or Global Talent visas, can apply after just two or three years.

Under the current immigration rules, Intra-Company Transfer visa holders are not eligible for ILR. Check out my post on switching from a Tier 2 ICT visa to a Skilled Worker visa to learn more.

There are also a few unique cases where non-visa holders may be eligible for ILR. You should check the UK government website for more eligibility details.

How do I get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK?

In order to get Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you’ll need to fill out an application and prove you meet the eligibility requirements, including:

• Successfully passing the Life in the UK Test
• Proof of continuous UK residence
• Demonstrating that you haven’t been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in the 12 months leading up to your application
• Evidence that you speak English at the required level (not all applications need this)
• Absence of criminal convictions or breeches of your immigration status
• For Tier 2/Skilled Worker visa holders, you’ll need a letter from your employer confirming your salary and that they need you to work for “the foreseeable future”

Applicants need to have their biometrics taken as well.

As of 2022, the ILR application fee costs £2,389. There’s also a £19.20 fee for biometrics, and £50 for the Life in the UK test.

You may also want a solicitor to help you with the application process, so be sure to factor that expense into your ILR savings plan.

Also, the timing of your ILR application is critical.

In most cases, the earliest you can apply is 28 days before you’ve been in the UK for five years on an eligible visa . Applications submitted before this time will be automatically rejected.

When counting your time towards eligibility, make sure you leave out any days you were on a non-eligible visa (ex. Tier 2 ICT, fiance visa, etc.)

Finally, you must apply for ILR before your current visa expires . If you don’t, you’ll be forced to renew your visa before you can apply.

If your visa expires while you’re waiting for your ILR decision, you’ll be given a temporary right to stay in the UK until they’ve processed your application.

RELATED: How Much Does it Cost to Move to the UK?

How long does it take to get an ILR decision?

The standard processing time for UK ILR applications is six months.

However, you can pay an extra £800 for a next working day decision, or £500 for an expedited five day decision.

Is ILR the same as permanent residency?

ILR is effectively the same as permanent residency, with one important caveat : it will lapse if you spend 2 or more years outside the UK.

You can also get your ILR status revoked for a few reasons, including committing a serious crime.

If you were hoping to stay in the UK just long enough to get ILR, move elsewhere, and maybe come back when you retire, it won’t work.

For true permanent residency, you’ll need to stay an additional 12 months to become eligible for British citizenship. As of 2022, it takes around 3-4 months to process citizenship applications, plus an additional £3,500-ish in fees and optional help from a lawyer.

Once you’re an official British citizen, you can remain outside the country indefinitely without worrying about losing your right to abode.

I hope you found this basic overview of the UK ILR process helpful! For more useful tips and downloadable resources, join my Patreon below.

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ILR Conditions (Eligibility and Application)

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) lets foreign nationals live and work in the UK free from immigration restrictions.

This status may lead to citizenship or  British naturalisation . For this reason, to be eligible, you must meet specific Indefinite Leave to Remain conditions.

Applying for ILR  can be an elaborate process. You must ensure that you complete every relevant application form and that you meet the mandatory requirements. The most critical Indefinite Leave to Remain condition of stay concerns spending a specific amount of time in the UK.

Our immigration experts have produced a detailed overview of the requirements you need to meet to get  Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK . However, we still recommend getting in touch with one of our advisers, who can offer you bespoke advice and help you get your ILR in the UK.

Conditions to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain: Residence in the UK

• UK Residency Requirements

One of the principal conditions to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain is to spend a set amount of time in the UK. Depending on your immigration visa, you can stay in the country for several purposes, such as employment, study, or as a dependent.

Before applying for ILR, you must have been continuously resided in the UK for at least 5 years before your request.

It is important to note that the time spent in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man does not count toward your qualifying period.

• Allowed period of absence

“Continuously residence” refers to a period when you spend no more than 180 days outside the UK in a consecutive 12-month period.

In most cases, the Indefinite Leave to Remain conditions of stay require you to live for at least  5 years in the UK before your ILR application .

You are still allowed to spend some time abroad, but it must be ascribed to the original purpose of your visa. For example, if you are on a  Skilled Worker Visa as a foreign worker , you can still take part in international business trips.

The UK immigration law grants you a period of allowable absences. You are required to keep written records of your travels. However, the following visa categories are exempt from providing reasons for their absences:

• Tier 1 Visa  holders;
• PBS Dependants;
• UK Ancestry Visa holders.

Urgent and compelling circumstances, such as terminal illness, are accepted as allowable absences. They do not break your ILR continuous period, but they still count towards your 180-days limit.

• Continuous lawful period

Your continuous period in the UK must be lawful, meaning you must not have breached the Indefinite Leave to Remain conditions.

Your resident status in the UK is lawful if you:

• Have not spent any time in the country without valid leave to enter or remain;
• Can provide adequate evidence of your periods of absence from the UK;
• Have not taken employment abroad while in the UK on a work permit;
• Have not overstayed the maximum period indicated on your visa;
• Have not spent time in prison.

Indefinite Leave to Remain Conditions: Language and Life in the UK

Seeking an Indefinite Leave to Remain means meeting several conditions of stay. These include respecting the UK laws, traditions, and language.

If you are not a national of an English-speaking country, you need to demonstrate your proficiency in English. To this end, you can either provide evidence of a professional qualification that was taught or researched in English or sit in on an English test.

In this second case, you are required to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR Level B1 in speaking and listening.

To satisfy the knowledge of the British customs, you must pass the Life in the UK test.

You can book your test online at least 3 days in advance, and it costs £50. You have 45 minutes to answer all the 24 questions chosen from the ones you can find in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test.

You may be exempt from this test if you are under the age of 19 or over 65 or if you have a long-term condition that can prevent you from sitting in on your exam.

You must score at least 75% to pass the test. If you fail it, you must wait 7 days before you can try it again. You can take the test as many times as you need to.

Indefinite Leave to Remain: conditions to stay in the UK

Once you obtain your Indefinite Leave to Remain, you can stay in the UK with no time limit. However, your status can be curtailed in certain circumstances.

One essential Indefinite Leave to Remain condition of stay is to be “ordinarily resident” in the country. This means you cannot spend more than 2 years outside the UK. If you lose your ILR after a long period of absence and you wish to re-enter the UK, you will need to  apply for a Returning Resident Visa .

