Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

  • Travel Destinations

Which Countries Accept A UK Refugee Travel Document

Published: November 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Floria Mckim

  • Plan Your Trip

which-countries-accept-a-uk-refugee-travel-document

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on which countries accept a UK Refugee Travel Document. The journey of a refugee is marked by immense challenges and uncertainties. Obtaining refugee status in a new country is a significant milestone, granting individuals the right to protection and a chance to rebuild their lives. One essential document that facilitates this journey is the UK Refugee Travel Document.

What exactly is a UK Refugee Travel Document, and why is it important? To put it simply, it is an official travel document issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom. This document serves as an identity proof and allows refugees to travel internationally while ensuring their protection and safety.

For refugees, having the ability to travel is not only a matter of personal freedom but can also be crucial in certain situations. Whether it is reuniting with family members, attending important events, or seeking educational and employment opportunities abroad, the UK Refugee Travel Document plays a vital role in facilitating these journeys.

In this article, we will delve into the countries that accept a UK Refugee Travel Document and explore any potential travel restrictions that may be imposed. We will also provide some valuable tips for traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document, ensuring a smoother and more hassle-free experience.

It is important to note that travel regulations can vary between countries and are subject to change. We recommend consulting with the relevant authorities or embassies of the countries you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information. With that said, let’s explore the world of travel opportunities that await UK Refugee Travel Document holders.

What is a UK Refugee Travel Document?

A UK Refugee Travel Document, also known as a Convention Travel Document, is an official document issued by the UK government to individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom. It serves as proof of identity and travel authorization for refugees, enabling them to travel internationally while enjoying the rights and protections granted to them through their refugee status.

The UK Refugee Travel Document is recognized by numerous countries around the world as a valid travel document, allowing refugees to enter and exit these countries and travel within their borders. It is important to note that this document is not a passport and does not grant the same privileges as a passport held by a citizen of a particular country. However, it serves as a viable alternative for refugees who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country.

The UK Refugee Travel Document is designed to comply with international standards set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It contains essential information about the document holder, including their full name, date of birth, nationality (as “Refugee”), and a photograph. The document also includes a unique document number and is typically valid for up to 10 years, although the exact validity period may vary.

It is crucial to understand that the UK Refugee Travel Document is only issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status by the UK government. Refugees who have been given humanitarian protection or discretionary leave to remain in the UK may not be eligible for this travel document. It is essential to consult with the relevant immigration authorities or seek legal advice to determine eligibility and understand the specific requirements for obtaining a UK Refugee Travel Document.

With a UK Refugee Travel Document in hand, refugees gain the ability to travel internationally, which can be instrumental in a variety of situations. From attending family events and weddings to pursuing educational opportunities or participating in international conferences, the UK Refugee Travel Document opens up a world of possibilities and helps refugees maintain connections and build new lives beyond their country of refuge.

Overview of Refugee Convention Signatories

The international community recognizes the importance of protecting refugees and providing them with the rights and support they need. Several international agreements and conventions have been established to ensure the welfare and safety of refugees, one of which is the 1951 Refugee Convention.

The 1951 Refugee Convention, also known as the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, is an international treaty that outlines the rights and obligations of signatory countries towards refugees. It defines who is considered a refugee and the legal protections they are entitled to receive.

Currently, 149 countries have signed and ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, affirming their commitment to upholding the rights and protection of refugees. These signatory countries are obligated to offer assistance to refugees, including granting them access to legal protection, education, employment, and healthcare, among other essential services.

It is vital to note that not all countries that have signed the Refugee Convention automatically accept the UK Refugee Travel Document. Each country retains the authority to establish its own policies and requirements for accepting travel documents issued by other countries.

When planning international travel with a UK Refugee Travel Document, it is crucial to consider the specific travel regulations and restrictions implemented by each country you intend to visit. While many signatory countries accept the UK Refugee Travel Document, some may have additional requirements or restrictions that need to be taken into account.

It is also worth noting that there are some countries that, despite being signatories to the Refugee Convention, do not accept the UK Refugee Travel Document. Their decision may be based on various factors, including their internal immigration policies or diplomatic relations with the issuing country.

As such, it is imperative to thoroughly research and understand the travel policies of each country you wish to visit. Consulting with the relevant embassies or consulates is highly recommended to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the acceptance of the UK Refugee Travel Document.

Overall, the Refugee Convention and its signatory countries play a crucial role in protecting and supporting refugees worldwide. It is through these international agreements that refugees are granted legal protections and the chance to rebuild their lives in a safe and welcoming environment. Understanding the nuances of each country’s acceptance policies ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for UK Refugee Travel Document holders.

Countries that Accept UK Refugee Travel Document

Refugees who possess a UK Refugee Travel Document have the opportunity to explore and visit numerous countries worldwide. While acceptance policies may vary, the UK Refugee Travel Document is generally recognized as a valid travel document by many nations.

Here are some of the countries that commonly accept the UK Refugee Travel Document:

  • European Union (EU) Countries: Most EU member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, recognize the UK Refugee Travel Document and allow entry for tourism, business, or temporary visits. However, it is essential to check the specific visa requirements or travel restrictions imposed by each country.
  • United States: The United States accepts the UK Refugee Travel Document for temporary visits under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or with the appropriate nonimmigrant visa. However, individuals with refugee status should consult with the U.S. Department of State or the nearest U.S. embassy for detailed information.
  • Canada: UK Refugee Travel Document holders can travel to Canada for tourism, business, or study purposes. They may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on their nationality. It is advisable to check the Canadian government’s official website or consult with the nearest Canadian embassy for precise information.
  • Australia: Australia generally accepts the UK Refugee Travel Document for temporary visits. However, travelers are required to obtain a valid visa, such as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or another appropriate visa category. It is important to review the Australian government’s official visa information or consult with the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
  • New Zealand: UK Refugee Travel Document holders can travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or study purposes. They typically need to apply for a visitor visa, which can be done through the New Zealand immigration website or the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate.

It is crucial to note that travel regulations can change, and entry requirements may vary depending on the purpose of travel, nationality, and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the current travel policies of the desired destination country by consulting with applicable embassies, consulates, or official government websites.

Furthermore, it is essential to be aware that even when a country accepts the UK Refugee Travel Document, there may be additional entry requirements, such as visa applications or proof of sufficient funds to support the trip. Adhering to these requirements and obtaining the necessary visas or permits well in advance can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Overall, UK Refugee Travel Document holders have the opportunity to explore numerous countries and experience different cultures around the world. By staying informed about entry requirements and planning accordingly, refugees can make the most of their travel opportunities and create enriching experiences beyond their country of refuge.

Potential Travel Restrictions for UK Refugee Travel Document Holders

While the UK Refugee Travel Document is generally accepted by many countries, it is important for holders to be aware of potential travel restrictions they may encounter. These restrictions can vary depending on the destination country’s immigration policies and diplomatic relations.

Here are some potential travel restrictions that UK Refugee Travel Document holders may face:

  • Visa Requirements: Some countries may require UK Refugee Travel Document holders to obtain a visa before entering. The visa application process may involve providing additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, or financial means to support the trip. It is crucial to check the visa requirements of the desired destination and apply well in advance.
  • Limited Stay Duration: Certain countries may impose limits on the duration of stay for UK Refugee Travel Document holders. It is essential to be aware of these restrictions and comply with the authorized length of stay to avoid legal issues or penalties.
  • Travel Advisories: Travel advisories issued by governments to their citizens may also affect UK Refugee Travel Document holders. If a destination is subject to an active travel advisory, it is important to assess the risks involved and consider whether travel to that particular country is advisable at the time.
  • Transit Restrictions: Some countries may have transit restrictions for individuals traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document. This means that even if the destination country accepts the travel document, transiting through another country en route may not be permitted. It is crucial to check transit requirements and potential restrictions when planning multi-leg journeys.
  • Pre-clearance Requirements: In some cases, UK Refugee Travel Document holders may need to undergo pre-clearance procedures, such as obtaining an entry permit or providing additional documentation, before boarding a flight or entering a specific country. It is essential to verify if any pre-clearance requirements exist for the intended destination and comply with the necessary procedures.

It is important to note that travel restrictions can change over time and can vary between countries. Therefore, it is crucial for UK Refugee Travel Document holders to stay informed about the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and immigration policies of the countries they plan to visit.

Before embarking on any international trip, it is highly recommended to consult with the relevant embassies, consulates, or immigration authorities of the destination countries. They will provide up-to-date and accurate information regarding any potential travel restrictions, visa requirements, or other necessary documents.

By being proactive and well-informed, UK Refugee Travel Document holders can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience while minimizing any unforeseen challenges or complications that may arise during their journey.

Tips for Traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document

Traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  • Research Destination Requirements: Before traveling to a specific country, thoroughly research the entry requirements and visa policies for UK Refugee Travel Document holders. Check if a visa is required, the duration of stay allowed, and any other specific documentation that may be needed.
  • Check Travel Advisories: Stay updated on travel advisories issued by authorities of the destination country and your home country. These advisories provide important information about safety concerns, political unrest, natural disasters, and other factors that may affect your travel plans.
  • Ensure Validity of Travel Document: Confirm that your UK Refugee Travel Document is valid for the duration of your planned trip. Some countries require the document’s validity to extend beyond the planned departure date from their territory.
  • Keep Copies of Travel Documents: Make digital and physical copies of your UK Refugee Travel Document and other important travel documents. Keep a copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry a duplicate set with you in case of loss or theft.
  • Contact Embassies or Consulates: Reach out to the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit to confirm any specific requirements or restrictions for UK Refugee Travel Document holders. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to plan your trip, including obtaining visas, booking accommodations, and arranging transportation. Some countries may have lengthy visa processing times, so it is advisable to start the visa application process well in advance.
  • Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or lost belongings. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case unexpected situations arise during your journey.
  • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the local customs, traditions, and cultural norms of the countries you plan to visit. This will help ensure you respect the local culture and avoid any unintentional misunderstandings.
  • Practice Safety Precautions: Keep your travel documents secure at all times, be cautious of your surroundings, and follow general safety precautions. Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information and the location of your country’s embassy or consulate in each destination.
  • Follow Immigration Rules: Always adhere to the immigration rules and regulations of the countries you visit. Abide by the specified duration of stay, avoid any prohibited activities, and ensure your conduct aligns with the local laws and regulations.

