uk visit visa from afghanistan

Select Your Language

Select your currency.

• AED United Arab Emirates Dirham
• AFN Afghan Afghani
• ALL Albanian Lek
• AMD Armenian Dram
• ANG Netherlands Antillean Guilder
• AOA Angolan Kwanza
• ARS Argentine Peso
• AUD Australian Dollar
• AWG Aruban Florin
• AZN Azerbaijani Manat
• BAM Bosnia-Herzegovina Convertible Mark
• BBD Barbadian Dollar
• BDT Bangladeshi Taka
• BGN Bulgarian Lev
• BIF Burundian Franc
• BMD Bermudan Dollar
• BND Brunei Dollar
• BOB Bolivian Boliviano
• BRL Brazilian Real
• BSD Bahamian Dollar
• BWP Botswanan Pula
• BZD Belize Dollar
• CAD Canadian Dollar
• CDF Congolese Franc
• CHF Swiss Franc
• CLP Chilean Peso
• CNY Chinese Yuan
• COP Colombian Peso
• CRC Costa Rican Colón
• CVE Cape Verdean Escudo
• CZK Czech Republic Koruna
• DJF Djiboutian Franc
• DKK Danish Krone
• DOP Dominican Peso
• DZD Algerian Dinar
• EGP Egyptian Pound
• ETB Ethiopian Birr
• FJD Fijian Dollar
• FKP Falkland Islands Pound
• GBP British Pound Sterling
• GEL Georgian Lari
• GIP Gibraltar Pound
• GMD Gambian Dalasi
• GNF Guinean Franc
• GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal
• GYD Guyanaese Dollar
• HKD Hong Kong Dollar
• HNL Honduran Lempira
• HTG Haitian Gourde
• HUF Hungarian Forint
• IDR Indonesian Rupiah
• ILS Israeli New Sheqel
• INR Indian Rupee
• ISK Icelandic Króna
• JMD Jamaican Dollar
• JPY Japanese Yen
• KES Kenyan Shilling
• KGS Kyrgystani Som
• KHR Cambodian Riel
• KMF Comorian Franc
• KRW South Korean Won
• KYD Cayman Islands Dollar
• KZT Kazakhstani Tenge
• LAK Laotian Kip
• LBP Lebanese Pound
• LKR Sri Lankan Rupee
• LRD Liberian Dollar
• LSL Lesotho Loti
• MAD Moroccan Dirham
• MDL Moldovan Leu
• MGA Malagasy Ariary
• MKD Macedonian Denar
• MNT Mongolian Tugrik
• MOP Macanese Pataca
• MUR Mauritian Rupee
• MVR Maldivian Rufiyaa
• MWK Malawian Kwacha
• MXN Mexican Peso
• MYR Malaysian Ringgit
• MZN Mozambican Metical
• NAD Namibian Dollar
• NGN Nigerian Naira
• NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba
• NOK Norwegian Krone
• NPR Nepalese Rupee
• NZD New Zealand Dollar
• OMR Omani Rial
• PAB Panamanian Balboa
• PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol
• PGK Papua New Guinean Kina
• PHP Philippine Peso
• PKR Pakistani Rupee
• PLN Polish Zloty
• PYG Paraguayan Guarani
• QAR Qatari Rial
• RON Romanian Leu
• RSD Serbian Dinar
• RUB Russian Ruble
• RWF Rwandan Franc
• SAR Saudi Riyal
• SBD Solomon Islands Dollar
• SCR Seychellois Rupee
• SEK Swedish Krona
• SGD Singapore Dollar
• SHP Saint Helena Pound
• SLL Sierra Leonean Leone
• SOS Somali Shilling
• SRD Surinamese Dollar
• SVC Salvadoran Colón
• SZL Swazi Lilangeni
• THB Thai Baht
• TJS Tajikistani Somoni
• TOP Tongan Pa anga
• TRY Turkish Lira
• TTD Trinidad and Tobago Dollar
• TWD New Taiwan Dollar
• TZS Tanzanian Shilling
• UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia
• UGX Ugandan Shilling
• USD United States Dollar
• UYU Uruguayan Peso
• UZS Uzbekistan Som
• VND Vietnamese Dong
• VUV Vanuatu Vatu
• WST Samoan Tala
• XAF CFA Franc BEAC
• XCD East Caribbean Dollar
• XOF CFA Franc BCEAO
• XPF CFP Franc
• YER Yemeni Rial
• ZAR South African Rand
• ZMW Zambian Kwacha

UK Standard Visitor Visa for Afghan citizens: Complete guide

Are you an Afghan citizen yearning to experience the United Kingdom's timeless charm and multifaceted culture? Then, you've arrived at the perfect place! This is a complete guide to acquiring your UK Standard Visitor Visa for Afghan citizens.

Applying for a visa can often be complicated, but there's no reason for concern! Our elaborate guide has been meticulously crafted with first-time applicants in mind, replete with expert advice to facilitate your journey to the United Kingdom.

Here at iVisa, we strive to simplify your visa application process. Leveraging our easy platform , practical tips, and user-friendly mobile app , your dream of exploring the vibrant streets of the UK's bustling cities and immersing yourself in its rich history is just a tap away!

Do Afghan citizens need a Standard Visitor Visa for the United Kingdom?

Yes, Afghan citizens are required to obtain a Standard Visitor Visa before traveling to the United Kingdom. This visa applies to tourists, business travelers, and individuals visiting family and friends in the UK.

It's crucial to apply well before your trip to ensure that your visa is processed in time.

What is the UK Standard Visitor Visa?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is an official travel document issued by the UK government to allow individuals outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to travel to the United Kingdom temporarily , usually for up to 6 months.

This visa is intended for individuals who plan to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, academic conferences, medical treatments, or to visit family members and friends.

However, there are restrictions on what you can do. For instance, you cannot work, study for more than 30 days, marry or form a civil partnership, or receive public funds.

Note: This visa is not a part of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme , which requires very different and specific documentation.

How long can Afghan citizens stay in the UK?

The UK Standard Visitor Visa generally allows Afghan citizens to remain in the United Kingdom for up to six months . We help you apply for a Multiple entry visa valid for 180 days in total .

Your visa will usually indicate your allowed length of stay, which you must strictly comply with. Overstaying beyond the given period may lead to penalties. It could affect your ability to return to the UK in the future.

The stay may be extended in specific circumstances, such as undergoing unexpected medical treatment or for academic purposes. However, any extension is subject to the UK immigration authorities' approval and requires a separate application.

Benefits of a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Afghan citizens

The UK Standard Visitor Visa offers numerous benefits for Afghan citizens:

Tourism: With this visa, you can explore the UK's diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of London to the peaceful countryside, there's much to see and do in the UK.

Business trips: The Standard Visitor Visa allows Afghan citizens to conduct business activities in the UK, such as attending meetings, conferences, or seminars.

Visiting family and friends: If you have family or friends residing in the UK, this visa lets you visit them and spend quality time together.

Short-term studies: You can take advantage of short-term study opportunities, including language courses and training programs, provided your course duration is, at most, 30 days, and it's not the main reason for your visit.

Medical treatment: This visa allows you to receive private medical treatment in the UK, provided the treatment can be completed within six months of your stay.

Multiple entries: The Standard Visitor Visa often permits multiple entries within the 180-day validity period, meaning you can leave and return to the UK within that time frame without needing a new visa.

Participation in events: You can participate in any number of events, including arts, music festivals, or sports.

Remember, while the UK Standard Visitor Visa offers many benefits, it does not permit you to work, live long-term, or access public funds in the UK. Always ensure your activities in the UK align with the conditions of your visa.

UK Standard Visitor Visa: Eligibility criteria for Afghan citizens

For Afghan citizens to be eligible for a UK Standard Visitor Visa, they must meet the following criteria:

Purpose of visit: You must demonstrate that you are visiting the UK for a legitimate purpose such as tourism, business meetings, visiting friends or relatives, short-term studies, medical treatments, or participating in artistic, sportive, or academic events.

Financial stability: You need to provide evidence that you can support yourself (and any dependents) financially for your stay in the UK without access to public funds. This might include bank statements, payslips, or a letter of financial support.

Intention to return: You must show that you plan to return to Afghanistan after you visit the UK. This can be demonstrated through ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family responsibilities.

Health: You must declare any pre-existing health conditions and may be required to prove that you have travel insurance to cover any potential medical costs during your stay.

Good character: You must not have a criminal record or pose a risk to UK security. You may need to provide a police certificate to prove your good character.

Previous immigration history: If you've previously been refused entry, deported, or overstayed a visa in the UK or any other country, this could affect your eligibility.

UK Standard Visitor Visa required documents for citizens of Afghanistan

Embarking on your journey to the UK requires a bit of paperwork, but worry not; we're here to guide you through it! Let’s outline the travel documents Afghan nationals must prepare when applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa. You will need:

• Passport: You must have a valid passport or other travel identification document. The passport should have at least one blank page on both sides for your visa.

You must have an ordinary passport. Applying with a Travel document/Refugee passport/Alien passport is impossible, and we cannot refund your money if you apply with one of these documents.

Visa application form: A completed and signed application form, typically available online.

Proof of financial means: Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements or payslips from the last six months.

Accommodation details: Information about where you'll be staying during your visit to the UK. This could be a hotel booking confirmation, an invitation from your host, or a letter from your tour operator.

Travel itinerary: Details about your travel plans in the UK.

Photograph: Depending on the application method, you may need to provide a color photograph that meets the UK visa photo requirements. You can get updated, government-compliant photos from the comfort of your home using our online passport photo service .

Proof of residence: This can be in the form of a basic services invoice, permanent resident card, national ID

Proof of social and economic ties to home country: This can include proof of employment status, studies, or property ownership.

Additional documents: You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances and the purpose of your visit. These could include a letter of invitation, proof of medical appointment, yellow fever certificate, or evidence of business activities. To apply, dependent children may also need to submit their birth certificates.

Please note that this is a general list, and the documents you must provide can vary depending on your circumstances.

How to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa in Afghanistan?

For a quick and straightforward process to obtain your visa, follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Provide your personal and travel information on our online visa form or through our user-friendly app . Double-check that all information is accurate, and select the closest location for your interview from the list provided.

Please note: Afghans can apply at a center in a neighboring country if they judge it is safe to travel and can obtain the necessary permissions to enter the country. If you do not see an available appointment location listed during the application process, please contact expert@iVisa so that our team of experts can help you complete your application.

Step 2: Pay our iVisa service fee and British government visa fee using a debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal.

Step 3: Complete the remaining sections of our simplified application form, following our instructions, and upload a scanned copy of your passport and a photo before submitting the information for expert review.

We will arrange the interview appointment on your behalf at your chosen location. You'll receive a step-by-step manual providing instructions and a list of documents to prepare for your visa interview.

• Step 4: Attend the interview at the Embassy or desired appointment location. Remember to bring all the required documents, including the completed and signed application form.

What are the UK Standard Visitor Visa costs and processing time in Afghanistan?

When you apply with us, you will pay a total cost of USD $426.99 ; this total is made up of two parts:

Government Fee of USD $127.00 (this charge may vary depending on the exchange rate or over time).

iVisa Standard Processing fee of USD $299.99 . Our standard processing takes up to 30 days .

Our experts carefully review your application and ensure everything is in order during this time. We also begin the process of securing your interview date. It does not include the date of the interview nor the time it will take the government to process and approve or deny your application. We advise applying for your visa before your intended travel date to avoid delays or issues.

During the application process on our site, you can add services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, Embassy Registration, or Premium Photo Services.

Tips for a successful UK Standard Visitor Visa application in Afghanistan

Here are some tips to increase your chances of a successful application in Afghanistan:

Start early: Visa processing times can vary, and delays may occur during busy periods. Starting your application well before your travel date can help avoid stress or potential issues.

Clear documentation: Make sure all your documents are legible, in the correct format, and translated into English if needed. The easier to read your documents are, the smoother your application process will be.

Professional presentation: Approach your visa application like a job application. Ensure your responses are professional, consistent, and meticulous.

Check and double-check: Confirm that you've correctly filled out all application sections and that the information aligns with your documents.

Follow the visa conditions: Ensure you understand and comply with the visa requirements if granted a visa. Overstaying your visa or breaching your visa conditions can lead to future applications being refused.

Every visa application is unique, and these tips are general guidelines. For more personalized advice, apply with us and let our experts guide you.

Common reasons for UK Standard Visitor Visa refusals in Afghanistan

While the UK Standard Visitor Visa application process is straightforward, there can be instances where applications are refused. Some common reasons for visa refusals among Afghan applicants are:

Insufficient financial proof: If you fail to provide adequate evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK, your application may be refused.

Inadequate proof of ties to home country: The visa officer must be convinced that you will return to Afghanistan after your visit. Your application may be denied if you can't provide strong evidence of your ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family.

Lack of clarity in travel plans: If your travel plans, reasons for visiting, or accommodation arrangements in the UK are unclear or seem unrealistic, your visa could be refused.

Incorrect or incomplete application: Providing incorrect information or failing to complete all sections of the application form can lead to a refusal.

Previous immigration history: If you have previously overstayed, breached visa conditions, or been refused a visa for the UK or another country, this could negatively affect your application.

Benefits of applying for the UK Standard Visitor Visa with us

At iVisa, we understand how daunting the visa application process can be, and we're here to help. Here's why applying with us makes your life easier:

Best chances of visa approval: Applying with us maximizes your approval chances, ensuring an error-free application.

Flexible form completion: Fill out the application form at your own pace, take breaks, and save progress.

Guaranteed appointment scheduling: We’ll secure your visa appointment promptly, sparing you the search for available dates.

Expert agent support: Receive end-to-end agents' assistance for any doubt or worry.

Real-time order tracking: Easily monitor your visa application process through your iVisa account.

More info about the UK Standard Visitor Visa for Afghan citizens

Have more questions about the UK and your visa options? Don't hesitate to get in touch! Our customer service team is always ready to help. Send us a message online or at help@iVisa. Apply now

Related Articles

Travelling to the UK this summer for Euro 2020, or to experience the myriad of attractions of Great Britain? Use this step-by-step guide to help you with your visa application.

Step 1: Apply on GOV.UK

Complete your online application form on https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa Remember to apply for your visa well before your travel dates

Step 2: Register with VFS Global to book appointment, choose services

After completing the online form and visa fee payment, you will be redirected to register on the VFS Global website to: Upload documents online and/or choose from a range of convenient and optional visa services. If you do not wish to self-upload documents, you can opt for paid professional guidance with our Document Scanning Assistance service when you visit the Visa Application Centre Book your appointment at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre

Step 3: Review and pay

Once you’ve booked your appointment, you will finally be asked to review and confirm your choices and pay for any services you have selected.

Step 4: Visit the VFS Global Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics

Arrive at the Visa Application Centre 15 minutes before your appointed time. Remember to carry your:

• Appointment confirmation letter
• Document checklist
• Travel & supporting documents (if not uploaded online)

You are now all set to enroll biometrics and complete your application process!

If you have any questions, get in touch via https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/cn/en/contact-vfsglobal .

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Afghanistan

Travel Advisory July 29, 2024

Afghanistan - level 4: do not travel.

Reissued after periodic review with updates to reflect the security environment and immigration information.

Do not travel to Afghanistan due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime.

Country Summary:  The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations in 2021. The U.S. government is not able to provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.

Multiple terrorist groups are active in country and U.S. citizens are targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking. The Taliban have harassed and detained aid and humanitarian workers. The activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear. Even if you are registered with the appropriate authorities to conduct business, the risk of detention is high.  

The Department has determined there is a risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals in Afghanistan. The Taliban do not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be lengthy. While in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse. The Taliban may not recognize your U.S. citizenship if you are a dual Afghan-U.S. citizen or have a claim to Afghan citizenship, which further limits our ability to assist.

Individuals should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason, including to accompany eligible family members for relocation.  U.S. citizen or LPRs do not have to be physically present in Afghanistan for their qualifying family members to receive such assistance. For further information on how to assist your family members with the immigrant visa application process or to request relocation assistance for family, please refer to our website.

U.S. citizens who are in Afghanistan are urged to depart immediately via commercial means if possible. U.S. citizens who are seeking U.S. government assistance to depart should email complete biographic details and contact information (email and phone number), as well as U.S. passport number, to [email protected] .

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Afghanistan.

If you choose to disregard the Travel Advisory and travel to Afghanistan:

• Review your personal security plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments at all times.
• Keep a low profile.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.
• Make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.
• Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.
• Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security updates and ensure you can be located in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter/X .
• Consider the risks involved in traveling while possessing dual U.S. - Afghan nationality .
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Read the  Country Security Report For Afghanistan.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid for six months at time of entry

One page required for entry stamp

Polio vaccination up to 1 year before travel is recommended. See the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Fact Sheet

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Kabul U.S. Embassy Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. Email: [email protected]

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Afghanistan for information on U.S.-Afghanistan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

On August 31, 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan suspended all operations. Please read the  Travel Advisory  for Afghanistan, which advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Afghanistan for any reason due to terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime, and advises U.S. citizens currently in Afghanistan to depart immediately via commercial means if possible.

U.S. citizens who are seeking U.S. government assistance to depart should email complete biographic details and contact information (email and phone number), as well as U.S. passport number, to [email protected] .

Passport and Visas:  U.S. citizens must have a valid passport and Afghan visa to enter and exit Afghanistan. Travelers arriving without a valid visa are subject to deportation, confiscation of their passport, heavy fines, or detention.  

Dual Nationals/Afghan Heritage:  U.S. citizens born in Afghanistan of Afghan parentage are considered to be Afghan nationals and are not required to have an entry visa. U.S. citizens of Afghan parentage who were not born in Afghanistan must have a visa to enter Afghanistan.

Registration:  Foreigners arriving in Afghanistan are fingerprinted during the immigration process. Foreign passengers arriving at the Kabul International Airport are expected to register with a representative of the Ministry of Interior’s Foreigners’ Registration Office. If the airport office is closed, registration may take place at the Ministry of Interior’s Kabul Statistics Office located at Kart-e-Parwan Square in front of Nadirya High School. Registrants will receive a registration card . The registration card must be surrendered upon the foreign national’s departure from Afghanistan.

Medical Requirements: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Afghanistan.

Please visit the Consular Affairs website for information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction , and customs regulations .

Safety and Security

The security situation is extremely unstable and the threat to U.S. citizens remains critical. No province in Afghanistan should be considered immune from violence, and the potential exists throughout the country for hostile acts, either targeted or random, against U.S. and other foreign nationals at any time. U.S. citizens who do decide to go to Afghanistan should maintain a low profile and exercise extreme discretion in disclosing their movement plans and personal information.

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Decades of disorder and warfare have made Afghanistan fertile territory for international terrorism. U.S. citizens and other foreign nationals are primary targets of terrorist organizations. Violent extremist groups across Afghanistan continue to utilize a variety of tactics to expand their territorial influence, disrupt governance, and create a public perception of instability. Such tactics include the use of attackers laden with suicide vests, vehicle-borne explosive devices, magnetic explosive devices, indirect fire (rockets and mortars), and direct fire (shootings and rocket propelled grenades). Local security forces, buildings housing ministries and other public sector institutions, foreign embassies, non-government organization offices, and soft targets, such as hotels, markets, schools, hospitals, and public gatherings, are common attack targets. Kabul has been and remains a high-profile location for large-scale terror attacks, as successful operations in the capital tend to generate media coverage. U.S. citizens in Afghanistan should familiarize themselves with their residential compound or hotel’s emergency planning and rehearse the steps they would take if the venue were to come under attack.

For more information, see our  Terrorism  page.

Kidnapping/Hostage Taking/Wrongful Detention : Violent extremist groups and kidnapping syndicates are actively targeting foreign nationals, specifically U.S. citizens, in Afghanistan, including journalists, aid workers, teachers, medical professionals, and individuals associated with international and non-governmental organizations. Criminal groups in Afghanistan will target any individual perceived to have money for kidnapping and/or extortion. Kidnap-for-ransom syndicates may also sell their captives to terrorist groups, with victims potentially spending years in captivity. Additionally, the threat of wrongful detention remains high as U.S. citizens have been detained and held for indefinite periods in Afghanistan under unclear or unjust circumstances.

Demonstrations and Riots : U.S. citizens should avoid all rallies and demonstrations, as even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little warning. Public gatherings and demonstrations have also been the targets of terrorist attacks.

Property/Business Disputes:  Afghan-Americans returning to Afghanistan to recover property often become involved in complicated real estate disputes. Some have involved threats of retaliatory action, including kidnapping, and assassinations. Similarly, U.S. citizens involved in business or commercial disputes have been threatened with detention and imprisonment, and had their property seized to use as collateral. U.S. citizens have reported being physically attacked and family members have also been harmed as the result of such disputes. U.S. citizens who find themselves in such situations should not assume that either local law enforcement or the U.S. government will be able to assist them in resolving such disputes. Hiring a private attorney, early in the dispute, especially one who can act on behalf of the U.S. citizen in their absence, is recommended.

Communications:  Large parts of Afghanistan are extremely isolated and landline telephone communications remain limited. Cell phone service is unpredictable, and areas outside major urban centers suffer from irregular and weak signals. U.S. citizens in Afghanistan should always carry backup communications such as satellite phones or handheld radios, along with a vehicle/personal tracking device.

Crime:  Afghanistan is considered a critical threat environment for crime. Criminal organizations, including weapons and narcotics traffickers, undermine peace and stability throughout the country. Common petty or street crime exists, primarily in cities. Transient populations and internally displaced peoples may contribute to crime and lawlessness.

Victims of Crime: U.S. Embassy Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. The U.S. government is not able to provide any routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Afghanistan, including victims of crime.

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in Afghanistan. The local equivalent to the U.S. “911” emergency line is “119” in Afghanistan. Please note that local operators do not speak English and that emergency services are restricted to the major cities. The emergency line may not be answered, and response times are usually longer than in the United States.

Travelers should not expect or rely on significant assistance from local authorities in Afghanistan in resolving legal disputes. This is especially true for U.S.-based companies and their employees seeking local protection from extralegal efforts to resolve contract disputes. Property may be seized, and personnel may be detained as collateral pending the resolution of such disputes.

Visit our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas  for additional details.

Tourism:  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response services and subsequent appropriate medical treatment are very limited in-Afghanistan and may be entirely unavailable outside of major cities. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance that covers medical evacuation from Afghanistan. See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  U.S. citizens in Afghanistan are subject to Afghan laws. A U.S. passport will not help you avoid detention or prosecution and may result in heightened attention by police and prosecutors, some of whom may seek to exploit your status as a U.S. citizen for financial or political gain. Persons violating Afghan laws, even unknowingly, may be fined, detained, imprisoned, or possibly executed. Penalties in Afghanistan can be more severe than for similar offenses in the United States. U.S. citizens may face the death penalty for crimes that would not be punishable by death in the United States.

• Photography of buildings/installations housing ministries, public sector institutions, and security forces, including equipment or troops, may lead to detention.
• Possession of alcohol is illegal and is equated to narcotics. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in alcohol or illegal drugs are severe, with offenders often facing long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Sexual relations between unmarried couples, or unreported knowledge of such relations is punishable by lengthy prison sentences and/or public flogging in Afghanistan.

Certain acts of U.S. citizens overseas are prosecutable as crimes in the United States, whether or not they are illegal under the local law. Withholding someone's identity documents, such as passports, green cards, or tazkeras, knowing that they are necessary for travel, can lead to criminal prosecution in the United States. For additional examples, see our page on  crimes against minors abroad  and visit the website of the U.S. Department of Justice .

Religion and Islam: Islam, along with tribal law and customs (e.g., pashtunwali in predominately Pashtun areas), provides a foundation for Afghans’ lived experiences. The influence of tribal law and customs are greater in Afghanistan’s rural sector, compared to urban areas. Foreign visitors are expected to remain sensitive to Afghanistan’s Islamic and local cultures, and not dress in revealing or provocative manners, including the wearing of sleeveless shirts and blouses, halter-tops, and/or shorts.

Proselytizing may be deemed an insult to Islam, and could result in severe punishments including – but not limited to – incarceration, and the death penalty. Committing a blasphemous act or producing or distributing material deemed critical of Islam is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. Apostasy may carry a maximum penalty of death for Muslims who denounce Islam or convert to another religion. Allegations of conversion of Afghan citizens are taken particularly seriously. Accusations of blasphemy or insulting Islam, even when unproven, have led to deadly mob violence.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines and/or give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice’s website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Financial Debts: U.S. citizens in Afghanistan have been detained in cases involving financial debts and contract disputes, as these disputes are generally considered criminal matters in Afghanistan. Hiring a local attorney in the early stages of such a dispute is recommended.

Women Travelers:  Afghanistan is a traditional country, particularly when it comes to gender roles and behavior. To help maintain a low profile, women should ensure their shirts cover their full arms, collarbone, and waistband, and their pants/skirts cover their ankles, especially when traveling outside Kabul. Almost all women in Afghanistan cover their hair in public; female travelers are advised to carry scarves for this purpose. Women are expected to be escorted by a male relative and can be detained for traveling alone. Women visiting Afghanistan should be alert of the risk of sexual assault and are recommended to review the Department of State’s travel tips for  women travelers .

LGBTQI+ Travelers: The Taliban consider consensual same-sex sexual activity to be a criminal offense, and representatives routinely enforced this position through violence, intimidation, harassment, and targeted killings. Conviction for same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by death, flogging, or imprisonment. Individual Taliban members made public statements reiterating that their interpretation of sharia includes the death penalty for homosexuality. LGBTQI+ individuals face discrimination, violence, and persecution in Afghan society. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Forced Marriage:  The Department is aware of cases involving U.S. citizen women of Afghan heritage who have been convinced by their families to travel to Afghanistan, usually under the guise of visiting relatives, only to find themselves forced into marriage. The U.S. government considers forced marriage to be a human rights abuse and, in the case of minors, a form of child abuse. Forced marriage is defined as one in which one or both parties have not consented to the marriage (or are incapable of providing meaningful consent) and differs from arranged marriage. Often, victims of forced marriage are subjected to non-consensual sex, physical and emotional abuse, and isolation. Individuals who refuse a forced marriage may be threatened with violence or with being disowned by their families, who also often confiscate their belongings (including passports).

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  Afghan law protects the rights of persons with disabilities, but the provisions are not implemented in practice. Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, public buildings, and hotels, and few communication accommodations. There are few sidewalks and no curb-cuts, and most buildings lack elevators.

Banking:  Access to banking facilities in Afghanistan is limited and unreliable. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis, though the use of credit cards is becoming more common in larger cities. ATMs are available in major cities, but U.S. banks often deny transactions from Afghanistan unless a traveler provides advanced notice of the transaction.