The UKVI can also revoke your status if you commit an offence that results in a period of imprisonment or deportation from the UK.

What are the Indefinite Leave to remain conditions to obtain British citizenship?

Applying for ILR is one of the steps to obtain British citizenship by way of naturalisation. To be eligible, you must retain your status for at least 12 months. However, if you are the spouse or the  civil partner  of a UK settled person, you do not need to wait, and you can apply to naturalisation as soon as you get your ILR.

To qualify for British Citizenship, you must not have spent more than 90 days outside the UK in any 12-months eligible period. In total, you must not exceed 450 days in 5 days. Otherwise, your qualifying period will start over.

Once your British citizenship is granted, you are not subject to any immigration rule. This means you can spend more than 2 years outside the UK without losing your status. However, your citizenship can be removed if it is found that you have lied on your application or if you are considered a threat to national security.

What are the conditions to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain for EEA and Swiss nationals?

If you are an EEA or Swiss national, you do not need to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. You can automatically obtain permanent residency after five years of residence.

You can also qualify for permanent residency if you are the family member of a qualified national as well. Both these paths may lead to British citizenship by naturalisation.

Do you have any questions about the conditions for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK?

If you need help to plan your route to the Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, one of our immigration solicitors is happy to support you.

Our team specialises in UK immigration and has experience in providing expert guidance to individuals who wish to  settle in the UK . One of our legal advisers will follow your case working closely with you. Your lawyer can assess if you meet the Indefinite Leave to Remain conditions. Together you will find the best strategy to submit a successful application.

If you need support with Indefinite Leave to Remain, you can get in touch with our  London ,  Manchester , or  Birmingham  immigration lawyers, or alternatively, check our  office finder  for your closest branch. We look forward to supporting you.

Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

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Schengen Visa Requirements for UK Citizens and ILR Holders

The indefinite leave to remain, ILR, is a UK visa for settlement. It guarantees that its holder is given an immigration status following living in the UK under a temporary Visa. The status is only given to a person without the right of abode within the UK. The ILR enables its holder to live, work and study without time limits. Still, they can move in and out of the UK anytime.

Now you have a hint about the ILR; if you hold or are just a UK resident, the big question is whether you can use it to travel to Schengen. Indeed, ILRs, the UK obtained are the only types of ILR that allow one to get to Schengen Visa-free.

But that’s not all. Arrangements must be made if you are an ILR holder or UK resident before you get to Schengen. And so, to speak, below we will talk about the prerequisites; hang on.

What are the eligibility criteria for Brits to get Schengen Visa?

The UK immigration permit you possess must first be active for at least 3 months after the date that you want to depart the Schengen zone. All Schengen consulates in the UK are not open to nonresidents, including travelers and tourists present in the country on visas. They can alternatively submit an application for Schengen visas at the relevant Schengen embassies in their countries.

The required documents for Schengen visa for UK ILR Holders application

The Schengen states have their consulates in the UK. While requirements may differ, there is a commonality in the documents needed for Schengen visa for ILR holders . This includes:

·    A passport or other relevant traveling paperwork. Also, confirm that the passport age is about a decade old.

·    There are two completely vacant pages in your passport-one again for visa stamping and one more for unused.

.           A current UK identification card or resident permit. The genuine passport must bear the UK resident permit’s endorsement or a recent biometric Identity.

·    Each applicant should submit a single application filled and verified with a signature.

·    One passport-sized photo displays all of the facial characteristics, has a light backdrop and is colorful. Your application paperwork must be attached to the photo, which cannot be older than half a year.

·    A document of introduction outlining the objective of the trip to Schengen

·    Documentation of your travel arrangements, such as round-trip airline tickets, travel itineraries, or other evidence of your intended mode of transportation (suppose you are to visit more than one Schengen if the trip is covering them all with non-Schengen countries )

·    Insurance coverage for traveling, covering you in Schengen in the event of illness and repatriation. The coverage costs about €30.000 over the internet on the AXA Schengen web.

• You have to provide Hotel bookings or documentation of tour membership.

·    The latest UK account balance or traveler’s check statement indicating at least £55 per individual a day was expended outside the Schengen region.

Requirements for other residents in the UK:

Provided that you are employed, you must present a letter of recommendation from a previous employer in the UK attesting to the following details: salary, hiring time, role, and vacation days. It should be indicated if your employment period isn’t more than 3 months.

Independent contractors

For independent contractors, you need a letter not more than three months specifying your Professional endeavors, Commencement, and Job registration. Also, the letter will detail Income with the VAT certificates attached.

International students studying in the UK

Students will need to present an official letter from their school, college, or university that details their studies and attendance history and is current (less than three months old).

Retired persons

As for retired persons, applicants must present the most recent six-month pension statement.

Applicants married to a UK citizen but unemployed.

In such contexts, A legal marriage certification document is needed. Also, the applicant has to show proof of employment of their spouse. The proof includes the role held inside the organization, the date of employment, and the Couple’s current passport; Lastly, the State Office of the nation that granted the marriage license or its consulate within the UK will have to stamp the certificate provided that it was issued out of EU.

Where should I apply for the Schengen in the United Kingdom?

As for the application destination, Schengen has requirements that define the Embassies or Consulates in the UK. It all hinges on the intended use and duration of stay. However, for a visa to enter a Schengen nation, one must go to the consulates representing that nation.

·    If you want to travel to more Schengen countries, you should apply at the embassies or consulates of the country you will stay the longest.

·    If you want to spend an equivalent amount of time in multiple Schengen countries, you must apply to the embassies of the Schengen nation you plan to visit first.

·    A residency permit, not the Schengen visas, is required if you want to remain in Schengen for a period exceeding 3 months. Usually, the homepage of the relevant embassy will have directions on how to get the permit.

What’s the Right time for me to file my application?

Typically, 15 days prior to the desired trip to Europe is the ideal period of opportunity to file for the Schengen visas in the UK . However, applying six months prior to the desired vacation date is preferable to avoid being in a rush. The same works best for multiple visa holders.

Schengen visa for UK ILR Holders application procedure

You must schedule appointments with the appropriate country’s embassy within London to complete your application. You must physically visit the Consulate or Embassy or apply through reputable organizations like VFS.

Schengen visa from UK duration of processing

Your application must be finalized within two weeks from the submission date with the relevant British Embassy. However, the time frame may be extended to one month, depending on the embassy. Either way, you have to apply for the Schengen Visa earlier enough.