Remember, traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document provides you with unique opportunities to explore new destinations and embrace new experiences. By staying informed, prepared, and respectful, you can make the most of your travels and create lasting memories.

Traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document opens up a world of possibilities for individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom. While there may be potential travel restrictions and varying acceptance policies, the majority of countries recognize the validity of the UK Refugee Travel Document and welcome holders for temporary visits and tourism.

It is crucial for UK Refugee Travel Document holders to familiarize themselves with the entry requirements, visa policies, and travel advisories of the countries they intend to visit. Staying informed about any potential travel restrictions and adhering to the immigration rules of each destination ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

By conducting thorough research, consulting with relevant embassies or consulates, and planning ahead, UK Refugee Travel Document holders can navigate the complexities of international travel with confidence. Keeping copies of important travel documents, purchasing travel insurance, and practicing safety precautions are all essential elements of a successful trip.

The ability to travel internationally with a UK Refugee Travel Document empowers refugees to maintain connections, explore new horizons, and access educational and employment opportunities worldwide. It is a crucial step towards rebuilding their lives and embracing new experiences beyond their country of refuge.

As acceptance policies and travel regulations can change, it is important to stay up to date and consult with relevant authorities when planning trips. By doing so, UK Refugee Travel Document holders can make the most of their journeys, connect with different cultures, and create remarkable memories along the way.

Remember, traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document is not just about visiting new places—it is about embracing the spirit of resilience and hope, celebrating newfound freedoms, and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.

TouristSecrets

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

  • Corporate Profile
  • Terms & Conditions
  • The IaM Dream Team
  • Specialist Immigration Advice Regulated by the OISC
  • British Council Accreditation For Student Services
  • Canada Registration Authority Immigration Advisors
  • Review our service
  • UK Immigration Lawyers
  • Business Development Managers
  • Expansion Project
  • Tier 1 Investor Visa UK
  • Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa UK
  • Tier 2 UK General Visa
  • Tier 2 UK Overseas Qualified Nurses (OQN)
  • Employment Services
  • Tier 2 UK Intra Company Transfer Visa
  • Tier 2 UK Intra Company Transfer Visa (Sub-Categories)
  • Tier 2 UK Minister of Religion Visa
  • Tier 2 UK Sports Person Visa
  • Tier 2 UK Priority Applications Visa
  • Tier 2 UK Shortage Occupations List
  • Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa
  • Tier 4 UK Student Visa
  • Tier 4 UK Student Visitor Visa
  • Tier 4 UK Post-Graduate Visa
  • Tier 4 (Child) UK Student Visa
  • Tier 4 UK Doctorate Extension Scheme Visa
  • Student Services
  • Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
  • Tier 5 UK Charity Workers Visa
  • Tier 5 UK Creative and Sporting Visa
  • Tier 5 UK Religious Worker Visa
  • Tier 5 UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa
  • Tier 5 UK International Agreements Visa
  • Standard Visit Visa
  • Business Visitor Visa

  • Family Visitor Visa
  • Child Visitor Visa
  • Marriage Visitor Visa
  • Domestic Workers Visas
  • UK Ancestry & Commonwealth
  • British Citizenship
  • Family Immigration Visa Applications
  • EEA Applications
  • Long Residence
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settlement
  • Replacement Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Application
  • Visit Russia
  • All About Schengen Visas
  • What is the Schengen Agreement?
  • Schengen Countries
  • Schengen Visa Types & Validity
  • Schengen Visa Application Requirements
  • Who Needs to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Europe?
  • How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
  • Schengen Visa Fees
  • Schengen Visa News
  • US Visa Application Form
  • Switching UK Visas
  • How to Apply for a British Passport
  • Embassies, High Commissions, and Consulates in the UK
  • Full Consultation
  • Immigration Consultation
  • Free 30 Minutes Consultation
  • Free 15 Minutes Consultation
  • Application Preparation
  • Fast Track Same Day UK Immigration Applications
  • Life in the UK
  • Plane Tickets and Travel Services
  • Landing Pack
  • iam learning English
  • Tenants Right To Rent
  • Book an Appointment
  • Working in the UK
  • Sponsorship Application for UK Immigration
  • Global Mobility
  • Businesses and Institutions
  • Estate & Letting Agents
  • Landlords Right To Rent
  • Education Providers

Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

visa free travel with refugee travel documents

  • Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • Countries that DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document
  • European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document
  • List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • List of countries that issue travel documents

How to Apply for a Visa

Please note that the information below changes regularly. For example, the UK leaving the EU may change the ability to travel visa-free to European countries. Therefore, you should always check the visa requirements of your country of destination before you travel.

This question comes up when you are considering travelling to one of the European or Schengen Countries or another country. Once you have obtained refugee status, you may wonder where you can travel without the need for a visa.

If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees , you can travel visa-free to a lot of countries. Different countries have their own travel restrictions and require you to have a visa even for short term visits like tourism, even if you have a Refugee Travel Document.

When you are travelling, you will need to make sure that you carry your valid UK residence permit confirming your refugee status together with the Refugee Travel Document.

uk travel document visa free countries

N OTE: This list is subject to changes at any time . We recommend double-checking information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of your country of destination before making any travel arrangements or you can start an application with IaM and we can check for you. IaM is not liable for any immigration or other difficulties you may encounter based on the information on this page.

For countries with official sources, there will be a hyperlink, which will be highlighted in orange and underlined. You can click on it to view more information.

Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina  
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Kazakhstan  
  • Norway * (1951 Convention travel documents issued by Malta, Ireland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland have visa-free access to Norway )
  • Philippines
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • Thailand*  (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Turkey   (unless for official visit)
  • United Kingdom

Countries that do not require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • Liechtenstein 
  • Netherlands* (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Tunisia * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Vatican city

European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document:

European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document:.

  • Liechtenstein
  • Monaco* (To be confirmed after Brexit)
  • Netherlands* (Depending on your nationality)

List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • UAE – Dubai
  • Qatar – Doha

List of countries that issue travel documents:

  • Netherlands *
  • Republic of Ireland
  • United States of America

All the above countries issue refugee travel documents in one form or another. They allow you to leave the country that issued them and return with the same documents. Some countries allow you to travel to other countries without the need for a visa. Whereas, you may need to obtain a visa for other countries. These arrangements are usually due to agreements between countries.

Please note that in some instances, you may lose your refugee status if you travel to the country from which you sought refuge. You will need to check with the country that issued your travel documents.

uk travel document visa free countries

Getting a Travel Visa

A travel visa is an official document, usually stamped or affixed into the bearer’s passport, that grants the right to legally enter, remain within, or leave a foreign country. A  Schengen visa , for example, allows you to travel to any of the  Schengen countries  as well as other  non-Schengen countries  that allow travellers to enter their countries with a Schengen visa.

Travellers without a valid travel visa will be refused entry into a country. And, if the individual enters the country through illegal means and is later discovered, may be punished and deported.

Each country has their own processes for applying for a visa. Generally, you will need to fill in an application form and submit any requirements that the consulate or embassy asks for, and some even require you to appear for an interview .

There are many factors that could add to your visa being approved or rejected by the consulate, and many find the process of applying for a visa stressful for this reason. You can choose to do this on your own, or get a service like IaM to help you either make the application or check the application that you filled out yourself.

If you want to make your own visa application to any of the Schengen countries , check out our blog posts for our detailed guides:

uk travel document visa free countries

Follow our YouTube Channel ▶️ & Facebook page 📱

For the latest visas & uk immigration updates..

Do you have a refugee travel document and plan on travelling? Comment below.

IaM  can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a  US visa , a  UK Visa , or  visa to Europe , including help with appointment booking obligations,  IaM  can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at  IaM .

  • Latest Posts

kobi

  • How to apply for an adult dependant relative visa to come to the UK - 22 March 2023
  • India Has Strike Deals To Get Working Holiday Visas For Young Indian - 27 January 2023
  • The Best European Cities To Move To In 2023 - 1 January 2023

Related Posts:

EU-to-Re-Introduce-Restrictions-for-US-Tourists

51 Responses

uk travel document visa free countries

Great article Very informative Just one suggestion in title if you can add UK

uk travel document visa free countries

Hello, Can I still travel to these countries visa free with a refugee travel document after brexit? Thanks

uk travel document visa free countries

We are in the process of updating this post. Check with the embassy first to know where you want to go.

uk travel document visa free countries

The French embassy has been ignoring my email enquiries and their visa centre as well. I am stuck and do not know if I can still travel to France visa free with my refugee blue travel documents with Brexit. Has anyone travelled during this year 2021? did you need to apply for a Schengen visa or did you travel visa free? That would help a lot if someone could share their experience. Many thanks

uk travel document visa free countries

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

uk travel document visa free countries

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi all, I am currently stck in Georgia that entered the UK red list and in need for a buffer place to spend the ten days before flying back to the UK. I would appreciate any suggestions for a visa free destination.

Hi. You can check the UK amber list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-uks-amber-travel-list/ ) or green list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-new-countries-on-the-green-list/ ).

uk travel document visa free countries

What type of visa do I need to visit a Switzerland for about 2 weeks to visit a friend. And can I travel to Switzerland from Sudan . I live in the uk and I have a refugee travel document. I’m traveling to Sudan in few days then if possible will travel to Switzerland.

You will need a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland to visit a friend. You can check the list above if you are required to apply for this visa.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi , I have a Uganda travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Read the blog post above.

uk travel document visa free countries

Can I still travel to Malta with a refugee travel document from the UK without a visa? I have contacted the relevant embassies but have not had any replies yet.

Hi. We have updated our list. You can check which countries you can travel to visa-free.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi CHesca , thanks alot for this information so i have read that Malta does not require visa for Blue refuggee TravelDocument . just some one stuck in Istanbul and have to go to malta to do the 10 days there . thanks

You’re welcome. Glad to help.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi , I have a Japanese travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Check the list above or contact the embassy for more info.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi , thank you for this helpful article but can you please confirm about Turkey and Tunisia as I can see them in countries DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention. do you have any link to show this new update I checked Turkish official website and I think they still ask Refugee travel document holders to apply for visa. please let me know!

many thanks

You can check with the embassy to be sure if you will need a visa or not.

uk travel document visa free countries

I,m a refugee in Namibia. I have acceptance status and my traveling document. I would like to visit Canada or Austria. Please how will I get the Visa.