Customs:  Afghan customs authorities generally enforce strict regulations on the import/export of certain goods such as alcoholic beverages, religious materials, antiquities, medication, precious stones and metals, and printed materials. U.S. citizen travelers have faced fines and/or confiscation of items considered antiquities upon exiting Afghanistan.

Weapons/Firearms: U.S. citizens, including security contractors and military personnel, should carefully review Afghan import/export restrictions on weapons, firearms, and ammunition, including antique or display models. It is also important to review the regulations of any country through which you may transit, as many countries have strict rules prohibiting these items, even in checked luggage. Consult the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection  for information on traveling with such items into or out of the United States.

For emergency services in Afghanistan, dial 119 or 100 for police; 102 for medical assistance; 112 for fire.

Ambulance services are:

• Not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Not present throughout the country
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

Basic medical care is available in major Afghan cities but is limited in rural areas. Facilities vary in quality and range of services and are generally below U.S. standards. Doctors and hospitals often require cash prepayment for services. Western-style private clinics can be found in Kabul offering a variety of basic emergency and routine preventative-type care, but their hours are limited, and such facilities may not be suitable for complex trauma cases or severe medical emergencies. Individuals without licenses or medical degrees sometimes operate private clinics, and there is no public agency that monitors their operations.

Travelers are strongly urged to obtain sufficient supplies of prescription and commonly used over-the-counter medications prior to arrival. Many U.S.-brand medications are not available in Afghanistan. Travelers should be aware that many pharmaceuticals found in Afghanistan are counterfeits, and the quality of locally produced medications is uneven.

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not provide coverage overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Afghanistan.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• and General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

Water Quality & Food Safety:  In many areas of Afghanistan, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan will cover you outside of the United States, and that it specifically covers care when you are in Afghanistan. U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not provide coverage overseas. Many insurance companies consider Afghanistan to be an active warzone and specifically exclude coverage for individuals residing or traveling there.

U.S. citizens are strongly recommended to obtain  supplemental medical evacuation insurance  as medical transport out of Afghanistan can be prohibitively expensive. When selecting a medical evacuation provider, be sure to confirm that the company offers such services in Afghanistan and obtain a list of clinics and hospitals that may be used as a medical evacuation point. Please note that the U.S. government cannot pay your medical bills.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions:  Road conditions in Afghanistan are generally poor. Many urban streets in Afghanistan have large potholes and are not well lit, and rural roads are frequently not paved. There have also been reports of cave-ins and erosion on the Ring Road (the Kabul-Kandahar-Herat-Mazar highway). Vehicles are often poorly maintained and overloaded. Traffic laws are often not enforced, and roadside assistance is non-existent. Vehicular traffic is chaotic, and drivers must contend with numerous pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals. With congested roads, non-standard traffic patterns, and abundant pedestrian traffic, vehicle accidents are a serious concern and can escalate into violent confrontations . All drivers are urged to drive defensively, drive only in the daylight, and pay close attention to their surroundings. Owners of vehicles with tinted windows can be detained. Please see our information on  Road Safety .

U.S. citizens should also be aware that land mines and large quantities of unexploded ordnance exist throughout the countryside and along roads, posing a danger to travelers. Robberies and kidnappings are also prevalent on the roads outside Kabul.

Aviation Safety Oversight : As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Afghanistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Afghanistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Afghanistan, the FAA has issued a Notice to Airmen ( NOTAM ) and a Special Federal Aviation Regulation ( SFAR ). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, afghanistan map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

The Embassy of Afghanistan in London

Announcement.

The Consular Services Section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London will be closed on Monday, 26 August 2024 , due to the Summer bank holiday .

The Embassy of Afghanistan in London firmly declares that it will continue all its consular and diplomatic services without any interruption. Our commitment to providing essential services to Afghan citizens residing in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland remains unwavering.

We are dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of Afghan citizens abroad and will utilise all our facilities and resources to ensure the highest standard of service.

Important Announcement

We are issuing visas on uk travel documents now..

We do provide the following services:

• Passport Extension : Applicants who already have their electronic passport can visit the consulate section of the embassy along with the required documents such as Tazkera, Passport (invalid), Proof of Address and Photo. For more details, click here …
• Birth Certificate or ID verification : The Consulate Section of the embassy issues birth certification letter based on the applicant’s original ID Card, Passport or Birth Certificate. For more details, click here …
• Educational and Commercial Certificate Legalisation : The consulate section of the embassy only legalise a document which is already legalised by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). For more details, click here …
• Embassy News
• Other Updates

Welcome message from the Ambassador

It is a great pleasure to personally welcome you to the website of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the United Kingdom. I am honoured to be entrusted with the important task of representing Afghanistan as its Ambassador to the United Kingdom and as a non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. My team and I will strive to maintain and further develop the strong and long-standing diplomatic relationship between Afghanistan and the UK. Over the years, particularly since 2001, the UK has played a crucial role in supporting Afghanistan to rebuild itself. Throughout our partnership, the people and government of the UK have stood by their Afghan partners and have assisted Afghanistan directly in its efforts to rebuild…

Dr Rassoul joined a panel discussion on women’s rights, and peace in Afghanistan

Ambassador Rassoul visited RMA Sandhurst where 7 Afghan cadets are training

HE Dr Rassoul had a productive meeting with Nigel Casey HC PM’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan

HE Dr Rassoul presents his Credence to HM the Queen

Afghanistan’s Armed Forces Day was celebrated Virtually on 5th March

The first flamenco in Samangan; An incredible love poetry and a taste of old Afghanistan

Consular services quick links, block title.

It is a great pleasure to personally welcome you to the website of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of…

Ambassador Rassoul virtually joined a panel discussion on women’s rights, and peace in Afghanistan organised by UK’s APPG on Women,…

Ambassador Dr Rassoul visited RMA Sandhurst to see some of the 7 Afghan OCdts currently training and discuss our outgoing…

HE @DrZRassoul had a productive meeting with @NigelCaseyHC PM’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. They had an extensive discussion…

Find us here

• Immigration

Getting a Visa for Afghanistan: Everything You Need to Know

Looking to get a visa for afghanistan here's everything you need to know. from the different types of visas available to the application process and requirements, we've got you covered. whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or visiting family, we'll help you navigate the process smoothly and efficiently..

Quick Glance:

• A comprehensive guide to understanding the Afghan visa process, including different visa categories and application steps.
• Key considerations for Afghan visas, such as duration, fees, health and safety, and cultural sensitivity.
• Importance of correctly obtaining an Afghan visa to avoid potential issues and resources for the latest information. Embarking on a journey to Afghanistan necessitates a thorough understanding of the visa process. Whether you’re planning to travel for work, tourism, or to visit family, obtaining the correct type of visa is crucial. Here’s an essential guide to help you navigate the complexities of the Afghan visa process.

Understanding Visa Categories

Afghanistan offers several types of visas, each tailored for different purposes:

• Tourist Visa: For those traveling to Afghanistan for sightseeing or other leisure activities.
• Business Visa: If you’re visiting for business negotiations, conferences, or investments.
• Work Visa: Required for individuals who intend to work in Afghanistan.
• Student Visa: For foreign nationals seeking to study in Afghan educational institutions.
• Visit Visa: For visiting family or friends residing in Afghanistan.
• Diplomatic/Official Visa: Issued to diplomats or government officials entering Afghanistan for official purposes.

Ensure that you apply for the visa category that best suits the nature of your trip, as being transparent about your visit’s purpose is a fundamental requirement.

Visa Application Process

The visa application process for Afghanistan is straightforward yet requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to apply:

• Complete the Visa Application Form : Start by filling out the application form, which is available on the official website of the Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan in your country or nearest to you.
• Collate Necessary Documents: Prepare the required documents which typically include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a visa application form, and supporting documents related to your visit, like letters of invitation or proof of accommodation.
• Submit the Application: Once you have your documents prepared, submit your application along with the visa fee at the nearest Afghan Embassy or Consulate. Some locations allow you to mail your application, but it’s best to verify this directly with the consular office.

• Wait for Processing: The processing time can vary, so it’s wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel date. The Embassy or Consulate will review your application and notify you once a decision is made.

Key Considerations

Keep these points in mind when applying for an Afghan visa:

Also of Interest:

Essential documents for traveling to argentina: what you need to carry, adding a child to your i-485 green card application: adoption and adjustment of status.

• Visa Duration and Validity: Visas are often issued for a single entry and are valid for a period of up to three months; if you need more time, you must apply for an extension.
• Fees: Visa fees depend on the type and duration of the visa. Always check the latest fee structure from the official sources.
• Health and Safety: Afghanistan has specific health and safety challenges. Consult travel advisories and consider getting necessary vaccinations before your trip.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Being respectful of local laws, customs, and dress codes is essential while traveling in Afghanistan.

Why Is This Important?

“As much as we focus on the trip’s leisure or business outcomes, understanding the legal framework behind your travel is just as important,” notes a seasoned traveler. Visas are a regulatory mechanism that governments use to manage foreign visitors, hence getting it right from the outset saves you from potential issues at your destination.

Additional Resources

For the most current information and advice on visas and related matters, always refer to the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan . This site is the most reliable source for requirements, application forms, and embassy locations.

Final Thoughts

The road to obtaining your Afghan visa lies in diligently following the outlined procedures. While the visa process may seem daunting at first, properly preparing your documents and understanding the regulations involved will pave the way for a smooth experience. Remember, planning is key; start your application process well in advance, and double-check all requirements to avoid any last-minute hurdles.

Embarking on your journey with the correct documentation will leave you free to immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of Afghanistan. Whether for business or leisure, your travels to Afghanistan begin with this important step—securing your visa.

So there you have it, folks! Mastering the Afghan visa process is no walk in the park, but armed with this guide, you’ll be navigating it like a pro. Remember, understanding the different visa categories, following the application steps, and considering key factors like duration and safety are crucial. And if you’re hungry for more visa insights and tips, head on over to visaverge.com! Happy travels!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What are the different types of visas available for Afghanistan?

The answer would be: Afghanistan offers several types of visas, including tourist visas for sightseeing or leisure activities, business visas for business-related activities, work visas for those who intend to work in Afghanistan, student visas for foreign nationals seeking education in Afghan institutions, visit visas for visiting family or friends, and diplomatic/official visas for diplomats or government officials entering Afghanistan for official purposes.

FAQ 2: How do I apply for an Afghan visa?

The answer would be: To apply for an Afghan visa, you need to complete the visa application form available on the official website of the Embassy or Consulate of Afghanistan in your country. After filling out the form, gather the necessary documents, including a valid passport, passport-sized photos, a completed visa application form, and supporting documents related to your visit. Submit the application and visa fee at the nearest Afghan Embassy or Consulate, or mail it if applicable. Wait for the processing time, which can vary, and the Embassy or Consulate will notify you of the decision.

FAQ 3: What are some key considerations when applying for an Afghan visa?

The answer would be: When applying for an Afghan visa, it’s important to consider the visa duration and validity, as visas are often issued for a single entry and are valid for up to three months. Be aware of the visa fees, which depend on the type and duration of the visa, and check the latest fee structure from official sources. Take into account health and safety challenges in Afghanistan by consulting travel advisories and getting necessary vaccinations. Finally, practice cultural sensitivity by respecting local laws, customs, and dress codes while traveling in Afghanistan.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

• True or False: Afghanistan offers six primary visa categories, including tourist, business, work, student, visit, and diplomatic/official visa.
• What are the key documents you need to prepare for an Afghan visa application?
• Why is it important to start the Afghan visa application process well in advance of your planned travel date?

Verging Today

New USCIS Rules for H-1B Workers After Layoffs

USCIS issues guidelines for H-1B layoffs impacting immigrant workers at companies like Google and Walmart. Stay informed on visa terminations.

Trending Today

U.s. visa invitation letter guide with sample letters.

Learn how to write an invitation letter for a U.S.…

Required Documents for a U.S. Visitor Visa Interview

When preparing for a U.S. visitor visa interview, it is…

Top 10 B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Questions with Answers

Prepare for your B-1/B-2 Interview with these 20 sample questions…

H-1B 2025: Will There Be a Second Lottery?

The USCIS announced the completion of the initial H1B 2025…

What is “Approval Case Decision Rendered” Status Mean for Form I-129? Explained

Approval Case Decision Rendered status on Form I-129 indicates USCIS…

50 Important K-1 Visa Interview Questions to Expect

Answer these 50 Important K-1 Visa Interview Questions to prepare…

Australia Subclass 482 Visa: Requirements, Streams, & Application Guide

Key Takeaways: Embarking on a journey to work in Australia…

US Expands STEM Fields for Foreign Graduates

The US has expanded the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT)…

Find Your Nonimmigrant Visa Number: A Simple Guide

A Nonimmigrant Visa Number is a unique identifier given to…

Sample Letters For No Objection Letter for Visa Application

A No Objection Letter (NOC) is often a vital document…

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

• How to travel to Afghanistan during Taliban rule (2024)

By Joan Torres 79 Comments Last updated on June 17, 2024

The first time I traveled in Afghanistan was in June 2021, just when the US Army had begun to withdraw from the country, and shortly before the Taliban took it over.

With the new change of government, I decided to go back to see what it was like to travel in Afghanistan under new Taliban rule.

From a traveling perspective, a lot has changed in this country.

After visiting Afghanistan 5 times, traveling all across the country, during the 4 seasons, from Kandahar to the Wakhan Corridor, here’s the most updated and complete travel guide to Afghanistan, containing everything you need to know relating to safety, visas, permits, budget, top experiences, cultural facts, and more.

Check: 50 Photos that will show you the beauty of Afghanistan

In this Afghanistan travel blog you will find:

Table of Contents

• Can you travel there?
• Introduction
• Travel insurance
• Travel permits
• Dealing with Taliban
• Female Travel
• Independent Travel
• Best time to visit
• Top 5 Experiences
• Money and budget
• Getting around
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Afghanistan

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Afghanistan.

Can you travel to Afghanistan now?

Yes, today, anyone can go to Afghanistan.

In fact, Afghanistan has always been open for tourism, and visas have always been issued at the respective embassies.

When the Taliban came into power, only 2 or 3 embassies could issue you a tourist visa but today, the number of embassies increased significantly – more on that on the visa section .

Moreover, either because they want to whitewash their image, or because they need foreign currency, the new Taliban Government is welcoming foreign tourists, the only barrier being the ethical issues that such a trip may trigger on certain travelers.

Introduction: What’s going on in Afghanistan?

More than 40 years of conflict have turned Afghanistan into an actual war-torn country, starting in 1979, when tribal people rebelled against the Communist party, starting a war between the Soviet Union and the Mujahideen , which lasted until 1989.

The Soviets were defeated but then, Mujahideen warlords began to fight each other over power, impoverishing the country even more.

Fed up with all that warlordism and disappointed that Islamic law had not been enforced after the communists were kicked out, a former Mujahid founded a movement named Taliban in the city of Kandahar .

That man was Mullah Omar, the historical leader of the Taliban.

The Taliban quickly took over the whole Kandahar province and, by 1996, they controlled 90% of Afghanistan’s territory, including Kabul, ruling until 2001.

Then, the American Invasion came, initiating a war that ended with their withdrawal in 2021, an event that Taliban used to take over the country.

Afghanistan under Taliban rule is the situation you will witness if you travel today in Afghanistan.

🪪 How to get a visa for Taliban Afghanistan

Before the Taliban took over in 2021, you could get an Afghanistan visa at pretty much any embassy around the world but things have changed now, since there’s only a handful of embassies and consulates that can issue you with a valid visa:

The easiest embassies where to get an Afghan visa are:

• Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
• Islamabad ( Pakistan )
• Peshawar (Pakistan)
• Doha (Qatar)

Furthermore, travel reports suggest that the following embassies are also issuing tourist visas for Afghanistan but I don’t have any personal experience with it – reports are welcome in the comments section :

• Istanbul (Turkey)
• Tehran ( Iran )
• Abu Dhabi ( United Arab Emirates )
• Bishkek ( Kyrgyzstan )

And last, some embassies in Europe have also started issuing them in:

The easiest is to get your visa in your home country but if there is no active embassy in the country you reside, Dubai and Islamabad are the most convenient places, for the simple reason that you find there are daily flight connections with Kabul.

Visa on arrival (VOA) for Afghanistan

There is a way to get a VOA for Afghanistan and that is by crossing from Tajikistan at the Shir Khan border – this is the border that is closer to the Afghan city of Kunduz.

The visa on arrival has a cost of 150 USD and the whole paperwork takes a few hours.

From Kunduz, you can easily get to Mazar. This border however, is the most convenient one for those traveling to the Wakhan Corridor. In fact, this is the route we’ll take on our upcoming Wakhan Corridor Expedition .

Travel requirements for the Afghanistan visa

I’ve personally got my Afghan visa in Islamabad, Dubai and Madrid and generally speaking, these are always their requirements:

• 1-2 passport photos
• 1 passport copy
• 1 Pakistan visa copy (if you apply in Islamabad)
• 80-130 US dollars, depending on the urgency. Americans can pay up to 210 USD
• Letter of Invitation (LOI) + Company license of your sponsor – Optional

Read: How to travel to Pakistan

My personal experience applying for the Afghanistan visa

Islamabad: Showed up without an appointment. A visa costs 80 USD, but you can also pay an additional 50 USD to get your visa in less than 24 hours. In my case, I went to the embassy at 3:30pm and got it the next day around 2pm. If I had applied early in the morning, I could have got it on the same day in the afternoon. No LOI was needed.

Madrid: Showed up without an appointment. Paid €200 and got my visa in 1 hour. The non-urgent service takes 1 week and costs €120. You may mail them your docs as well. No LOI was needed.

Dubai: Showed up without an appointment. Paid 130 USD and got my visa in 3 hours. Travel reports suggest that sometimes, they do ask for the LOI.

The other embassies and consulates have similar rules, but visa fees may vary. Your reports on this matter are welcome in the comments section.

How long is the visa valid for?

The visa is single entry and it’s valid for 30 days within a 90-day period.

Which nationalities can go to Afghanistan?

All nationalities are eligible to apply for an Afghan visa at any of the previously shared embassies.

Can Americans travel to Afghanistan?

Yes, US citizens can also travel to Afghanistan without any sort of restriction.

Do you need a Letter of Invitation for your Afghan visa application?

Upon applying for your Afghan visa, they might ask who will be your sponsor in Afghanistan, but you can say that you don’t need one, that you are traveling alone, and it should be fine.

This rule applies in Islamabad and sometimes in Dubai as well, but in Dubai, some travel reports suggest that this hasn’t always been the case.

At the end of the day, in Afghanistan, rules aren’t written and more often than not, they depend on the respective authority’s mood.

🚑 Travel Insurance for Afghanistan

Most travel insurance companies don’t cover for travel in Afghanistan.

The one which does, however, is IATI Insurance .

• They have loads of different plans for all types of travelers
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount .

⚠️ Is it safe to travel in Afghanistan with the Taliban?

From a security perspective, Afghanistan has improved a lot but it’s a relative safety. Kindly allow me to go point by point.

Visiting Afghanistan before the Taliban took over in 2021

Up to summer 2021, any trip to Afghanistan was potentially dangerous.

The country was ruled by a “democratic’” Government, but they were in an ongoing war with the Taliban, who controlled a significant part of Afghanistan.

Traveling in the Government-controlled areas was relatively OK but suicide bombings occurred every other day and violent crime in cities like Kabul were kind of a big deal.

On the other hand, Taliban-controlled areas were physically possible to visit but the chance of getting kidnapped was extremely high.

In summary, visiting Afghanistan was possible but you had to travel with an extra degree of caution and accept a certain amount of risk.

Read: Is Pakistan safe?

Traveling in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in 2021

Despite the humanitarian and economic crisis, the war is finally over in Afghanistan and the new rulers are trying to build a peaceful and legitimate Government – or pretending to at least – aiming at being recognized by the entire international community.

Taliban are not carrying out terrorist attacks any longer, kidnappings are a thing from the past, and violent crime seems to have disappeared from Kabul.

Is this thanks to the Taliban?

Well, that’s what they want you to believe but not really, it’s just that they are the ones in charge now, they aren’t fighting anymore and just wish to be a normal country, while attracting foreign investment.

With the Taliban, the country is much safer than in 2021, one can really feel it because all the provinces are fully open and also because the Afghans you will meet along the way will keep repeating all the time, that Afghanistan is finally safer.

However, there is a potential danger: Islamic State Khorasan .

Warning: Islamic State Khorasan

You might find it hard to believe that the Islamic State is still alive and that they have become the number 1 enemy of the Taliban, claiming that Taliban are too soft and mere puppets of the West.

This branch of IS in Central Asia is called IS Khorasan and the Taliban are currently in a violent counterinsurgency struggle against them.

IS Khorasan has carried out several terrorist attacks under Taliban rule.

In fact, on May 17th, 2024, the Islamic State attacked a group of tourists in the town of Bamyan , where 3 Spanish citizens died.

Unfortunately, the attack was against our group, we aren’t trying to hide it.

Our conclusions on the attack in Bamyan

• While it’s true that safety in Afghanistan has improved a lot, remember that one must always assume a certain amount of risk.
• The attack was against our group but all those affected or involved keep believing that it was a random attack, since Afghanistan has been receiving thousands of tourists for the last years, plus the attack happened in an area where you always see travelers.
• While it’s true that we won’t be traveling to Afghanistan any time soon, travelers keep going there, since many also know that it was an isolated case. As a traveler, what would I do? Personally, I would wait for a few months to see how the situation evolves but what I truly believe is that these sorts of attacks shouldn’t be a barrier to your willingness and excitement for traveling in Afghanistan.

Permits for traveling in Afghanistan

For traveling around Afghanistan, you will need special permission from the Taliban.

If you are traveling on an organized tour, you don’t need to worry about anything because your local fixer will take care of that but independent travelers will have to get it for themselves which, in our experience, isn’t an easy thing to do.

Need to know about your permit for traveling around Afghanistan

Your travel permit must mention all the provinces you will visit in Afghanistan.

However, it should only mention those provinces you are planning to stay in, not those you are just passing through.

For example, if you want to visit Bamyan from Kabul, you will inevitably pass through Wardak province, but you don’t necessarily need a permit for that, because you’ll just be driving through.

You will have to pay 1000 AFN for each province you visit, which is around 12 USD.

This permit is absolutely needed, and many Taliban will ask for it at checkpoints.

Note: They will usually make you pay 1000 AFN per province you visit but sometimes, depending on the traveler, they don’t charge it. From what I heard, they usually don’t charge anything to female travelers.

How to get your travel permit for Afghanistan, a step-by-step guide

Warning: The following steps look pretty straightforward but, in our experience, rules keep changing and everyone seemed to give us different information. Getting inside the different offices and ministries was also pretty challenging, since the Taliban guarding the gates don’t speak a single word of English, and they never seemed to understand the purpose of our visit.

Step 1 – Go to the Ministry of Culture & Information

Location is here .

Here, you’ll need to get 2 signatures from 2 different authorities, which will take around 2 hours.

Once you get your 2 signatures, they will give you an address and a phone number.

In our case, each of the 2 authorities gave us completely different addresses, phone numbers and contact persons but only one of them picked up the phone.

Step 2 – Go to the Tourism Directory, aka Afghan Tour

This building was difficult to find, since there wasn’t any sign but only concrete walls around it.

Once you get in the building, you’ll be interviewed by a person, who will probably ask why you aren’t traveling with a guide or a translator.

For this conversation, it’s important to wear local clothes, be extremely polite and pretend that you know your way around the country.

We said we had good friends in Bamyan and Herat, that they would be our translators, which seemed to satisfy him.

He’ll also ask for the provinces you plan to visit and after the interview, you’ll speak to the highest authority from this department, the person responsible for signing your travel permit and giving the final OK.

Afghanistan travel tip: Remember that on Friday, the offices are closed.

How to register at the regional office

Once you get your general travel permit, you will also have to register at the regional Information & Culture Department of every province you visit.

For example, if you visit Kandahar, the first thing you should do before sightseeing is just showing up at the respective office to get the local permit, which you will get only if you show them the general travel permit you got in Kabul.

This local permit will allow you to visit freely all the sites within the province.

Where are these offices located?

• Herat is here
• Kandahar is here
• Bamyan is here
• Mazar is here

How to deal with the Taliban when you’re in Afghanistan

Taliban are everywhere and, as an independent traveler, you will have to interact with them at checkpoints or when trying to get your permits.

Here’s what you need to know about it.

Taliban are generally kind with foreigners

Believe it or not, most Taliban I spoke with were particularly nice and helpful.

They are mostly Pashtun, a group of people living across Pakistan and Afghanistan, known for being the most hospitable people on Earth, ruled by a code of conduct that dictates that guests should be protected with their own life if needed.

I personally believe that, on most occasions, their kindness is genuine but you also need to remember that Taliban wish to be recognized as a legit Government and that their extreme kindness could be part of that strategy.

Taking photos with Talib boys

Taliban are usually very keen to be photographed or to be in selfies, and they seem to enjoy it a lot, so don’t be shy and just ask.

Remember that you don’t need to like them, but at least pretend that you do

Look, I have no particular sympathy for the Taliban.

At the end of the day, we all know that their aim is imposing and forcing all Afghans to follow their fundamentalist Orthodox ideas of Islam.

However, if you want to travel around the country independently, you will need to play along with their game and if you are not willing to do that, perhaps you should travel in Afghanistan with a local guide, so your interactions with them will be minimum.

I am at a stage where I don’t really care to be judged by other travelers – or people reading this blog – so know that in Kabul, I did buy a Taliban flag, which I showed and waved at checkpoints when I found it convenient, just to make our journey a smooth one.

What’s the general opinion on Taliban?

It’s important to remember that Afghanistan is the most conservative country in the world (along with Yemen and way more than Saudi Arabia ) and whether we like it or not, many Afghans – and that includes many women too – haven’t seen their lives changed with the new Taliban rule and that reason is that they were already following those rules.

This is the reason why Taliban are supported by a massive part of the total population.

Moreover, there’s another significant segment of Afghans who, while they don’t necessarily agree with the Taliban agenda, accept them because they have brought stability and safety across the country.

Nonetheless, remember that not everyone supports them, especially Hazara people – a Shia minority – and that there are many Afghans who, while still conservative, are not happy with their extremist ideas, like banning women from higher education, for example.

💃 How to travel to Afghanistan as a women

What is the situation like for female travelers in Afghanistan?

If you are traveling with a man, it should be fine but solo female travelers will certainly have a different experience.

My friend and fellow traveler Emma Witters has traveled solo extensively across Afghanistan, including in provinces such as Helmand.

You can reach her at @emmawitters_

🛫 How to get to Afghanistan

How to travel to afghanistan by air.