Is it possible to fast-track Schengen visa UK application?

Yes, it’s possible to fast-track the application under the right circumstances. That may be

1.   Applicants with family members who are EEA or EU citizens

2.   Situations involving serious medical emergencies

Note; that there are more applications at the embassy during summer and winter. So make your application early enough.

The Schengen visa from UK fees

The cost of applying for Schengen visas in the UK may range from 36.5 pounds for kids between the ages of 6 – 12 and 51pounds going upwards for the elderly. For specifics, check the table below.

 Brit fee

 Euros

  The elderly

  Kids of 6-12 years of age

  Kids below six years

 No fees

Wrapping up

So now that’s it. When it comes to anything pertaining to Schengen visas for UK ILR Holders or UK residents, it’s all a matter of paperwork. When employed, your criterion is different from marriages or self-employed people. Again, requirements are common across the different Schengen country embassies. It will help if you check those mentioned above. Retrospectively, Filing your application six months before your intended visit is not a requirement, yet it’s a smart option.

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ILR Requirements to Settle in the UK

Anne morris.

• 4 April 2023

IN THIS SECTION

If you have been in the UK for a qualifying period in an immigration category that leads to settlement, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

With ILR status, you no longer have any conditions on your stay in the UK and you can work, study or engage in business indefinitely. ILR is also a prerequisite to applying for British citizenship .

UK ILR requirements vary depending on your current immigration status. In this guide, we explain the different routes to UK settlement and the criteria you will need to meet depending your current status.

Routes to ILR

Not all visas provide a route to ILR. Visa routes that qualify for UK ILR include the following:

ILR requirements and eligibility are determined by your route to settlement. The options include:

ILR based on a work visa

• Tier 2, T2, International Sportsperson or Skilled Worker visa
• Scale-up Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Tier 1 Entrepreneur
• Investor visa
• Innovator visa
• Representative of an overseas business
• Turkish Worker or Businessperson visa
• Private servant in a diplomatic household with an International Agreement visa, or a domestic worker

ILR based on family

It may be possible to be eligible for UK ILR on the basis of a family relationship with someone who is either a British citizen or has UK settled status. Eligible routes include:

• Spouse visa (partner visa)
• Parent visa
• Child dependent visa
• Adult dependent relative visa
• Private life route
• If your partner is deceased
• If your relationship has ended due to domestic violence

ILR based on nationality

Ancestry visa holders can become eligible for ILR after 5 years in the UK.

Commonwealth citizens with the Right of Abode in the UK are able to live and work in the UK free from immigration restrictions, and may be eligiible for citizenship.

ILR based on long residence

If you have lived in the UK for ten years or more, you may be eligible to apply for ILR.

Other routes

Additional routes to UK settlement include:

• Discretionary leave
• Status as a refugee or humanitarian protection
• Returning residents who have previously held ILR are a refugee or have humanitarian protection or Discretionary Leave
• Armed forces personnel

When can you apply for ILR?

ILR is only available to those who have been in the UK for the necessary period of time. This period of residency is used to satisfy the Home Office that the ILR applicant intends to live here permanently and can show commitment to doing so.

Depending on your immigration status, you will need to show qualifying residence for either 2, 3, 5, or 10 years.

Five year ILR route 

The majority of ILR applications are through routes that require 5 years with lawful status and residence. You must have lived in the UK continuously for five years on a valid visa to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain. After five years, the following visas are eligible for ILR:

• Skilled worker visa, the minister of religion T2 visa or the Tier 2 (minister of religion) visa, the sportsperson T2 visa or the Tier 2 (sportsperson) visa
• Business visas include the Turkish Worker or Businessperson Visa
• Global Talent Visa (in some cases)
• Scale up visa
• Innovator Visa
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa
• Family members include spouse, parents, children, and dependent adults
• Tier 5 (International Agreement) visa
• Ancestry visa

In some cases, it is possible to combine time spent in the UK on several visa types to reach the five-year requirement for some visas, such the skilled worker and Tier 2 routes. Take advice on your circumstances.

If you have changed from a different type of visa, you may need to provide proof of more than five years of residency. If the category switch is deemed to have “reset the clock,” you will need to accrue a further five years in the UK on your new visa, depending on the sort of visa you switched from and to (i.e. the time you have already been in the UK may not count towards ILR).

Ten year ILR route 

The ILR long-residence route may be available for those who have lived in the UK for at least 10 consecutive years. You can qualify for the ten-year long-residence route regardless of the sort of visa you’ve held as long as you have been residing legally in the UK during that time.

ILR after 2 or 3 years 

Accelerated ILR is available to visa holders under certain business routes after only 2 or 3 years. These include:

• Entrepreneur visa
• Global talent visa

Eligibility for fast-tracked ILR will depend on certain conditions being met. For example:

• If a holder of a Global Talent visa has received recognition as an extraordinary talent by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, UK Research and Innovation, the Arts Council England, or Tech Nation, they may apply for ILR after three years.
• Innovators may be eligible for ILR after three years, provided they can show sufficient growth in their business.
• 2 years: £10,000,000
• 3 years: £5,000,000
• 5 years: £2,000,000

ILR requirements for different  immigration status

To be eligible for ILR, you must first be in the UK with lawful status under a category that specifically leads to settlement, for a time period stipulated under the category:

ILR requirements & eligibility

You do not automatically qualify for ILR on completion of your continuous period of lawful residence in the UK.

You must submit an application for ILR to UKVI to consider. You will also need to submit evidence of your eligibility for ILR:

• Continuous lawful residence in the UK for the required qualify period
• Absences from the UK not exceeding 180 days in any 12 months of the qualifying period
• Evidence you have passed a Life in the UK Test
• Evidence of your ability to speak English to the required standard
• Evidence that your application meets the General Grounds for Refusal – for example, addressing if you have any criminal convictions or breaches of your immigration status

Calculating your continuous period of residence

Evidencing that you meet the residency requirement by calculating your continuous period and absences from the UK is not always straightforward. We provide a basic outline of current Home Office regulations in this area, but note that it is subject to change. We recommend taking professional advice to ensure you are in compliance with this stringent eligibility requirement.

The continuous period requirement is the minimum amount of time you must spend either in employment or active in the UK economy before being eligible to qualify for ILR. This involves calculating how many days absence from the UK you have accrued.

Importantly, for the full duration of the period, you must have held valid leave to enter or remain.