Hi. You can start your application with us here: For Austria: https://immigrationandmigration.com/schengen-visas/ For Canada: https://immigrationandmigration.com/canada-visas/

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi, I been in Portugal in June 21, could I still travel to Portugal with my travel document from UK? Thank you very much.

Check the article above.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi I live in the UK having travel documents. Can I travel to paris without visa please let me know Thanks

You can check the list above for France.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi Juan, can I check if your comment means you travelled to Portugal in June 2021 visa free? I have a flight to Portugal tomorrow and I was under the impression that I could travel without a visa with the same travel document mentioned in the article. Thanks

uk travel document visa free countries

I would also be interested in this question in regards Portugal.

uk travel document visa free countries

Has anyone with refugee travel document indeed travelled to USA WITHOUT a visa or do we actually need a visa to get in?

According to our list, USA requires a visa.

uk travel document visa free countries

My first inquiry: HI, my UK Refugee Travel Documents will expire in 14/11/2021 (that is bit less than 3 months from now). Can I still use it to travel to Europe (Greece or Lithuania)?

My second inquiry: about a week ago I contacted Lithuania (by email) asking if I could visit Lithuania using my Refugee Travel Document (above) visa-free. They confirmed that I COULD! However, in the list above Lithuania is under the “Countries that REQUIRE visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention”. Can you explain how this works please?

You need to make sure that your travel document is valid if you plan to travel. As we have put up in the notice, these restrictions can change at any time so we recommend you check with the embassy.

uk travel document visa free countries

I hold a UN Convention Refugee Travel Document issued in the UK, and I am preparing to visit a country that does not require visa from me. I wonder if I need to present my Biographic Residency Permit Card (BRP) at the custom alonsige the travel document?

Yes you will need that to enter the UK.

uk travel document visa free countries

I have refugee uganda refugee i need to visit canda how will i go there please help me.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hello, I have a blue passport (1951) issued by Belgium, I live with in Brussels, I would like to go to south Africa, I would like to know if I need or apply for a visa to go there some days of vacation?.. Thanks

You can check our list above and/or check with the embassy to be sure.

uk travel document visa free countries

Just been to the Portugal Consulate, Refugees now need a Visa to travel to Portugal.

Hi Baba, is this with the 1951 travel document??

Is this with travel document and valid biometric card?

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi I have Uk travel document (black) I want travel Eastern Europe do I need visa or just buy ticket and travel also if not which country accept it ?

Check the list above.

Do I Require visa with UK travel Document and biometric card for Portugal? I am Albanian citizen, but I reside in the UK.

Hi Eduart, Albanian citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal or any Schengen countries.

uk travel document visa free countries

You forgot to mention Canada in your list of countries that issue travel documents. Here’s the details about how to get a Canadian travel document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-non-canadians.html

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi, Anyone been able to travel to Italy recently? I tried to go from Birmingham to Milan with Ryanair and they denied me boarding even though I printed embassy website and consulate email confirming that visa is not required. Ryanair’s handling agent at Birmingham Airport, Swissport use IATA TravelCentre to check for visas

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi I am a Zimbabwean national who holds a UK refugee travel document and I just wanted to check if South Africa definitely does not require a visa as the last time a friend travelled there about ten years ago they did require one. At that time it did state that we needed one on their website but this is no longer stated so am guessing this has changed. Checked with the embassy but referred me to vfs global.

Regarding my earlier enquiry just got an email from VFS global South Africa desk and the agent stated that a visa would need to be applied for prior to travel if I hold a UK refugee travel document as a Zimbabwean national.

uk travel document visa free countries

Hi , I have a uk travel document the Convention of 28 july 1951 and i wanted to check if i need a visa to travel to belguim. Thanks

uk travel document visa free countries

Belgium is listed above in one of the countries that you need a visa. Check out how to apply for a Belgium visa .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Privacy Policy

© 2024 IaM (Immigration and Migration) | UK.

Privacy Overview

Be confident in your visa application.

Avoid anxieties & confusion with your FREE Step-by-Step DIY Schengen Visa Guide

" * " indicates required fields

We consider it a privilege to serve you and look forward to providing you with important messages about your Schengen visa. We may also occasionally send you additional insights and opportunities. However, we hate spam as much as you do and will not spam you in any way. You can opt-out at any time. You can view our privacy policy.

uk travel document visa free countries

No thanks. I don’t want the FREE guide. I’m happy to miss out on the travel opportunities to Europe.

Avoid Anxieties. Get a clear Uncomplicated Guide!

FREE Step-by-Step DIY Schengen Visa Guide

uk travel document visa free countries

  • Avoid visa refusals
  • Get appointments
  • Get your visa in time

Yes I want access!

Connaught Law

  • Commercial Property
  • Lease Extension
  • Property Planning and Development
  • Real Estate Financing
  • Conveyancing
  • UK Real Estate Structuring
  • Asset Management
  • Investing in UK property
  • Lease Extension Calculator
  • Stamp Duty Calculator
  • Ancestry Visa
  • British Citizenship for Children
  • Naturalisation as British Citizen
  • British National Overseas Visa
  • Civil Partner Visa
  • Fiance Visa
  • Spouse Visa Extension
  • Unmarried Partner Visa
  • Adult Dependant Relative
  • Family Life in the UK
  • Parent of a British child
  • Private Life in the UK
  • 7 Years Child Rule
  • Right of Abode
  • Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa
  • Business Visitor Visa
  • Marriage Visitor Visa
  • Permitted Paid Engagement Visa
  • Standard Visitor Visa
  • Global Talent Visa
  • Service Supplier
  • Secondment Worker
  • UK Expansion Worker Visa
  • Graduate Trainee
  • Senior or Specialist Worker
  • Innovator Founder Visa
  • Innovator Visa Extension
  • Innovator Visa ILR
  • Start Up Visa (Closed)
  • Sole Representative Visa Extension
  • Sole Representative Visa Settlement
  • Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
  • Scale Up Sponsor Licence
  • Temporary Worker Licence
  • Sponsor Licence Renewal
  • Sponsor Licence Compliance
  • Sponsor Licence Revocation
  • Intra Company Transfer
  • Minister of Religion
  • Health and Care Worker Visa
  • International Sportsperson Visa
  • Scale Up Visa
  • Skilled Worker Visa
  • Charity Worker
  • Creative and Sporting
  • Government Authorised Exchange
  • High Potential Individual Visa
  • International Agreement
  • Religious Worker
  • Youth Mobility Scheme
  • EEA Family Permit
  • Permanent Residency
  • Retained Rights of Residence
  • Derivative Residence Card
  • Tier 1 Entrepreneur Extension Application
  • Tier 1 Entrepreneur ILR Application
  • Tier 1 Investor Settlement
  • Switching to Tier 1 Investor
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • Citizenship Cost Calculator
  • Citizenship Program Check
  • Citizenship Program Match
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Account Freeze & Withheld Funds
  • Banking Disputes
  • Consumer Credit & Goods
  • Investment Disputes
  • Business Interruption Insurance
  • Asset Tracing & Recovery
  • Commercial Fraud – Defence
  • Corporate Governance
  • Crisis Management
  • International Investigations
  • Regulatory Compliance & Contentious
  • Risk Advisory
  • Serious Crime Investigations
  • Commercial Landlord and Tenant Disputes
  • Contract Disputes
  • Partnership Disputes
  • Property Disputes
  • Residential Landlord and Tenant
  • Shareholder Disputes
  • Accident at Work
  • Accidents Abroad Claim
  • Child Injury Claim
  • Repetitive Strain Injury Claim
  • Slip, Trip or Fall Claim
  • Care Home Negligence
  • Cosmetic Surgery Negligence
  • Fatal Medical Negligence
  • Medical Negligence
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology Claims
  • Car Accident Claim
  • Motorcycle Accident Claims
  • Public Transport Injury
  • Whiplash Claim
  • Industrial Deafness Claims
  • Respiratory or Lung Disease Claims
  • Skin Disease Claims
  • Asbestos Compensation Claims
  • No Win No Fee
  • Calculate your Compensation
  • Child Contact Agreement
  • Civil Partnerships Dissolution
  • Domestic Violence
  • Financial Settlements
  • Bonus Dispute
  • Bullying and Harassment at Work
  • Constructive Dismissal Claim
  • Discrimination at Work
  • Settlement Agreements
  • Unfair Dismissal

Home Office travel documents and visa free countries

Tell Us What You Think?  

Under the 1951 UN Convention Refugee Travel Document (blue) is issued by the United Kingdom to a refugee who has been granted asylum in the UK. If someone has been recognised as a refugee then they can apply for a travel document under the 1951 refugee Convention, which is a blue passport-sized document. Information about applying for this travel document is available  on the UK government website .

The Refugee Travel Document Normally is normally issued for up to 10 years for adults and for up to 5 years for children, or in line with limited leave. It also may be issued with a shorter validity if considered appropriate.

Travel documents are normally valid for all countries other than the country asylum is claimed from and/or the country of origin.

Countries that allow visa-free travel on Refugee Travel document

Countries that do not allow entry with refugee travel document.

UAE – Dubai

Qatar – Doha

Stateless person’s travel document

A stateless person may apply for a travel document under 1954 United Nations Convention relating to Stateless Persons. Information about applying for this travel document is available  on the UK government website . For more information on statelessness, see our  fact sheet on statelessness .

The travel document is normally valid for up to 5 years (children) or 10 years (adults) or in line with the leave granted. The stateless travel document is normally valid for all countries.

Certificate of Travel

Certificates of Travel may be issued to individuals who:

  • are permanently resident in the United Kingdom, or
  • have been granted Humanitarian Protection (HP) or Discretionary Leave (DL) to enter or remain in the UK for a limited period, following an unsuccessful asylum application  and  can provide documentary evidence that they have been formally and unreasonably refused a passport by their country of origin.

The certificate of travel is normally valid for up to 5 years or for the length of leave the individual has. The Home Office guidance states that the certificate of travel is normally valid for all countries but there were previously issues with the acceptance of the document in a number of countries, including many European ones. It is recommended that a particular country’s rules should be checked before applying for such a document and travelling to that country.

