Visa Requirements for British Citizens

British citizens can visit 187 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival in 2025. This includes all 27 EU countries (90 days within 180 days), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Canada (eTA required), Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), Australia (ETA required), New Zealand (90 days), Thailand (60 days), Mexico (180 days), Brazil (90 days), Argentina (90 days), and South Africa (90 days). The UK has one of the world's most powerful passports for travel freedom.

British citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourist or business visits to the US of up to 90 days. However, you must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel. The ESTA costs $21 (approximately £17) and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at least 72 hours before travel through the official CBP website. If you have been denied an ESTA or have visited certain countries, you may need to apply for a B1/B2 visa instead.

A single-entry China tourist visa (L visa) costs £151 for British citizens. Double-entry visas cost £165, and 6 to 12 month multiple-entry visas cost £198. Applications are processed through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Standard processing takes 4 working days, with express (2 to 3 days) and rush (1 day) services available for additional fees.

British citizens have several India visa options. The e-Tourist Visa costs approximately £23 (30 days) or £40 (1 year). Traditional tourist visas through VFS Global start at £115 for 6 months and £174 for 1 year. Processing takes 3 to 5 working days for e-visas and 5 to 10 working days for regular visas. Apply through the official Indian government e-visa portal or VFS Global UK.

British citizens do not need a traditional visa for tourist visits to Australia. You must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority), subclass 601, which costs AUD $20 (approximately £10). The ETA allows multiple visits of up to 3 months each over a 12-month period. Apply through the official Australian ETA app or the Department of Home Affairs website. Processing is usually instant but can take up to 12 hours.

Standard visa requirements for British citizens include: valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay, recent passport photographs meeting destination country specifications, completed application form, proof of accommodation and travel itinerary, evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements), travel insurance where required, and employment verification or proof of income. Specific requirements vary by destination country.

British citizens need advance visas for approximately 40 countries. Notable destinations requiring visas include: China (tourist visa required), India (e-visa available), Russia (visa required), Vietnam (e-visa available), Cuba (tourist card), Australia (ETA required), USA (ESTA required), Canada (eTA required), Saudi Arabia (e-visa available), and Ghana. Many of these offer convenient e-visa or electronic authorization options.

Russian tourist visa processing for British citizens typically takes 5 to 10 working days through the official Russia Visa Application Centre. Standard visa fees start at £95 for single-entry tourist visas. Express processing (2 to 3 days) is available for additional fees. Note that visa requirements and availability may change due to geopolitical circumstances. Check the Russian Embassy UK website for current information before planning travel.

British passport holders already have very high visa approval rates (typically above 95%) due to strong diplomatic relationships and passport credibility. To maintain this success: apply well in advance (2 to 4 weeks minimum), provide clear documentation of your travel purpose and itinerary, show evidence of ties to the UK (employment, property, family), demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your trip, include confirmed return flights, and ensure all documents are accurate and complete.