To calculate the relevant qualifying period, count backward from whichever of the following is most beneficial to you:

• the date of application
• the date of decision
• any date up to 28 days after the date of application

You will need to provide reasons and evidence for all of your absences. Some absences will not be considered as ‘breaking’ continuity and as such will not affect your continuous period or reset the clock:

• The period between the issue of your entry clearance and entering the UK
• Part day absences – only whole days (ie the full 24 hours) out of the country are counted.

Tier 1 visas 

Evidence of absences is not required if you are in the UK on a valid Tier 1 (Investor), Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) or Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) visa.

PBS dependants

The 180 day residence requirement for ILR applies to both the main applicant and their PBS dependants who were issued their visa before 11 January 2018.

Absences from the UK during periods of leave granted before 11 January 2018 are not included towards the 180 days allowable absences for PBS dependants.

Business travel

Many people think business related travel does not count towards the permitted 180 days outside the UK when qualifying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. This is not the case. The 180 days are made up of all international travel including business-related travel as well as personal travel.

Exceeding the number of absences allowed would mean the continuous residence period is broken, and therefore, disqualification from being eligible for settlement.

There are allowances if you exceed the number of days spent outside the UK, however these are for compelling and serious circumstances, and advice should be sought before proceeding with your application.

Knowledge of English language and life in the UK

Applying for settled status involves a commitment to respect the laws, values and traditions of the UK. Your knowledge of the English language and life and in the UK forms an integral part of this commitment. This is known as the KoLL condition.

All those applying for indefinite leave to remain under a route which requires KoLL, must meet both parts of the condition, unless they are exempt. These two parts can be broken down as follows:

• Knowledge of English language
• Knowledge of life in the UK

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, so as to demonstrate your knowledge of the English language you must either provide evidence of a UK degree that was taught or researched in English, or obtain an approved English speaking and listening qualification.

You can satisfy the knowledge of life requirement by passing the ‘Life in the UK’ test. The test must be taken at a UK test centre where you will need to confirm your identity, for example, by way of a passport or other travel document.

You may be wholly exempt from the KoLL condition if you are aged under 18 or over 65, or have a long-term physical or mental condition that prevents you from meeting these requirements.

There are also other categories of applicant who may be exempt from the KoLL condition when applying for indefinite leave to remain. These include victims of domestic violence, bereaved spouses or partners of someone present and settled in the UK, or retired persons of independent means.

ILR salary requirement 

ILR applicants may need to show they meet the relevant minimum income requirement, depending on what type of leave they currently hold.

For example, Skilled Worker visa holders who wish to acquire indefinite leave to remain in the UK are required to meet the minimum salary requirement  by earning the higher of either:

• £25,600 per year
• £10.10 per hour
• the ‘going rate’ for the role

ILR application process

Provided you are eligible and meet the relevant ILR requirements, you can make your ILR application to the Home Office.

You will need to complete the appropriate application form and submit supporting documents.

Most applications are made using SET (O) or SET (M) .

Once you have submitted your form, you can book an appointment at a UKVCAS centre,  where you will submit your biometric information. Your supporting documents can also be submitting during this appointment, if you have not submitted them already online.

You may be invited to an interview if UKVI requires further information about you and your application.

ILR supporting documents 

Your application will need to be supported by documents that evidence your identity and that you meet the ILR requirements. As a minimum, you will need to provide:

• Your current, valid passport or other valid travel ID
• Your biometric residence permit, if you have been issued one
• All passports that you have held during your time in the UK
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of continuous residence
• Documents relating to absences during your qualifying period
• Proof of English language ability
• Evidence of cohabitating residence if applying from a spouse or partner visa
• Other official document such as letter from a medical professional, a police registration certificate
• Life in UK and English language proof
• If dependants are applying with you, you will need to provide their birth certificates.

Additional documents will also be required, depending on your the type of visa you currently have, among other factors. For example, if you are applying for ILR as a Skilled Worker, you will need to provide details about your employment, while if you have an Ancestry visa, you will need to provide the birth and/or marriage certificates of your grandparents as proof of nationality. Unmarried partners have to show proof of cohabitation. Taking professional advice will ensure you are providing a comprehensive submission to avoid issues, delays or even a refused application.

Travel & ID 

You have to show your current, valid passport or travel document. You must also provide proof if you entered the UK using a different passport. Additionally, any additional passports you may have had while residing in the UK must be produced.

Alternatively, you will need to present a legitimate travel document of another sort if you don’t have a passport and haven’t had one since you were in the UK.

If you have a BRP, you must submit it with your ILR application.

Accommodation & financials

You will have to give specifics about your financial situation and accommodation in the UK. If you own or rent a property in the UK, you should provide documentation to prove this, such as the rent or mortgage agreement.

A letter from the landlord should be included if you are renting a property.

A letter verifying that you are authorised to reside there should be submitted if you are living in housing that is owned or rented by family or friends.

Documentation proving any benefits you may have received while living in the UK should also be included.

Documents not in English or Welsh must be submitted with a certified translation.

Continuous residence 

The minimum residence requirement is possibly the most important condition with an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain. You must be qualified if you have resided in the UK for a predetermined period of time.

This time period must be deemed to be continuous.

You must provide proof proving your residency in the UK together with information regarding any periods of absence from the UK. A rental agreement, mortgage statement, council tax bills, and utility bills are typically included in this.

Absence from the UK

ILR requirements stipulate that during your qualifying resident time in the UK, you may not leave the country for more than 180 days in a calendar year, unless there were exceptional circumstances.

A period of absence is any time spent away from the UK while you are still in your qualifying residence period. You will be required to present proof that explains your absences. For example, you should provide a letter from your employer stating that your absence was in compliance with your annual leave entitlement if your leave of absence was connected to your work and included annual leave.

If your absences were caused by exceptional circumstances, such as major travel interruption brought on by a natural catastrophe or conflict, you should supply information, such as travel records and letters from travel firms to support your reasoning.

If your leave of absence was for compassionate reasons, you will need to provide a letter for you outlining those reasons. You may be asked to submit further proof.

English language 

Another important aspect of ILR applications is the necessity for English proficiency. You will need to provide evidence that your English language proficiency is at CEFR B1 level, which is the minimum requirement.

The majority of ILR applicants will need to take an English language exam to demonstrate their language proficiency. Only approved secure English language tests (SELT) are acceptable.