However, if an individual stay outside of the UK for a period of more than 2 years, that leave to remain (whether indefinite or limited) will lapse. The leave to remain will not lapse if someone comes back and left again during the two-year period – it must be continuous for the leave to lapse.

Disclaimer:

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.

About the Author

uk travel document visa free countries

Awais Javed View author's profile | More posts from author

+44 (0) 7529 499692

[email protected]

Signup for Updates

You may also be interested in, ilr for children with 7 years residence in the uk, new changes impacting skilled workers and employers, sponsoring a spouse is getting more expensive., new changes to the immigration rules for students and their dependants., what is a judicial review and who can apply for it, what are the financial equirements for a uk fiance visa, requirements for 10 years long residence and the case of afzal v sshd, access to child – 5 years route to settlement, indefinite leave to remain for children, contact information.

4th Floor, Totara Park House 34 -36 Gray’s Inn Road London WC1X 8HR

Sign Up for Newsletter

  • Real Estate
  • Immigration
  • Employment Law

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from :

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Contact Form

Speak to us.

Our website will give you a flavour of the advice we provide – if you would like to talk to us for more information, please contact our client services team who will be happy to assist.

Start your claim

What's the claim about? Accident at Work Accident Abroad Road Traffic Accident Slip, Trip or Fall Medical Negligence Industrial Disease Dog Bite Other

When did it happen? Within last month One to six month ago Six to 12 months ago 12 months to 3 years ago More than 3 years ago

Have you taken any legal advice about it already? Yes No

As a protection against spam, you'll need to type the words that appear in this image to submit an inquiry.

Legal Notice

British Passport

The citizens of United Kingdom can visit 148 countries without a visa.

British passport holders also have access to get 37 e-visas or 18 visas on arrival .

United Kingdom has a population of 67.2M people and the capital is London 🇬🇧.

Visa-free map

Nearby countries.

The nearest visa free countries to visit for British passport holders are Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey, Ireland, Belgium and Netherlands .

Visa free countries

So, where can Britishs travel without a visa? We have listed all the countries where United Kingdom citizens can travel visa-free, eliminating the hassle of visa paperwork.

  • 🇦🇱 Albania (90 days)
  • 🇦🇩 Andorra (N/A)
  • 🇦🇹 Austria (90 days)
  • 🇧🇾 Belarus (30 days)
  • 🇧🇪 Belgium (90 days)
  • 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
  • 🇧🇬 Bulgaria (90 days)
  • 🇭🇷 Croatia (90 days)
  • 🇨🇾 Cyprus (90 days)
  • 🇩🇰 Denmark (90 days)
  • 🇪🇪 Estonia (90 days)
  • 🇫🇮 Finland (90 days)
  • 🇫🇷 France (90 days)
  • 🇩🇪 Germany (90 days)
  • 🇬🇷 Greece (90 days)
  • 🇭🇺 Hungary (90 days)
  • 🇮🇸 Iceland (90 days)
  • 🇮🇪 Ireland (Freedom of movement (Common Travel Area).)
  • 🇮🇹 Italy (90 days)
  • 🇽🇰 Kosovo (90 days)
  • 🇱🇻 Latvia (90 days)
  • 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein (90 days)
  • 🇱🇹 Lithuania (90 days)
  • 🇱🇺 Luxembourg (90 days)
  • 🇲🇹 Malta (90 days)
  • 🇲🇩 Moldova (90 days)
  • 🇲🇨 Monaco (N/A)
  • 🇲🇪 Montenegro (90 days)
  • 🇳🇱 Netherlands (90 days)
  • 🇲🇰 North Macedonia (90 days)
  • 🇳🇴 Norway (90 days)
  • 🇵🇱 Poland (90 days)
  • 🇵🇹 Portugal (90 days)
  • 🇷🇴 Romania (90 days)
  • 🇸🇲 San Marino (N/A)
  • 🇷🇸 Serbia (90 days)
  • 🇸🇰 Slovakia (90 days)
  • 🇸🇮 Slovenia (90 days)
  • 🇪🇸 Spain (90 days)
  • 🇸🇪 Sweden (90 days)
  • 🇨🇭 Switzerland (N/A)
  • 🇺🇦 Ukraine (90 days)
  • 🇻🇦 Vatican City (N/A)
  • 🇬🇬 Guernsey (90 days)
  • 🇮🇲 Isle of Man (N/A)
  • 🇯🇪 Jersey (N/A)
  • 🇬🇮 Gibraltar (N/A)
  • 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands (N/A)
  • 🇦🇴 Angola (30 days)
  • 🇧🇼 Botswana (90 days)
  • 🇨🇻 Cape Verde (30 days)
  • 🇸🇿 Eswatini (30 days)
  • 🇬🇲 Gambia (90 days)
  • 🇱🇸 Lesotho (14 days)
  • 🇲🇼 Malawi (30 days)
  • 🇲🇺 Mauritius (90 days)
  • 🇲🇦 Morocco (90 days)
  • 🇲🇿 Mozambique (30 days)
  • 🇳🇦 Namibia (3 months)
  • 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe (15 days)
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal (90 days)
  • 🇿🇦 South Africa (90 days)
  • 🇹🇳 Tunisia (3 months)
  • 🇿🇲 Zambia (30 days)
  • 🇾🇹 Mayotte (90 days within 180-day period Valid ID or Passport Required.)
  • 🇷🇪 Réunion (90 days within 180-day period Valid ID or Passport Required.)
  • 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (6 months)
  • 🇦🇷 Argentina (90 days)
  • 🇧🇸 Bahamas (8 months)
  • 🇧🇧 Barbados (6 months)
  • 🇧🇿 Belize (N/A)
  • 🇧🇴 Bolivia (90 days)
  • 🇧🇷 Brazil (90 days)
  • 🇨🇱 Chile (90 days)
  • 🇨🇴 Colombia (90 days)
  • 🇨🇷 Costa Rica (3 months)
  • 🇩🇲 Dominica (6 months)
  • 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic (30 days)
  • 🇪🇨 Ecuador (90 days)
  • 🇸🇻 El Salvador (6 months)
  • 🇬🇩 Grenada (6 months)
  • 🇬🇹 Guatemala (90 days)
  • 🇬🇾 Guyana (3 months)
  • 🇭🇹 Haiti (90 days)
  • 🇭🇳 Honduras (3 months)
  • 🇯🇲 Jamaica (180 days)
  • 🇲🇽 Mexico (180 days)
  • 🇳🇮 Nicaragua (90 days)
  • 🇵🇦 Panama (90 days)
  • 🇵🇾 Paraguay (90 days)
  • 🇵🇪 Peru (183 days)
  • 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis (3 months)
  • 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia (6 weeks)
  • 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (6 months)
  • 🇸🇷 Suriname (90 days)
  • 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (N/A)
  • 🇺🇸 United States (90 days)
  • 🇺🇾 Uruguay (90 days)
  • 🇻🇪 Venezuela (90 days)
  • 🇦🇮 Anguilla (3 months)
  • 🇧🇲 Bermuda (6 months)
  • 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands (1 month)
  • 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands (6 months)
  • 🇫🇰 Falkland Islands (1 month)
  • 🇲🇸 Montserrat (6 months)
  • 🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands (90 days)
  • 🇦🇼 Aruba (Visa not required for 30 days, extendable to 180 days.)
  • Caribbean Netherlands (Visa not required up to 3 months)
  • 🇨🇼 Curaçao (Visa not required for 3 months.)
  • 🇬🇱 Greenland (N/A)
  • 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico (Visa not required under the Visa Waiver Program, for 90 days on arrival from overseas for 2 years. ESTA required.)
  • 🇵🇲 Saint Pierre and Miquelon (Visa not required for 90 days.)
  • 🇸🇽 Sint Maarten (Visa not required for 3 months.)
  • 🇬🇫 French Guiana (N/A)
  • 🇦🇲 Armenia (180 days)
  • 🇧🇳 Brunei (90 days)
  • 🇬🇪 Georgia (1 year)
  • 🇮🇱 Israel (3 months)
  • 🇯🇵 Japan (90 days)
  • 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan (30 days)
  • 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
  • 🇲🇾 Malaysia (3 months)
  • 🇲🇳 Mongolia (30 days)
  • 🇴🇲 Oman (14 days / 30 days)
  • 🇵🇭 Philippines (30 days)
  • 🇶🇦 Qatar (30 days)
  • 🇸🇬 Singapore (90 days)
  • 🇹🇼 Taiwan (90 days)
  • 🇹🇭 Thailand (30 days)
  • 🇹🇷 Turkey (3 months)
  • 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (30 days)
  • 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan (30 days)
  • 🇻🇳 Vietnam (45 days)
  • 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (180 days)
  • 🇲🇴 Macau (180 days)
  • 🇵🇸 Palestine (Arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed.)
  • 🇫🇯 Fiji (4 months)
  • 🇰🇮 Kiribati (30 days)
  • 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands (90 days)
  • 🇼🇸 Samoa (60 days)
  • 🇻🇺 Vanuatu (30 days)
  • 🇵🇳 Pitcairn Islands (14 days)
  • 🇨🇰 Cook Islands (Visa free access for 31 days.)
  • 🇵🇫 French Polynesia (Visa not required.)
  • 🇬🇺 Guam (45 days)
  • 🇳🇨 New Caledonia (Visa not required for 3 months.)
  • 🇲🇵 Northern Mariana Islands (45 days)
  • 🇼🇫 Wallis and Futuna (Visa not required.)

This data has been sourced from Wikipedia and was last updated on 4/1/2024.

  • Ireland visa free countries
  • Belgium visa free countries
  • Netherlands visa free countries

Travel and Leisure Asia | Global

Southeast Asia

North America

  • Central & South America
  • Middle-East
  • Australia & South Pacific
  • Luxury Awards
  • Family Travel
  • Solo Travel
  • Beaches & Islands
  • Zodiac Travels
  • Wellness & Spas
  • Accessories
  • Points and Miles
  • #TheGreenEdit
  • T+L Tastemakers
  • Sustainable Travel
  • T+L Experiences
  • Destinations

Nationals Of These 111 Countries Get Visa-Free Access To The UK

Passport holders of this list of 111 countries enjoy visiting the uk visa-free, thanks to the visa policies set by the british government..

