Do British citizens need a visa for the USA in 2025?

British citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business visits to the USA up to 90 days, but they must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure. The ESTA costs $21, is valid for 2 years, and must be approved before boarding. Apply at least 72 hours before travel via the official CBP website.

Can UK passport holders travel to Europe visa-free after Brexit?

Yes, UK passport holders can travel visa-free to all Schengen Area countries for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism or business. However, starting in 2025, British travelers will need to register with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering Schengen countries. ETIAS will cost €7 and be valid for 3 years.

Which countries require UK citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

UK passport holders require a visa in advance for 19 countries including: Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo (Rep.), Eritrea, Ghana, Honduras, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. Additionally, 22 countries offer e-visas that must be obtained online before travel.

Do UK passport holders need a visa for Australia and Canada?

UK citizens do not need a traditional visa but must obtain electronic travel authorization before visiting. For Australia, apply for an eVisitor (subclass 651) or ETA online, which is free or costs AUD $20. For Canada, apply for an eTA costing CAD $7, valid for 5 years. Both must be obtained before departure.

Is military service mandatory for British citizens?

No, the United Kingdom does not have mandatory military service. The UK abolished conscription in 1960 and maintains an all-volunteer professional armed forces. British citizens are not required to perform military or alternative civilian service at any age.

Can UK passport holders work in EU countries after Brexit?

UK passport holders no longer have the automatic right to work in EU countries after Brexit (since January 1, 2021). British citizens now need to apply for work permits or visas to work in EU member states, with requirements varying by country. Some countries offer youth mobility schemes or specific work visa categories for UK nationals.

What documents do UK citizens need for visa-on-arrival countries?

For the 32 visa-on-arrival countries (including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Maldives, UAE, and Indonesia), UK passport holders typically need: a passport valid for at least 6 months, return/onward flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. Visa fees vary by country (typically $25-$100). Some countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar also offer visa-on-arrival but may require sponsorship.

Why did the UK passport ranking drop from 4th to 8th place between 2024 and 2025?

The UK passport dropped from 4th place (191 visa-free destinations) in 2024 to 8th place (184 destinations) in 2025, losing access to 7 destinations. This decline reflects changing international relations, new visa requirements introduced by certain countries post-Brexit, and other nations strengthening their passport power through diplomatic agreements. The ranking fluctuates based on bilateral agreements and policy changes.

Do UK passport holders need a visa for popular destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Singapore?

UK passport holders can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days (as of 2024-2025), Japan visa-free for up to 90 days, and Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days. These are among the 152 countries offering visa-free access to British citizens. However, travelers must ensure their passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended stay and may need proof of onward travel.

United Kingdom Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 184 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

The United Kingdom passport ranks 8th globally in 2025, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 184 destinations worldwide. Historically, the UK passport has maintained strong performance on global mobility rankings, holding the 1st position multiple times between 2010-2015 and consistently ranking in the top 10. British passport holders enjoy exceptional international travel freedom, making it one of the world's most powerful travel documents for business, tourism, and personal mobility across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and beyond.

Global Rank

out of 199 countries

Visa Free Access

184

countries worldwide

Mobility Score

out of 100 points

Quick Statistics for United Kingdom passport

139

Visa-Free

On Arrival

ETA Required

E-Visa

Visa Required

Source: Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

Top Visa-Free Destinations for British Citizens

Popular destinations where United Kingdom passport holders can travel without a visa:

Country	Maximum Stay	Code
France	Up to days	FR
Singapore	Up to days	SG
Thailand	Up to days	TH
Japan	Up to days	JP
United States	Up to days	US

Visa Requirements by Country

Complete breakdown of visa requirements for United Kingdom passport holders

✅ Visa-Free

139 countries

🛬 Visa on Arrival

32 countries

🔐 ETA Required

13 countries

💻 E-Visa

22 countries

❌ Visa Required

20 countries

Historical Ranking Trend

United Kingdom's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 5 positions from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Obtain residency in United Kingdom through qualified investments, with potential pathways to citizenship.

RBI Program Available

Official United Kingdom Passport & Travel Resources

Access official government resources for passport services, travel advisories, and visa information:

🔗

UK Passport Office

🔗

Apply for or renew a British passport

🔗

Foreign travel advice

🔗

Travel abroad

🔗

Check passport information

🔗

Get a passport urgently

🔗

FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Compare United Kingdom Passport with Other Passports

See how United Kingdom's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
United Kingdom (You are here)	#8	184	87/100	20/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

As of 2025, UK passport holders can access 184 destinations without a prior visa. This includes 152 visa-free countries, 32 visa-on-arrival destinations, and 13 countries offering electronic travel authorisation (eTA). The UK passport ranks 8th globally on the Henley Passport Index in 2025.

Explore More Passport Rankings

Discover United Kingdom's passport power and compare with other countries to find the world's most powerful travel documents.

View All Passport Rankings

Last Updated: November 9, 2025

Source: IATA Travel Centre, Skyscanner & Official Government Websites.

United Kingdom Passport Ranking – Visa Free Access to 184 Countries

🏠 RBI Available

Country

Maximum Stay

Code

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Up to days

Historical Ranking Trend

United Kingdom's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Trend: Declined by 5 positions from 2006 to 2025

Compare United Kingdom Passport with Other Passports

See how United Kingdom's passport compares with other EUROPE in the same ranking tier:

Country	Rank	Visa-Free Destinations	Mobility Score	Global Score
United Kingdom (You are here)	#8	184	87/100	20/100
Switzerland	#4	188	95/100	94/100
Spain	#4	188	92/100	93/100
Italy	#4	188	94/100	75/100
Germany	#4	188	95/100	75/100
Luxembourg	#4	188	95/100	33/100

*Mobility score calculated based on visa-free access and global travel freedom.

*Global score reflects overall passport strength considering various factors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Quick Statistics for United Kingdom passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for British Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

United Kingdom's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official United Kingdom Passport & Travel Resources

Compare United Kingdom Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can UK passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do British citizens need a visa for the USA in 2025?

Can UK passport holders travel to Europe visa-free after Brexit?

Which countries require UK citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Do UK passport holders need a visa for Australia and Canada?

Is military service mandatory for British citizens?

Can UK passport holders work in EU countries after Brexit?

What documents do UK citizens need for visa-on-arrival countries?

Why did the UK passport ranking drop from 4th to 8th place between 2024 and 2025?

Do UK passport holders need a visa for popular destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Singapore?

Explore More Passport Rankings

Quick Statistics for United Kingdom passport

Top Visa-Free Destinations for British Citizens

Visa Requirements by Country

✅ Visa-Free

🛬 Visa on Arrival

🔐 ETA Required

💻 E-Visa

❌ Visa Required

Historical Ranking Trend

United Kingdom's passport ranking progression from 2006 to 2025

Citizenship and Residency Programs

🏠 Residency by Investment (RBI)

Official United Kingdom Passport & Travel Resources

Compare United Kingdom Passport with Other Passports

Frequently Asked Questions:

How many countries can UK passport holders visit without a visa in 2025?

Do British citizens need a visa for the USA in 2025?

Can UK passport holders travel to Europe visa-free after Brexit?

Which countries require UK citizens to obtain a visa in advance?

Do UK passport holders need a visa for Australia and Canada?

Is military service mandatory for British citizens?

Can UK passport holders work in EU countries after Brexit?

What documents do UK citizens need for visa-on-arrival countries?

Why did the UK passport ranking drop from 4th to 8th place between 2024 and 2025?

Do UK passport holders need a visa for popular destinations like Thailand, Japan, and Singapore?

Explore More Passport Rankings