If you are from a country where the main language is English, you are exempt from taking this test. Additionally, if you have completed a degree-level or higher course offered in English at an accredited academic institution, you won’t need to take an English language exam.

Additional exceptions include:

• Anyone over the age of 65 who has a persistent physical or mental ailment
• Adult dependent between the ages of 18 and 64
• Domestic abuse victims whose partners are British citizens or have permanent residency in the UK
• Partner or spouse of a deceased British citizen or anyone with legal status in the UK

Life in the UK 

If you wish to apply for ILR, you must pass the Life in the UK test . The multiple-choice questions on the Life in the UK test are focused on the history, customs, and culture of the UK. To pass the test, you must have a score of at least 75%.

You will receive a unique reference number if you pass the test, which you use when making your ILR application.

How much is UK ILR?

The ILR processing fee is £2,404 as of 6 April 2022 per applicant.

You will also have to pay a fee to submit your biometric information, which is £19.20.

When is the earliest date you can apply for ILR?

You may be able to apply for ILR earlier than you think. It is generally thought you can apply 28 days prior to the date you entered the UK, but this is not always the case. If you entered the UK within 3 months of your visa being issued, you might be eligible to apply 28 days prior the issue date on the visa.

For example, if your entry clearance visa was issued on 1 st November 2015, you entered the UK 30 th December 2015; you could apply for naturalisation on 3 rd October 2020 provided you meet all the eligibility requirements.

ILR for dependants 

You may also file for ILR on behalf of your dependent family members, such as your husband, partner, and children.

Dependents can include:

• Partner – spouse, civil partner, or any romantic partner (partners must either be in a civil partnership or marriage or, if not, have been living together for at least 2 years)
• Children that are younger than 18
• Children who are above 18 and financially reliant on the primary visa holder

Additionally, they must meet the criteria for Life in the UK test and the English language requirement where relevant, and the continuous residency requirement.

Some ILR routes require a financial threshold to be met. For the Skilled Worker five-year route, you as the main applicant and your partner must usually have a combined income of at least £18,600 a year, with additional money if you have children who are not British or Irish, do not have pre-settled status and are not permanently settled in the UK. If you need to prove the additional money, you have to earn the following over and above the £18,600 threshold:

• £3,800 a year for your first child
• £2,400 a year for each child you have after your first child

Most of the time, family members can apply for ILR simultaneously since they received their visas at the same time as the primary visa holder and for the same period of time. They may, however, have to wait until they attain the ILR qualifying time if they arrived in the UK later. If a member of your family is ineligible for an ILR as a dependent, there may be alternative ways for them to live in the UK, such as the EU Settlement Scheme, family visas, or the 10-year residency route. Take advice on your options.

ILR refused?

Please know that even if your ILR application is rejected (or if your dependent family member’s application is rejected), you may usually gain settlement in the UK with the right guidance. First off, if you were able to prove that your application for indefinite permission to remain was based on grounds protected by human rights, you may appeal the decision. If this applies to your application, an immigration lawyer can provide advice. However, because the majority of ILR applications are not based on respect for human rights, they cannot be challenged. However, there are still alternative choices. You can appeal an ILR denial in the following ways: If you feel that UKVI made a mistake by rejecting your application, you may request a judicial review. An administrative review is necessary to contest the refusal’s legal justification. It would be desirable in some circumstances to submit a new application for ILR.

Need assistance? 

Before you make an application for ILR, it is crucial to understand the ILR requirements and assess whether it is likely to succeed. If there are any areas of concerns, you can weigh up whether there is any merit in asking the Home Office to exercise discretion in your favour, or if there is little hope for them to do so, whether you ought to consider submitting for an extension of leave instead, which many clients can meet the requirements of, if there are issues or concerns with their proposed ILR application.

We’re a UK law firm focused solely on UK immigration. We help individuals with all UK visa, settlement and immigration needs including applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain . If you have a query about ILR requirements, contact us today.

ILR requirements FAQs

What are the requirements for ilr.

For most immigration routes, such as the Skilled Worker Route and spouse visa, the minimum ILR requirement is continuous residence of at least five years.

Can I apply ILR before 28 days?

It is possible to submit your ILR application up to 28 days before the end of your qualifying period. If you apply earlier, you will not be eligible and your application is likely to be refused. You will however need to ensure you apply you should apply before the end of your permitted stay in the UK.

How long is ILR valid for?

ILR is indefinite, however it may expire after 2 years absence from the UK, regardless of the expiry date on your proof of ILR, such as the BRP or passport stamp.

How much does ILR cost?

The Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application fee charged by the Home Office is £2,404 per applicant as of 6 April 2022.

Can I apply for ILR after 3 years?

If you have an Innovator or Global Talent visa, you may become eligible for ILR after 3 years if certain conditions apply.

Can I apply for ILR after 5 years?

For most eligible visa routes, holders can apply for ILR after five years.

Last updated: 4 November 2022

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Immigration Guide for EU, EEA & Swiss Citizens
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Skilled Worker Visa Costs (Sponsor's Guide)
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Skilled Worker Minimum Salary 2024
• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Understanding the Human Rights Act 1998

About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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• Visas and immigration
• What you need to do

How to apply for a visa to come to the UK

Choose a visa.

You may need a visa to come to the UK to study, work, visit or join family.

There are different visas depending on:

• where you come from
• why you want to come to the UK
• how long you want to stay for
• your personal circumstances and skills

Before you apply, you must check if you need a visa and what type you need. Depending on your nationality, you might not need a visa to visit or transit through the UK.

Your application must be approved before you travel.

You do not need to apply for a visa if you’re an Irish citizen.

If you want to visit the UK

Apply for a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. For example:

• for a holiday or to see family and friends
• for a business trip or meeting
• to do a short course of study

You must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you want to visit the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you have a visitor visa you cannot take a job in the UK.

If you’re travelling through the UK

You might need a visa if you’re travelling through the UK on your way to another country, for example if you have a layover between flights.

Apply for a visa to travel through the UK .

If you want to study in the UK

Your course length, type and place of study affect which visa to apply for.

A Standard Visitor visa lets you do a short course of study that lasts no longer than 6 months.

A Short-term study visa lets you come to the UK to study an English language course that is over 6 months and up to 11 months.

A Student visa is usually for a longer course. You must be sponsored by a licensed college or university and have a confirmed place. On this visa, you may be able to do some work.