By: Priyaja Bakshi Published: Oct 06, 2023 01:00 PM UTC

Nationals Of These 111 Countries Get Visa-Free Access To The UK

The United Kingdom has been one of the top tourist destinations in the world! Experiencing the bustling and fast-paced city life of London, exploring the gorgeous Scottish Highlands and trying authentic Irish coffee are just some of the many things aspiring travellers have on their bucket lists. For most, fulfilling these travel dreams of a vacation to this island country requires a tourist visa. But citizens of several countries don’t need a visa at all! Find out about the list of countries with visa-free access to the UK.

The citizens of over 111 countries enjoy the privilege of visiting the UK without a tourist visa! Thanks to the visa policies set by the British government, travellers from the US, Israel, Germany, Aruba, Australia, and more don’t need to apply for any travel document. They just need a passport , and they are good to go!

Passport holders of these countries can visit the UK without a tourist visa

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Sint Eustatius
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • British Virgin Islands
  • British Overseas Territories
  • Cayman Islands
  • Czech Republic
  • Falkland Islands
  • Liechtenstein
  • Marshall Islands
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Pitcairn Island
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Georgia and Sandwich Islands
  • South Korea
  • Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Sint Maarten
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Switzerland
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Vatican City

Citizens of these 105 countries can visit the UK visa-free for up to six months. They, however, do need to meet the requirements set for the Standard Visitor Visa — leave the UK after the trip, have enough funds to support themselves in the country and not live in the UK for extended periods or make it their home. Travellers from these nations only need to have a valid passport while entering the UK; there is no need for any kind of document which requires permission.

However, the British government is bringing a series of revisions to its visa policies that will change the way visa-free travel to the UK exists at the moment. Like the United States runs its Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ETSA), the UK has introduced a similar programme, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Soon, the nationals of the countries listed above will have to apply for an ETA before entering the UK.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation?

uk visa free countries

ETA will soon be implemented, making it necessary for travellers who don’t require a visa to enter the UK to seek the government’s permission before coming. This document is basically a pre-approval from the UK Visas and Immigration Department to cross the border. The ETA shall be electronically linked to the passport, granting permission to travel. It will cost GBP 10 (USD 12).

The ETA will be applicable for Qatar from Nov 15, 2023, onwards. Citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will also need the ETA for travelling on or after Feb 22, 2024. The US, France, Germany, Switzerland and other countries that enjoy visa-free entry will need to apply for an ETA from 2025.

Travellers will be able to apply through the official website GOV.UK or through the UK ETA app. The estimated time for a decision is three working days, and it may take longer if further checkers are needed. Since it is linked to the passport, the decision will be sent through email, and a printout of that document is not necessary. The ETA will grant permission for multiple entries and is valid for two years.

Related Stories

International Destinations Indians Can Visit With A US Tourist Visa

International Destinations Indians Can Visit With A US Tourist Visa

Who will not need an eta.

British and Irish passport holders, along with people who have a visa to live, work, travel or study in the UK, will not need an ETA. Furthermore, legal residents of Ireland who are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man visa-free will not need an ETA as well.

Before the ETA commences, the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) programme will continue to run for a selection of countries to make their travel to the UK smooth and visa-free. You can learn about EVW below and know the countries which have to apply for it.

What is an Electronic Visa Waiver?

UK visa free countries

Often referred to as EVW, this programme, introduced by the British government in 2014, is currently in place for nationals from certain countries. It allows them to visit the UK without a visa for a stay of up to six months.

People eligible for this visa waiver must apply between three months to 48 hours before travel . The EVW is sent through an email, and people need to show it along with their passport. Since it is granted digitally, one doesn’t need to carry a printout; it can be shown through an electronic device like a smartphone.

Applicants must provide the details of their valid passport, the address in the UK where they plan on staying, details of the journey and other important information mentioned in the application. The EVW permits a single entry; every time a person plans on visiting, they will need a new EVW. The cost of applying is GBP 30 (USD 36).

Countries applicable for the EVW:

  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates

Click here to apply for the EVW.

Shop the best travel experiences here

Hero image credit: Shutterstock; feature image credit: Nick Fewings/Unsplash

Related: Indians With A Valid UK Visa Can Visit These 25 Countries Visa-Free

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How long can one stay in the UK without a visa?

Travellers from countries that hold a visa-free regime with the UK can stay for up to six months.

– Can I work or study in the UK without a visa as a visa-exempt passport holder?

People with a passport that has a visa exemption still need a visa to work or study in the UK.

– What documents do I need to enter the UK without a visa?

The citizens of the 111 countries listed above just need a passport to enter the UK. Travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates need an Electronic Visa Waiver. From November 2023 onwards, an ETA will be required for Qatari nationals, and this will eventually be implemented for EVW countries and the 159 visa-exempt countries.

– Can I visit other parts of the UK, like Scotland and Wales, if I enter through England without a visa?

Nationals of visa-exempt countries can visit England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the UK without a visa.

– How do I find out if my country is on the list of visa-exempt countries for the UK?

In this article, we have provided the entire list of visa-exempt countries for the UK.

– Can I transit through the UK without a visa if I’m travelling to another country?

Visa-exempt countries don’t need a visa if the UK is a transit point for travel to another country.

  • UK visa-free
  • visa-free travel

Priyaja Bakshi

Priyaja Bakshi

Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. .. Read More As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less

Must-Have Thai Souvenirs: Ruang Khao Siam Sapphire, PAÑPURI, And More

Must-Have Thai Souvenirs: Ruang Khao Siam Sapphire, PAÑPURI, And More

By Tipapa Chandarasrivongs

15 Best Places To Visit In New Jersey, According To Local Experts

15 Best Places To Visit In New Jersey, According To Local Experts

By Lindsay Cohn

Hong Kong’s Best Live Music Venues To Visit Based On Your Vibe

Hong Kong’s Best Live Music Venues To Visit Based On Your Vibe

By MICHELLE CHAN AND JIANNE SORIANO

This 7-Night Safari In Botswana Is All About Wildlife, Water, And Sustainability

This 7-Night Safari In Botswana Is All About Wildlife, Water, And Sustainability

By Stefanie Waldek

This New Colorado Eco Hotel Has 14 Geodesic Domes With Private Wraparound Decks & Hammocks

This New Colorado Eco Hotel Has 14 Geodesic Domes With Private Wraparound Decks & Hammocks

By Evie Carrick

Retrace The Footsteps Of A Legend: Shooting Locations Of <i>Amar Singh Chamkila</i>

Amar Singh Chamkila ">Retrace The Footsteps Of A Legend: Shooting Locations Of Amar Singh Chamkila

By Priyaja Bakshi

Sri Lanka Has A New Walking Trail With Wild Forests And Centuries-Old Wellness Retreats

Sri Lanka Has A New Walking Trail With Wild Forests And Centuries-Old Wellness Retreats

By Erin Vivid Riley

Explore England Through The shooting Locales Of <i>A Gentleman In Moscow</i>

A Gentleman In Moscow ">Explore England Through The shooting Locales Of A Gentleman In Moscow

By Yashita Vashishth

El Salvador Offers 5,000 Free Passports To High-Skilled Foreign Workers

Central &amp; South America

El Salvador Offers 5,000 Free Passports To High-Skilled Foreign Workers

By Esha Dasgupta

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest on travel, stay & dining.

You’re all set

Thank you for your subscription.

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

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

Updated: March 21, 2024 533 Comments

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa

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?

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Image

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.

notebook and pencil graphic

BONUS: FREE eBOOK

Enter your name and email to download the FREE eBOOK: The Secret to VISA-FREE Travel

Opt in to receive my monthly visa updates

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

Your FREE eBook is on it’s way to your inbox! Check your email.

North America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Guanajuato Mexico

  • 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

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Panama City

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

Beach of Catalina Island in Dominican Republic

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

Machu Picchu Peru

  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

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

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia

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

Dubai Global Village at Night

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)

Old Medina Marrakech Morocco

  • 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

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Carabao Island in Philippines

  • 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

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.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

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

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

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.

RELATED POSTS

Can a US green card holder travel to UK without visa

Loading 533 Comments... Please Wait.

  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Flight Itinerary
  • Hotel Reservation
  • Travel Insurance
  • Onward Ticket
  • Testimonials

Search this site

What are you looking for?

Travelling with uk travel documents for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.

Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents may travel to Germany subject to the following conditions.

General entry requirements

Economic activities/ employment on short-term visits, 1951 convention travel document for refugees, 1954 convention travel document for stateless persons, certificate of travel.

Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents travelling to Germany are subject to all Schengen entry requirements. The entry requirements are contained in the Schengen Borders Code and comprise the following:

You need to be in possession of a valid travel document entitling you to cross the Schengen borders. All UK travel documents referred to below are recognized as valid for travel to Germany. On the date of entry into the Schengen member states the travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years. The document’s validity must extend at least three months after the intended date of your departure from Germany.

Practical examples:

  • A traveller arriving on 1 December 2021 for a 20 days stay in Germany with a travel document issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 will be allowed entry.
  • The same person arriving on 2 December 2021 will NOT be allowed entry.
  • You need to be able to justify the purpose and conditions of your intended stay, and you need to have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for your return to your country of origin or transit to a third country into which you are certain to be admitted, or you must be in a position to acquire such means lawfully.
  • You are not a person for whom an alert has been issued in the Schengen Information System for the purposes of refusing entry.
  • You are not considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Member States, in particular where no alert has been issued in Member States’ national databases for the purposes of refusing entry on the same grounds.

As a rule, visa-free short-term visitors may not pursue any economic activity in Germany. However, some professional activities may be carried out without a corresponding visa or residence permit as they are not classed as an economic activity. For details, please click here .

Any other economic activity for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period requires a C visa authorising such activity .

Irrespective of their nationality: holders of Convention Travel Documents for Refugees (1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, dark blue), issued by the United Kingdom , do not require a visa for travel to Germany provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Please note that you may not take up any employment or pursue any gainful economic activity in Germany unless such employment is explicitly authorised by a visa or a residence permit issued by the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) in Germany.