Every day, more and more airlines have resumed their operations in Kabul.

Kam Air is the national airline that can take you to Kabul. They have daily flights from Dubai and Islamabad, and also occasional flights from Tashkent, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Today, you can also fly with Emirates, Fly Dubai and Turkish Airlines.

Just check flight schedules on their website.

How to travel to Afghanistan by land

Afghanistan shares a border with:

Pakistan : The Khyber Pass at Torkham is finally open but this is the most chaotic border I have ever crossed.

Iran : It’s fully operational. From the Iranian city of Mashhad, you can get into Herat. Many travelers have used this border in the past.

Turkmenistan : The border is open as long as you have valid visas but this is truly unexplored territory. I contacted a Turkmen fixer who told me that Turkmen visas are often denied if your idea is to enter or exit Afghanistan from Turkmenistan, but there’s a chance to get in.

Uzbekistan : You can get into Afghanistan from the city of Termez. Mazar-i-Sharif is the closest big city. Here you have the border crossing report .

China : Very deep into the Wakhan Corridor, at 4,923m above sea level, the Wakhir pass connects Afghanistan with China. The border is closed for foreigners and in any case, it’s just too remote to go.

Tajikistan : There are a few border crossings. Ishkashim used to be the most popular one but that one is closed now. Shir Khan, near Kunduz, is the one that is now open to foreign adventures.

👨 Independent travel in Afghanistan

Is independent travel allowed in Afghanistan?

Yes, it is, as long as you have a valid travel permit. Check the permit section of this post.

Is backpacking in Afghanistan difficult?

Well, it depends on your previous backpacking experience and where you want to go within Afghanistan but, to be honest, I didn’t find it more difficult than backpacking in Pakistan .

If you are planning to visit Mazar, Herat, Kabul or Bamyan, it shouldn’t be very difficult. There is plenty of local transportation or you can easily take a domestic flight.

My recommendation would be however, to save the name and location of your hotel because for security purposes, some hotels in Afghanistan have no signs, so they can be difficult to find.

Visiting rural areas, Kandahar province or traveling beyond Bamyan in Ghor province is a different story. Nobody speaks English, hotels are scarce (if any) and there’s little public transportation.

We did travel from Kabul to Herat through the Hindu Kush by public transportation. It was difficult but worth the adventure. Check the travel report.

⛅ Best time to visit Afghanistan

With different geographical areas, Afghanistan can be a year-round destination.

Traveling in Afghanistan season by season:

Traveling to Afghanistan in winter

In winter, many parts of Afghanistan are covered in snow, with temperatures reaching -20ºC in places like Bamyan or the Wakhan.

In my opinion, this is the prettiest season to visit Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, remember that winter doesn’t come with its own issues, and that roads and certain things may be blocked.

We did run one expedition during the heart of winter in Afghanistan, and it was great. Check our upcoming Afghan expeditions here .

Traveling to Afghanistan in spring & autumn

From a tourism perspective, spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting Afghanistan, when the weather is pleasant across the whole country.

Nevertheless, it can be too early/late for trekking in the Wakhan Corridor.

In late spring or early autumn, it might already be too hot for Mazar or Kandahar. In fact, I visited them in May and the temperature was already at nearly 40ºC.

Traveling to Afghanistan in summer

In summer, cities like Herat, Mazar and Kandahar are hell ovens, with temperatures averaging over 40ºC.

Kabul is hot too but, because of the high altitude, it can be bearable for some.

Summer, nonetheless, is the best season for trekking along the Wakhan Corridor.

🛖 Top 5 experiences in Afghanistan

Some of the best things to do in Afghanistan are:

1. Strolling the streets of Old Kabul

The old city of Kabul is one of those places where there is always something to look at.

It’s chaotic, lively, bustling and its different bazaars are composed of labyrinthic lanes which are perfect for random rambling.

The bird market is perhaps the most acclaimed spot among travelers.

2. Trekking in Bamyan

Few places in Afghanistan feel as peaceful as Bamyan, a mountainous, remote region in central Afghanistan, home to a large ancient Buddhist heritage and some of the most epic, unspoiled mountains in the country.

If you like nature, it doesn’t get better than Bamyan.

3. Learning about the Taliban legacy in Kandahar

Kandahar is the former Taliban capital, where the Taliban movement started and also Mullah Omar’s home city.

It’s also the heartland of the Pashtun, a world apart from the rest of Afghanistan.

4. Visiting the Blue Mosque of Mazar-i-Sharif

This is one of the most imposingly beautiful mosques I have ever seen, dating from the 15th century, a reason by itself to travel all the way to Mazar.

5. Getting off the beaten track in rural Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s countryside offers some of the most unspoiled and authentic areas in the world, regions that have received very little exposure from the outside world, and are home to mesmerizing, lush valleys dotted with adobe-made villages and curious locals.

💰 Budget, money, and costs in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, their currency is called the Afghani (AFN) and approximately:

$1 = 72 AFN

Afghani or Afghan? Some people commit the funny mistake (including myself in the past) of referring to the people of Afghanistan as Afghani. It’s wrong. Afghani is their currency and the people are Afghans.

Exchanging money in Afghanistan

I always change money at one of the many stalls in Shahr-e Naw, in Kabul.

They accept both Euros and USD. They even accept Pakistani rupees, in case you have any left from your trip to Pakistan .

ATMs in Afghanistan

Surprisingly, ATMs in Afghanistan do accept international credit and debit cards.

Just look for Afghan International Bank. There are quite a few of them in Kabul, especially in Shahr-e Naw area.

Paying by card in Afghanistan

You might be able to withdraw money from an ATM but you can’t pay by card anywhere in Afghanistan, so do have cash for your trip.

How much does it cost to travel to Afghanistan?

Everyday life in Afghanistan is cheap but domestic flights and accommodation add up.

Here’s an overview of the most typical costs.

How much do food and drinks cost in Afghanistan?

• Breakfast in a local restaurant (usually consisting of eggs, bread and tea) – 100 AFS
• Local meal in a restaurant (usually palaw rice, kebab, etc) – 200-300 AFS
• Meal in a mid-range restaurant – 400-600 AFS

How much does transportation cost in Afghanistan?

• One-way domestic flight – 60-120 USD
• Taxi within cities – 50 AFN for short taxi rides. Up to 200-250 AFN for longer ones.
• Half-day taxi in Kabul – Once, I hired a driver in Kabul for the morning to take me to a bunch of different places I had in mind. He charged me 20 USD for that.
• Taxi from the airport to city center – 500 AFN in Kabul, 300-400 AFN in Herat or Mazar.
• One-way taxi to Bamyan – 75 USD
• Round-trip taxi ride to Panjshir – 50 USD
• Local bus within the city – 5 AFN

How much does accommodation cost in Afghanistan?

Here’s the thing.

Good, decent accommodation can get pricey.

Expect to pay anything between 30 USD and 50 USD for a room, a relatively basic one but clean and with security.

You can definitely find cheaper hotels but there won’t be any kind of security.

🛺 Getting around in Afghanistan: transportation

How to travel around afghanistan by public transportation.

Afghanistan has a good network of buses, minibuses and local shared taxis connecting towns and cities.

Experienced budget backpackers won’t find it difficult to move around the country.

Read: Overlanding from Kabul to Herat via Minaret of Jam by local transportation

How to travel around Afghanistan by plane

Taking a domestic flight is also a good option for traveling around Afghanistan.

You can book your tickets online on Kam Air .

There’s another local airline named Ariana . That’s the one I use for flying from Kandahar to Kabul.

Note that airlines in Afghanistan aren’t very reliable. They get delayed all the time, especially Ariana.

Note that all domestic flights go through Kabul, and that there’s no direct flight from Herat to Mazar, for example, or from Herat to Kandahar, but you need to go through Kabul.

Typically, all flights cost $60-$120 and, if you are already in Afghanistan, I strongly recommend booking it through a physical Kam Air office.

It happened to me once that after booking a flight with Kam Air online, the booking never went through, even though they did charge it from my card. Eventually, I had to go to an actual office to sort it out.

Airport security The level of security in all Afghanistan airports is absolutely insane, consisting of several security layers with body searches and bag scans. That’s why it’s recommended to be at the airport at least two hours before your departure time.

Facts about the country, the Afghans and their culture

The islamic emirate of afghanistan.

Something interesting to mention is that when the Taliban took over, the country officially changed its name from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan .

They also removed any sign of the official flag – the one with black, green, and red stripes and replaced it with the Talib-friendly white flag, today visible everywhere.

Afghanistan is multi-ethnic

Afghanistan is composed of several ethnicities, including Pashtuns (42%), Tajik (27%) and Hazara (9%).

Hazara are the Shia minority who have Mongolian features, Bamyan being their heartland.

There’s also a significant population of Uzbeks in Mazer-i-Sharif and around, who mostly came from Uzbekistan escaping the terror from former dictator Islam Karimov.

Dari is the main language, but Pashto is official too

Dari is a variation from Farsi, the language spoken in Iran.

Afghans and Iranians can understand each other without a problem.

Dari is the language used by the administration and it’s spoken by nearly 80% of the population.

Pashto is an official language too but it’s usually spoken only by the Pashtuns, who are the dominant ethnicity.

Language barrier can be a problem sometimes

When traveling in rural Afghanistan across the Hindu Kush, I found communicating with people to be extremely difficult, not only because of the language barrier but even sign language didn’t work, probably because they have had so little Western exposure, that their way of communication is just completely different.

Women in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is the most patriarchal country in the world, with or without the Taliban but, since the latter returned to power, women have lost even more freedom.

It’s not mandatory for women to wear the burqa, they can wear a hijab and they can walk alone in the streets but the Taliban have banned them from accessing higher education.

I actually discussed this particular topic with a Taliban sympathizer and he said that according to Prophet Mohammed, schools must be segregated by gender so there’s no actual room for women now but the new Government is doing their best to figure it out.

What I found truly unreal is that he was actually believing all that shit.

🍲 Afghan cuisine

Located at the heart of Central Asia , Afghan food is a mixture of flavors from Iran , Afghanistan, Uzbekistan , and Tajikistan .

It’s heavily meat-based to the extent that it can be a struggle for vegetarians venturing into more rural areas.

Their national dish is Kabuli palaw, consisting of rice fried in meat fat typically topped with carrots and raisins and essentially, the same as plov in Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan also has their own dumplings named mantu , typically filled with mutton and covered with yogurt and yellow lentils.

Ashak is the only vegetarian dish in Afghan cuisine, consisting of dumplings filled with leeks and other vegetables.

Is there any alcohol in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is a dry country, as it was before the Taliban.

📚 Best books for traveling in Afghanistan

Kite runner – khaled hosseini.

An American bestseller in 2003, Kite runner narrates the story of two Afghan kids in Kabul, a rich boy and the son of his parent’s servants.

The book also gives endless insights of what life in Kabul and Afghanistan is like.

My Life with the Taliban – Abdul Salam Zaeef

This is the mind-blowing biography of a senior former member of the Taliban.

From growing up in conservative, rural Afghanistan to the years he spent in Guantanamo, this amazing book gives priceless insights into the Taliban movement from the inside.

Afghanistan Essential Guide to Customs & Culture – Culture Smart!

Cultural Smart! is a series of guidebooks that focus on the country’s culture, giving loads of information about local customs, cultural etiquette and stuff like that. The one on Afghanistan is great, with deep explanations of why Afghans are so hospitable.

Afghanistan travel guide – Lonely Planet

The travel guide to Afghanistan from Lonely Planet is outdated (2007) but still, is a great source of information on the country. It can be difficult to find a copy.

💻 Internet in Afghanistan

Is there wi-fi in afghanistan.

There’s kind of unreliable Wi-Fi in big cities but if you need it for work, it won’t be good enough.

Getting a SIM card in Afghanistan

To buy a SIM, you’ll have to go to one of the official branches, which tend to open from 8am to 4pm.

There are many mobile companies in Afghanistan, including: Afghan Telecom, Afghan Wirless, Etisalat, MTN, Roshan, and Salaam.

Apparently, each company is only good for certain provinces but everyone was telling us different things.

In the end, I bought MTN because they said it was the best one for all Afghanistan but it only worked in the big cities.

Note that there’s no 4G but only 3G or not even that.

Get a VPN for traveling in Afghanistan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Afghanistan.

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

❗ More Information

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Afghanistan

• Visiting Kandahar
• Is Afghanistan safe?
• 50 Photos that will show you the beauty of Afghanistan
• Overlanding from Kabul to Herat via Minaret of Jam by local transportation

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

• Tajikistan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• Pakistan Travel Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

You might also like our Haiti travel guide .

79 comments

Excelente tu guía como lo es usualmente. Hay otro blog de un argentino que dice que se puede sacar la visa también en Ankara por 30 dólares. Habrá que confirmarlo.

Thank you Joan for the clear information about Afghanistan. We also have visited Afghanistan before covid independantly. Ever since my partner wants to visit the minaret of Jam without any guide, just our two as you did.

Thanks so much, Joan, for this brilliant and comprehensive guide with so much up-to-date information.

Thanks for the great article, now I am planning to go there in march next year and now have a question because I want to well plan before go. If I get my visa in Islamabad and go to Afghanistan through Pakistan land border how could I get through taliban checkpoints to Kabul with no permit? Considering that I can only get the permits for the places I want to visit in Kabul? And is there reliable transportation if I just pop up in one of the land borders?

Hi Pedro, the Taliban permit is only needed for those provinces you’re actually stayihg, jot if you’re just going through.

There’s plenty of transportation from the border to Kabul.

Hi Pedro, the Taliban permit is only needed for those provinces you’re actually staying, jot if you’re just going through.

Hi, I have a question regarding visa. You are listing here the embassies in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, but in the other places of the internet I see that in these both countries there are actually only embassies of the previous Afghan government. Do you have more informations or experiences on that matter? Greetings

Hi there, travelers I know say they got it there recently with no hassle, that’s all I know

Your travel guide was very helpful! The best up to date info I have found. I traveled overland through Afghanistan to Nepal in 1975 and long to return to explore areas I did not journey to. I want to travel to the Wakhan Corridor. I have had different advice as to what border is open and what country I should fly into from the US. Can you advise me? Thank you.

Thanks for your comment. For the Wakhan, best is to fly to Dushanbe and enter the border via Kunduz. That’s the fastest, especially because that border issues VOA. Otherwise, you may also get your visa in Dubai, fly to Kabul and then take the long journey to Badakhshan province.

Thank you, Joan! This is the most useful guide on the web right now. I’ve shared it widely. Great work. I say the following, not to judge you Joan, but so that future readers can avoid misunderstanding: The article does have one major drawback. The claim that “TLB are supported by a massive part of the total population” is not true. TLB is an oppressive, dictatorial, awful government that is systematically harassing minorities; further crippling the economy of a desperately poor country; and simply destroying the futures of the 50% of citizens unlucky enough to be women. Afghans recognize this; while there is some support among ethnic Pashtuns, people are not happy being oppressed, like this article makes it sound. As a traveler community, it is important for us to avoid contributing to propaganda and legitimacy of oppressive regimes. Since Joan is running trips here, he likely can’t publish negativity about the TLB, and that is fine. As travelers let’s avoid getting believing the story TLB are trying to tell.

Thanks so much for your feedback and note, truly appreciated, and agree with your points!

Thanks for replying, I hope I will be able to check it out in September and give an update

I’m so glad to have stumbled upon this article! Reliable and updated information about traveling is really difficult to find. I’m originally from Afghanistan but I have a German passport- both my dad and I would like to come to Afghanistan with one of your tours. We both have Afghan names and my dad’s passport mentions he is born in Kabul. Would that be a problem? I’m a bit nervous they will treat us like locals, and not really with the privileges of being a ‘foreigner”. Have you ever had travelers in the same situation? Thanks a lot for your answer!

Hi there! It won’t be an issue, there are Afghan-Americans traveling to Afghanistan nowadays, and we’d be thrilled to have you guys. Our next expedition with available spots is in February 2024.

Wow that is so interesting! I am really interested in Central Asia. Kind regards from a german travel blogger, Meike

If I just flew to Kabul from Islamabad for 3 days would I need to apply for any permits.

If you only stay in Kabul, you don’t need any permit

Dear, Joan, really great website! Thanks! You mentioned, that you can get to Afghanistan from Iran, but can you get the visa in Iran? Take care! Jan

Hi Jan, I am not sure TBH, since I haven’t heard from travelers trying there

I would like to visit Afghanistan, but… is it morally fair? Does tourism legitimate the Taliban government?

Does tourism legitimate Cuba’s government or any other dictatorship?

This article is really informative. I’m a bit unclear about your trip to afghanistan in current times, as I heard it’s not open for tourists. Could you share more details about holidays, the visa process, etc.? It would greatly help me.

I don’t know. Sincerely I don’t. I ask myself the same question, and many other questions, every time I travel. But the situation in Afghanistan is unique in the world.

You can add Doha(Qatar) to the list of embassies that give a tourist visa

Thanks a lot for the update and yes, I had heard about it too

Hi Joan, this is a great article and I’m so happy to have found it. I last visited Afghanistan in 2012 but as you mentioned travel by land was barely possible then. I will be going back next year to travel solo. Do you know how the permit system works crossing from Uzbekistan? I will spend time in Mazar and Balkh but will not have been to Kabul to collect a permit, are permits available at all in Mazar?

Hi Shaun, this is a question for which there’s no possible answer… If you are within Mazar, there shouldn’t be an issue but after Mazar, I’d head back to Kabul to get my permit. If you say you’re on your way to Kabul, it should be fine.

Hiya thanks for the clear explanation really appreciate it. Anyway i am a revert Muslims for 10 years, i was wondering how i can go about in actually moving to Afghanistan for good? Would really really appreciate a reply thanks. Peace

Hi Luis, I can advise you on traveling to Afghanistan as a tourist but not on how to actually live there

Hello Joan Torres, what an awesomely informative post you wrote! I wonder, how frequent are intercity buses? Do they have buses from Kandahar to Herat? Thanks!

Hi Celementi, buses run pretty much the whole day but since Kandahar to Herat is a good 10 to 12-hour drive, I assume they leave in the morning

Hello. I went today for permits in kabul. They are free of charge. I got permits for 5 provinces. Cheers

Thanks for the feedback. However, we also this week got 22 permits for our 2 groups, and we had to pay… I believe depends on the boss’ mood?

Hello, this is all really helpful but I find a few things confusing about this guide.

– What is meant by “1 passport photo”? As in I bring one original photograph that has been used in my passport? I just don’t get this one, especially if I give my passport copy anyway(which has the photo in it).

– The guide says that the Pakistan border crossing is the most chaotic one while the Iran one is really good. But Iran doesn’t issue visas for Afghanistan, so how is this information relevant, unless you apply for both Pakistan and Iran visa, go to Pakistan, take the Afghanistan visa, then go to Iran to cross into Afghanistan?

– It means that they require you to bring one printed passport photo. The one from your visa copy doesn’t work. – You can get your visa in other countries, not only in Islamabad. Maybe some people get it in Dubai and then fly to Iran, who knows.

This is an amazing article! If I were to travel with a 14 year old son, would it be frowned on by the Taliban? Would it be just as safe? Do you often have kids/adolescents on your tours?

Hello, I’ve never had kids in my tours. Afghanistan is a great destination but I am not sure if it would be very suitable for a 14-year old kid.

Very intersting information,you share. Thank you.

I consider overlanding Afghanistan by own car from Iran either to Pakistan or Usbekistan in June 2024.

Can you recommend a trustworthy company to assist me?

What do you need assistance with? We are a trustworthy company who organized trips in Afghanistan: https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/destinations/afghanistan/

Hey I’m very interested in going to Afghanistan. I’ve seen a number of YouTubers visiting Afghanistan recently. One thing I noticed, is that none of them are American. Are there U.S. citizens (non Afghan-American) who have successfully toured Afghanistan under the recent Taliban control?

Hi Brian, we’ve had many Americans in the group expeditions we organize: https://expeditions.againstthecompass.com/destinations/afghanistan/

Hey there! Great article! I’m doing a bicycle trip actually and thinking about going trough Afghanistan. With wild camping and so on… Is it possible to get a Visa for AFG in Theran? What about permits? Is it possible to get them in Herat or do I have to go to Kabul for them first?

Hi Sebastian, you should be able to get an Afghan visa in Tehran nowadays.

As per general permits, rules are not written in Afghanistan, so this is a tough question to answer. What I’d do is going to the respective office in Herat as first step, and try to get your permits from other provinces from there, while explaining that you can’t go to Kabul.

Keep us posted!

Hello, I’m sorry if this question has already been asked. Do you or anybody else know of any American women that have traveled to Afghanistan? I know many other “Western” women have but how about a woman traveling with a USA passport? Thank you very much.

Hi there, there’s been many women from all skins who’ve traveled in Afghanistan last year, both solo and in groups

Hi, thanks for your great work! But I’m a bit confused: Why are you saying Afghani Visa can only be taken from those 6 cities? What about the others?

Here one guy tells that he got his Visa at the Afghani Embassy in Teheran in October 2023: https://caravanistan.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=2187&start=20

And if I look at the Website of the Afghani Embassy in Berlin they also give instruction how to get the Afghanistan Visa by them. Are they wrong?

Hi Simon, in Afghanistan, things are changing very fast… You can probably get it in Tehran now, as well as in Doha, Istanbul and a bunch of EU cities

I can’t seem to reply to a comment! This is a question for Joan and Shaun Metcalfe:

Shaun – did you manage to cross over the Uzbek-Afghan border? If so – did you obtain your travel permit in Mazar, or were you able to stay and continue travelling to Kabul by saying you were on your way there?

Joan – do you know if the embassy in Bishkek is issuing visas to non-residents? Their website specifies residents only, but I wondered if you or anyone else had any luck there!

Hello Josh, I don’t really know if they allow non-residents to apply, you’ll have to give it a chance!

Hi Joan, have you had any experience of travelling to the US and China with an Afghan visa and stamp in your passport? Do you get sent to secondary inspection or denied entry?

China is not a problem. For Afghanistan, with a EU passport, you won’t get your ETSA approved if you’ve been to Afghanistan. If you already have a USA visa, then it’s not an issue.

Hi! Was wondering whether my student visa application to the US will be denied if I have an afghanistan visa in my passport. Or, if I will get denied when I land into the US or UK with the afghan visa. I am a Malaysian citizen.

Thank you for making this blog post, really! This is literally the only accurate updated information you can find all in one place on the internet for Afghanistan. Excellent job making this and us in the travel community really appreciate this. You cannot find information like this that is easily readable anywhere else.

Thank you!!

Dears, does anybody know, how is it with getting double entry visa to Pakistan for getting Afghan visa in Peshawar and go to Kabul and back to Peshawar via Torkham.

Hey Joan, do you know if drones are allowed in Afghanistan?

Hi Owen, technicaklly they aren’t, but I’ve flown a drone in Afghanistan recently. Worst case scenario they’ll take it from you

Good article, thank you for the information. The Taliban consists of 99.9% pashtuns because their tribal code pashtunwali is pretty much the same as extreme, hard-line Islam. Hazara people being slaughtered and murdered by pashtuns for 150years since the English armed their pashtun puppet king Adbur Rahman Khan who to return the favour killed 60% of the Hazara population. Genocide that continues into modern days. No coincidence that most bomb blasts happen in Hazara areas. A quick glimpse into traditional persian/afghan culture will show you it’s colourful, artistic, poetic and full of music. Quite the opposite what the murderous regime called Taliban is enforcing at the moment. Most people go on with their every day life because finding enough food and feeding your family is a more immediate issue than who is on government. Anyway, the article has some great information thank you.

thanks for sharing your opinion, Daniel, big hug from Afghanistan!

The way you express your anger is extremely unprofessional. You not agreeing with their culture/religion or how they run things around would definitely not justify the way you give such comments about them! I feel sorry for them for being too kind to you.

Are you OK, man?

Hi, thank you for all useful articles. Please, do you have valid information about getting visa in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Or is anyone here with the process of obtaining visa in these embassies? And I one more question, visa fee in Islamabad is still 80 USD? I got information about price 170 USD. Now little bit confused. Thank you for a reply. David

Visa in Islamabad is now 130 USD for most passports but could be up to 200 USD for Americans for example.

In Dubai, we just got it last week. You show up at the embassy and waiting time is around 1-2 hours. Things you need are: – 2 passport photos – passport copies – LOI + ID of your sponor – 130 USD for most passports, 210 USD for Americans. Price keeps changing though…

Thank you very much for your reply. Any recomendation how to get LOI? is it possible normally for example via coachsurfing or official travel agency neede? Thank you and good luck David

Hi David, only travel agency, but what do you need an LOI for? It’s not mandatory.

For those of you, that are concerned about legitimizing the Taliban government by traveling to Afghanistan, I would offer this. I asked myself the same question, but if there is one thing I have learned being a travel 1%er, what we bring to the world cannot be accomplished by any government policy, or any boycott of the special brand of love and acceptance we bring. Whatever money we spend and “accreditation” we give to a government our governments shun, is far offset by the mission. I’m bringing understanding, kindness, and a pure human experience.

thanks, Mike!

Hi Did you take the land border to return to Pakistan? And did you need the permit to cross the border? Thank you

I didn’t cross the border on my way to Pakistan but one of our customers did, and we had to issue her a permit

Hi again. So LOI + ID of your sponsor is not mandatory? Because you mentioned (things you need) when getting visa in Dubai…So please, how is it? David

Hi David, in Afghanistan, things are not written by the book, including in their embassies abroad, where different travelers have different experiences, especially when it comes to $ and the need for the LOI. Usually, LOI is not required but there’s been cases where they did. I am sorry that I can’t be more accurate, but this is how it works there.

Joan, it is OK, no worries. In the end I decided to obtain visa in Dubai. As you described, it takes a few hrs, doesn’t it? It is not necessary to make appointment in advance? Just come in the morning with all needed documents and later for collecting visa and passport? Again thanks for your useful advice…

Yes, that’s how it works

Hi Joan I don’t think it’s correct that you are painting the Taliban as peaceful leaders and they are trying to be positive because that is just not true. Yes the kidnappings are virtually inexistent, but violence against their people is increasing daily. They have just announced public stoning for women (not men) and have already been carrying out public floggings and executions. Women whose husbands have died have no way of being able to earn an income and are having to resort to measures such as drugging their children so they are sleepy and don’t cry out for food. Most people who will say they support the new regime will do so publicly because they are fearful of the repercussions of speaking out. Everyone has to make their own choice about where they travel but I would strongly encourage you to reconsider your wording about putting the Taliban in such a positive light. Certainly posing for photos with the Taliban should be strongly discouraged as this directly feeds into their propaganda. While it is true that there are many nations where is ethically questionable to go there surely one line that should not be crossed in the name of a good travel story is a nation announcing the public stoning of women?

