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There is much to consider when planning where to holiday – beach, city, historic town, or maybe something more adventurous like a rainforest? While looking for the best destinations for your dream holiday is the fun bit, it’s also important to consider your visa obligations as a British citizen. Let’s take a look at visa-free countries for British passport holders.
Which countries are visa-free for British passport holders?
As of 2025, UK passport holders can travel to 144 countries and territories for short periods of time without a visa. This freedom offers a huge amount of flexibility for simple holiday planning without any extra admin. There’s a huge range of countries to explore visa-free, from rainforests to deserts, busy cities to lesser-travelled destinations.
Amongst the 144 visa-free countries for UK passport holders, we can mention:
What countries deliver a visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival refers to the countries that provide visas to travellers when they arrive at the country’s airport or a border checkpoint. A visa on arrival can be issued for short-term purposes like tourism, business meetings or family visits. This approach applies to 35 countries for UK passport holders.
What about the new ETIAS in Europe?
From mid-2025, the EU will introduce its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This is an electronic travel authorisation – and not a visa – that most British passport holders will need to enter 30 European countries including Portugal, Spain and Greece. UK passport holders will be required to have valid ETIAS travel authorisation for a short-term stay to these countries – that’s 90 days in any 180-day period.
Need to know: The ETIAS application fee is €7, or approximately £5.80. Travellers younger than 18, older than 70 or those who are family members of EU citizens are exempt from the application fee. An ETIAS is valid for three years or until the passport used in the application expires, if that is sooner.
In 2025, Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays. They are also required for visitors who do not have a UK immigration status. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA when flying between the two countries, but will need one to visit other destinations like Australia.
Countries with visa requirements for UK citizens
It’s important to note the difference between two types of visas – an eVisa and a regular visa. To get a visa, you usually need to visit an embassy or consulate in person to submit paperwork and sometimes even attend an interview. An eVisa is applied for entirely online. Some countries also allow entry with an ETA, which is not a visa but still adds one step to your travel planning process.
21 countries require a visa
19 countries require an eVisa
10 countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization
The 5 visa-free countries you should visit in 2025
If you’re keen to avoid any extra admin and are on the lookout for your next visa-free holiday, you’re in the right place – here are my top five places to add to your bucket list.
Japan
One of my favourite countries I’ve visited, Japan is one for the bucket list. Visit in autumn and head to Chureito Pagoda, just outside of Tokyo, for vibrant red foliage and a peek at Mount Fuji on a clear day. Fly directly from London Heathrow to Tokyo and check out Citadines Central Shinjuku for a budget-friendly, four-star hotel in the middle of the capital.
Croatia
Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb – there’s so much this country offers for beach and city lovers alike. Head to Dubrovnik for a trip back in time as you explore the historic city walls – and stay at The Pucic Palace to be in the centre of the Old Town. You can find very cheap flights when you book ahead, too.
Slovenia
Lakes, mountains, historic towns – Slovenia is a haven for every nature lover. Visit on the shoulder seasons to beat the crowds, and be sure to rent a car to access some of the best hikes in Triglav National Park. Stay at Hotel Starkl to be right on the water at Lake Bled, and find budget-friendly daily flights from London to Ljubljana.
Dominican Republic
If paradise is what you’re looking for, the Dominican Republic ticks all the boxes – white sand beaches and day trips galore await you. Be sure to add The Three Eyes to your itinerary, a limestone cave home to three blue lakes that are illuminated at night. Nightlife and entertainment lovers should stay at the Punta Cana Princess and be sure to book your flights in advance for the best deals.
Sweden
Stockholm can be enjoyed all year round. Head to the capital in December for Christmas markets or visit in summer for evenings by the water with a picnic. For a central stay right by the main train station (which has direct access to Stockholm Arlanda airport), book the Scandic No 53 hotel.
The foregoing article was last updated on 20th of February 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
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