Irrespective of their nationality: holders of Stateless Person’s Travel Documents (1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, red), issued by the United Kingdom , do not require a visa for travel to Germany provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Please note that you may not take up any employment or pursue any gainful economic activity in Germany unless such employment is explicitly authorised by a visa or a residence permit issued by the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) in Germany.

Holders of British Certificates of Travel (black) require a visa for Germany for any kind of stay. Depending on their nationality they may also require visas for airside transits through a German airport. For details please click here .

  • Top of page

uk travel document visa free countries

uk travel document visa free countries

  • News & Blog

Does a UK refugee travel document allow entry into any other country?

uk travel document visa free countries

A UK refugee travel document is an immigration document, which has been issued under the UN Refugee Convention by the UK to a person who has been granted asylum in the UK. It is a blue passport-sized document.

If you are a holder of a UK refugee travel document, you may be able to travel visa-free to a number of specific countries. However, you are usually not permitted to travel to the country that asylum is sought from and/or your country of origin.

Different countries have their own immigration restrictions and may require you to have a visa even for short-term visits like tourism. You will need to check the information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of the country of your destination before you make any travel arrangements.

Information about applying for a UK travel document, as well as what you can and cannot do as a refugee is available on the UK government website .

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to  contact us  for advice, send us an  e-mail , or, alternatively, follow us on  Twitter ,  Facebook , or  LinkedIn  to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

© Gherson  2023

  • U.S. Passport Photo
  • US Visa Photo 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)
  • Baby Passport Photo
  • Photo 35x45 mm (3.5x4.5 cm)
  • Popular Documents
  • AI Removal Tool
  • Remove Background from Photo
  • Face Cutout
  • Retouch Portrait Online
  • AI Recovery Tool
  • Blur Background
  • Photo Enhancer
  • Photo Colorizer
  • Old Photo Restoration
  • Photo Color Correction
  • AI Generation Tool
  • Cartoon Selfie
  • Photo to Anime
  • Passport Photo Maker

What Countries Can I Visit Visa Free with UK ILR

' src=

Although a visa is usually required for cross-border travelers, the United Kingdom has bilateral agreements with some countries and territories, allowing its citizens and residents to enter without visas and stay for a short period. ILR, referring to Indefinite Leave to Remain , is a UK permanent residence permit with which one can live in the United Kingdom permanently. In this passage, we are going to introduce visa free countries for UK ILR holder .

Travelling Outside of United Kingdom With ILR

Supposing that you have submitted an ILR application and it is being processed, you are not suggested to leave the UK, otherwise, your application will be invalidated. If you have obtained ILR and your home is in the UK, you are considered settling in this country. Therefore, you can travel abroad and re-enter the UK without extra visas. However, unlike British citizens who can travel in and out of the country without limitation, permanent residents should pay attention to the length of stay outside the UK. The PR status will become invalid if you are absent from the UK for consecutive 2 years or longer.

uk ilr

What Countries Can I Visit Visa-Free with UK ILR

Visa-free travel is known as one of the most attractive benefits of UK residence permits, but the entry requirements might vary from country to country depending on your nationality, visa type, etc.

UK ILR Visa-Free Countries for All Nationalities

14 countries and territories allow ILR holders to enter without visas despite their nationalities. They are covering Europe, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean Area. Duration of stay and entry requirements vary from country to country.

UK ILR Visa-Free Countries for Certain Nationalities

Can i travel to europe with ilr post brexit.

Yes. According to the Brexit agreement implemented on January 1, 2021, British nationals and permanent residents can take short-term travel to Europe without visas and stay within the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days in total during a 180-day period. When traveling within the Schengen Area, total duration of stay in all member states must not exceed 90 days during a 180-day period, which include Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Please note that UK ILR visa free countries in Europe might require some supporting documents to allow entry, such as a passport with at least 6 months of validity, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds and so on. Don’t forget to check the specific entry requirements of your destination countries.

uk travel document visa free countries

What Happens If My ILR Is Not Valid

If your ILR becomes invalid, you must not continue residing in the country without limitation. What you should do depends on why it is invalidated. 

Supposing that you lose your permanent residency due to absence from the UK for a consecutive 2 years or longer, it is suggested can apply for a Returning Resident visa which allows you to obtain the Indefinite Leave to Remain again and continue to live in the UK. To apply for it, you must prove that:

  • you owned an ILR before which can be verified by a permanent biometric residence permit, stamp in your passport, etc.
  • you have never asked for financial support from the Home Office to travel abroad.
  • you have strong ties to the country, such as being employed, having a UK spouse, etc.
  • you have been absent for good reasons during the past few years.
  • You plan to stay in the UK permanently.

Please note that if you lose the status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), the returning resident permit is not available.

On condition that you lose settlement status due to deportation, things will be more complicated because you will be banned from entering the UK in the coming 10 years.

Can Indefinite Leave to Remain Status Be Revoked

Yes. Your Indefinite leave status can be taken away on the condition that:

  • you are very likely to be deported but cannot be removed due to legal reasons;
  • you get the ILR by deception;
  • You get the ILR as a refugee and the refugee status ceases.
  • Your permanent residence status will be invalidated in case that:
  • you are deported from the UK, or
  • You are absent from the UK for a continuous 2 years or longer, or
  • You are absent from the UK for a continuous 4 years or longer when you are a Swiss citizen and gain the status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or
  • You are absent from the UK for a continuous 5 years or longer when you gain the status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

FAQ About UK ILR

Q: Can I travel to Ireland with ILR?

A: No. You have to present a valid passport and visa when traveling to Ireland unless you are a citizen of the Irish visa-wavier countries.

Q: Do UK ILR holders need Schengen visa?

A: No, but they should bring a valid ILR biometric residence permit and passport when traveling.

Q: Can I travel to Canada with ILR?

A: No. ILR biometric residence permit is not an acceptable travel document in Canada.

Q: How do I prove my ILR status?

A: You can prove it by presenting a letter from the Home Office indicating your PR status, a stamp or a vignette (sticker) in your passport, or a biometric residence permit.

Q: Can I work in Schengen countries with UK ILR without a visa?

A: No. An extra work permit or visa is usually required to get a paid job, especially for long-term employment. However, there are times when you are allowed to take short-stay business trips or participate in specific types of work without a visa. Please check the entry requirements of your destination country before traveling.

UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants permanent residency and free exit/entry to the UK to the holder. Visa free countries for UK ILR holder are widely located in Asia, Latin America, Europe, etc. Some have restrictions on your nationality while some are open to all ILR holders. Additionally, the entry requirements and permitted length of stay vary from country to country. It is highly recommended to check the newest rules and regulations of the destination country before setting out, so you can get ready in advance. Last but not least, don’t stay outside the UK for more than continuously 2 years, otherwise, your PR status might be lost and you have to spend time and effort obtaining it again.

Related Posts:

Does Indefinite Leave to Remain(ILR) in UK Expire

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

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.

Related Post

The ultimate guide on portugal golden visa 2024.

' src=

When & How to Check DV Lottery 2025 Results

Nigeria passport renewal in the uk 2024, sa pdp requirements, application & online booking, how to book learner’s license online in south africa.

Explore ideas, tips guide and info Livvy Quentin

Refugee Travel Document Visa-Free Countries 2024

Refugee Travel Document Visa-Free Countries 2024 . Serves as a substitute for a passport, allowing entry to over 145. Currently, the holders of refugee travel documents are allowed to travel visa free to many of the countries but not all within the schengen zone (you can find a table.

Refugee Travel Document Visa-Free Countries 2024

Please note that the information below changes regularly. Just wondering which countries accept canadian rtd without visas?

Just Wondering Which Countries Accept Canadian Rtd Without Visas?

From department of justice published on 14 july 2023.

Serves As A Substitute For A Passport, Allowing Entry To Over 145.

For example, the uk leaving the eu may.

Please Note That The Information Below Changes Regularly.

Images references :, uk visa requirements (accessible version) updated 22 february 2024..

Announcing the news, the department of justice of ireland said that the suspension means that all people with refugee status will be required to hold a valid visa.

You Can Get A Refugee Travel Document If You Have Been Granted Refugee Status In Finland And Your Status Has Not Been Ended Or Revoked.

You have refugee status in the uk;

If You Want To Travel, You Need To Apply To.

Web Analytics Made Easy - Statcounter

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

uk travel document visa free countries

  • Entering and staying in the UK
  • Visas and entry clearance
  • UK visa requirements: list for carriers
  • UK Visas and Immigration

UK visa requirements (accessible version)

Updated 22 February 2024

uk travel document visa free countries

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-visa-requirements-list-for-carriers/uk-visa-requirements-for-international-carriers

Guidance to help carriers check their passengers’ travel documents. It lists the countries and territories of citizens who need a visa for the UK.

Nationals of countries and territories who need a visa to enter or transit the UK

  • Afghanistan
  • China (People’s Republic of) (1)
  • Congo Dem. Republic
  • Cyprus (northern part of) (2)
  • El Salvador
  • Eswatini (Swaziland)
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Ivory Coast
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • North Macedonia
  • Palestinian Territories
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia (2)
  • South Africa (5)
  • South Sudan
  • Timor-Leste
  • Venezuela (non biometric)
  • Vietnam (3) and (5)

Nationals of the countries and territories who need a visa to enter or transit the UK landside

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African
  • Dominican Republic
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Indonesia (5)
  • Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of)
  • Philippines
  • Sao Tome e Principe
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela (biometric)

Airside Transit (where available)

Airside transit passengers are those who do not need to change airports and do not need to pass through the UK border. Passengers cannot transit ‘airside’ to the Republic of Ireland or anywhere within the common travel area.

Landside Transit

Landside transit passengers are those who need or wish to pass through the UK border and enter the UK (for example, to change airport, to collect baggage or arrive at airports where no airside transfer is possible).