Good guide with detailed information, however your opinions on the way they want to rule their country is irrelevant. If the population wants women and men to go to separate schools and universities, then let them do it. Much better than western schools where young people intermix and lose virginity before marriage.

You’re very funny

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/18/three-afghans-three-spanish-tourists-killed-in-bamyan-shooting

Is Joan OK? It appeared one of the ATC tours was due at Bamyan on the 18th May and there hasn’t been much posting since the incident.

I don’t like to be the party killer type of person but someone kicked the bucket here. https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-spain-tourists-killed-bamiyan-82dc6e766cd8f60637ab42e7fc65e316

I think that’s it for Afghanistan expeditions…

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Join our Expeditions

From Syria to Iraq in Pakistan, Against the Compass is finally running expeditions to the most epic and off-the-beaten-track countries.

We have scheduled expeditions for every month of the year.

Latest posts

• How to travel to Eritrea in 2024
• How to travel to Svalbard in 2024
• How to Travel to Libya in 2024
• Backpacking Venezuela Travel Guide (2024)

How to Get an Afghanistan Tourist Visa in London for British Citizens

Just the name Afghanistan brings memories of a country caught in the middle of a war between two clashing forces and beliefs. For almost two decades, this historical country has faced a seemingly never-ending battle which not only affected the country’s physical state but most of its people as well.

Afghanistan has been pretty much closed off from tourists wanting to see more of it for the past 30 years as well. However, these days it offers a myriad of activities and attractions to those wanting to look more into a place that has existed for more than thousands of years.

• 10 Things To Do in Pakistan – Points of Interest, Activities and Experiences
• 7 Days Pamir Highway Itinerary – My Daily Roadtrip Guide from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Osh, Krygyzstan
• Turkmenistan Visa and Border Crossings to Iran and Uzbekistan [Central Asia]
• 13 Things To Do in The Pamir Highway Roadtrip from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan
• Pakistan Tourist Visa for UK Citizens – Visa Guide for British Citizen

If you have a UK Passport and you’re interested to know more about visiting this country, this article will help you find out the steps in gaining an Afghanistan Tourist Visa .

Quick Facts About Afghanistan

Capital: Kabul

Country Code: +93

Languages Spoken: Dari and Pasht

Currency: Afghanistan Afghani (AFN)

Emergency Numbers: 119 for the police call center

Requirements for Afghanistan Tourist Visa

• An appointment using the official  online visa appointment booking service of the Embassy
• Current passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
• Filled out Visa Application Form
• Two recent photos
• Invitation letter , copy of Tazkera (Afghan identity card issued to all citizens of Afghanistan), colored copy of the passport of the person who invited you over to Afghanistan or a registered entity in Afghanistan; a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul to authorize the visit
• Hotel reservations and flight itinerary 
• Certificate of Employment or any proof of employment in the UK
• Bills or Bank Statements to serve as your proof of address in the UK
• A personal statement describing why you intent to visit Afghanistan, where and with whom will you be for the duration of your stay.

Note: your statement should also indicate that you are responsible for any liabilities that might arise while you’re in the country as well as the fact that you’re fully aware of the risks that might come with your travel.

Step-by-Step Procedure in Applying for Afghanistan Tourist Visa

1. Complete your requirements and fill out the application form

2. Go to the Embassy’s scheduling page to schedule an appointment with the embassy

3. Print out the confirmation email you’ll receive from the Online Appointment Portal and bring it with you during your appointment

4. Submit your requirements to the Consulate Section of the Embassy

5. Pay for the visa fees and choose your preferred method of visa collection

6. Once approved, you may collect your visa by mail or by picking it up

Where to Apply for Afghanistan Tourist Visa

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London 31 Princes Fate Exhibition Road London SW7 1QQ United Kingdom

Consulate Section (For inquiries about Visas, Passports, Powers of Attorney, Legislation and Birth Certificates) Phone Number: 0207 584 4443 or 207 584 0416 Email Address: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions About Afghanistan

1. How long does it take for the consular office to issue a visa?

The standard processing time for a tourist visa to Afghanistan can take anywhere from 10 to 20 business days.

2. How much does it cost to apply for a tourist visa to Afghanistan?

A single-entry tourist visa application costs £140.00. You might have to pay an additional £15 for return post service in case you’d like the documents to be mailed to you.

3. How long will my visa be valid for?

Your single entry tourist visa will be issued for 3 months. This will make you eligible to travel to Afghanistan as a tourist for 30 days.

4. Is Afghanistan safe for tourists?

To be quite honest, the UK government advises its citizens not to travel to a big part of Afghanistan, including its capital city of Khabul, and only advise essential travel to a few numbers of cities. They also stated that the British Embassy can offer very limited consular services to its citizens who are planning to visit Afghanistan.

To give you an idea, here are the provinces and districts that the UK advises its citizens not to visit:

Kapisa; Kunar; Nangahar; Laghman; Nuristan; Ghazni; Khost; Paktika; Paktiya; Logar Wardak;Kandahar; Uruzgan; Zabul; Helmand; Nimroz; Badghis; Farah; Faryab; Jowzjan; Badakhshan; Baghlan; Kunduz and Takhar; Kabul (Surobi district); Parwan (Charikar City, Bagram, Ghorband/Siaghird, Jabal Saraj, Kohi Saraj, Salang, Sayed Khel, and Shinwari districts); Daikundi (Gizab and Kajran districts); Ghor (Dolina/ Du Layna and Pasaband districts); Herat (Shindand district); Balkh (Chaharbolak, Chamtal/Chimtal, Daulat Abad/Dawalatabad, Hairatan Port, Kaldar and Shortipa/Shur Tapa/Shor Tepah districts); Sar-e-Pul (Sar-e-Pul City and Sayad districts)

However, at the end of the day, it’s still at your discretion if you would like to explore the following places on the list.

Aside from the terrorist threats still looming in the country, there are also other risks that you must pay attention to when traveling to Afghanistan.

Road travel can be highly dangerous when riding public transportation as some of these vehicles can be poorly maintained and driven by unqualified drivers. If possible, travel by air instead.

In rural areas, there have been cases of foreigners being attacked, robbed and other things. If you’re planning to travel to Afghanistan, it’s safe not to display or carry a huge sum of money. It’s also advisable not to travel so much when the day gets darker and to travel with a guide.

5. Should I get insurance when traveling to Afghanistan?

Yes, the government advises to get a comprehensive medical and travel insurance when you go to Afghanistan.

World Nomads is simple and flexible travel insurance which you can simply access from anywhere in the world. You may reach out to them to ask about a travel insurance quote for your travel to Afghanistan.

6. How do I get to Afghanistan from the UK?

To get to Kabul, you might need to get on a connecting flight from any of the major cities traveling directly to their country. Some people prefer to fly through Dubai or Pakistan from London to get to any of Afghanistan’s major airports.

7. What are some of the do’s and don’ts when in Afghanistan?

If you’re a female traveler, it’s advisable to dress modestly when visiting as some visitors shared experiences of being catcalled by some locals due to their choice of clothing. It’s also important to wear a pair of pants as not having one (under your tunic, for example) might be considered immodest. It’s also handy to have a scarf to cover your head with, especially when entering places of worship.

When meeting other people, a man must wait for an Afghan woman to initiate a conversation or shaking hands before making a move themselves. Women, on the other hand, must wait for a male companion to introduce her to the other male before communicating with him.

It’s also safer to skip politics, the Taliban or any mention of the tensions within their country when talking to someone in Afghanistan. This is a highly sensitive issue and might result in a negative experience for both of you.

Last but not the least, be sensitive to the experiences of the Afghan people. Most of them have been affected by the war in one way or another, so it’s best to show sympathy for them when the opportunity arises and to be more understanding of them.

8. Can I have my money exchanged in Afghanistan? Can I use my credit cards?

Yes, you can have your local currency exchanged at counters in the airport or within the major cities. Credit cards, however, can be hard to use when in Afghanistan as POS machines are not available in the country.

9. Do I need to get a translator when going to Afghanistan?

It’s not so easy to find someone who speaks English in this country so it might be best to find a translator when going around.

10. Can I use my phone when in Afghanistan?

Yes, you can communicate with your family and friends by purchasing a local sim card for calling and sending text messages. 3G internet is also available through local networks for an additional fee.

11. When’s the best time to visit Afghanistan?

If you’d like to visit the country, you may do so from March to June so you can avoid the extreme heat during the summer and the harsh winter season.

12. Where should I go to Afghanistan?

As a country with its history tracing back thousands and thousands of years, Afghanistan has so many things to show any visitor who dares to go through its borders despite warnings.

If you want to know more about history, you can visit key places such as the Kabul Museum which keeps a ton of artifacts and other magnificent pieces of Afghan history within its confines. There’s also the ever-famous Garden of Babur situated in Kabul which, after being destroyed by the war, has since been restored into its vibrant, luscious state.

Afghanistan is also home to century-old mosques covered from bottom to top with magnificent art like the Friday Mosque and the Blue Mosque. For those who would like to take a side trip to Afghanistan’s natural wonders, Band-e-Amir, a group of crystalline blue lakes in Bamiyan province, is worth paying a visit.

It might take quite an effort to visit Afghanistan from applying for a visa to enduring a long flight and finally to get through its borders, but with all the beauty this resilient country has to offer, all the effort will be worth it.

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

One thought on “ How to Get an Afghanistan Tourist Visa in London for British Citizens ”

Hi l,m a 76yo we’ll traveled Irish guy wishing to visit Afghanistan but have no means of obtaining a invitation letter to go there, Do you know of any other means for getting a visa to enter Afghanistan. Regards

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

11 Best Hiking Treks To Experience in Nepal

Getting the most out of your holiday in bali, 5 best things to do in canggu, bali, indonesia [diy travel guide to canggu], africa unveiled: discovering the continent’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks, the digital nomad’s tech guide 2024, related posts, things to do in potipot island, zambales, philippines with diy itinerary, list of best luxury hotels in myanmar, how to apply for a car loan in the philippines, the best spas, massages and hammams in the caucasus – turkey, georgia and azerbaijan, previous post, best camping sites in cebu and how to get there, how to avoid the second screening at the philippines immigration [secondary inspection], subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Call us : +88 (0) 1712969390, +44 (0) 7495942849, +44 (0) 7459725824

[email protected]

Sign in  |  Sign up     

• Study UK country-specific guide

12 June, 2023

• Apply to Study in the UK from Afghanistan

Any eligible student from Afghanistan can study in the UK irrespective of their gender or sexual identity. In the UK, your human rights are protected and no discrimination is tolerated. You can live and lead your life in your own will while studying in the UK as long as you do not break the Law. UK provides the platform to empower yourself, use your full potential in violence free and unrestricted educational, social and political environment & warmly welcome all Afghani students.

Admissions are open at our partner universities in the UK - submit your initial application to commence your Study UK journey.

Study in the UK – Key Information

Academic level Level 3 to Level 8

Qualification type Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctorate

Study mode Full-time, part-time or on-line

Duration 0.5 year to 4 years*

Intakes Throughout the year*

Scholarship Yes*

Study in the UK – submit admission inquiry

Why choose total student care (tsc) to study in the uk.

Total Student Care is an award winning education agent and UK university admission expert. We take your stress to make you happy and we are widely known for providing total student care.

• Offering 15,000+ courses at 100+ study locations
• Availing almost any subject and year-round intakes
• Helping students from any country, on-line and off-line
• Providing end-to-end services, almost 24/7
• Maintaining 99% visa success rate
• Equipping 15+ years accumulative admission experience

Cost of Studying in the UK for Afghani Students

The cost breakdowns below are average figures of expenses that a typical Afghani student will spend on commonly studied subjects at commonly chosen universities in the UK while living a UK life like other international students. However, these costs may vary for certain courses at top universities. For living and maintenance costs, students are in control and can choose to spend more or less as per their financial ability or necessity. This is a general guideline for Afghani students to prepare for their budget to study in the UK.

Tuition Fee

Most of the universities offer some scholarship ranging from GBP 500 to GBP 5000 which will reduce tuition fee cost.

Living cost and Maintenance costs per month

Students get 30% discount on travel card and different types of discount on shopping.

You can control most of the living and maintenance costs and spend as per the luxury you want. Elements of travel, entertainment and other casual costs do not occur regularly and hence may not feature in each month’s budget.

Visa application and IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee

Visa application and IHS (International Health Surcharge) fee may change per year by Home Office. Please check visa application fees calculator & IHS fees calculator to find out how much you will have to pay for your application.

For up-to-date currency rate, please check oanda.com .

Earnings from working in the UK on student visa

Students will have the right to work while continuing their studies in the UK i.e. 10 hours per week if they are studying foundation course, 20 hours per week studying a bachelor, masters or PhD course. Students will be able to work full time per week during holiday period in between your course.

Student earning in the UK per month

For up-to-date currency rate, please check oanda.com.

Popular subjects Afghani Students choose to study in the UK

The most popular subjects Turkish students choose to study at UK universities include:

• Architecture
• Anthropology
• Engineering
• Food Science and Engineering
• Biomedical Science
• Mathematics
• Art and Design
• International Trade
• Computer Science and Technology
• Cyber Security
• Public Health
• Project management
• Physiotherapy
• Criminology
• Social Work
• Media Studies
• Mass Communications
• Urban Planning

Documents required for admission application

In general, initially students are required to provide the following documents for university admission applications:

• All final official academic certificates and transcripts
• Two academic reference letters
• Up-to-date CV
• English Language proficiency certificate i.e. IELTS
• Personal statement of purpose
• Research proposal (for MPhil, PhD course)
• Portfolio of works (for art/design/architecture/film etc. course)
• ACCA registration confirmation for ACCA course
• Past visa refusal documents (if applicable)

Why choose to study in the UK from Afghanistan?

17 top reasons Afghani students choose to study in the UK

• UK universities offer world-class degrees for careers
• You will get academic and language support from day 1
• A great platform to practice and improve proficiency in English language
• UK universities provide mental health and wellbeing support
• University buddy will mentor you throughout your study
• Internship and work opportunities during and after studies
• UK offers amazing personal safety, social harmony & high quality living
• UK universities have Afghani student community, groups and clubs
• UK is a violent free society and university campuses are safe
• The is no ban or restriction to study or work on the basis of gender
• UK offers equal opportunities for all individual living in the country
• Live with freedom in the leading democratic country of the world
• Students get free access to world-class NHS health services
• Students can learn course and earn money at the same time
• Make money & take work experience during Graduate visa
• Switch to skilled worker visa to build international career
• Opportunities to apply and remain as a permanent resident in the UK

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s

Q what are the uk undergraduate foundation course entry requirements for afghani students.

A Applicants with the following quali?cations will be considered for entry on a an undergraduate foundation course:

• Baccalauria / Baccalaureate Certificate at Credit Grade Standard
• Vocational / Technical Baccalauria

Q What are the UK undergraduate course entry requirements for Afghani students?

A Applicants with the following quali?cations will be considered for entry on a year 1 undergraduate/Bachelor's degree:

• Technical Certificate (awarded by a Technicum), which may need to be in a subject relevant to the course you are applying for
• Bachelor degree / Licence. Applicants with this qualification may be able to apply for entry to year 2 of an undergraduate course, or to a top-up degree; this will be at the discretion of the course director

Q What are the UK postgraduate course entry requirements for Afghani students?

A Applicants with the following quali?cations will be considered for entry on a postgraduate course:

• Master's Degree
• A first-class Bachelor of Science (Engineering) degree from Kabul University will be accepted (for some courses)
• Taught Masters Degree minimum of two years at First Class level 60% plus

Q Do UK universities accept TOEFL to meet English entry requirements?

A All UK universities accept TOEFL iBT test for bachelor degree, master's degree or a PhD courses. The minimum score requirements are set out below:

Note: If you require to undertake pre-sessional English course or foundation course, then you cannot use the TOEFL iBT test to meet the English entry requirements. In such cases, you will need to sit a UKVI approved English Language test, known as SELT .

Q Can I apply for UK undergraduate/bachelor courses without UCAS?

A Yes, you can apply for undergraduate/bachelor courses without UCAS, many UK universities accept direct applications via online application portal for undergraduate courses. You do not need to apply for postgraduate courses via UCAS.

Q Can I submit my documents for UK University admission if those are not in English?

A No, documents that are not in English will not be accepted by UK universities. If any of your document is not in English, you will need those to be translated in English by official translator confirming accurate translation of the original document, the date of the translation, the translator's full name and signature, contact details. You must submit copies of documents, original and the translated one.

Q Are there mosques available in the UK to offer prayer by Muslim students? Is halal food available in the UK?

A There are big Muslim communities living across all cities of UK and all local areas have mosques to offer prayers. Most of the UK universities have multi-faith rooms/space available for students of different religions. Many local shops and some superstore sell hall foods and there are numerous restaurants everywhere in the UK run by Muslim owners including Afghanis.

Q Does UK offer equal opportunities to all students? Is there any gender discrimination for women student?

A UK promotes equal opportunity and inclusion in all walks of its life, all international students irrespective of gender, race, religion, nationality have the same right and get equal share of learning opportunities. Women are highly respected in the UK and women students are not discriminated by any means.

Q How can I get more information and support for UK higher study?

A You can ask any relevant valid question to us via our ' Ask us a question ' link - our team of experienced student consultants will be happy to answer and provide further information. For admission help contact our team today.

Need more information?

If you are not sure about your admission needs and want to consult us before making your decision, get in touch with our student counsellors –

Find more guides

• Is it better to study in London or outside London?
• Apply to study in the UK from Thailand
• Why study LLM Professional Legal Studies with Business at BPP University
• Apply to Study in the UK from Ghana
• 12 May, 2013

Read similar guides

Apply to study in the UK from India

Apply to study in the UK from Bangladesh

Apply to study in the UK from Nigeria

Reviews and testimonials.

This is an incredible agency.. All members are very friendly and helpful..

Md Maksudur Rahaman

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for entire TSC team, especially Rajib Vaiya and Sumaiya apu for their support and guidance in making my international journey reality. I highly recommend TSC consultancy to anyone seeking to secure their overseas goals.

Sraboni Islam Nisha

I am happy to work with tsc. Also thanks to all colleagues who took special care of me. Special thanks to Abdullah Hel Rajib Bhai and Abdullah Hel Kafi Bhai for my success.

Md Wasimul Bari

I had an amazing experience with the TSC all thanks to Rajib vaiya! The guidance and expertise of him made the entire process remarkably smooth. He promptly answer my queries and always there to help me throughout the whole application process. and thanks to him i got my visa. Highly recommend TSC!

Farhana Ferdaus

TOTAL STUDENT CARE's service is fast, reliable and efficient. Their consultants are specialists, friendly and they working closely with all student. Through my consultants advice and application assistance I chance to study in BPP university and got the UK Visa.

MD TAREK HAIDER SAGOR

Total Student Care service was really good and was so comfortable. Flying UK was made easy with them. Thank you Zubair and Malik for your continuous support.

Hajira Thasneem.A

Got my UK visa for BPP University, MSc Management programme. Total Student Care (TSC) team help and guide me in this whole journey. I recommend everyone to contact them for their UK study visa and get genuine service.

Ifrat Ibne Kabir

Total Student Care (TSC)are Professional and hardworking especially Hossain sir. My work was done very quickly. He was very cooperative and humble I received my visa very quickly. I found it very satisfactory. I wish him all the success in future

Ramanpreet kaur

Alhamdulillah I have got my UK student visa. The journey of my visa processing was not possible without Total Student Care. I would like to thanks Rajib bhaia ,Sadia Apu ,Zubaer bhaia for their great help. They guide me properly , solved my all problems, prepare me well for the interview.

Juti Akther Allo

Total student care is good for students who wants to come in the uk as a student. I got a lot of help From them. I'm coming at university of bedfordshire through TSC. I hope you will be happy with them.

Sohidul Haque

They took a great care of me from the very beginning.Totally pleased with their service.From applying offer letter to get a visa they tried every possible way to make my journey smooth and fast.Go for a visit,best of luck.

Kazi Arifur Rahman

Hi! This is Niloy. I would like to say that I have achieved my dream education point. I got admitted at University of East London. Total Student Care assists me in my whole journey. I really recommend all the students, who actually wanted to go to the UK for their high education.

NEYAMUL HUDA Niloy

First of all, thanks to almighty Allah to give me an opportunity to pursue my MSc. All the staff of TSC was very helpful during the whole journey. whenever need any info, they shared it with me properly. Specially Rajib vai- was very much supportive and positive from the very beginning. Best Wishes

Habib Ullah

Thanks TSC for helping me. They make my way more easier.

Sadia Sultana

Undoubtedly, outstanding job they done to get my UK student visa. Specially thanks to Enayetullah Sir, Rajib bhaiya and Sadiya apu. Thanks Total student care.

Md Main Uddin

Thanks Total Student Care for helping me in my way to go to London for my higher study. I am satisfied with their service. I would like to suggest my friends and relatives to visit TSC before starting their study processing for UK????

I've found them helpful and friendly.

Mohammad Atiqur Rahman

First of all thanks to Almighty Allah. Alhamdulillah I finally got UK visa. Thanks to TSC whole team, they helped me a lot during processing. Specially thanks a million to Sadia Apu as she is a wonderful consultant. Whenever I have any doubts or questions she always calmly resolves these issues.

Iftaker Ahmed

I highly recommend total student care consultancy for international students who are willing to pursue master’s in abroad. They are very helpful and so kind from beginning to end. Especially I like to mention Mr. Zubair who took care of my complicated case and he helped me to get my visa.

Malik Hussain

I am extremely satisfied for their extensive service. Very expert team who helped me a lot to get my university admission in the UK.

Md Atikur Rahman

Are you looking to study abroad?

Touch your dream with University Admission Expert

• Serving with 14+ years accumulative admission experience

Newsletter Subscription

Keep up to date with the latest news on UK student visa, courses, universities, scholarships, start dates, study guides etc.

Post Comment

• Skilled Worker Visa (Formally Tier T2 general)
• Tier 2 Work Visa Extension
• Tier 2 minister of religion Visa
• Tier 2 Sportsperson
• Tier 5 Temporary work visa
• Tier 5 Youth mobility visas
• Partner and Spouse Visas
• Spouse Visa Application
• Spouse Visa Extension
• Spouse Visa Requirements
• Fiance Visa Application
• Unmarried Partner visa
• Civil Partner Visa
• Study Visas
• Student visa
• Child student visa
• Short term study
• Post study work
• Settlement and UK Citizenship
• Indefinite leave to remain (ILR)
• British Naturalisation
• British Citizenship
• British Citizenship by marriage
• British Citizenship by birth
• Business Services (for hiring foreign nationals)
• Sponsor Licence Application
• Sponsor licence renewal
• Short Visit Visas
• Tourist Visa
• Family visit visa
• Business Visa
• UK Visit Visa
• Other Visas
• Innovator Application
• Tier 1 investor Visa Application

• View More...

• Afghanistan Visa
• Employment Visa
• More Information test

Everything you need to know about Afghanistan visa

Unlike other countries that offer electronic visa issuance system, Afghanistan stands out, and they are only offering regular visas for foreign nationals.

In order to obtain an Afghan visa, the traveller should visit the Consular section of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in London.

It should be also noted that Afghanistan is not providing ‘visa on arrival’ provision for foreign nationals who reach the Afghan entry ports.

Different types of Afghanistan visa

Afghanistan authorities offer different types of visas for foreign nationals as per their purpose of visit. Some of the visas offered by Afghanistan to foreign nationals are

• Tourist visa
• Business visa
• Employment visa
• Film/Media visa
• Official and Diplomatic visa

Spouse visa

Please scroll down to know more about these visa types in detail.

Afghanistan Tourist visa

Afghanistan tourist visas are meant for foreign nationals who wish to visit the country for recreational purposes and other tourism-related activities. You can also use this visa to visit Afghanistan in order to have casual meetings with friends and family members. 

In usual cases, the validity of a tourist visa is 3 months with a single entry. It does not mean that a foreign national can stay in the country for 90 days, as the period of stay within this visa validity period will be 30 days.

Special note: The foreign national should not engage in any other activities like running a business, and engaging in work using an Afghanistan tourist visa. If anybody finds violating the rules strict legal actions will be taken against them.

Dress code for women

Women of all nationalities including citizens of the United Kingdom should cover their bodies except their face, hand, and feet while entering Afghanistan.

Requirements to obtain an Afghanistan Tourist visa

• The UK citizen should take an appointment using Afghanistan embassy online booking service ( http://afghanistanembassy.org.uk/english/appointment-booking-page/ )
• The passport of the applicant should be submitted, and it should have six months validity with at least one blank page.
• Two recent photos of the applicant should be produced.
• The applicant should carefully fill and sign the visa application form.
• The foreign national should submit a proof of invitation from an Afghanistan entity, and it can be either from an Afghan national or from a reliable official or duly registered entity in Afghanistan.
• If available, the applicant can submit an authorization letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul.
• The applicant should also produce his or her proof of employment in the United Kingdom. The letter from the UK employer should be written on the company’s letterhead, and it should confirm the purpose of his or her journey.
• The letter from the UK employer should be duly signed by the applicant’s supervisor or by the head of the HR department.
• The foreign national should issue a personal statement, and it should detail the purpose of the journey, the name of the person he or she knows in Afghanistan, and the place in which the traveller is going to stay.
• In the personal statement, the foreign national should also acknowledge the risks involved in the journey. The applicant should also accept the responsibility of any kinds of liability that may arise during the trip.
• The applicant should produce a proof of address in the United Kingdom, and it can be either utility bills or a bank statement.

Is it possible for me to extend my visa validity or single-entry stay duration?

All foreign nationals will get single entry tourist visas which will be valid only for 90 days. Out of these 90 days, travellers will be allowed to stay in the country for only 30 days. Foreign nationals should leave the country before this deadline, and if they fail to do so, they will face strict legal consequences.

However, if you want to enter Afghanistan again, you should go back to your home land, and should apply for a fresh visa.

How can I obtain a child visa?

Children also need a visa to enter Afghanistan. Please find below the requirements to obtain a child visa to Afghanistan.

• The foreign national should book an appointment to take a child visa.
• The child’s passport should have at least six month’s validity.
• While submitting the application form, one of the parents should be present. There are absolutely no issues if the child is not present.
• The child visa application should be submitted properly.
• Should submit birth certificate along with both the parents ‘details. Always remember that you are carrying one original and one photo copy of birth certificate.
• Passports of both the parents should be produced.

Special note: There is no fee for child visa applications. Usually these visas offer multiple entry privilege, and it will be a permit for five years.