A Child Student visa is for 4 to 17 year olds who want to study at an independent school. If you’re 16 or over, this visa lets you do some work.

If you want to work in the UK

You can work in the UK on a short or long-term basis with a work visa. There are many types of work visa .

The visa you need depends upon:

• your skills and qualifications
• if you have a job offer and sponsorship
• if you want to bring your family with you
• what you’ll be doing - for example sporting, charitable or religious work

You can set up a business with an Innovator Founder visa .

If you want to join family in the UK

If you’re a spouse, partner or family member of someone who has British citizenship or settlement in the UK, you can apply for a family visa to join them. They may need to show that they can support you financially.

You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain ( ILR ) after a set amount of time living in the UK.

If your family member is in the UK on a visa

You may be able to apply for a visa to join a family member who’s in the UK on a visa. They must be either:

• your spouse or partner
• your parent if you’re 18 or under

Check what visa you’ll need to join them.

Family reunion visas for refugees

If you were separated from your partner or child when you were forced to leave your country, they can apply to join you in the UK.

Your family members can apply if you have been given asylum or 5 years’ humanitarian protection, and not have British citizenship.

If your family member is from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You can apply for a free EU Settlement Scheme family permit to come to the UK if you have a close family member who:

• was living in the UK by 31 December 2020
• has pre-settled or settled status
• you had a relationship with by 31 December 2020 (unless you’re applying for a child who was born or adopted after this date)

Close family members include your spouse or civil partner, child, grandchild, parent or grandparent.

A family permit lets you live, work and study in the UK for up to 6 months. You can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK after your family permit expires. You usually need to apply within 3 months of arriving in the UK.

Other ways to get permission to live in the UK

If you’re from the eu, switzerland, norway, iceland or liechtenstein.

If you started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme instead of applying for a visa. The deadline to apply was 30 June 2021, but you can still apply if you can show reasonable grounds for the delay in applying.

Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme .

You can only apply from outside the UK if you have a valid passport or national identity card with a biometric chip.

Commonwealth citizens

You can apply for an Ancestry visa to work in the UK if you have a British grandparent and meet other eligibility criteria.

You may have right of abode to live in the UK.

If you’re a Commonwealth citizen and cannot prove your right to be in the UK, read about the Windrush scheme .

Returning residents

You’ll need to apply for a returning resident visa to come back to the UK if one of the following is true:

you had indefinite leave to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme (‘settled status’) and left the UK for more than 5 continuous years (or 4 continuous years if you’re a Swiss citizen or their family member)

you had permanent permission to stay in the UK (‘indefinite leave to remain’) but it was not under the EU Settlement Scheme and you left the UK for more than 2 years

Other visas

There may be another visa that’s right for you based on your circumstances. Check if you need a visa and what other visas you’re eligible for.

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Blog Home Office in the media

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/17/media-factsheet-evisas/

Media factsheet: eVisas  

eVisas are a key part of delivering a border and immigration system which will be ‘digital by default’ by 2025. This process is already underway, and millions of people in the UK who applied for their visa through the EU Settlement Scheme or used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app already have an eVisa (digital proof of their immigration status). These changes bring significant benefits to customers, deliver excellent value, and increase the UK immigration system’s security and efficiency.     

An eVisa is an online record of a customer’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. It can be viewed by logging into the online ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service using their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. It is usually linked to a customer’s passport to facilitate straightforward international travel.  

Using a phased approach to implementing digital services, the intention is that by 2025 most customers will have a secure and seamless digital journey when they interact with the UK’s immigration system.    

Over time this will see physical and paper-based products and services replaced with accessible, straightforward online and digital services (such as the ‘view and prove’ service) and products such as the eVisa.    

The Home Office has launched a phased rollout of eVisas to biometric residence permit (BRP). Initially this is to BRP holders by email invitation only, being sent in phases. The service will open to all BRP holders from summer 2024. Customers with BRPs do not need to do anything unless they receive an email, and don’t need to contact the Home Office if they do not receive an email immediately because the service will open to all in the summer.   

The latest information on eVisas is available at www.gov.uk/evisa .  Holders of other physical immigration documents, including (for those who hold indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain) passports containing vignette visa stickers or ink stamps, and biometric residence cards (BRCs), can also find information there on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. It is free, and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.    

Customers who already have an eVisa, including anyone granted status through the EU Settlement Scheme, do not need to do anything. This is also the case if a customer holds both a physical document, such as a BRP, and an eVisa. Customers who are not sure if they already have a UKVI account and eVisa can either check here on GOV.UK or refer to their original grant email or letter.   

Further information and future updates, including details of the support available, is available at www.gov.uk/evisa . This will be updated throughout 2024.  

An eVisa partner pack comprising further information and factsheets for stakeholders is also available here to download.     

What is an eVisa?  

An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.    

It removes the need for physical documents such as the biometric residence permit (BRP), ink stamps or vignette visa stickers in passports, or the biometric residence card (BRC).     

It explains the immigration status of the holder, including the conditions of the immigration permission such as any limitations on their right to work.   

Customers can view their eVisa by logging into the view and prove service using their UKVI account and share relevant information about their status securely with third parties, such as employers or private service providers such as letting agencies.  

What are the benefits of eVisas?  

eVisas bring significant benefits, deliver excellent value and increase the UK immigration system’s security and efficiency.  

They will also bring significant benefits to customers who hold an immigration status in the UK:  

• An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or damaged.  
• Customers can prove their rights instantly, accurately and securely to anyone who requests it while sharing only necessary information.  
• With an eVisa, fewer customers will need to leave their passport with the Home Office while awaiting a decision. eVisas also mean that customers do not need to collect documents like BRPs or wait for these documents to be sent to them.  
• With a UKVI account, customers can easily keep the Home Office updated with any changes in their details or documentation. For example, customers can tell us about changes to their name and nationality, travel document (such as passport), email, telephone and postal address contact details.  
• Customers can access many UK government services and benefits without needing to present proof of immigration status. This is because selected government departments and authorities including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales, can securely access immigration status information automatically through system to system checks. Immigration data is held securely, and government will never sell customer data. Further information on how the Home Office handles customer data can be found here on GOV.UK .  

It is also simpler for those who need to check someone’s UK immigration status (such as employers and landlords), to use online services, rather than having to maintain awareness of, and look through, different types of physical immigration documents, some of which may be in bad condition, or even fraudulent. As more and more customers create UKVI accounts, checkers can increasingly conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK  

When are eVisas launching?   