Transit without visa (TWOV) - airside

All visa nationals seeking to transit the United Kingdom ‘airside’ without a visa must:

  • arrive and depart by air
  • have a confirmed onward flight departing the same day from the same airport
  • hold the correct documents for their destination (for example, a visa for that country if required)

National countries and territories who need a visa to enter or transit the UK listed above need a visa to transit ‘airside’ unless they hold one of the following:

a valid visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA (whether or not the holder is travelling to or from these countries).

a visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA as part of a reasonable journey from the country in respect of which the visa is held and it is less than 6 months since the holder last entered that country with a valid entry visa.

a valid permanent residence permit issued by:

  • Canada, issued after 28 June 2002
  • New Zealand

USA issued after 21 April 1998; or a valid US Immigrant visa endorsed with a US arrival stamp (a wet-ink/ADIT stamp version will not be accepted by UK border control); or an expired I-551 Permanent Residence card provided it is accompanied by a valid I-797 letter authorising extension; or a standalone US Immigration Form 155A/155B (attached to a sealed brown envelope)

  • a valid common format residence permit issued by an EEA state or Switzerland
  • a valid common format category D visa for entry to an EEA state or Switzerland

a valid Irish biometric visa endorsed BC or BC BIVS (in order to transit to a destination other than the Republic of Ireland or the Common Travel Area)

a valid Schengen Approved Destination Scheme (ADS) group tourism visa where the holder is travelling to the country that issued it

a valid airline ticket from the Schengen area; provided the holder can demonstrate they entered there no more than 30 days previously on the basis of a valid Schengen ADS visa

E-visas or e-residence permits are not acceptable unless the airline is able to verify it with the issuing country.

Transit without visa (TWOV) - landside

All visa nationals seeking to transit the United Kingdom ‘landside’ without a visa must:

  • have a confirmed onward flight that departs before 23:59 the following day

National countries and territories who need a visa to enter or transit the UK listed above need a visa to transit ‘landside’ unless they hold one of the following:

a valid visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA and a valid airline ticket via the UK as part of a reasonable journey to that country

a valid visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA and a valid airline ticket via the UK as part of a reasonable journey from that country

  • a visa for entry to Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA as part of a reasonable journey from the country in respect of which the visa is held and it is less than 6 months since the holder last entered that country with a valid entry visa
  • Australia (b)
  • Canada, issued after 28 June 2002 (c)
  • New Zealand (d)
  • a valid Irish biometric visa endorsed BC or BC BIVS and travelling to the Republic of Ireland
  • an Irish biometric visa endorsed BC or BC BIVS and travelling FROM the Republic of Ireland provided it is less than 3 months since the holder last entered there

E-visas or e-residence permits are not acceptable for landside transit.

The decision to allow a passenger to transit without a visa (TWOV) under the scheme is decided by an immigration officer at the UK border.

UK permanent residents

If a visa national is permanently resident in the UK they do not need a visa, as long as they return to the UK within 2 years of their last departure.

Passengers with the right of abode in the UK

If a visa national has a ‘certificate of entitlement to the right of abode’ label in their valid passport they do not need a visa.

Holders of non-national and refugee travel documents

If the passenger holds a refugee travel document issued by the UK they do not need a visa. If the passenger holds any other non-national or refugee travel document they need a visa to enter the UK.

Whether holders of non-national and refugee travel documents require a direct airside transit visa (DATV) depends on their original nationality, and whether they qualify for one of the exemptions listed above. Persons recognised as stateless under the 1954 UN Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons are not required to hold a DATV and may transit airside without a visa.

A seafarer travelling on duty, who is a visa national (including those in transit through the UK) does not need a visa if they hold a valid seafarer’s book issued by one of these countries which also contains a statement that it is issued under ILO108 (or convention of 1958) or ILO185, having previously ratified ILO108 (or convention of 2003):

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • British Virgin Isles
  • Czech Republic
  • Moldova (Republic of)
  • The Russian Federation
  • Solomon Islands
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • United Kingdom (including the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar)

A seafarer does not need to be a national of the country that issued the document.

Contact details

Please contact the relevant area, if you need further advice.

Produced by the carriers liaison section, Home Office.

(1) Holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa. Service passport holders may transit without a visa. Holders of a public affairs passport may not transit without a visa. Service and public affairs passport holders do not require a visa if travelling with a serving Chinese government minister on an official visit to the UK

(2) Passport not recognised by HM Government – visa should be issued on a Form for Affixing a Visa (FAV).

(3) Holders of diplomatic or official passports may transit without a visa.

(4) Passports that include a personal ID number on the biodata page are exempt from the visa requirement.

(5) Holders of diplomatic passports do not require a visa for official visits, tourist visits or transit.

(6) Holders may not use a B1/B2 USA visa to transit the UK.

Is this page useful?

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Middle East latest: Iran has 'no plan for immediate retaliation' after Israeli strike; attack could send three messages

A senior Iranian official tells the Reuters news agency the country has no plan for immediate retaliation to the apparent Israeli attack this morning. Meanwhile, Sky's Alistair Bunkall tells us what Israel may have been trying to achieve.

Friday 19 April 2024 09:57, UK

  • Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

  • Israel carried out operation in Iran, source tells NBC News
  • Iran fires air defence systems, state news agency says
  • Iran has 'no plan for immediate retaliation'
  • Analysis:  This strike has escalation written all over it
  • Analysis:  Attack could send three messages
  • Live reporting by Jess Sharp  and Andy Hayes

By Deborah Haynes , security and defence editor

The UK, US and other western allies will be hoping what appears to be a limited strike by Israel against Iran was sufficiently restrained to avoid triggering an escalatory response.

Israel has yet formally to comment, however, and the exact nature of the military action is unclear.

Ever since Tehran launched an unprecedented barrage of missiles and drones against its arch enemy over the weekend – in response to an Israeli strike against an Iranian consular building in Damascus – the world has been waiting for what would happen next.

A huge effort by American, British and other allied diplomats has been going on behind the scenes and in public to persuade Israeli leaders to "take the win" after Israel and a coalition of countries successfully defeated the vast majority of incoming missiles and drones.

But it was evidence that Israel felt it must strike back to restore a sense of deterrence – even though the red line of a direct attack by Iran on Israeli territory had already been crossed.

So the focus switched to trying to ensure Israel launches only a limited response – rather than something hugely escalatory such as direct strikes by F35 next generation jets against Iranian nuclear sites that Israel believes are part of a covert weapons programme.

As well as the focus on Israel, a lot of work has been done in private by allies to try to reduce the potential for any further response by the Iranian regime, which on Sunday warned that it would strike back even harder should Israel choose to respond to the initial Iranian salvo.

While details are still emerging about what happened overnight, the desire will be that both sides have had the chance to show to their public and to each other that no attack will go unpunished, while avoiding what is already a dangerously high level of escalation erupting into total war.

However, with any military action there comes the risk of miscalculation or mistake triggering unintended consequences that lead to war, which could derail this careful choreography.

This crisis is also raging as Israel is already locked in a war against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and engaging in increasingly hostilities with Iran-allied Hezbollah in Lebanon.

It makes the outcome of this combustible situation impossible to predict.

Egypt has said it is "deeply concerned" over the situation in the Middle East and has warned of the conflict expanding. 

In a statement released by its foreign ministry, it called on Israel and Iran to exercise the "utmost levels of self-restraint and fully comply with the rules of international law". 

"Egypt renews its deep concern over the mutual Iranian/Israeli escalation and warns of the consequences of the expanding conflict in the region," it said. 

It also warned the conflict could have "dangerous effects on the security and safety" of people in the region. 

"Egypt affirms that it will continue to intensify its contacts with all concerned and influential parties in order to contain the ongoing tension and escalation," it added. 

The European Commission president has called on Iran, Israel and their allies to refrain from escalating the situation in the Middle East. 

"It is absolutely necessary that the region remains stable and that all sides restrain from further action," Ursula von der Leyen said. 

Her comment comes after an apparent Israeli strike on Iran this morning. 

Several other leaders have called on the countries to de-escalate. 

Deputy French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: "All I can say is that france's position is to call on all Actors for de-escalation and restraint." 

Meanwhile, Japan's chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said the country is "deeply concerned". 

"Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from worsening further," he said. 

Iran is issuing "conflicting statements" and the "Iranians are very scared", an Israeli-American journalist has told Sky News.

Caroline Glick added: "And I think that is a good thing. 

"I think that on the one hand, they say nothing. On the other hand, they say it was Mossad. 

"And then on the third hand, they say they don't know who did it. No damage was caused."

Ms Glick went on: "We'll just have to wait and see for the after action reports to understand precisely what the targets were and how badly they were damaged"

Ms Glick, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at the US-based Center for Security Policy, said her country is "in the largest war since our war of independence in 1948, 49".

It is also the "longest war Israel has fought".

Ms Glick said it was "important to show the Iranian people that the regime they hate so much isn't immune from attack from outside forces".

She also claimed that 90% of Iranians want to "oust the regime from power that's been torturing them for the past 45 years".

Iran has been "behind just about all of the wars we've seen in the Middle East over the past 45 years", Ms Glick added.

"So I think that was a very important thing that happened last night, regardless of what was attacked."

Labour is urging "all sides to show restraint and to de-escalate the situation" following the apparent Israeli strike against Iran.

There is a "real risk of a full-scale war in the region", Matthew Pennycook, shadow housing minister, told Sky News.

Asked whether Labour supported Israel's right to take retaliatory action in Iran, he said: "We are asking Israel to show restraint in doing so."

He added: "The repelling of the very significant drone and missile strike [by Iran against Israel last Saturday] was successful. 

"We want [the Israelis] to show restraint to de-escalate the situation."

But, pushed on the subject, Mr Pennycook said there is no limit to Labour's support "in terms of their right to respond".

The consequences of a "full-scale conflagration" in the Middle East "will be dire" he added.

"I think it is a very worrying moment for the Middle East."

By Mark Stone , US correspondent

The overnight events do not reflect well on President Biden.

He had signalled so emphatically just days ago for Israel not to retaliate.

"Take the win," the American president told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the early hours of Sunday morning.

t was a message made public and combined with back-channel briefings we were getting from the White House and the State Department.

Washington's message to the Israeli government was that the spectacular failure of the Iranian attack, combined with the diplomatic first of having the Jordanians and the Saudis defending Israel, was a victory.

"Take it, don't retaliate," was the message they hoped would land. Uncontrolled escalation is just too much of a risk.

But Israel has been ignoring America for a few months now. Biden has frequently found the limits of his influence over Gaza.