Afghanistan business visas

Afghanistan business visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit the country for business purposes and other commercial trading activities. In usual cases, the validity of business visas will be 3 months, six months and one year. 

A visa with three months validity will offer only single entry, and the duration of stay will be capped to 30 days. However, the duration of stay will be 60 days for a six months multiple entry visa and 180 days for a one year multiple entry visa.

Documents needed to obtain an Afghanistan business visa

• The foreign applicant should initially take Afghanistan embassy online appointment booking.
• The passport submitted by the applicant should have six months validity, with a minimum of one blank page.
• One recent photo along with correctly filled visa application form should be submitted.
• The applicant should also submit a letter of invitation from an Afghan company and it should be addressed to the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The Afghan company’s business’s Registration Certificate with the Ministry of Economy in Afghanistan should be submitted.
• Driving license, bank statement, or utility bills should be submitted as a proof of address.

Afghanistan Employment visa

Afghanistan grants an employment visa (work visa) to foreign nationals who wish to work in the country. A foreign national can apply for employment visa that offers both single and multiple entries. In usual cases, the validity of an employment visa ranges from three months to one year.

Please find below the requirements to obtain an Afghanistan employment visa.

• Initially, the UK citizen should take an appointment using Afghanistan embassy’s online booking service.
• The foreign national should submit passport, photograph and completely filled visa application form.
• The applicant should submit a sanctioned work permit from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
• A clearance letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan should be also submitted.
• The applicant should also submit a UK address proof, and it can be either the driving license, utility bills, or bank account statement.

Note: Once you enter Afghanistan, you can extend the validity of your employment visa by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Film or Media visa

Film or media visas are issued by Afghanistan authorities to foreign nationals who intend to visit the country for media related activities. 

Even though the visa validity of Afghanistan film or media visas range from 30 days to one year (both single and multiple entry), the single stay duration of these visas are limited to 30 days.

Special note: If you are a journalist wishing to work for a media outlet in Afghanistan, you should apply for an employment visa. It should be also noted that media visas are not extendable and convertible.

Requirements to obtain a media visa

• Passport with six months validity, photographs and a completely filled application form.
• The journalist should submit a letter from his or her media house detailing the purpose and nature of the visit.
• After the issuance of media visa, the journalist should appear in the the Office of the Spokesman & Director General of Communications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collect the journalist card.

Note: Without the journalist card, the foreign national will not be given permission to carry out his operations in Afghanistan.

Official and diplomatic visa

Afghanistan gives official and diplomatic visas to foreign nationals who hold diplomatic and UN passports. The validity of official and diplomatic visa ranges from three months to one year, and it offers both single and multiple entry privilege to the traveller.

Requirements to obtain an official and diplomatic visa

• Apart from the diplomatic, official or UN passport of the applicant, the foreign national should submit an official request from the respective government department to sanction a visa.
• Completely filled visa application should be submitted along with two photographs.
• If the diplomat is replacing an existing diplomat who is currently servicing in Afghanistan, a letter should be sent detailing the name and other details of the person who will be replaced.

If you are a foreign national who is the wife or husband of an Afghanistan citizen, you can apply for a spouse visa. 

Spouse visas are multiple entry visas usually issued for six months. The period of stay offered by spouse visa will be 90 days.

Apart from passport, visa application form, and photographs, the foreign national should also submit marriage certificate, passport photocopy of the Afghan husband or wife and the spouse’s personal statement describing the purpose of the journey should be submitted.

• Guaranteed UK based team with money back guarantee
• Secure We do not share your details with third parties

We are Highly Recommended

Don't just take our word for it...Check Our Reviews

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 537 Comments

One of the frequent questions I get is which countries can I visit with a UK visa. The short answer is the UK. The long answer is you can travel to 40 countries and territories VISA-FREE with UK visa.

I encourage you all to get a US visa or at least a Canada visa first. Both these visas are long-term visas. These visas offer VISA-FREE travel to quite a few countries. But if you happen to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than not having any visas at all. There are about 40 countries and territories you can visit with a UK visa.

UK tourist visas are mostly short-term (C-Type) visas valid for 6 months. The UK does issue long-term visas for 5/10 years but it would cost an arm and a leg.

The UK visa application is not the most difficult, but it can be stressful due to its lengthy processing times and lack of customer service.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.

Which UK Visas are eligible?

Depending on the country, any of the below UK visas can be used.

• UK Visitor Visa (Standard visitor and Short-term study)
• UK Student Visa (Tier 4)
• UK Work Visa (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5)
• UK Transit Visa (DATV and Visitor in Transit)
• UK Family Visa (Spouse)
• UK Residence Permit (ILR and BRP)

Refer to each country below for permitted UK visa types. Some countries require the UK visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to travel to the UK.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

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

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
• Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
• Permitted resident permits: All valid ILRs (permanent resident cards)
• Entry granted: Up to 180 days
• UK visa or residence permit must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
• Passport must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
• Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

WARNING UK BRP cards are NOT ACCEPTED to enter Mexico. Only valid/unexpired UK visas (visa sticker in the passport) or UK ILR cards (permanent residency) are accepted. Also, if you are from the African continent (ex: Nigeria, Ghana, etc.), please check with Mexican authorities before planning your travel. I’m hearing a lot of stories of entry refusals and deportations at Mexican airports.

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

Central America

02. Costa Rica

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Tier 1, 2, 4 or 5 visas (student and work only)
• Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
• Entry granted: 30 days
• IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
• UK Tier 1, 2, 4, 5 visas or BRPs must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA
• Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
• UK visa or residence permit must have been used at least once to enter the UK before
• UK visa or residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
• Original sources: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 38 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2024

04. Anguilla (British Territory)

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

05. Antigua and Barbuda

• Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident permit)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
• VOA fee is 100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• UK Visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda
• Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs (applies to all nationalities)
• Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

07. Bahamas

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

08. Bermuda (British Territory)

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

09. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

10. british virgin islands (british territory).

• Permitted residence permits: None
• Entry granted: 180 days
• Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Government of the Virgin Islands (British)

11. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

• Entry rule: Must arrive in the Cayman Islands directly from the UK. Arriving from a third country is not permitted.
• Official source: Cayman Islands Customs and Border Controls

12. Curaçao

13. dominican republic.

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
• Entry rule: If arriving by land or sea, must pay a departure tax of 20 USD before departing. If arriving by air, the departure tax is included in the airfare.
• Official source: Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UK

14. Jamaica

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

15. Sint Maarten

16. turks and caicos (british territory).

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

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

South America

• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

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

18. Albania

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

19. Armenia

• Marshall Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
• VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
• Visa must be a STICKER in the passport, E-Visa prints are not accepted
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

20. Georgia

• UK visa must be valid on the day of arrival in Georgia
• Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

21. Gibraltar (British Territory)

• UK visa must have been issued for at least 6 months or more
• UK residence permit must have been issued for at least 12 months or more
• Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency

22. Ireland

• North Macedonia
• Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK short-stay standard visitor visa
• Entry granted: 90 days or until the exit date on your UK entry stamp, whichever is shorter
• Must enter the UK first before entering Ireland
• Must enter and exit Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different from the visa expiry date)
• Can enter Ireland directly from the UK or elsewhere, but must enter Ireland within the exit date on the UK entry stamp
• Official source: Department of Justice of Ireland

23. Moldova

• Central African Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• South Africa
• Entry rule: The UK visa or BRP must be valid for the intended period of stay
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

24. Montenegro

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

25. North Macedonia

• Entry granted: 15 days
• UK visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
• Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 3 months in any 6 months period
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
• UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
• Afghanistan
• Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
• North Korea
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa online
• eVisa fee is 43 USD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

If you hold a UK visa or BRP, you can follow this  step-by-step guide to apply for Turkey e-Visa . This guide has step-by-step instructions and screenshots to help you fill out the application, pay the visa fee and download your approved e-Visa.

28. United Kingdom (Of course!)

• Includes all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
• Includes British Crown Dependencies: Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey)

RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

Middle East

29. Bahrain

• Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
• Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 30 days
• Single-entry eVisa fee is 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
• Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
• For VOA, the UK visa must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
• For eVisa, the UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
• Burkina Faso
• Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Guinea Bissau
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Permitted visas: None
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Jordan E-Visa
• The ILR or BRP must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Jordan E-Visa Portal
• El Salvador
• Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
• 26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• 26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
• Official source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for A3 Visa online on the Hayya portal
• A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
• UK visa or BRP/ILR must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
• Official source: Qatar Tourism Board

33. Saudi Arabia

• Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa (other visas not accepted)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
• VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
• UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
• Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

34. United Arab Emirates

• Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR, BRP and spouse visas
• Entry granted: 14 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all UAE airports
• VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
• UK residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
• Official source: Embassy of UAE in London, UK

RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports
• VOA fee is $25 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
• UK visa must have been used to enter the UK at least once
• Official source: Egypt Tourism Department

36. Morocco

• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa
• E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
• UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
• Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia: A step-by-step guide

• Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for  Japan eVisa
• eVisa fee is JPY 3,000, valid for 90 days, single-entry only
• Must submit  proof of residence  to prove that you reside in the UK
• Must show the visa issuance confirmation via the eVisa website on your phone at the immigration (Prints and PDFs are not accepted)
• Must enter Japan by flight only
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

38. Kyrgyzstan

• Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry UK visas, issued for at least for 3+ years
• Entry granted: 7 days
• UK visa must be a long-term visa issued for 3 or more years, visas issued for less than 3 years are not accepted
• After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only reenter Kyrgyzstan again after 21 days
• Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

39. Philippines

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

40. Singapore

• Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
• Must be traveling to or from the country of passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
• Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
• UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
• Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

41. South Korea

• Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 23 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
• Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the UK through South Korea
• Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
• Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
• Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online
• ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
• If using an EXPIRED UK visa or residence permit, the visa or residence permit must have expired in the last 10 years
• Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

43. Thailand

• Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR or BRP
• Entry granted: 60 days
• Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
• E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
• Must submit  proof of residence in the UK such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc
• Thai E-Visa Portal

So, there you have it! 43 countries and territories you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa.

Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) where you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa? Let me know in the comments below.

Change history:  For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

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

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

537 Comments

Mahyar says

August 15, 2024 at 12:54 pm

As of August 2024, the “Permitted residence permits” is set to “None” for some countries i.e. Serbia or North Macedonia. Does it mean they require a visa and no BRP card is accepted?

Thirumal Motati says

August 15, 2024 at 3:48 pm

Hi Mahyar! Yes, those countries accept only UK visas and not UK BRPs. If a UK residence permit is in the form a visa sticker, they may accept it.

avtarsingh says

March 4, 2023 at 10:16 am

Can I travel to Japan with an Australian visa?

March 6, 2023 at 6:46 am

Hi Avtarsingh! No. Japan does not allow Australian visas. You REQUIRE a Japan visa to travel to Japan.

Kadidjath Abeo Christelle RADJI says

February 25, 2023 at 7:20 am

Hi, can I Travel to Spain with a UK BRP?

February 28, 2023 at 10:24 am

Hi Kadidjath! You will need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain. Spain does not accept UK BRP.

Muhammed Ramzi says

February 24, 2023 at 12:42 pm

Hello team! Thank you for taking the time to create this brilliant website and answer all the comments. You have helped a lot of people in clearing their doubts about getting a tourist Visa. I’m an Indian national holding an Indian Passport living in the UK under a skilled worker Visa (Tier 2) holding a UK BRP which is valid for three years. I’m planning to visit Saudi Arabia and I have got a 6 hours layover in Romania. Do I require an Airport Transit visa If I’m leaving the visa-free zone to self-transfer for the next flight to Saudi Arabia?

Also, it is mentioned that UK Visa holders can get a Visa on Arrival for Saudi Arabia. Is it valid If I’m holding a BRP of three years validity? And is it possible If I’m boarding a Wizz Air flight from Bucharest Airport Romania or VoA is only applicable when boarding Saudi Airlines?

Thank you for your time :)

March 6, 2023 at 2:02 pm

Hi Muhammed! For Romania, you would need an airport transit visa if you are leaving the international transit area. Romania offers VISA-FREE access to those with a Schengen visa or a visa from any EU country, but unfortunately not for UK BRP holders.

Saudi Arabia offers VOA for those with permanent residency in the UK, meaning you must hold a UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). Your BRP is temporary and unfortunately, you won’t be able to get VOA in Saudi Arabia based on your UK BRP.

Kevin Watson says

February 20, 2023 at 9:52 am

Hi, I’m from the UK but my wife is Thai with an ILR visa but she also has a USA ESTA visa does this mean we can go to Spain, Portugal and Italy without Schengen?

February 23, 2023 at 6:54 am

Hi Kevin! Spain, Portugal and Italy are all Schengen countries and they DO NOT allow UK ILR or US visas. She would REQUIRE a Schengen visa to travel to any of those countries.

Sheetal Mathew says

February 13, 2023 at 1:02 pm

Hi Thirumal, I am an Indian passport holder with a UK student visa. Am I eligible to visit Morocco or Georgia with this current Visa?

February 28, 2023 at 12:18 pm

Hi Sheetal! Yes. You can visit Morocco and Georgia with your UK student visa. But for Morocco, you must apply for its e-Visa before traveling. You are eligible to apply for Morocco based on your UK visa.

Rasaq Bankole says

January 26, 2023 at 7:27 pm

Hi all, I have a UK BRP visa. Do I need a Schengen visa to visit European countries for holiday?

January 27, 2023 at 6:16 am

Hi Rasaq! You would need a Schengen visa to visit Schengen countries. But countries in Europe that do not fall under the Schengen zone can be visited using your UK BRP. Some examples are Georgia, Montenegro, Turkey, etc.

S M U A Baloch says

February 19, 2023 at 7:13 am

Hello, my wife and children hold valid UK BRP (Leave to Remain), can they travel to Greece and what other European countries that give Visas on Arrival? Could you please guide us accordingly with a comprehensive list of VOA countries as dates for Schengen are too busy? Regards

March 6, 2023 at 2:22 pm

Hi Baloch! All 27 Schengen countries including Greece do not allow UK BRPs. You would need a Schengen visa to travel to any of those 27 Schengen countries including Greece. But there are some countries in Europe that allow UK BRPs such as Albania, Montenegro, Armenia, Georgia, etc. You can find the list in this article under the section “Europe”.

Jibrann khan says

January 26, 2023 at 3:04 am

Hi Thirumal sir! Greetings! I have a UK visitor visa. I am from Pakistan. Which countries I can visit in Europe on a UK visitor visa?

January 26, 2023 at 1:30 pm

Hi Jibrann! There are quite a few countries in Europe that you can visit using your UK visitor visa, such as Albania, Georgia, Montenegro, Turkey, etc. Please refer to this article for more information.

md amir faisal says

January 25, 2023 at 10:01 am

I am from Bangladesh. I have 10 years multiple-entry type C visa. can I travel to Ireland? How many countries to visit with this UK visa?

January 26, 2023 at 1:34 pm

Hi Md Amir! Bangladesh passport holders are not eligible to enter Ireland using a UK visitor visa unless their UK visa has “BIVS” endorsed on it. If you have “BIVS” on your UK visa, then you can travel to Ireland. For other countries, please refer to this article.

January 18, 2023 at 12:17 am

Hi there. Firstly thank you for this article it has been so so helpful. In regards to Aruba, there are certain countries listed. However, with the BRP/ILR it says all nationalities. As a Nigerian national with a British ILR, does that qualify me to travel there? Thank you.

January 24, 2023 at 8:03 am

Hi MJ! Yes, those with British ILR/BRP can travel to Aruba irrespective of what nationality they hold. So with your Nigerian passport and UK ILR, you can travel to Aruba.

January 9, 2023 at 9:12 am

I have 2 years standard UK visitor visa. Can I travel to Japan visa-free?

January 24, 2023 at 9:23 am

Hi Preet! No. You would need a Japan visa.

Aditya says

January 9, 2023 at 12:09 am

Hi, I’m an Indian passport holder with a UK student visa tier 4. What countries can I visit visa-less in 2023? Can you please reply? Thank you in advance.

January 9, 2023 at 7:26 am

Hi Aditya! It depends on whether you have a valid UK student visa in your passport or a BRP card. You can go through this article and find eligible countries for your visa or BRP.

Patience says

January 10, 2023 at 11:49 pm

Hi, please I have a UK student visa and I want to travel to France for a holiday. I am from Nigeria, please advise if this is possible or if I need a France tourist visa and if I can apply from the UK or from my home country.

January 24, 2023 at 9:11 am

Hi Patience! You would need a Schengen visa to travel to France. You can apply for your Schengen visa from the French embassy in the UK.

MUSTAFA MEAH says

December 19, 2022 at 1:06 pm

Hi, I have a Bangladeshi passport with BRP. Can I get visa on Arrival for Egypt? Please help as I’m getting mixed information also the embassy won’t answer the phone.

December 23, 2022 at 7:13 am

Hi Mustafa! Unfortunately, all official sources say “UK visa”, so I’m not sure if you can use your UK BRP. I haven’t gotten any response from the embassy either, so I can’t confirm.

Abubakar Tahiru says

December 18, 2022 at 8:00 pm

I’m on a student visa and I have my UK BRP. Can I travel to Mexico or Costa Rica with BRP?

December 23, 2022 at 8:23 am

Hi Abubakar! You CANNOT travel to Mexico using a UK BRP. You would need a UK visa in the passport or UK ILR to travel to Mexico. But for Costa Rica, yes. You can use your UK BRP to travel to Costa Rica.

Aveek Mukhopadhyay says

December 10, 2022 at 7:56 pm

Hello Thirumal, very helpful article. I see that Egypt has been mentioned as a destination allowed with a Uk visa. I have an Indian passport and UK Visa so based on this article and the source posts, I should be eligible. However, when I am trying to check the e-visa (which was mentioned as an alternative to the VOA) and mention my nationality as India, it says that I cannot get an entry. I do not see any provision to mention that I have Uk visa. I was planning to travel with my wife and an infant, so I am a bit concerned about whether this is being allowed in practice. Do you know anyone who has traveled to Egypt just using a UK visa (if they belong to a country that is otherwise not allowed?)

December 23, 2022 at 8:58 am

Hi Aveek! Unfortunately, Indian nationals need to book a tour or a meet-and-greet service in order to apply for the E-Visa. You can book this service after your visa is approved too. In practice, many Indian nationals travel without using any agent. But the airline or the immigration in Cairo can make things difficult if you do not have a tour operator. To be on the safe side, you can book a 2-day tour with an agent just so they can come to the airport for you. Ibis Egypt Tours is well-reputed. Many Indian nationals seem to use them for their E-Visas. You can contact them to see if they can help.

Regarding VOA, I don’t know anyone that actually used it successfully to enter Egypt. This VOA with UK visa information is already in TIMATIC, so the airlines are aware of it and will not stop or prevent you from boarding. But whether or not immigration in Cairo is aware of it still remains uncertain.

Rhea Pillai says

November 15, 2022 at 4:58 pm

Hi, your post is very helpful. However, I am finding it a bit conflicting with so many answers to read. Pardon me if this is a repeat question.

I am an Indian passport holder residing in the UK with Tier 1 General Entrepreneur BRP. Can I travel to Dublin without a visa? I was once refused to board the plane from Edinburgh to Dublin to Bombay. But, I do not recollect showing my BRP to the ground staff. She just said you have an Indian passport with no Schengen and hence I cannot allow you to board the plane.

Can I travel to Schengen countries with my BRP?

November 23, 2022 at 5:08 am

Hi Rhea! No. You cannot use UK BRP to travel to Ireland. You would need to apply for an Ireland visa. Also, Schengen countries do not accept UK BRP, therefore you would need a Schengen visa to travel to Schengen countries.

Fahim MUSHTAQ says

November 29, 2022 at 1:08 pm

Hi, I am from Pakistan. I have a UK standard visitor visa. My question is can I travel to Mexico or do I need a visa for Mexico?

December 7, 2022 at 10:03 am

Hi Fahim! If your UK visitor visa is a sticker in your passport and is still valid, then yes, you can use your UK visa to enter Mexico. You don’t need a separate Mexico visa.

Prashant says

November 11, 2022 at 5:27 pm

2-year long-term Standard Visitor UK visa on an Indian Passport will have BIVS and allow me to enter Ireland? OR BIVS is applicable only on a Standard Visitor visa of 6 months?

November 23, 2022 at 5:20 am

Hi Prashant! That’s a good question. In my experience, I have seen BIVS only on 6-month visas so far. But I assume you can request BIVS on 2 or 5-year visitor visas as well. Even though they have 2 or 5-year validity, the allowed stay is still 6 months which makes it a short-stay visitor visa.

Gloria says

November 10, 2022 at 4:04 pm

Hello! Good evening. Thank you for this post. Very insightful. I am Nigerian and I would love to visit Morocco in a few but I want to confirm if it’s still an e-visa I need. I live in the UK and I have my BRP.

November 21, 2022 at 4:22 am

Hi Gloria! Yes, Nigerian passport holders are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa using their UK BRP. That being said, there is always some sort of scrutiny against Nigerian passport holders, so please confirm with Moroccan authorities before planning your travel.

Emmanuel says

November 10, 2022 at 8:04 am

Thirumal! Thank you for your wonderful experience update. I am a Nigerian passport holder I want to know which visa is the best the Schengen visa and UK visa. Please advise me. Thank you.

November 21, 2022 at 4:30 am

Hi Emmanuel! Schengen is the best as it gives you more visa-free countries than a UK visa. But your first Schengen visa will be given just for the days you have asked for. Your subsequent Schengen visas will have longer validity and that’s when you can start taking advantage of visa-free countries.

November 9, 2022 at 5:16 pm

Personal experience with Pakistani Passport: North Macedonia – they do not accept BRP/Residence permits or entry permits stamped on the passport. Must have any kind of UK visa which is not yet expired and also have travel insurance. Albania – they do not stamp your passport, only electronic data collection. No problem with entry. Serbia – No problem in entry – no questions asked Montenegro – No problem with entry – no stamp on the passport if you enter by train from Serbia.

November 23, 2022 at 5:25 am

Hi Umair! Thanks for the update! Very useful to the other readers. Regarding Serbia, were you able to use your UK BRP? Did you enter Serbia by air or via land?

November 4, 2022 at 4:59 pm

Hi dear, I need help with confirmation so I don’t make mistake for something like this. Thank you in advance. 1. Indonesia passport holder. 2. ILR visa.

How do I find which country I can visit from your list? “Indonesia/All nationalities” in eligible nationalities, and Permitted residence permits if shown ILR? Also, if you could recommend me 3 countries that are worth visiting?

November 7, 2022 at 6:49 am

Hi FK! That’s correct! “Indonesia/All nationalities” in eligible nationalities and “ILR” in permitted residence permits. It’s worth visiting all countries on this list, but if I have to recommend only 3, I would say Mexico, Georgia and Turkey. If Indonesia is not eligible for Turkey, then Serbia.

ME Reynoso says

November 3, 2022 at 6:45 am

Hi! How about Bosnia and Herzegovina? The flag image is there but could not see it in the text.

November 7, 2022 at 7:13 am

Hi! Previously Bosnia and Herzegovina allowed visas from all EU member states. Since Brexit, the UK is not been part of the EU anymore and therefore UK visas are not allowed. The image was created pre-Brexit so the flag is still there.

Nana Olanrewaju says

November 1, 2022 at 2:13 am

Hi Thirumal, I’m on a student visa and I have my UK BRP. Can I travel to Malta with my UK visa and BRP?

November 7, 2022 at 7:18 am

Ni Nana! Malta is a Schengen state so you would need a Schengen visa to travel to Malta. You cannot use your UK visa or BRP.

November 1, 2022 at 1:30 am

Though 99% of what is written is correct, I would like to add an incident that happened to me while I was traveling to the Philippines. Based on the Philippines Embassy details, an Indian with a valid visa could enter the Philippines and would receive a visa on arrival. Hence based on this fact, I booked my travel and reached Heathrow airport. I am living in the UK with a General Tier 2 work visa, and I was stopped by Qatar Airways check-in staff, and they refused to allow me to board even though I tried to explain regarding it. So, I guess, this is also a matter of flight requirements as well. I guess, a valid visa would mean Permanent residency status and not just any visa.

November 7, 2022 at 7:37 am

Hi NevR! Sorry to hear that Qatar airways staff denied your boarding. Philipines immigration, embassies and TIMATIC (airline database) all mention that a “UK resident visa” can be used. A resident visa can be a student visa, work visa, spouse visa, etc. that gives the holder the legal right to reside in the UK for a temporary period. If you have a BRP, that’s considered a “resident visa” as well. It is not true that only permanent residents can enter.

Qatar is notorious for its untrained staff that deny boarding on every silly thing that they spot. I have been denied boarding by Qatar staff a few times and I usually demand to speak to their manager. Once I speak with their manager, I would immediately be allowed to board. So please do the same. Demand to speak to their manager, explain and pull up the embassy page and show it to them.

November 16, 2022 at 11:25 am

You are absolutely right. Some airline staff do not really understand immigration rules. Therefore you have to speak to the manager who understands. It also happened to us even though for different routes. Once we spoke to the manager, everything was fine and we could fly.

October 30, 2022 at 4:16 pm

Hello, I’m from the Philippines and I have a 2-year standard tourist UK visa that is valid until 2024. Please confirm if I can just hop on a plane and fly to Mexico or do I need to prepare anything else. Thank you.

October 31, 2022 at 8:23 am

Hi Bea! You just need your passport and UK visa. Nothing else. But keep in mind that your UK visa must be multiple-entry and must be valid for the entire stay in Mexico.

Vanessa says

October 8, 2022 at 2:12 pm

Thanks for all the info, it’s frustrating finding nice places to go as a Nigerian:). Can you please advise where I can travel without the visa hassles/visa-free? I have a Nigerian passport and my student visa (sticker) expires on the 15th of October. However, I am now on a graduate visa with BRP validity until 2024. Kindly help, thank you!

October 10, 2022 at 2:35 am

Hi Vanessa! A few countries only allow UK visas and a few only ILR. But there are plenty that allows UK BRPs. So go over the list and check for countries if “Nigeria or All nationalities” is mentioned in “Eligible nationalities” and UK BRP in “Permitted residence permits”. You can travel to all of those countries.

October 3, 2022 at 11:04 am

Hi, does a UK BRP which is on a pre-settled basis (temporary leave to remain) for 5 years expiring in 2025 allow a Pakistani passport holder to enter Egypt, Morocco, Montenegro and Serbia for a short 7-10 day trip without a visa so its VOA?

October 7, 2022 at 4:19 am

Hi Ahmad! For Egypt and Serbia, you would need a UK visa. I’m sure they accept UK BRPs. For Morocco and Montenegro, yes, you can use your UK BRP.