Although millions of customers already have and use eVisas, including everyone granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, throughout 2024 customers who currently use physical immigration documents to prove their status and rights in the UK, will be asked to take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.   

This process launched in April 2024, with BRP holders emailed directly with instructions on how to create UKVI account to access their eVisa. These email invitations are being sent in phases, before the service is made available to all BRP holders in the summer. BRP holders who have not yet received an email should not worry as the process will soon be opened to all without an invitation, and there is no need to contact the Home Office in the meantime.  

As we rollout the online process for BRP holders to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa we will send emails to BRP holders when they are able to take action. BRP holders who have not yet received email instructions but have been made aware of the process by friends, family or online forums may find the process does not yet work for them. There is no need to contact the Home Office in this case as the online process will be open for all BRP holders in summer 2024 at www.gov.uk/evisa .  

Holders of other physical immigration documents, such as a passport containing ink stamps or vignette visa stickers, or BRCs can take steps to acquire an eVisa now, and further instructions are available at www.gov.uk/evisa .   

Will this impact British citizens?  

British passport holders and Irish citizens, including those who previously held an immigration status but have since acquired British citizenship, do not need to do anything. British citizens who do not have a British passport because they are dual nationals (excluding Irish passport holders) may need to take action in future regarding how they prove their right of abode. Updates on this will be provided in due course.    

Will the Home Office be communicating about eVisas?   

A comprehensive range of communications activity on the implementation of eVisas is underway and will be delivered throughout 2024.   

This includes a range of direct emails which will be sent, in phases, to BRP holders with instructions on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. We are also proactively engaging with a wide range of targeted stakeholders to engage those impacted by the move to eVisas, and have developed a range of partner pack content (see above) to equip them to communicate widely about eVisa changes.   

We will also be using official communication channels, including videos and regularly updated content on gov.uk to communicate these changes.   

What is a UKVI account? How is it different to an eVisa?    

A UKVI account is a secure way for customers to log into online services such as view and prove, whereas an eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.   

Using their UKVI account, customers can view their eVisa and share the relevant information via the online view and prove service, by generating a share code, which provides time-limited access to the relevant data. A person can have a UKVI account but no eVisa, for example, where the application for permission to stay in the UK was refused or expired.   

A customer can also update personal details such as address and contact details in their UKVI account. This service is free, unlike updating physical immigration documents for which customers may be charged. This service is available at: www.update-your-UK-Visas-and-immigration-account-details .  

The UKVI account is currently created automatically for everyone who uses the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile App’ to make an immigration application.    

Customers who already hold a physical document will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa and to be able to use the full range of online services.   

As physical documents that evidence immigration status expire, the view and prove service, accessed via the UKVI account, will be the way people can view and prove their immigration status and associated rights in the UK.  

Can you still use a physical document if it expires, and you don’t get an eVisa?    

The expiry of a physical document, for example, a BRP card, does not affect a customer’s immigration status. However, how they prove their status will change from 2025. Customers will have to use our online services to prove their rights in the UK and to do so they will need to create a UKVI account.   

What do customers need to do if they hold a BRP that expires at the end of 2024?  

Customers who have a BRP and are living in the UK will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa unless their immigration leave expires before 31 December 2024. From April 2024, BRP holders are being emailed directly with instructions on how to do this. These email invitations are being sent in phases, before the service is made available to all BRP holders in the summer. BRP holders who have not yet received an email should not worry as the process will soon be opened to all without an invitation, and there is no need to contact the Home Office in the meantime. BRP holders should visit www.gov.uk/evisa for the latest information.  

For now, customers should continue to use their BRP as they have previously and visit www.gov.uk/evisa for updates. This includes taking their BRP with them when they travel internationally.     

The expiry of their BRP card does not affect their immigration status. However, how they prove their status will change from 2025.   

Customers who already have an eVisa (a digital immigration status) as well as a BRP, will not need to create a UKVI account, as they already have one. Customers can find out if they already have a UKVI account by checking the email or letter that they were given when they were granted immigration status in the UK or go to www.gov.uk/evisa for further information.   

Should customers whose BRP expires on 31 Dec 2024 before their immigration leave is due to expire, apply now to renew their BRP?    

No, customers should not apply to renew their BRP, as all BRPs issued to customers who hold immigration leave beyond 2024, including renewals, are due to expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will be replaced by the eVisa.    

What should customers do if they’ve lost their BRP?   

If a customer has lost their valid BRP then they should apply for a replacement in the usual way. As with all BRPs, if their leave extends beyond the end of 2024, their replacement BRP will expire on 31 December 2024, and they will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa to prove their rights.    

Once you have received your replacement then you should visit www.gov.uk/evisa for details of how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.   

If a customer has a BRP but it expires before the end of 2024 what do, they need to do?    

If a customer’s BRP expires before 31 Dec 2024 then their immigration leave may also expire at that point. If it does, and if they plan to remain in the UK then they should make a visa renewal application in the usual way.    

Will a BRP holder be able to use an expired BRP to generate a share code after it has expired but while they still have immigration leave?      

How a customer proves their status will change from 2025 and they should take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa before their BRP expires.   

Information on what steps a BRP holder will need to take to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa is available at www.gov.uk/evisa .    

We would encourage all BRP holders to create an account and access their eVisa as soon as it is possible for them to do so.  Where individuals have not created an account before their BRP expires at the end of 2024, we will put in place mechanisms to ensure they are still able to prove their rights while they create an account. Holders of expired BRPs will still be able to use these to create an account.  

BRP holders should take steps to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before it expires to prevent any unnecessary delays in proving their rights.   

What do legacy paper document holders need to do to evidence their rights in the UK – and what do they need to do to get an eVisa?    

Customers who have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain and prove their rights using a passport containing an ink stamp or vignette visa sticker or use another type of legacy paper document should make a ‘No Time Limit’ application.  

As part of the application process customers may need to travel to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centre (known as a UKVCAS) to provide a photograph, and in some cases provide fingerprints.   

Once an application has been processed successful No Time Limit applicants will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP), which can then be used to prove the customer's rights and to create a UKVI account.  

By the end of 2024 No Time Limit applicants will receive an eVisa, rather than a BRP. Further updates on this change will be available in due course.