As this week progressed, it became clear that on this issue too Netanyahu wasn't going to be bent by Washington, London or anywhere else.

And there were plenty who questioned the wisdom of Biden's diplomatic directive.

Israel had just faced the biggest aerial assault in its history by a nation committed to its destruction.

"Take the win"?! Really? To many, it sounded like an astonishing appeasement of Iran.

And so, as it dawned on diplomatic visitors to Israel this week that Netanyahu and his war cabinet were going to ignore Biden and hit back, the language began to shift.

"Don't retaliate" became "minimise escalation".

Read Stone's analysis in full here ...

In the early hours of this morning, Iran came under an apparent Israeli strike. 

We have been reporting on the situation throughout the morning, but here's a reminder of what we know so far: 

  • Iran fired its air defence batteries in several provinces, including near a major military base in Isfahan, according to state-run IRNA news agency;
  • Iranian state TV then reported three drones were destroyed shortly after midnight in the sky over the central city of Isfahan;
  • An source familiar with the situation then told our US partner NBC news that Israel carried out an operation in Iran;
  • The source also said Israeli officials notified US officials that a response was coming;
  • No damage or casualties have been reported so far;
  • Israel has not yet commented on the attack but has previously vowed to respond afterIran's unprecedented attack at the weekend;
  • A senior Iranian official has told Reuters the country has no plans to immediately retaliate. 

Iran has no plan for immediate retaliation to the apparent Israeli attack this morning, a senior Iranian official has said. 

Speaking to Reuters, the unnamed official said the country was looking at whether the operation was an "infiltration" rather than an attack. 

"The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed," they said. 

"We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack." 

The Israeli military has declined to comment on reports of the strike. 

We have just been speaking to Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow from the Centre for International Policy about the escalating situation in the Middle East. 

Talking about this morning's apparent Israeli attack on Iran, she said the "red lines have been blurred" in the last few months, and both sides are seeing how far they can go. 

"What each side is doing is sort of testing the waters, testing the other side in a calculated way, but escalating in a way to see how far they can go," she explained. 

While the US assisted Israel in its defence against Iran's missile and drone strike at the weekend, it has said it will not participate in any retaliation, Ms Mortazavi added. 

She said this was a "little more careful" approach, and shows the US is trying to handle "backchannel talks" between Iran and Israel.  

"There's a lot of back channel diplomacy back and forth happening to try to minimise the damage to these retaliatory attacks," she added. 

"But at the same time, both sides, Iranians and Israelis, are also doing this to save face for a more radical or more hardline constituency in each of their home countries."

Israeli missiles have targeted Syria's air defence positions, according to state media. 

The defence systems were located in the south of Syria, the reports said. 

Syrian state media quoted an unnamed military source as providing the information. 

Sky News has not been able to verify the claims. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

uk travel document visa free countries

IMAGES

  1. UK visa-free countries#UK passports must see when going abroad#Visa#United Kingdom#Passport

    uk travel document visa free countries

  2. UK Visa Free Countries-Full List

    uk travel document visa free countries

  3. Complete List Of UK Passport Visa Free Countries To Visit

    uk travel document visa free countries

  4. These are the 173 countries British people can travel to Visa free

    uk travel document visa free countries

  5. SOLUTION: Uk travel document visa free countries 2023

    uk travel document visa free countries

  6. 40 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2023 edition

    uk travel document visa free countries

VIDEO

  1. Romanians, Bulgarians React To Eased Schengen Travel

  2. Message for UK Traveler

  3. Niagara 🌊🤩📍🇨🇦 #canada #canadalife #traveltocanada #canadavlogs

  4. Visa Free countries on England's visa || Visa free countries on UK visa

  5. Travelling with refugee travel documents from Uk 🇬🇧

  6. Magique Canada 📍🇨🇦

COMMENTS

  1. Which Countries Accept A UK Refugee Travel Document

    A UK Refugee Travel Document is an official document issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status in the UK. It allows them to travel internationally while enjoying the rights and protections granted by the Refugee Convention. The web page lists 149 countries that recognize the UK Refugee Travel Document, including the EU, the US, and Canada.

  2. Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

    The web page lists the countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents issued by the UK under the 1951 UN Convention. It also lists the countries that require visas for visitors with this document and the ones that do not allow entry. It provides links to official sources and visa application guides for each country.

  3. Home Office travel documents and visa free countries

    The web page explains the types of travel documents issued by the UK Home Office, such as Refugee Travel Document, Stateless Person's Travel Document and Certificate of Travel. It lists the countries that allow visa-free travel on these documents, such as Albania, Croatia, Georgia, Lithuania and Slovenia. It also mentions some countries that do not allow entry with these documents, such as UAE, Qatar and UAE.

  4. 154 Visa Free Countries for UK Passport Holders

    As of April 2024, UK passport holders can travel visa free to 154 countries and territories: For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

  5. British Passport Visa Free Countries (April 2024)

    Neighbors. Ireland visa free countries. Belgium visa free countries. Netherlands visa free countries. British passport holders have visa-free access to 148 countries, can get e-visa for 55 countries, and need a visa for 24 countries (Updated April 2024).

  6. Visa-free countries with a UK Refugee travel document

    the country accepts refugee travel documents; you need a visa to enter the country; Post-Brexit, any visa-free travel agreements that may have existed with individual EU countries for refugees who hold a Convention travel document issued by the UK are no longer valid. As well as checking the entry requirements directly with the country(ies) you ...

  7. UK Visa Free Countries 2024: Which Countries Can Travel to the United

    UK visa-free countries for refugees. If a passenger holds an official refugee travel document issued by the United Kingdom, they can enter the UK without needing a visa. However, if they possess any other non-national or refugee travel document, a visa is still required for their visit to the UK. UK visa waiver countries 2024

  8. Travel documents: Home Office travel documents (accessible ...

    Home Office travel document fees and refund policy. This page explains the cost of applying for a Home Office travel document (HOTD), ways to pay, and the travel documents section's (TDS) refund ...

  9. 172 Visa Free Countries for UK Passport Holders

    A Closer Look - Popular British Passport Visa Free Countries . British passport holders enjoy visa free, eVisa, and visa on arrival access to 172 travel destinations, making it one of the world's most powerful passports.These visa free travel privileges mean British passport holders can visit European countries and destinations worldwide without going through a visa application process.

  10. UK passport visa free countries to travel in 2024

    UK passport visa free countries include Oman, Barbados, Saint Lucia and Dominican Republic. UK passport is ranked 8 by Visa List Passport Index 2024. Visa-free travel can save a lot of time, money, and effort as it eliminates the need for visa applications, waiting periods, and fees. It also provides more flexibility in travel planning ...

  11. Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents

    1. Travel document (passport) You must provide a valid passport or other travel document with all applications and when travelling to the UK. Your passport must have at least 1 page blank if you ...

  12. Visa requirements for British citizens

    The current British passport. Visa requirements for British citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of the United Kingdom.. As of 2024, British citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 192 countries and territories, ranking the British passport 3rd in the world according to the Henley Passport Index.

  13. Citizens Of These Countries Can Visit The UK Visa-Free

    Find out about the list of countries with visa-free access to the UK. The citizens of over 111 countries enjoy the privilege of visiting the UK without a tourist visa! Thanks to the visa policies set by the British government, travellers from the US, Israel, Germany, Aruba, Australia, and more don't need to apply for any travel document.

  14. Refugee travel documents and visa free travel

    Refugee travel documents and visa free travel. Gherson. European Union, Global, United Kingdom August 9 2017. Individuals who are granted refugee status in the United Kingdom are eligible to apply ...

  15. Apply for a Home Office travel document

    Before you travel. Check which documents you'll need before you book your travel. Ask the authorities of the country you're visiting or travelling through if: the country accepts certificates ...

  16. 43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2024 edition]

    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 ...

  17. PDF Uk Visa Requirements

    Holders of non-national and refugee travel documents If the passenger holds a refugee travel document issued by the UK they do not need a visa. If the passenger holds any other non-national or refugee travel document they need a visa to enter the UK. Whether holders of non-national and refugee travel documents require a direct airside transit ...

  18. Travelling with UK Travel Documents

    Travelling with UK Travel Documents for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents may travel to Germany subject to the following conditions. Please note that other Schengen member states may not recognise UK travel documents or that different visa requirements may apply.

  19. Does a UK refugee travel document allow entry into any other country?

    A UK refugee travel document is an immigration document, which has been issued under the UN Refugee Convention by the UK to a person who has been granted asylum in the UK. It is a blue passport-sized document. If you are a holder of a UK refugee travel document, you may be able to travel visa-free to a number of specific countries.

  20. Visa Free Countries

    Usually, visa-free regimes are applied only for tourist or business purposes and allow short stays between 30 up to 90 days, but visitors still need a valid travel document. Countries may have a visa-free agreement with one another because of the following reasons: Good diplomatic relationship.

  21. ECB08: what are acceptable travel documents for entry clearance

    A bona fide passport or travel document should: contain the photograph, name and date of birth of the holder; state the holder's nationality (or disclaimer if the holder is stateless or of ...

  22. Explore the Latest Travel Essential: ETIAS Visa

    From mid-2025, UK travellers must apply for a special permit to visit certain European countries. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a visa waiver that non-EU ...

  23. What Countries Can I Visit Visa Free with UK ILR

    UK ILR Visa-Free Countries for All Nationalities. 14 countries and territories allow ILR holders to enter without visas despite their nationalities. They are covering Europe, North America, Central America, and the Caribbean Area. Duration of stay and entry requirements vary from country to country. Country.

  24. Refugee Travel Document Visa-Free Countries 2024

    Refugee Travel Document Visa-Free Countries 2024. Serves as a substitute for a passport, allowing entry to over 145. Currently, the holders of refugee travel documents are allowed to travel visa free to many of the countries but not all within the schengen zone (you can find a table. Please note that the information below changes

  25. UK visa requirements (accessible version)

    A seafarer travelling on duty, who is a visa national (including those in transit through the UK) does not need a visa if they hold a valid seafarer's book issued by one of these countries which ...

  26. Middle East latest: Iran tells Israel 'our hands are on the trigger

    The UK and US have sanctioned Iranian firms involved in drone and missile production. The general staff of Iran's armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy are among 13 new ...