Sandra says

October 3, 2022 at 7:16 am

Hello thirumal. I have been following you here for a while well done. I am a NIGERIAN but studying in the UK. Please can you list 5 nice countries I can travel to with my UK BRP? I want to go on vacation with my boyfriend so I need a country I can visit with my UK BRP. Awaiting your quick response. Thank you!

October 7, 2022 at 4:23 am

Hi Sandra! You can try Montenegro, Georgia, Albania or Morocco (e-visa). They are all nice countries and allow UK BRPs. But you can also check the entire list to see if you like any other country.

September 27, 2022 at 2:51 pm

Hi, I have a UK visa. Can I travel to Singapore and stay there for sightseeing?

September 28, 2022 at 2:55 am

Hi Swati! To use your UK visa to travel to Singapore, you must be in transit to a third country preferably India or UK. A India-Singapore-India itinerary will not work. It must be something like India-Singapore-UK or UK-Singapore-India or India-Singapore-Thailand-UK or UK-Duabi-Singapore-India, etc.

October 7, 2022 at 2:18 am

Thirumal, I just discovered your blog and I’m amazed by the useful tips you have shared. I’m on a work visa in the UK for almost 5 years and I wish I knew about all this useful info much earlier. How long can I be in Singapore if I’m in transit to India? UK – Singapore – India. Also, any extra benefits if I have an ILR?

October 7, 2022 at 3:40 am

Hi Dhruv! You can stay up to 96 hours in Singapore on your way to India. Yes, ILR gives you access to countries that you can’t enter with a temporary BRP or UK visa such as Mexico, Bahamas and Peru.

Chinwe says

September 27, 2022 at 3:25 am

Hello, thanks for all the info you share. I am Nigerian, living in the UK with a student visa + BRP. I was just making plans for Turkey and decided to check your page again. I am sure the requirement for Nigerians with UK visas was the same (visa-free) but you seem to have taken Nigeria off the list. What happened? What do I require to enter Turkey? I am seeing contradictory info on some sites that maintain that Nigerians in the UK do not need the visa. Please help.

September 27, 2022 at 6:45 am

Hi Chinwe! Turkey’s ministry updated its requirements so I had to update the article to reflect the new requirements. Unfortunately, Nigerian passport holders with UK visas/BRP are not eligible for Turkey e-Visa anymore.

October 8, 2022 at 1:45 pm

Thank you, Thirumal. What a bummer! Can you please confirm what are the requirements now for Mexico? Can I use my BRP to enter Mexico as a tourist or do I need a tourist visa? I am a Nigerian passport holder living in the UK on a graduate visa, with BRP valid until 2024

October 10, 2022 at 2:38 am

Hi Chinwe! Mexico allows only valid UK visas or UK “permanent residence permits” such as ILR. Unfortunately, you can’t use your student BRP to travel to Mexico. If you like to apply for a Mexico visa, you can apply from your nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. Here are the details on how to apply for a Mexico visa .

Beauty says

November 18, 2022 at 10:20 pm

I would have preferred to be stopped by British airways en route to Mexico with my sister last summer, it was a terrible event as I was traveling with a BRP card and she’s a Uk passport holder. She gained entry while I was detained and treated like a criminal in their smelling detention for 48hrs (till there was an available flight seat for me)

It was horrible as I was denied water for almost 24hrs and had no access to phone calls, a stinking infected toilet, and super cold with nothing but kitchen foil as a blanket. I do not wish this experience on my worst enemy. It was the worst experience of my life, I now have a phobia for a BRP travel-free countries, in fact I think I have a phobia for all travels. Flight wasted hotel bookings, site seeing tickets, all wasted plus inhumane treatment because of a simple mistake on my part.

P.S.: I also think the boss had a thing against Nigerians, it’s so sad that a few eggs have ruined the whole crate.

November 23, 2022 at 5:02 am

Hi Beauty! Sorry to hear that! What a horrible experience. Mexico has been changing its requirements constantly so it’s causing a lot of issues for us with weak passports. Their embassies are also not in sync, which is leading to more confusion. I’m sorry again for what you went though. Please take care of yourself.

September 26, 2022 at 5:45 pm

Hello, thanks for the tremendous work. I am an Ivorian living in the UK with (ILR and BRP) issued after Brexit. Do I need a visa to travel to Schengen Countries? there is conflicting info on Gov.Uk. I don’t quite know who they refer to by” ILR holders can travel up to 90 days free of Visa”. Thanks again.

September 27, 2022 at 3:00 am

Hi Bady! As far as I know, only UK citizens can travel to the Schengen area without a visa. Those with UK ILR or BRP would still need a visa to travel to the Schengen area.

October 30, 2022 at 10:09 am

Hi, thanks for the advice. My wife is Iranian and has a UK BRP. It’s a nightmare trying to find a destination other than Turkey to travel to. Which do you recommend as the most straightforward?

October 31, 2022 at 8:35 am

Hi Matt! You guys can check out Montenegro and Georgia. Both are nearby and accept Iranians with UK BRP. Albania is also nice and easy to get to.

Tanvir says

September 19, 2022 at 4:38 am

Hi, Thirumal. I am a Bangladeshi citizen and now I’m living in the UK with a UK student Visa and BRP. I would like to travel to USA or Canada in December during the Christmas Vacation. But in my visa sticker, the UK entry clearance is valid until November 2022 but my BRP is valid until August 2023. So how can I visit any of the two countries or what do I have to do for the visit?

September 26, 2022 at 3:57 am

HI Tanvir! You would need a US or Canada visa to travel to those countries. US and Canada do not accept UK visas or BRP.

Mohammad Abdali says

November 6, 2022 at 8:53 pm

Hi, I have a UK ILR (Indefinite Leave to remain) it will expire in December 2024. Does ILR allow me to travel with an Afghan passport to South Korea? Or do I need a visa for South Korea?

November 7, 2022 at 5:44 am

Hi Mohammad! Unfortunately, you cannot use your UK ILR to travel to South Korea. Afghanistan is one of the 24 excluded countries from this scheme.

Hafiz Ahmad Hussain says

September 15, 2022 at 11:02 pm

Hi, Just wanna say thanks to you. What a tremendous work you have done. I live in the UK as a temporary resident but want to travel to the world with so so many questions in my mind. All the information under one single ROOF is just fabulous mate. Keep up the good work. All the best for your future.

September 17, 2022 at 9:39 am

Hi Hafiz! Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. You can also use the contact form to email me directly.

September 14, 2022 at 6:02 pm

Hi Thirumal, thanks for this website. I downloaded the ebook and see Romania listed as visa-free if one holds a residence permit from the UK for 5 or more years. I don’t see it listed here though. Can you please confirm?

September 17, 2022 at 9:42 am

Hi Vinu! Sorry, the ebook is a bit outdated. I’m currently in the process of updating it, but till then please use this article. This article and other VISA-FREE articles are up to date.

Ikechukwu says

September 12, 2022 at 10:07 pm

Hi, I’m on a dependent visa with a BRP. My wife and I are planning on going to Dubai. Would we need a visa to enter Dubai or we can enter with our BRPs.

September 13, 2022 at 8:12 am

Hi Ikechukwu! If you hold an Indian passport, then you both can get VOA in Dubai using your UK BRP. If you hold any other passport, then you would need a visa. You would need to apply for your UAE visa online prior to your trip.

Harshjeet says

August 31, 2022 at 2:27 pm

Morocco also started visa on arrival facility with Schengen visa, UK visa, Australian visa and US Visa. Tourist visa or BRP is acceptable.

September 1, 2022 at 5:52 am

Hi Harshjeet! Thanks for the info! Yes, I have updated the article with Morocco now.

August 29, 2022 at 7:51 pm

Hi, My wife is a British citizen and I am on a spouse visa with BRP. Can I travel to Switzerland with my wife?

August 30, 2022 at 12:32 pm

Hi Moon! No. You would need a Schengen visa to travel to Switzerland. Prior to Brexit, it was possible to travel to Schengen if accompanied by a UK citizen spouse but not anymore. You would need to get a Schengen visa.

August 28, 2022 at 11:53 pm

Hi, I have a UK student Visa and BRP and I would like to travel to Mexico. Do I just need to buy a ticket and hop on the flight or there are some other steps to take?

August 30, 2022 at 12:34 pm

Hi Jay! Mexico accepts only UK visas but not BRP. So if your UK student visa in your passport is still valid, then yes, you can travel to Mexico. All you need is your passport and the UK visa in it.

Angela says

September 22, 2022 at 3:05 pm

With Moldova Passport and a UK visa 10 years, I can travel to Dubai for 1 week? Thanks!

September 23, 2022 at 7:46 am

Hi Angela! For Dubai, Moldovan passport holders need a UAE tourist visa. You cannot use your UK visa. Only Indian nationals are allowed to get a Visa on Arrival in UAE with a long-term UK visa such as ILR, BRP or spouse visa. I have a detailed guide on how to apply for UAE/Dubai visa . You can check that one out.

August 28, 2022 at 11:16 am

Hello, checked the Jordanian website and they allow on arrival visa for Permanent residents of UK and US. From the website below,

Passport holders of the following countries: Angola, Albania, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central Africa, Chad , Congo, Colombia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iraq, Laos, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Srilanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Union of the Comoros, Vietnam, Zaire, Zambia.  If you hold a passport from one of the above countries, and you have a residence in the United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union countries, Gulf States (not tourism or visit visa) valid for more than six months, then you can: 1. You can get your visa upon arrival to Jordan! except who intends to enter Jordan via the King Hussein Bridge crossing border, in this case, you should get visa in advance from any Jordanian consulate around the world (see required documents below). 2. If you wish to apply at the consulate, bring (or someone on your behalf) the above required documents. Fees can be paid either onsite (via card only) or online. 3. If you wish to send your application via post, send the above documents, payment receipt, and a self-addressed prepaid envelope (special delivery) to the following address: Jordanian Consulate 6 Upper Phillimore Gardens London , W8 7HA  If you hold passport from one of the above countries, and you do not have residence in the United Kingdom, United States of America, European Union countries, Gulf States (not tourism or visit visa) than six months then , you have to apply here.

August 30, 2022 at 12:42 pm

Hi Hish! Fantastic! Thanks for the info. I did some research today and added Jordan to the list. Thanks again for this info.

Michael Gerard Sayson says

August 31, 2022 at 8:55 pm

South Korea— immigration staff advised that we still need to apply for a visa to visit the country (and pay) despite having a valid UK visit visa or BRP.

September 1, 2022 at 5:44 am

Hi Michael! Thanks for the update. Looks like they haven’t started their “tourists in transit to third countries” category yet.

August 19, 2022 at 11:57 am

Hi, my name is Dara and I hold a Nigerian Passport. I have a UK student visa and BRP. What are the requirements to travel to Colombia? Thank you.

August 22, 2022 at 10:18 am

Hi Dara! Nigerian passport holders require a visa for Colombia. You can apply for an E-Visa. Here is a guide on how to apply for Colombia E-Visa .

August 23, 2022 at 3:30 am

Hi, I hold a Nigerian Passport and I have a UK student visa and BRP. I’m currently planning a trip to Montenegro but the entry rules say UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay. My UK visa expired last year December but I’ve got my BRP, can I still travel?

August 26, 2022 at 9:24 am

Hi John! Yes. A BRP is a temporary residence permit. Montenegro accepts both UK permanent (ILR) and temporary (BRP) residence permits.

August 26, 2022 at 12:05 am

Hi Thirumal, hope you are doing well. I am a Bangladeshi citizen and currently, I have a valid 2 years multiple entry UK visit visa. According to your article, I can see that I am eligible to travel to Armenia and I would be granted a visa on arrival. I have followed the link, which is the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, that you posted, but I cannot find any such information on the website. Could you help me? Am I missing something on the website?

August 26, 2022 at 7:02 am

Hi Hasin! Sorry, it was my mistake. Armenia visa on arrival is only available to 51 eligible nationalities. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is not on that 51 eligible nationalities list.

Gabriel Okpuno Okei says

October 6, 2022 at 11:52 pm

Hi Thirumal, I am a Nigerian with a graduate BRP in the UK and I’m wondering what places I can travel to without an additional visa and places I can get an e-visa for.

October 7, 2022 at 3:43 am

Hi Gabriel! Look at “Eligible nationalities” for each country in the list. If it says “All nationalities” or “Nigeria”, then you can travel to that country using your UK BRP.

August 8, 2022 at 11:17 pm

Hi Thirumal, I have an Indian passport with the UK Spouse visa (BRP Card – valid until 2024). I wanted to ask if I can travel to North Macedonia without needing to apply for a visa? Many thanks!

August 16, 2022 at 10:02 am

Hi Yash! North Macedonia only allows UK visas (visa sticker in the passport) and not UK residence permits. A BRP is considered a residence permit. That being said, temporary or permanent residence permits from any EU country are also allowed. So there is a slight chance that they may have forgotten to update their visa requirements post-Brexit. You can contact them for clarification.

Fateh jan says

August 2, 2022 at 1:18 pm

I am from Pakistan and have a British UK valid visa. Can I enter Gibraltar?

August 4, 2022 at 7:26 am

Hi Fateh Jan! Yes, you can enter Gibraltar with your UK visa. Keep in mind that your UK visa must be multiple-entry and it was issued for 6 months or more.

Burhanuddin Morbiwalla says

August 18, 2022 at 8:24 pm

Does that mean we have to go from uk first? Or travel directly?

August 22, 2022 at 10:20 am

You can travel to Gibraltar directly. There is no need to travel to the UK first.

Ali aqdas says

August 20, 2022 at 10:54 am

Hi, I have a UK student visa tier-4. Its validity is 3 months and multiple entery. Can I enter Mexico without a visa with a Pakistani passport? How long I can stay in Mexico with a UK student sticker visa with 3-month validity? Also, I have BRP whose validity is 24 months.

August 22, 2022 at 10:49 am

Hi Ali! Mexico does not accept US BRP. With your UK student visa sticker, you can enter Mexico. You will be given 3 months (90-day) entry in Mexico since your UK visa will expire in 3 months.

ali aqdas says

August 27, 2022 at 4:28 am

Bro, my UK student clearness sticker visa is going to expire after 40 days so if I go to Mexico without visa so how long I can stay in Mexico because my visa validity is 40 days. I also emailed the Mexican embassy and they told me I should bring a visit visa. So I’m puzzled. You are saying in your article we can easily enter Mexico on our UK student multiple entry clearance but the embassy says if I hold ILR then you can enter Mexico without visa.

August 27, 2022 at 4:54 am

Hi Ali! To enter Mexico, you will have to have either (1) a UK visa sticker on your passport or (2) a UK ILR. Since you have a UK student visa sticker on your passport, you can enter Mexico. Keep in mind that your UK student visa expires in 40 days, so you will get a maximum of 40 days of entry.

July 29, 2022 at 9:30 pm

Hi there! With the changes Turkey has made with Nigerians obtaining an e-visa (not sure if you’re aware), where does that leave a Nigerian national in the UK with an ILR biometric? Can I still travel to Turkey and obtain an e-visa? Thank you!

August 4, 2022 at 4:21 am

Hi Maté! I wasn’t aware of these changes. Thank you for updating us on this. Unfortunately, due to this change, Nigerians are not eligible for e-visa anymore and must obtain a pre-approved visa from the Turkey embassy or consulate.

August 7, 2022 at 4:02 pm

Hi Thirumal! My name is Paul. I have a Nigeria Passport and a BRP for the UK. What visa do I need to go to Morocco for a few days visit?

August 16, 2022 at 10:04 am

Hi Paul! Morocco introduced an e-visa recently. If you hold a UK BRP, you are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa. Here is the link to apply for Morocco e-Visa .

Khadija says

August 21, 2022 at 2:40 pm

I have a Bangladeshi passport with a valid unused UK visa. Can I get visa on arrival in Egypt?

August 22, 2022 at 10:10 am

Hi Khadija! To get VOA in Egypt, you must have USED your UK visa to enter the UK at least once. If it’s unused, you cannot get VOA in Egypt.

Zhanna says

August 22, 2022 at 10:38 am

Hi Thirumal, I am Kazakhstan holder, but have ILR. Earlier Kazakhstan citizens could enter Turkey without the visa. Can I do it now from the UK having ILR? Many thanks in advance.

August 26, 2022 at 8:16 am

Hi Zhanna! Kazakhstan passport holders can enter Turkey without a visa for 30 days. No need for UK IRL. All you need is your Kazakhstan passport.

Hoang tran says

July 28, 2022 at 9:47 pm

I have a UK spouse visa valid till 9/10/2023. I want to enter Ireland this September for a few days. Do I need to apply for a visa to enter Ireland? Thank you.

August 4, 2022 at 4:01 am

Hi Tran! Unfortunately, you cannot use your UK spouse visa to enter Ireland. Only those with a UK short-stay visitor visa and holding a passport from one of the 24 nationalities listed above can enter Ireland. Also, if you have a UK visa with BIVS on it, you can enter Ireland. But you cannot enter Ireland with a UK spouse visa. You would need an Ireland visa.

Ninaad says

July 28, 2022 at 12:59 am

Hi, I have an Indian passport, UK BRP and student Visa. Can I visit Albania without any special visa?

July 28, 2022 at 4:24 am

Hi Ninaad! Yes, you can visit Albania with your India passport and UK BRP. You don’t need any special visa.

July 26, 2022 at 8:23 am

Thank you for sharing. I have UK standard visit visa only. And those countries listed as “Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs”, this means I have to have both ILR and BRPs? Or I can enter those listed countries with any type of visa even though listed as “Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs”.

July 28, 2022 at 4:32 am

Hi Jaiya! The line “Permitted residence permits:” only applies to those with UK residence permits. Since you have a “UK standard visitor visa”, the line “Permitted residence permits” DOES NOT apply to you. Just pay attention to the line “Permitted visas:”. If “Permitted visas” says “UK visas”, then you can use your UK visitor visa to enter that particular country.

Christina says

June 26, 2022 at 12:03 pm

Hi! Is this info really updated? I am Indonesian having UK Visa. So I can travel to Ireland without applying for Ireland Visa separately? I am planning to cross the border from Belfast to Dublin. And also for Saudi Arabia? Can use UK Visa as a waiver?

June 27, 2022 at 9:16 am

Hi Christina! The information was updated in Feb this year. I have provided links to the official sources for each of the countries. You can click on those links for up to date information.

July 16, 2022 at 4:27 am

Hello Jay, first of all I want to say thank you so much for making this information available to us! I want to ask please as I have ILR from the UK so I can go to Ireland? My friends in Ireland told me it’s an open border between Ireland to any Schengen countries, is that true? Also, I heard that to go to Switzerland we don’t need a visa. Is this true? Please kindly help. Thank you so much in advance!

July 18, 2022 at 9:18 am

Hi Reny! You can’t enter Ireland with a UK ILR. You would need to have a UK passport or UK short-stay visa and belong to any of the 24 countries on the list. Ireland is not a Schengen country, so it doesn’t share borders with other Schengen countries. In order to enter any Schengen country including Switzerland, you must hold a Schengen visa.

Nathan says

June 23, 2022 at 11:23 pm

Hi Thirumal, my wife has a BRP card (spouse visa UK). She is from Indonesia. Does this mean we can travel to Albania visa free? Thanks!

June 27, 2022 at 9:46 am

Hi Nathan! Yes, your wife can use her Indonesia passport and UK BRP to enter Albania without a visa.

Narendra Raj Sunwar says

June 14, 2022 at 5:35 pm

Hello! I have a British citizenship pasport and my wife has ILR from the UK. We are planning to visit Italy. So, does my wife need to apply for Italy visa to travel or not? I am a bit confused. Can you help? Please. Thank you.

June 15, 2022 at 11:06 am

Hi Narendra! Prior to Brexit, it was possible for a non-EU spouse with an ILR to travel to a Schengen country with a UK national. But post-Brexit, this is not possible. Therefore, your wife would need a Schengen visa from Italy.

Elizabeth G says

June 6, 2022 at 3:47 pm

Hi, I first want to travel to Germany for 2 months (August and September) with family and from there I want to go to UK for 6 month. Do I take the short visit visa for the UK from India or can I apply for the UK short-stay visa from Germany? How to get it done? Applying from India then I may lose my 2 months period of UK stay as first I would like to travel to Germany and want to stay in uk for 6 months. Please assist me.

June 7, 2022 at 11:15 am

Hi Elizabeth! You can apply for a UK visa from Germany. It’s not necessary to apply for a UK visa from your home country. But if you ask for a 6-month stay, your UK visa may be refused unless you prove that you have sufficient funds to support your 6-month stay. Also, if you stay the entire 6 months on your UK visitor visa, you may not be allowed back or your future UK visas may be refused.

June 4, 2022 at 11:45 am

Good afternoon, I have a UK travel document which I have used before to travel in and out of Spain. Due to Brexit will I now require a visa to enter Spain or no changes at present? Kind regards.

June 7, 2022 at 10:04 am

Hi Jay! I’m not sure if you are referring to a UK passport or UK visa/BRP. If you hold a UK passport, then you can travel to Spain without a visa for 90 days in 180 days. But if you hold a UK visa/BRP, you would need a Schengen visa for Spain.

June 8, 2022 at 10:45 pm

That’s great! Thank you for your swift response. Much appreciated.

Exquisite Bee says

May 26, 2022 at 4:54 am

Hello! Can I transit via Serbia with a UK BRP card (Tier 4) using Air Serbia? The UK visa on my passport is expired. I won’t be leaving the airport, layover less than 2 hours on the return leg to the UK.

May 26, 2022 at 8:24 am

Hi Exquisite Bee! Generally, if your flights in and out of Serbia are on a single itinerary, then you will be within the transit area and you do not need a transit visa. But if you need to claim bags or go through immigration, you would need a transit visa. To enter Serbia, you cannot use a UK BRP. Serbia accepts UK visas but unfortunately, it doesn’t accept UK residence permits.

May 31, 2022 at 8:08 am

Hi Thirumal, I have a UK visit visa expiring July 2022. May I travel to Mexico without a visa? What are the other requirements

June 7, 2022 at 10:45 am

Hi Selva! Yes. You can use your UK visit visa to travel to Mexico. Your UK visa must be valid at the time of entering Mexico. You may be asked to show your return ticket or hotel booking, so make sure to carry those then traveling.

May 15, 2022 at 1:37 am

Hi Thirumal, I have a Philippine passport and BRP CARD. Which is a NO TIME LIMIT / ILR, just need a little light on which country I could actually travel without needing a Schengen visa.

May 19, 2022 at 7:56 am

HI Jhan! Unfortunately, you cannot use your UK ILR to enter any Schengen country. But there are quite a few countries in Europe that you can enter with your UK ILR, such as Albania, Montengro, Serbia, Georgia, etc.

Abiola Olawoyin says

August 22, 2022 at 9:37 pm

How about Croatia?

August 26, 2022 at 9:13 am

Hi Abiola! Croatia does not accept UK visas. Croatia accepts only Schengen visas or visas from Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania. If you have any official sources that say otherwise, please let me know.

May 3, 2022 at 10:31 pm

Hello, would a BRP that’s expiring in 2024 work to enter Peru or does it have to be a sticker with 6 months validity in the passport? Thank you!

May 7, 2022 at 11:30 am

Hi Raj! It must be a sticker in the passport with 6 months validity. If it’s a card, it must be a “permanent residence” card such as a BRP with “Indefinite Leave to Remain”.

Ashwini says

May 18, 2022 at 4:06 pm

Hi Thirumal, my bro is visiting us in the UK with a standard visitor visa. So is it possible to visit turkey with UK visitor visa?

May 20, 2022 at 3:52 pm

Hi Ashwini! Yes. But your brother must apply for Turkey e-Visa prior to his trip to Turkey. Turkey e-Visa is quite simple and is approved immediately. The cost is $43 USD.

Dee Nexus says

May 24, 2022 at 4:01 pm

Hi, can the Turkey e-visa be applied online or needs to go in to one of the offices and apply in person?

May 25, 2022 at 6:34 am

Hi Dee Nexus! Turkey e-Visa is completely online. It’s just a simple form that you need to fill out. No documents need to be uploaded. And, the approval is also immediate.

Yetunde Dasaolu says

May 14, 2022 at 11:22 am

Hi, my name is Yetunde and I have a BRP card with my Nigeria passport. Can I travel to Turkey, please?

May 19, 2022 at 7:53 am

Hi Yetunde! Yes. Since you hold a UK BRP, you are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa. It’s a simple form and approval is immediate.

Bakare Olamide Grace says

August 1, 2022 at 5:39 pm

Hi, my name is Olamide and I have a BRP card with my Nigeria passport. Can I travel to Paris, please?

August 4, 2022 at 7:01 am

Hi Grace! Unfortunately, you cannot. France is part of the Schengen area and you would need a Schengen visa to travel to Paris.

May 3, 2022 at 8:05 pm

Hi! My partner is a Nigerian citizen on a post-study visa in the UK. Can he travel to Mexico as a tourist for 9 days without getting a Mexican visa?

May 7, 2022 at 11:32 am

Hi Sarah! Yes, he can as long as his UK visa is in his passport as a visa sticker and is still valid. If his visa is expired and has a BRP, then he is not eligible.

May 22, 2022 at 11:51 am

Hi, can you help me I have BRP card which expires in 2024 I don’t have a sticker in my passport can I ask why this is a problem? And if there is anything I can do to fix it.

May 23, 2022 at 6:34 am

Hi Zaim! Mexican authorities are considering only a visa (affixed in the passport) or a “permanent” residence permit. They accept BRPs but they must be ILRs (Indefinite Leave to Remain). A BRP for work or study in the UK is not considered a “permanent” residence permit as per Mexican authorities. People have tried already but they were sent back. I understand that a BRP is technically a visa and I hope Mexican authorities will update their policies.

May 3, 2022 at 2:24 pm

Hi Thirumal, I am at crossed roads trying to book a honeymoon destination. My Partner holds dual citizenship (British and Nigerian passport) while I have a Nigerian Passport and a BRP (Tier 2 visa, not ILR). I don’t know if we can go to Mexico, the Maldives. Just confused at this point.

Please help, where can we go together with our passports and my BRP card. Thanks and look forward to your response

May 7, 2022 at 11:35 am

Hi Lizzy! Your BRP must be ILR that provides “permanent residence” in the UK. If you have a UK visa in your passport that’s still valid, then you can use it to travel to Mexico. You can also use visas such as the US, Canada, Schengen or Japan to travel to Mexico.

May 18, 2022 at 10:55 am

I guess the Maldives allows every passport a visa on arrival.

May 19, 2022 at 8:35 am

Hi Sham! Yes, Maldives offers Visa on Arrival for all nationalities.

Elizabeth says

May 3, 2022 at 1:56 pm

Hi, I wanted to ask if I can go to the Gran Canaria with my indefinite leave to remain. Thanks!