It is free to make a No Time Limit application, and information on how to do so is available at http://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp  

Why do holders of legacy documents such as passports containing ink stamps or vignette visa stickers need to get an eVisa?    

The border and immigration system is becoming ‘digital by default’, a change that will enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency. This move also reflects a broader societal move towards a digital approach.    

The phasing out of legacy documents, such as passports containing ink stamps or a vignette visa sticker, is a key part of this process, but will bring a range of benefits to customers. This includes the fact that an eVisa cannot be lost or damaged, like a vignette, and there is no need for a potentially costly replacement.   

Customers who replace their legacy document with an eVisa will benefit from the automated access that public bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales will securely have to their immigration status, which will streamline access to key services.    

Creating a UKVI account to access an eVisa will also help to prevent unnecessary delays when travelling internationally (if travelling on the document linked to the UKVI account).    

If legacy document holders do not acquire an eVisa by 2025, then they may experience challenges and delays in proving their rights and when travelling internationally.    

What do eVisas mean for international travel?   

Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally. Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any travel document on which they intend to travel using the Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ service at www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details .‘ if this is not already linked to their account.   

During 2024, the Home Office is taking steps to allow carriers, including transport operators such as airlines, ferry, and international train operators, to securely and automatically access the immigration status of passengers travelling on their services when they present their travel document which is linked to their UKVI account.   

This will automate the existing routine checks completed whenever a passenger presents their travel document when travelling internationally. This will provide a more convenient customer journey, and enhanced border security.   

While the UK government is delivering a digital border and immigration system including plans to trial contactless entry using facial recognition only, there are no current plans to replace physical passports with digital equivalents.  

Will all international carriers have automatic access to immigration details? Or will it just be airlines?    

From later this year, carriers operating across air, rail & sea will be able to securely access passenger immigration information. Further updates will be provided in due course.  

Is there help and support for vulnerable groups?   

We are developing our digital products and services for use by all, including vulnerable users.     

Customers can contact the UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre, which provides telephone and email support to those using the online immigration status services.    

This includes supporting users through the online journey by:    

• helping them to access or recover their account.  
• helping them to update their personal details.   
• sharing status on behalf of individuals if they are unable to do so themselves.

The UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre will also be able to assist users who are experiencing technical issues with their online immigration status, and where necessary, enable individuals’ status to be verified through alternative means.  

Individuals can nominate a ‘helper’ and give them limited access to their account, so that they can assist with creating a UKVI account, completing details to access an eVisa, and with any immigration application. Where a person is unable to manage their own affairs due to, for example, age or disability, a ‘proxy’, who is authorised, can create and manage the account on behalf of the person.  

Our Assisted Digital service is also available to provide individual support by phone and email to individuals who require assistance with IT-related aspects of creating a UKVI account.    

Additionally, we work collaboratively with a range of third-party stakeholders on the move to eVisas. Many of these organisations offer support to individuals requiring assistance in creating a UKVI account and accessing their eVisa.    

We are exploring options to provide additional eVisa support and will provide further updates in due course.   

What support is there for those who are digitally excluded?   

Assisted Digital is a free service provided by UKVI to support customers in the UK who are digitally excluded to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa. Customers are classified as being digitally excluded if they have access needs or if they have low or no digital skills.     

Access needs can include any disability that requires support to use online services, a lack of device or a lack of internet access.   

Will children be impacted by the move to eVisas?   

In the case of children, the expectation is that their parent or guardian will have access to their UKVI account and use the online services on their behalf, as they would have looked after and used a BRP/C on the child’s behalf. They can subsequently transfer ownership of the account and access to the online services when the child reaches majority.   

Parents and guardians can create a UKVI account for their children at the same time they create an account for themselves.   

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Perth woman allegedly assaulted by freed detainee confronts minister over removal of man’s ankle bracelet

Ninette Simons, 73, tells immigration minister Andrew Giles she and 76-year-old husband Phillip feel they have been let down

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A Perth grandmother allegedly assaulted by a freed immigration detainee has asked the immigration minister why the man’s ankle monitoring bracelet was removed weeks before the alleged attack.

Ninette Simons, 73, and her 76-year-old husband, Phillip, were allegedly violently assaulted by three men during a home invasion on 19 April, during which Ninette was beaten and $200,000 in jewellery was stolen.

Kuwaiti-born Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan, previously convicted on drug charges, has been charged over the alleged attack.

The decision to remove the ankle bracelet from the 43-year-old Doukoshkan, was made in March by the Community Protection Board, a panel of justice system experts set up by the government in the wake of the high court ruling in the NZYQ case , that found indefinite immigration detention was unlawful.

Doukoshkan had previously been obliged to wear the monitor after being released from immigration detention, part of a cohort of about 150 former detainees released as a result of the court decision.

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During an interview with Channel Nine on Wednesday, the immigration minister, Andrew Giles, rang Ninette Simons. She questioned him about the lack of monitoring for Doukoshkan, who had already been accused of breaching his bail conditions.

“Why was his ankle bracelet removed in March?” she asked the minister.

Giles said that he was seeking information from the three-member Community Protection Board.

“I don’t feel very safe here unfortunately, I don’t. But I’m doing my best to live here,” Simons told Giles.

“Any noise I hear, any doorbell rings, I’m just jumping out of my skin … we should feel safe, but we feel we have been let down.”

Court documents show there had been earlier issues with Doukoshkan’s monitoring. On 13 February, his electronic monitoring showed a low battery – a fact known to the Australian federal police. The device went flat on 14 February.

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The next day, Doukoshkan emailed police about problems charging the device. It was not until 16 February that AFP officers visited Doukoshkan to check on him.

Doukoshkan faced court in February over alleged curfew breaches. Bail was not opposed by the commonwealth, and the charges were later dropped over an administrative error around the issuing of his visa.

Doukoshkan was wearing the ankle bracelet at his court hearing in February, but in March it was judged he no longer needed to wear it.

Doukoshkan was bailed again by a Western Australian court several days before the alleged attack, after being charged with a drug-related offence.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, was asked on ABC radio on Thursday morning about the decision not to continue monitoring Doukoshkan.

“The Community Protection Board is, of course, a board that’s independent of politicians … It’s not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases, particularly ones that are before the courts. And this matter is, of course, before the court.”

Albanese said: “My thoughts are very much with Ninette Simons and with those directly affected. It is unacceptable. There’s no place for violence in our society.”

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