May 7, 2022 at 11:48 am

Hi Elizabeth! NO. Gran Canaria is part of Spain, for which you would need a Schengen visa. You cannot use your UK ILR to enter Spain.

Blessing says

May 1, 2022 at 3:55 pm

Hi, can I get into Turks and Caicos with my UK tourist visa if I’m flying there from the USA? I also have a USA student visa.

May 7, 2022 at 2:16 pm

Hi Blessing! Yes. You can use either your UK tourist visa or US student visa to travel to Turks and Caicos. Both visas are accepted.

Alexandra N says

April 30, 2022 at 5:47 pm

Hello, thanks for all the updates. I have a Nigerian passport and am in the UK on a student visa which is valid until October. I hold a BRP. Just for clarity, can I enter Mexico? The article said only ILR but I am seeing conflicting responses in the comments. Also, to confirm that I can still enter all the above-listed countries (except Jamaica, Aruba, Bahamas, Oman, UAE) on the afore-mentioned documents i.e UK student visa and BPR? Lastly, do you have an update on Costa Rica requirements now? Can we go there on a UK visa? Thank you so much.

May 8, 2022 at 1:33 pm

Hi Alexandra! No. You would need a valid UK visa (a visa sticker on your passport) or a UK ILR (permanent residence). Unfortunately, a UK BRP with temporary residence is not accepted. Previously, BRPs with temporary residence were also allowed but as per current visa regulations, only an ILR is allowed.

And yes, you can enter all of those countries visa-free with your UK BRP that says “All nationalities” or “Nigeria” in the list for “Eligible Nationalities”. Check “Permitted residence permits” to make sure UK BRP is allowed.

I think Costa Rica now accepts UK ILR and UK student/work visas. Email them to confirm. The link to official source

William says

April 18, 2022 at 8:19 pm

Hi Sir, I’m a British national, how can my Thai wife with a BRP card (it’s a Spouse Visa we have) travel to the US for a holiday with me? I’m aware that I need to apply for an ESTA for myself but I’m unsure how my wife can travel there. Thank you in advance.

April 21, 2022 at 7:14 am

Hi William! Your wife, even though she holds a UK BRP, needs a US B1/B2 visa to travel to the US for holidays. Only UK citizens with UK passports can use an ESTA to enter the US. UK BRP holders still need to apply for US visa.

April 30, 2022 at 8:43 am

According to the list, Korea is mentioned. I checked with the visa office. They don’t provide visas for UK residents. Moreover, they are not issuing tourism visas for any non K-eta countries.

May 21, 2022 at 8:32 am

Hi Tito! This information is still applicable but Korean borders are not open for tourism yet. When Korea opens for tourism, this information will become applicable.

D Johnson says

April 17, 2022 at 10:59 pm

Hi Thirumal, I have a Kenyan passport but have a valid U.K. ILR valid till 2024. So I need a visa to travel to Turkey?

April 21, 2022 at 7:32 am

Hi Johnson! Yes, you need a visa to travel to Turkey. But since you hold a UK ILR, you are eligible to apply for a Turkey e-visa. Turkey e-visa is super simple and is approved immediately.

April 12, 2022 at 5:48 pm

Hi Thirumal, thank you for providing us with this information. I read on here that you can travel to Montenegro visa-free if you have UK Residence Permit with ILR. I have Sri Lankan passport, and BRP card with indefinite leave to remain. Now I am panicking because I checked on your source link, and Sri Lanka isn’t listed on Article 1 on the Decree of Visa regime. I don’t know if I am not looking properly but I can’t see if BRP with ILR is accepted for entry to Montenegro. My reason for panicking is because I have booked flight tickets already! Please help. Thank you!

April 22, 2022 at 12:25 pm

Hi Sindy! Article 1 is for those who are visa-exempt, meaning those nationalities that do not need a visa. You Should look at Article 7, that’s relevant to residence permit from the UK. You can enter Montenegro for 30 days with your Sri Lanka passport and UK BRP card.

April 5, 2022 at 11:46 pm

Hi Thirumal, thank you for this information, it’s really useful. I’m planning to travel to Mexico and currently hold a valid UK ILR in my old passport, can I still travel with my old passport to show proof of permanent residence as well as my new one.

April 10, 2022 at 7:55 am

Hi MK! Visas in your old passport are still valid. You can use your UK ILR to enter Mexico. Just carry your old and new passports when you travel.

Samar van der Merwe says

March 30, 2022 at 9:47 am

Hi, I have an Iranian passport and my son has a South African passport. We have multiple 6-month standard visit visas. Can we travel to the UK then to my country in Iran, back to the UK then to SA with the same visa (we are living in South Africa)? Warm Regards.

March 31, 2022 at 4:40 am

Hi Samar! You can do as many short trips to the UK as you want with your multiple entry UK visa. It won’t be an issue. So yes, you can travel to the UK, back to Iran, then to the UK and back to SA with your UK visa.

Francis says

April 13, 2022 at 6:49 pm

Can a Nigerian passport holder with UK visa travel to Mexico visa free?

April 21, 2022 at 7:48 am

Hi Francis! Yes. You can travel to Mexico visa-free with your UK visa. Keep in mind that your UK visa must be in your passport and must be valid at the time of entering Mexico.

March 8, 2022 at 1:42 am

Hello, I would like to confirm if it is possible to travel to Mexico with a valid UK Visa (Valid till 14/04/2022) and BRP card to Mexico without having a Mexico Visa? I want to travel 4th of April, 2022 and come back on 10th April, 2022. Thank you

March 13, 2022 at 5:21 pm

Hi James! You would need a valid UK visa or a valid UK ILR to enter Mexico without a visa. A BRP is not allowed. Your visa must be valid for 6 months (or at least for the entire stay) at the time of entry into Mexico. Since your visa expires on 14/04 and your date of entry is 4/4, you may be given 10 days entry or you may be denied entry all together.

Marthiane Kembilu says

March 25, 2022 at 5:50 pm

Hi, I saw it says you can travel to Mexico with your brp and passport as long as is 6 months valid but when I read the comments it showing something else I’m really confused I’m trying to go Mexico sometimes in June but I have a brp card and Congolese passport.

March 26, 2022 at 11:26 am

Hi Marthiane! Mexico entry requirements have changed. You would need a valid UK visa or a permanent residency (ILR). You cannot use a BRP.

April 5, 2022 at 2:27 pm

BRP is a visa. The UK stopped “physical visa on the passport”. So, if you have a BRP which shows the type of “visa permit” you have for the UK.

May 21, 2022 at 8:39 am

Yes, but unfortunately Mexico is considering only a “visa sticker in the passport” as a visa. There were many incidents where they didn’t accept BRP and sent the visitors back.

abdulfatah says

March 29, 2022 at 9:39 am

Hi, yes you can travel to Mexico without worry because I did it and I just showed them the UK visa and they let me in. That was in 2019.

March 31, 2022 at 4:48 am

Hi Abdulfatah! Thanks for the info!

Christinah Kompi says

March 5, 2022 at 11:55 pm

Thanks for this enlightening information, I just want to ask and get a clear understanding, I hold a Lesotho passport but currently reside in the UK with a tier2 visa/ BRP, can I travel to Ireland and France?

March 14, 2022 at 6:19 am

Hi Christinah! Unfortunately, no. For Ireland, you would need a UK short-stay visa and moreover, Lesotho passport holders are not eligible. For France, you would need a Schengen visa.

February 26, 2022 at 9:38 am

Hi Thirumal, I have a UK ILR with an Indian passport and I am planning on visiting Ireland. I thought that I would be able to visit Ireland with my ILR without applying for a Visa. However, I came across your post and noticed that ILRs are not accepted and it has to be a UK visa. Is this information correct? Sorry, just double-checking over here.

February 28, 2022 at 11:18 am

Hi Ryan! As far as I know, only UK citizens can travel to Ireland without a visa. UK ILR holds still needs a visa, or permission to enter Ireland. I have provided the links to the “original sources” where I have sourced the information from. Please take a look at those links.

Anuraag says

February 21, 2022 at 11:13 pm

Hi Thirumal, firstly thanks a lot for all the information. It’s really helpful to a lot of people. Cheers to that!!

My query is, I am an Indian passport holder and currently living in UK on a tier 2 dependent visa with my wife being the primary tier 2. We both have BRPs expiring in 2024. Can we both go to Dubai, Mexico, the Caribbean, Cyprus and Morocco without applying for the respective visas? Would be really grateful if you could answer this. Thanks again!

February 22, 2022 at 11:48 am

Hi Anuraag! You can visit Dubai and a few countries in the Caribbean with your UK BRP. But you cannot use your UK BRP for Mexico, Cyprus and Morocco. For Mexico, you need an ILR. For Cyprus and Morocco, you need visas from those countries.

Nomanuddin Khaja says

February 18, 2022 at 5:10 am

Hi, may I know if I can travel to all the above countries without a Schengen visa? I have an Indian passport with a tier 2 visa which is expired but have a 3yrs BRP.

February 20, 2022 at 12:17 pm

Hi Nomanuddin! Yes, but only to those non-Schengen countries in Europe such as Albania, Serbia or Montenegro.

February 8, 2022 at 2:11 am

Hello, I was refused entry into Mexico yesterday (Feb 6 2022 ) I have a student visa on my passport which expired 3 months after I got into uK ( which that’s how it’s supposed to be since I’ll be getting a study residence permit) I have student residence permit while my husband and daughter had a dependent residence permit. The immigration at Cancun said They won’t be letting us in since our Uk visa has expired and the permit we have is not a permanent residence permit but temporary. We were sent back on the same flight 11hrs back to the Uk which was a pretty annoying situation for me. So I want to know what happened since the article here says I can fly in with my BRP! And yes we all had a Nigerian passport

February 8, 2022 at 6:30 am

Hi Toyin! I’m sorry that happened to you. Mexico is constantly changing its rules these days. Yes, I have heard reports of tourists being sent back due to insufficient documentation or given only a few days to stay. I sympathize with your situation and I’m extremely sorry if the information here caused you trouble. But please read the disclaimer at the bottom of the article. I’m not affiliated with any governments or their immigration departments. So it’s impossible for me to have up-to-date info. Hence I provide links to the official sources so you can refer to them for up-to-date info and contact the relevant departments to confirm.

January 31, 2022 at 9:01 pm

Hi, I’m a British citizen and my wife is Thai with indefinite leave to remain visa now for many years and I’m only finding out from your page that there are countries we can travel together without another visa so, many thanks. Can she travel with me to some countries in Europe ie: ( Spain, Portugal, Italy ) other than the ones stated if traveling with me, a British passport holder? Again thanks!

February 2, 2022 at 6:28 am

Hi Kev! This was previously possible, where a non-EU spouse of UK national could travel to Schengen area with their UK spouse without needing a Schengen visa. But I assume that has changed since Brexit. I can’t find any official sources so I cannot confirm or deny this information. If I find any new info, I will update this article accordingly.

February 14, 2022 at 9:20 am

Hi, that is correct as just been in touch with the Portuguese embassy and they said my non-EU wife will need a Schengen visa to travel. Thanks for your help!

February 16, 2022 at 5:00 am

Thanks for the update, Kevin!

March 4, 2022 at 4:47 am

Hi, I’m an Ecuadorean citizen living in the UK. I have an ILR. Do I need a visa to enter Mexico? Thank you for your advice.

March 5, 2022 at 3:23 pm

Hi Galo! Since an ILR is a permanent residency, so yes, you can use your UK ILR to enter Mexico without a visa.

January 28, 2022 at 7:23 am

I am a dependent, my husband has his BRP as a student in UK, can I travel to Germany for a visit without applying for a visa?

February 2, 2022 at 8:05 am

Hi Dora! Unfortunately, no. You cannot use your UK dependent visa to enter Germanay. You need a Schengen visa.

Rinky Kukreja says

June 14, 2022 at 5:04 pm

I am a dependent and my husband is in Bahamas. I want to travel to the Bahamas for a vacation. Can I apply for a UK visa?

June 15, 2022 at 11:03 am

Hi Rinky! If you hold an Indian passport, then yes, you can visit the Bahamas with a UK visa. But applying for a UK visa with “visiting the Bahamas” as a purpose/reason may not work. You would need a reason to visit the UK in order to apply for a UK visa.

January 19, 2022 at 2:44 pm

Hi, thank you so much for taking your time to explain all this. It’s very helpful. Does this also apply to someone holding a UK refugee Travel document? Can they travel to the countries that accept BPR/ILR as well? Thank you!

January 21, 2022 at 5:34 am

Hi Sonia! Unfortunately, I don’t know if any of these countries accept a UK refugee travel document. The only way to be certain is to ask them directly. I have provided the original sources for each country. See if you can contact them directly and ask. Sorry again, I can’t be much help in your case.

December 22, 2021 at 11:48 am

Hi, I have seen conflicting advice, both on this board and elsewhere online, as to whether a BRP holder can travel to Costa Rica?

Earlier comments suggest this changed once the UK left the EU, yet if you look on the consular website, it states residents of the UK can enter. I believe I also phoned the UK consulate six months ago with the question and they said that BRP holders can enter, provided the BRP is valid for more than 6 months at entry.

I will likely call them again as looking to travel there, but if you have any updated info on this, then would be super helpful. Thank you!

December 27, 2021 at 5:29 am

Hi James! I believe you can still use your UK BRP to enter Costa Rica provided your BRP is valid for at least 6 months on the day of entry. But like you mentioned, due to the conflicting information and to avoid any confusion, I had to take Costa Rica off this list. But the IATA travel center says the following –

“Passengers with a machine-readable residence permit issued by the United Kingdom and valid for a minimum of 6 months from the arrival date. They are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 30 days”

NOTE: I will see if I can get hold of someone at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica for confirmation.

DILIP PRAJAPAT says

December 14, 2021 at 4:43 pm

I have a tier 4 UK student visa. I am holding an indian passport. Can I travel to these countries without a visa?

December 18, 2021 at 10:38 am

Hi Dilip! Except for Sint Maarten, Ireland, Saudi Arabia and UAE, you can use your tier 4 UK student visa for all countries. Those 4 countries do not accept tier 4 UK visas.

TINI TREESA JIJI says

December 20, 2021 at 12:44 pm

Hi Thirumal, I’m Tini and I have a tier 4 UK Visa and I hold an Indian passport. How can I visit Vancouver, Canada(BC) for a few days with my tier 4 UK visa? Thanks.

December 21, 2021 at 6:56 am

Hi Tini! Unfortunately, you CANNOT. Canada does not allow UK visitor visas. You need a Canada visitor/tourist visa to travel to Canada.

February 12, 2022 at 5:29 pm

Hi, I have a tier 4 visa student and my BRP is valid. I am holding a Lebanese passport. Can I travel to Canada without a visa?

February 16, 2022 at 5:09 am

Hi Ghada! Unfortunately, no. Canada does not accept UK visas. You must have a Canada visitor visa to travel to Canada.

Merazhdin says

February 20, 2022 at 9:45 am

Hi, thank you for all your help! I have a tier 5 visa seasonal worker visa. I have worked since October on the farm. My visa is not expired yet. Can I go to the Bahamas for a few days or for a weekend?

February 20, 2022 at 12:20 pm

Hi Merazhdin! Visa-free entry to the Bahamas with UK visa is only for Indian passport holders. If you hold an Indian passport, then yes, you can use your Indian passport and UK visa to travel to the Bahamas.

December 8, 2021 at 12:27 pm

Hi, I am a South African passport holder but reside in the UK and I have a BRP. I would like to know what countries I can travel to using my UK BRP without having to purchase a visa via my South African passport (please).

Ali Adnan says

December 7, 2021 at 1:34 pm

Hi, I am Pakistan national with UK ILR. I am traveling to Portugal for 3 days and then 2 weeks later I plan to travel to Germany for another 3 days to see my relatives there. I will be traveling with my 4-year-old daughter who is a British passport holder. Do I need a VISA to enter Portugal and/or Germany?

December 11, 2021 at 12:47 pm

Hi Ali! Yes, you will need a Schengen visa to enter Portugal or Germany. A non-EU citizen with ILR can travel to the Schengen area with a UK citizen spouse but that does not apply to children. Therefore, you would still need a Schengen visa even though your daughter is a UK citizen.

Sri Raja says

January 24, 2022 at 1:02 pm

Hi Thirumal, I am a UK citizen and my wife has a BRP and Indian Passport. My Kids have British Passports. We intend to travel to Spain. Would my wife need a Schengen visa to visit Spain even if she is accompanying a British spouse post Brexit? Before Brexit, she could definitely travel with me not sure if there is a change now!

January 26, 2022 at 5:52 am

Hi Sri Raja! Unfortunately, I don’t know either. Brexit made things complicated. I suggest contacting the Spanish embassy directly. If you find any information, let us know as well. The information can be useful to others.

December 5, 2021 at 11:39 am

I am Somalian. I have got UK Visa. Can I travel To South Africa to visit some of my relatives?

December 6, 2021 at 9:38 am

Hi Yusuf! No. You cannot use a UK visa to travel to South Africa. You need a South Africa visa.

Jaspinder Kaur says

December 8, 2021 at 11:09 am

Hi, I have a UK visa for 3 years. Can I go to Portugal? But I don’t understand I have to buy only a ticket for portugal? Or visa as well.

December 11, 2021 at 12:04 pm

Hi Jaspinder! You cannot use your UK visa to enter Portugal. Portugal is a Schengen country, so you would need a Schengen visa.

December 4, 2021 at 8:05 pm

Hello, does BRP you mentioned in this article have the same travel opportunities as the BRC? I recently got married and was issued the BRC under the EU exit settlement scheme. Can I visit these countries visa-free?

December 6, 2021 at 9:44 am

Hi Alex! Yes. BRP and BRC are considered the same for traveling to the countries in this article. To enter these countries, you need to prove that you have a right to stay in the UK. Therefore, a BRC works fine.

Elaine Fernandez says

November 20, 2021 at 1:58 am

Hi, I have a Philippines passport. I was to visit Albania with my visa from the UK Biometric Resident permit. Do I need a visa to go to Albania?

November 20, 2021 at 12:22 pm

Hi Elaine! You do not need a visa for Albania. You can use your Philippines passport and UK BRP to enter Albania without a visa.

Hammes says

September 26, 2021 at 10:17 am

I’m a Nigerian passport holder with my UK BRP card. Can I visit Jamaica?

September 29, 2021 at 8:04 am

Hi Hammes! Unfortunately, no. You would need to apply for a Jamaican visa prior to your trip.

Tyrone says

September 15, 2021 at 6:18 am

Hello, thanks for this article, it’s very helpful. I’m a Nigerian with a Nigerian passport and a UK tourist visa, can I enter Bosnia and Herzegovina?

September 15, 2021 at 7:21 am

Hi Tyrone! Unfortunately no. Bosnia and Herzegovina do not accept UK visas anymore. You would need to apply for a tourist visa for B&H.

September 13, 2021 at 12:09 am

My partner is in the UK on a family visa (valid until Nov 2022) he has an Egyptian passport.

We would like to visit Mexico next year, however, I have found a lot of conflicting information online about whether he needs to obtain a visa. Some places state he can only travel there visa-free if he has permanent UK residency, and others say any UK visa will allow him entry. Could you advise?

September 17, 2021 at 8:41 am

Hi Mila! I agree with the conflicting information. But as far as my knowledge goes, your partner can use his UK visa to enter Mexico. I have many readers who entered Mexico recently using their UK visas without any issues. If you like, I can get you in touch with them so you can ask any questions you have.

Nathalie says

February 13, 2022 at 12:32 pm

Hi There! Having the same issue for my cousins. They have UK BRPs “leave to remains” both valid for extended times. Mexico embassy via email says they need a visa, other parts of the website say they don’t. Any other experience stories you can share? Thanks!

February 16, 2022 at 5:06 am

Hi Nathalie! That’s correct! Only UK permanent resident cards are accepted. Mexico has been drastically changing its visa policies, so as of now, they are only accepting UK permanent resident cards (indefinite leave to remain). I don’t have experiences from others here but you can post on the FB group to see if anyone has similar experiences.

Sabnam says

September 5, 2021 at 10:18 pm

Hi, I have a Bangladeshi passport with a UK ILR. Do I need a visa or can I obtain a visa on arrival traveling from London to:-

1. Portugal 2. Dubai

My husband is a British Citizen intending to travel together.

September 12, 2021 at 7:43 am

Hi Sabnam! For Portugal, you can enter without a visa if traveling with your UK citizen husband. I don’t have an official link, so you would need to contact Portugal authorities to confirm. For Dubai, you would need to apply for a visa. If you are flying to and from Dubai with Emirates or FlyDubai, you can apply for UAE visa from the airline website. Hotel and travel agents in Dubai can also apply for visas for you.

Phani vatsa Varadaraja swamy says

April 16, 2022 at 11:35 am

Hi, I got Indian passport with 2 years UK visiting visa. Can I travel to Dominican Republic?

April 21, 2022 at 7:43 am

Hi Phani! Yes. You can travel to Dominican Republic visa-free with your India passport and UK vistor visa.

Hiba Shugaa says

August 29, 2021 at 6:01 pm

Hello, I am a British citizen and my husband joined me in the UK on a spouse visa (previously resident in Lebanon). He has a UK resident permit and has had it for almost 2 years. We plan on visiting Dubai, will he require a visa or can he be granted one upon arrival? Also is there a link you can share with me confirming that it’s okay to do so?

August 30, 2021 at 10:16 am

Hi Hiba! Lebanese citizens REQUIRE a visa for UAE. UAE visa is quite easy to get. Airlines, hotels and tour companies that operate from Dubai can apply a visa for your husband. Here is the official visa information and also a Dubai visa agent that I’m familiar with.

Choh Du says

September 5, 2021 at 8:37 am

Hi! Thanks for your help, a bit different question, do you know the list of visa-free countries for UK refugee travel document (blue)? Thank you!

September 12, 2021 at 8:34 am

Unfortunately, I don’t. I will do some research and will let you know.

Mustafa says

August 24, 2021 at 8:41 pm

Hi, I am a Pakistani passport holder, planning to visit Montenegro for 3 days in September. I am holding (2 years) UK valid visa. Can I enter Montenegro with it?

August 26, 2021 at 1:28 pm

Hi Mustafa! Yes, you can enter Montenegro with a valid UK visa for up to 30 days. For more info, refer to Article 7 in the Degree on visa regime published in May 2021.

yvi kay says

August 17, 2021 at 10:57 pm

Hi, I’m holding a UK ILR visa but a Philippine passport holder(Philippine Citizen). Do I need to apply for the visa if I want to travel to Japan? Thanks.

August 20, 2021 at 8:30 am

Hi Yvi Kay! Unfortunately, Japan does not allow UK visas or ILR. You have to apply for a Japan visa.

August 17, 2021 at 10:26 pm

Hi! Thanks for all the information. I’m holding a Libyan passport and I have a residence permit in the UK. Can I travel to Ecuador without a visa?

August 20, 2021 at 8:41 am

Hi Hatem! Unfortunately, Ecuador does not allow UK visas or residence permits. You must apply for an Ecuador tourist visa. Here is the link to the Ecuador visa application process .

Shanga Ali says

August 6, 2021 at 7:00 pm

Hi, I am an Iraqi national currently living in the UK on a BRP card that was issued to me on a spouse visa. My and my husband, who is a UK citizen, planning to travel to Croatia and Greece. Do I need to apply for a tourist Visa if we travel together? Many thanks.

August 16, 2021 at 4:24 am

Hi Shanga Ali! I apologize for the late response! Unfortunately, Croatia does not offer visa-free entry to UK BRP holders. But Greece, which is a Schengen country may offer visa-free entry to you if you travel with your husband who is a UK citizen. I suggest contacting both Croatia and Greece embassies to confirm as requirements are changing every day due to covid. Good luck!

August 2, 2021 at 8:39 am

Hi Dear, I have a valid UK spouse visa and I wanted to know if I can use it to travel Mexico visa-free as a Nigerian passport holder

August 3, 2021 at 7:28 am

Hi Lizzi! Yes, you can use your UK spouse visa to enter Mexico visa-free. Any type of UK visa can be used to enter Mexico without needing a separate Mexico visa. Here is the official information from the Embassy of Mexico in Nigeria website.

December 4, 2021 at 7:25 pm

Hello boss, thanks for the info. Kindly add my email to your blog mailing list. I’m visiting Mexico in February with a UK visa. Can I reapply for a UK visa from the Mexico UK office, since I’m not a resident or do I’ve to go back to Nigeria to reapply? Thx

December 6, 2021 at 9:54 am

Hi Uche! You can apply for a UK visa from a third country. So yes, you can apply for your UK visa while you are in Mexico. Keep in mind that UK visa will take up to 30 days or even longer in some cases. Make sure you have enough time in Mexico.

January 8, 2022 at 3:28 pm

Hi, thanks for this article. I have an ILR but hold a Nigerian passport.

Are you saying I can literally book a flight ticket and head to the airport for any of the countries you have listed above except of course (Jamaica, Dubai and the rest that require a visa)? Just wanted to confirm as this is exciting. Thanks and I anticipate a response.

January 12, 2022 at 7:24 am

Hi Kenny! That’s correct! All these countries accept UK visas/ILR and you do not need to apply for separate visas. That’s about visas but for COVID-related entry requirements (vaccine cert, PCR test, health declarations, quarantine, etc.), you will have to do your own research.

July 30, 2021 at 10:22 am

First I’d like to say a very big thank you for this informative and insightful information. I’ve noticed some countries like the Philippines and Singapore for example have following nationalities only, but also all valid ILRs. I’m a bit confused. As a Nigerian national with a British ILR, would I still need a visa to enter the Philippines and Singapore, as my country isn’t listed under them? Many thanks

August 2, 2021 at 6:57 am

Hi Mate! That’s correct. The visa-free entry provision is only for the nationalities listed that hold a British ILR. Since your nationality is not on that list, you would need to get a visa for those countries even though you hold British ILR.

July 19, 2021 at 11:14 pm

Hey. So I want to eventually visit England and then from there, Norway in December. I have a Pakistani passport and I’m a student in the US with an F1 visa. I plan on traveling from here and then back home in Pakistan for winter break before I eventually come back to the US in January. Please help me with ideas about visas and what should my process be!

July 21, 2021 at 6:13 am

Hi KM! Yes, that’s doable. In fact, that’s what I did when I traveled to the UK. I was in the US back then. So I traveled to the UK for a few days and then to India to see my family. Later flew back to the US. That’s an acceptable itinerary for the UK visa, so you will be fine. Also, since you are planning to travel to Norway, you would need to get your Schengen visa too before heading to England.

Bella T says

June 25, 2021 at 12:16 pm

Hello Sir, My mother is currently in the UK on Type C Visitor 10 year multiple entry Visa and her visa does not expire till 2023. Can she visit Gibraltar with us for 3-5 days and come back to the UK again. I, my husband and my daughter have British passports but my mother has an Indian passport. My mother is fully vaccinated. Also with regards to 180 days limit on each visit to the UK how does that work? So does that mean she can only visit Gibraltar within 180 days of her stay in the UK? Can she travel to Gibraltar 2 days before her 180 days expires and stays in Gibraltar for 5 days and come back in UK as new entry. How do 180 days work on a 10-year visa because so far she has never stayed for more than 3-4 months on every visit but due to the pandemic and passing away of my father she is unable to travel to India until all travel restrictions are lifted and also there is no one to look after her in India. I would greatly appreciate your advice.

Thirumal says

June 25, 2021 at 3:22 pm

Hi Bella! Your mother can visit Gibraltar with her UK visa. But I’m not aware if there are any changes to visas due to COVID travel restrictions. To confirm, I suggest emailing Gibraltar Borders and Coast Guards at [email protected] .

Regarding the 180 day entry back in the UK, I believe visiting Gibraltar is considered as exiting the UK. So, on re-entry, she will get another 180 days.

Note: I have also responded to the same question from your husband on the FB group.

Mambu Kossa says

June 24, 2021 at 3:57 pm

Hello, I have hold passport with residence permit inside and I have new passport same names. Can I travel with two passport together to Romania.

June 25, 2021 at 5:04 am

Hi Mambu Kosa! Unfortunately, Romania has repealed visa-free access to UK residence permit holders. You have to apply for a Romania visa. I will update the article accordingly soon.

On the other note, your residence permit in old passport is still valid. You just have to carry both passports when you travel.

Muneeb Ahmad says

May 15, 2021 at 7:05 am

Hello! Very informative article. I just wanted to confirm if I could go to Serbia with my Type C UK visa. I have a Pakistani passport. Eager to hear from you.

May 17, 2021 at 8:45 am

Hi Muneeb! As per their 2014 regulation, passport holders with visas from the US, UK and Schengen are allowed entry. The requirement page on the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website is currently down. But embassy websites are still mentioning that you can use your UK visa. I suggest contacting the Honorary Consulate in Karachi or the Serbian embassy in Beijing to confirm. A few useful links below.

June 14, 2021 at 5:50 pm

Hello! Sorry to jump on the post – thank you for such a comprehensive list. I can see that the Serbian embassy page related to this is still down. Do you know with a South African passport if it is possible to travel to Serbia on a UK Ancestry visa?

June 15, 2021 at 9:40 am

Hi Chris! Unfortunately, the page is still down. But, the Embassy of Serbia in Pretoria website still says that you can still use your UK visa to travel to Serbia. Email or give them a quick call to confirm. Here is their contact information .

Salem H says

June 24, 2021 at 12:40 pm

Hello, I hold a UK (ILR), and my brother holds a BRP with more than 2 years validity. I would like to confirm wether I could enter Romania for a short stay without visa, as I still couldn’t get any official confirmation from Romanian embassy website or any other trusted source. Hope to hear back from you ASAP.

June 25, 2021 at 5:02 am

Hi Salem! Unfortunately, Romania has repealed visa-free access to UK ILR/BRP holders. I apologize for not updating the article accordingly. As of now, your only option is to apply for a Romania visa.

NOTE: Romania still allows visa-free entry for those with double/multiple entry Schengen visas or residence permit in any Schengen country.

December 9, 2020 at 6:27 pm

Hi, will Chinese citizens who hold a BRP still be able to enter Montenegro without needing to obtain a visa in 2021? There is no clear answer to this issue on their embassy website.

December 10, 2020 at 5:28 am

Hi Fei! Yes, Chinese citizens with UK BRP can enter Montenegro for up to 30 days without needing a separate visa. The info on the official websites is not clear but TIMATIC clearly says “ Passengers with a residence or a re-entry permit, valid for the period of stay, issued by United Kingdom for a maximum stay of 30 days. “. TIMATIC is maintained by IATA and all airlines use this database for making sure the passengers have the correct documents when flying into a country.

Nkwaya Chris Ikuzo says

September 14, 2020 at 12:57 am

Hey, I have a Rwandan passport and a UK tier 4 visa with BRP. Can I go to northern Cyprus without applying for a visa.

September 26, 2020 at 8:35 am

Hi Nkwaya! Pretty much all nationalities including Rwandans can get visa on arrival at the ports in Northern Cyprus. The only way to go to Northern Cyprus is by taking a taxi from Southern Cyprus for which you need a Schengen visa. Or, by taking a flight/ferry from Turkey for which you need a Turkish visa.

With your Rwandan passport and UK BRP, you are eligible to apply for Turkey eVisa. Turkey eVisa is single-entry only so you may have to apply for the eVisa twice.

Abdullah says

June 2, 2020 at 9:42 pm

Hi, I am Yemeni National currently living in the UK on a BRP card which was issued to me on a spouse visa, me and my wife (UK citizen )planning to travel by car to France together.

Do I need to apply for a tourist visa if I am traveling with her, and what are the required documents?

June 8, 2020 at 11:00 am

Hi Abdullah! If you hold a UK BRP and will be traveling to France with your UK citizen wife, you do not need a Schengen visa. But keep in mind, you both have to travel together, your wife must carry her UK passport, you have to carry your UK BRP and evidence that you are her husband. For more information, go to SchengenVisaInfo.com and scroll down to “Does the spouse of British national with UK permanent residence need a Schengen visa?” section.

Lisa Kilvington says

January 12, 2021 at 2:26 pm

Hi, this was not the case. I am UK permanent resident with ILR. I still needed to apply for a Schengen visa (even though it was free to me) before entering any Schengen countries with my late English husband.

Tariq Ahmed says

May 4, 2020 at 2:29 am

Hi, I have a Pakistani passport, currently living in the UK on a BRP card which was issued to me on a spouse visa, I just want to know that all the countries which you have mentioned here is still visa free to travel without taking confirmation from their consulates including Mexico.

May 9, 2020 at 5:35 am

Hi Tariq! I believe these countries are still visa-free as I have updated this article in April (last month) with the latest requirements. I don’t think anything would have changed in just one month. That being said, COVID-19 is affecting travel. Check if the flights have started running and these countries have started accepting tourists.

Sourav Dutta says

February 24, 2020 at 4:41 pm

I am an India Passport holder having UK BRP, trier 2 ICT visa. My wife and daughter are having dependent visa with BRP. Without applying any visa, which all countries I can travel along with my Spouse and Daughter with UK BRP and Indian passport only?

February 27, 2020 at 5:08 am

Hi Sourav! You all can use your UK BRPs to travel to quite a few countries. I have researched and updated the article to indicate if BRPs and/or ILRs can be used for these countries. Go through the list of countries and look for “Permitted residence permits” to see if a BRP is accepted to enter.

Saurabh Sal says

September 2, 2020 at 8:24 pm

Hi, you have mentioned that UK BRP card holders can travel to Romania. Unfortunately, I submitted my documents i.e Indian passport and ILR card and the consulate told me to apply for a tourist visa.

September 9, 2020 at 7:33 am

Hi Saurabh! The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania website says holders of “permanent residence permits issued by the UK or Ireland (the validity of which is of 5 years or more)” do to require a visa for Romania. All Romanian consulates must be aware of this requirement unless there is a change due to COVID travel restrictions. I suggest sending this link to the consulate and asking if it still holds true. Also, you can contact Romania MFA directly to confirm.

Mahmoud says

February 11, 2020 at 11:14 am

I have an Egyptian passport and a UK student visa. Can I visit turkey visa free?

February 17, 2020 at 5:21 am

Hi Mahmoud! It’s not visa-free, but with your Egyptian passport and UK student visa, you are eligible to apply Turkey eVisa. With your Turkey eVisa you can visit Turkey for up to 30 days.

Warda fatima says

February 3, 2020 at 4:28 pm

Hi, I live in Dubai. I have a UK Visa. I will be traveling in March to visit my sister in the UK. We plan to travel to Paris and Switzerland. Do I need to apply for a Schengen visa from here? Do I have to provide travel tickets too with hotel bookings? As my plan is not yet final. Thank you.

February 5, 2020 at 8:32 am

Hi Warda fatima! You NEED a Schengen visa to travel to France and Switzerland. You cannot use your UK visa, you must hold a Schengen visa to travel to France/Switzerland.

Yes, you must apply for your Schengen visa from Dubai. Yes, only a flight itinerary and refundable hotel bookings. You can use a visa ticket booking agency such as DummyTicket to get a flight itinerary and booking.com/Expedia for refundable hotel bookings.

C. M. Antony says

January 31, 2020 at 7:49 pm

Hi, I am an Indian national holding Indian passport working in Qatar. I have applied for UK short visit visa from Qatar VSF and got it for 180 days multiple-entry. Please confirm whether I can visit Ireland from the UK within the visa period and back to Qatar from Dublin.

February 2, 2020 at 7:33 am

Hi Antony! Yes, you can visit Ireland with your India passport and existing UK visa. But keep in mind that you can only enter and stay in Ireland within the “leave to remain” period on your UK entry stamp (not your UK visa validity period). And yes, you can return to Qatar directly from Dublin.

How long can you stay in Ireland? Explained below. Assume that you enter the UK on 01 March 2020. UK immigration officer at the airport grants you a 30-day entry (leave to remain period). That means you can stay in the UK until 30 March 2020. You stay in the UK for 10 days and you enter Ireland on 10 March 2020. You will be given a 20-day entry only in Ireland since only 20 days are remaining on “your leave to remain in the UK”. You have to leave Ireland on or before 30 March 2020.

January 28, 2020 at 8:51 pm

Hello, I am an Indian, currently in the UK on tier 5 dependent visa. I have a BRP. Do I need a visa to attend an exam in Dublin? Thanks.

February 2, 2020 at 8:46 am

Hi Nimi! Yes, you REQUIRE a visa to sit in an exam in Dublin. You need an Irish Exam Visa for that.

The Irish visa waiver program for Indians is only for those with a short-stay UK visa such as a Standard Visitor visa or a Short-term Study visa. A UK BRP cannot be used to enter Ireland.

Khaldoon says

January 26, 2020 at 8:00 am

Hi, I am a student at a UK university, holding Jordanian passport, also I have BRP. Can I travel to the mentioned countries above with my family as my children don’t have BRP because they are less 18 (9,8,4)?

February 27, 2020 at 7:08 am

Hi Khaldoon! Your children must also have a BRP or UK visa. Everyone in the family has to have either a UK BRP or UK visa to enter these countries with their Jordanian passports.

January 24, 2020 at 12:06 am

I’m having UK visit visa and I want to travel to Mexico. But I read in Mexico government website only UK permanent residence holders can enter visa-free. How can you say that UK visit visa holders can go there on a visit visa? I’m Pakistan national.

January 25, 2020 at 9:31 am

Hi Hadi! Mexico visa information is not consistent across all government websites. If you check on any Mexico consulate/embassy websites, you will see that UK visa holders can also enter Mexico visa-free. On top of that, many readers have reported that they have successfully used their UK visas to travel to Mexico.

January 17, 2020 at 2:53 am

Saudi Arabia started to allow the holders of UK Visa to get visa on arrival. Please check this link for your reference:

I am a spouse of a UK citizen holding a UK residents visa. I’m planning to visit with my wife Croatia. Do I need a visa ? If yes may I know how and where to apply for it?

January 17, 2020 at 5:06 am

Hi Abdullah! Thanks for the information. I will update the article soon.

Croatia does not honor UK visas, therefore you will have to apply for a Croatia visa. That being said, Schengen countries allow entry to spouses of UK citizens holding UK resident visas when traveling with their spouses. Croatia is not a Schengen country but honors Schengen visas. Therefore, they may allow entry to you without a visa if traveling with your spouse. So, check with the Croatian authorities first before applying for the visa.

If you have to apply for a Croatian visa, you must first apply online and then present the printed application along with documents at your nearest Croatian embassy. More information at the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

January 20, 2020 at 3:10 pm

Thank you for your kind response. May I know if Romania allows entry to spouses of UK citizens holding UK resident visas when traveling with their spouses.

January 21, 2020 at 9:39 am

I don’t have confirmed information on that. Romania is in the process to join the Schengen agreement, so they might allow. Please check with the Romanian consulate for confirmation.

January 21, 2020 at 9:43 am

Yes, you can go to Romania with spouse but not alone.

Mehmood says

January 17, 2020 at 4:57 pm

I am a Pakistani passport holder and I have US and UK visas. Can I travel to SAUDIA or can I get a visa on arrival? If anyone has confirmed information please let me know. Thanks.

January 20, 2020 at 6:19 am

Hi Mehmood! You can get Visa on Arrival at the international airports in KSA. I have spoken to authorities and they said the information is confirmed. The information was posted on the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage website. Only Saudi national airlines (Saudia, Flynas, and Saudi Gulf) have been instructed to let travelers with US/UK/Schengen visas board their flights to KSA. Therefore, you must take one of the Saudi national airlines in order to get VOA.

January 16, 2020 at 6:21 am

Hello, can I go to Romania with my UK tourist visa? Or it only applies to people that have a permanent residence permit?

January 17, 2020 at 5:40 am

Hi Adion! No. You cannot enter Romania with your UK tourist visa. It applies to those with UK residence permits valid for 5 years or more.

Preksha says

January 15, 2020 at 12:22 pm

Hi, I hold an Indian passport and UK short term study visa till 7th July 2020. Can I travel to Turkey with this visa?

January 17, 2020 at 2:41 pm

Hi Preksha! Yes, you can use your UK short-term study visa to apply for Turkey eVisa. Turkey eVisa is valid for 6 months, grants 30-day entry and costs $43.

January 7, 2020 at 4:17 pm

Hi there. I’ve used your guide and it’s been really helpful! So I thought I’d pay it forward by letting others know that you can also travel to Jordan with a UK visa valid for longer than 6 months. The information is available on the Jordanian embassy website.

January 13, 2020 at 9:44 am

Hi D! Thank you very much for the information. When I check the Jordan embassy website , it says that residence in the UK is required and tourist/visit visas are not allowed. Can you please send me the link?

Saikou Bojang says

January 7, 2020 at 12:14 am

Hi, I’m having a UK visa of 6 months with multiple entry. My question is can I travel to Sweden with it?

January 13, 2020 at 10:03 am

Hi Saikou! No. You cannot enter Sweden with a UK visa. You require a Schengen visa for Sweden.

January 7, 2020 at 12:08 am

Hi, I’m a Gambian with a UK six months visa with multiple entry. My question is, if I want to go back to UK for 3 months holidays do I need to apply for a visa or just need to buy a ticket?

January 13, 2020 at 10:07 am

Hi Saikou! If your UK visa is still valid, you can enter the UK again. You don’t need to apply for a new visa. But keep in mind that staying 3 months in the UK on a visit visa will get you into trouble while leaving the UK or re-entering.

January 2, 2020 at 3:52 pm

Hi, I am a British citizen and planned to travel to Mexico in February with my family. I appreciate if you answer my following questions:

1. My wife has a spouse visa (BRP) which expires on 05/01/2021. Can she enter Mexico with her BRP? 2. My father and mother-in-law are Iranian and having a UK visit visa which will expire on 19/06/2020. Can they travel with us to Mexico?

Thanks for your time and effort in advance.

January 4, 2020 at 8:28 am

Hi Kevin! 1. Yes. Your wife can enter Mexico with her valid BRP. She does not need a separate Mexico visa. 2. Yes. Your father and mother-in-law can also enter Mexico with their valid UK visit visas. They also do not need separate Mexico visas.

Sundram singh says

November 27, 2019 at 10:25 pm

Thanks Thirumal for replying. I have one more question. I would like to know for applying for a multi-entry tourist Schengen visa for 6 months, which European country shall I opt for the visa interview. Additionally, if I don’t have to book and show a travel ticket in advance then it would be great.

November 30, 2019 at 5:10 am

Hi Sundram! It depends on your itinerary. As per the Schengen rules, you must apply for your Schengen visa from the embassy of the country that you will enter first or stay the longest in your itinerary.

Example 1: If you plan to travel to Spain (3 days), France (3 days) and the Netherlands (3 days), then you must apply for your visa at the Spain consulate as Spain will be your first country to enter on your itinerary.

Example 2: If you plan to travel to Spain (3 days), France (5 days) and the Netherlands (3 days), then you must apply for your visa at the France consulate as you will be staying the longest in France during your travel.

Schengen country consulates recommend NOT purchasing flight tickets before your visa is approved. So, you just have to show a flight itinerary for your visa. Once your visa is approved, you can purchase your flight tickets. To get a flight itinerary for your Schengen visa, refer to my article on travel itinerary for visa application .

January 5, 2020 at 11:00 am

I’m a Nigerian, using a Nigerian passport. I have a UK 5yrs visa. Do I need a visa to visit Mexico and Romania?

January 13, 2020 at 10:18 am

Hi C! You can visit Mexico with your Nigerian passport and UK visa. But for Romania, you would require a UK residence permit. UK visa is not eligible.

Winnie says

January 3, 2022 at 10:44 am

Hi, I’m a Nigerian with a student visa in Ireland. Can I travel to the UK without a UK Visa?

January 3, 2022 at 2:47 pm

Hi Winnie! Unfortunately, no. You cannot use your Irish student visa to enter the UK. You need a UK visitor visa.

Winifred Mando says

January 5, 2022 at 4:34 pm

Thank you so much for your prompt response. In a case where I have a UK Visitor Visa, can I visit Ireland for a few days without an Ireland visa?

January 6, 2022 at 6:19 am

Yes, but you must be from those 17 eligible nationalities (listed under Ireland in this article). Another option is to ask for BIVS (British Irish Visa Scheme) endorsement on your UK visa. If you have a BIVS endorsement on your UK visa, you can travel to UK and Ireland with a single UK visa.

Sundram says

November 15, 2019 at 1:46 pm

I am Sundram (Indian passport holder), currently working in the UK (under tier-2 ICT visa). I have a BRP (residence permit) which is valid for 1 year. I would like to know, do I need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe. I am a little bit confused now since the immigration officer told me just keep Indian passport along with this BRP and then you free to travel anywhere in Europe.

November 16, 2019 at 6:12 am

Hi Sundram! UK BRP holders REQUIRE a Schengen visa to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries. There are many non-Schengen countries within the European continent that you can visit using your UK BRP. A few examples are – Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, etc. Please refer to the list of countries in this article for more information.

Anna Theresa Balatero says

July 25, 2021 at 4:14 am

Hi! Can I visit Georgia with my unused UK visa? I’m a Philippine passport holder. I wanted to use/maximize the use of my UK visa before it expires. I’m fully vaccinated of covid. I wanted to visit the UK but Unfortunately, until this moment, the UK government is not allowing visitors from the Philippines. Can you also advised what else/country I can visit right now with my unused UK visa? I’m feeling frustrated about not being able to use my UK visa.

July 29, 2021 at 5:37 am

Hi Anna! Yes, you can use your unused UK visa to enter Georgia. Georgia is only allowing vaccinated tourists, and since you are fully vaccinated, you can enter Georgia with your unused UK visa. Here are a few countries that you can enter with an unused UK visa and currently open for tourism – Turkey, Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Mexico.

nachikethas says

November 11, 2019 at 4:55 pm

Hi Thirumal! I appreciate your efforts. I have a couple of doubts though. I have a BRP card valid from 2 October 2019 till 7th April 2020 (just more than 6 months). Is this enough to go to Peru? I’m planning for the Christmas holidays. Or do I need 6 months of validity from the day I land in Peru? Also, the flights from the UK are going through Madrid. Since the carrier is the same do I need a transit Schengen visa to switch flights in Madrid?

November 15, 2019 at 1:21 pm

Hi Nachikethas! If you have a BRP with indefinite leave to remain (ILR), you can use it to enter Peru. But your BRP has an expiry and it will not be considered as “permanent residence”. You cannot use your BRP as a “visa” either since it’s not a visa “sticker” in your passport.

If you have a UK visa sticker in your passport that would be valid for at least 6 months on the day you land in Peru, you can use it to enter Peru. Otherwise, unfortunately, you cannot.

October 18, 2019 at 5:42 pm

Hi, Thank you so much for this. I am holding a Chinese passport and have UK student visa. Just wanna make sure I don’t need a visa to enter Moldova for multiple times. The link is unfortunately broken. Can you send it to me again! Many thanks!

October 19, 2019 at 4:54 am

Hi Mindy! Chinese passport holders with a valid visa from “any country in the EU” can enter Moldova. The UK is still part of the EU since the Brexit is not finalized yet.

Sorry about the broken link. Here is the link to the requirements . Scroll all the way down. Expand the section that says “The list of countries whose nationals must be in possession of visas when traveling to the Republic of Moldova”. Look for “China” in the list and read additional information.

Narjis says

September 18, 2019 at 5:41 pm

I’m Moroccan, I have a UK tourist visa of 2 years (but will expire on 10 March 2020). Which countries can I visit with that visa, please? Thank you!

September 20, 2019 at 4:35 am

Hi Narjis! You can travel to all the countries listed in this article that says “applies to all nationalities”. I will be updating the list soon, so you will have updated information for these countries.

Jeanette says

August 21, 2019 at 8:48 am

I’m a Filipino and a UK residency permit holder. Can I travel to Prague without a Schengen visa? Thanks.

August 25, 2019 at 9:50 am

Hi Jeanette! You would need a Schengen visa to travel to the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic does not honor UK visas or residence permits.

August 20, 2019 at 1:40 pm

Hi Thirumal, I have two questions that I was hoping you could answer.

I am an Indian national living in Australia as a permanent resident. I may be moving to the UK soon to start a job there. Can I travel across Europe on a UK work visa or would I need to apply for a Schengen visa from the UK?

Secondly, I am expecting to become an Australian citizen in a few months’ time. If I’m living and working in the UK while this happens, can I continue to use my Indian passport with the UK visa? I understand that I’m expected to give up my Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship but wouldn’t I lose all the visas issued to me If I did that?

August 25, 2019 at 4:33 am

Hi J! No. A UK visa cannot be used to travel across the Schengen zone. But there are some countries in Europe that you can enter using your UK visa or residence permit. Please refer to my article on VISA-FREE travel with UK visa for the list of countries.

You can keep using your India passport up to “3 months” from the date of acquiring your Australia citizenship. Using it beyond 3 months is an offense. Therefore, you will have 3 months to transfer over your UK work visa on to your Australia passport. I am not aware of the transfer procedure, so please contact UKVI.

For other unexpired visas on your India passport, you must first check if you can enter those countries without a visa with your Australia passport. If you can, then you are fine. If you can’t, please contact the embassies of those countries for the procedure to transfer those visas on to your Australia passport.

Also, you must surrender your India passport at the embassy of India in Australia within 3 years of acquiring your Australia citizenship. You will then be eligible to apply for OCI card which allows indefinite leave to remain in India.

Rafael Pagaling says

August 15, 2019 at 9:22 am

I am a Filipino with UK visa. Can I use it to visit Spain?

August 16, 2019 at 2:59 pm

Hi Rafael! You cannot use your UK visa to enter Spain. Spain is in the Schengen zone and you would need a Schengen visa.

Abdirizak says

August 9, 2019 at 8:49 pm

Hi Thirumal,

I have a 6 months visit visa to the UK. In your article, you mentioned that I can be eligible for a 30 days stay in Turkey. The question is, can I extend it to 60 or even 90?

August 12, 2019 at 9:36 am

Hi Abdirizak! Visa extension is not possible for eVisa. You can only stay for 30 days using an eVisa. If you stay longer than that on an eVisa, it can be considered as visa overstay. If you need to stay longer than 30 days in Turkey, you should apply for a pre-approved visa from the Turkish embassy or consulate.

mandal says

August 6, 2019 at 12:30 pm

Hi dear, I want to travel to Europe. I have a 11-months multiple short term student visa of UK. Can I travel to Europe on the UK visa? I’m a Mongolian passport holder.

August 7, 2019 at 1:15 pm

Hi Mandal! If your UK visa is a C-Type short stay/study visa, then yes, you can travel to the countries listed within “Europe” section such as Albania, Georgia, etc. Please note that you cannot travel to any Schengen countries as those countries require a Schengen visa.

MARY ANN SALAS says

August 6, 2019 at 9:43 am

Hi, could you please confirm if a Pakistani passport holder does not require Bahamas visa if he has a valid UK, US & Canada visa?

August 6, 2019 at 1:42 pm

Hi Mary! Unfortunately, Pakistan passport holders REQUIRE a visa for the Bahamas. Currently, the visa exemption with the US, UK or Canada visa is only for India passport holders.

July 31, 2019 at 2:57 pm

Hello Thirumal, well done with the good work you are doing here. I have two questions:

First question: I have a valid 2 years UK visa. Can I apply for a Cyprus Visa in London when I travel? I hold a Nigerian passport.

Second question: Can I stay in the UK for 6 months (the maximum time allowed) and travel out for a week and return again? Would I encounter problems coming back again?

August 3, 2019 at 8:40 am

1. I have never applied for a Cyprus visa, so I am not sure about the visa procedure. Please check with your nearest Cyprus embassy if you can apply for the visa while in the UK. 2. If you have requested your UK visa for a 6-month stay, then yes. But if you have requested your UK visa for a 2-week stay and you end up staying for 6 months in the UK, then you will face issues. You may face issues while leaving the country, entering back into the UK and even when applying for any future UK visas.

Daniel says

July 31, 2019 at 1:09 pm

Hello mate, thank you for helping everyone. I have a lot of questions there sorry haha. I am Cameroonian and I have indefinite leave to remain UK permit. 1- You said below that I don’t need a visa for Gibraltar but I don’t know how it works. Do I go with the passport and the IRL card? Are they going to put a stamp in the passport? Are they going to ask for more information about my stay? 2- Do I need a visa for Belize? 3- Do I need a visa for Mexico? 4- Do I need a visa for Romania 5- If not, is it the same process in the airport as Gibraltar? Thank you!

August 1, 2019 at 12:08 pm

1- You don’t need a visa for Gibraltar but you must meet the below requirement.

“Persons who hold indefinite leave to remain in the UK and persons who hold UK certificates of entitlement to the right of abode and have not been absent from the UK for more than 2 years.”

“Visa nationals who have a UK “certificate of entitlement to the right of abode” or “indefinite leave to remain in the UK”. The label must be in their current valid passport and not in an expired or cancelled passport;”

2- Unfortunately, Belize stopped honoring UK Residence Permits. Therefore, you cannot use your ILR card to enter Belize. (I will update the article soon) 3- Yes, you can use your ILR card to enter Mexico. 4- Yes. But you must meet the below requirement.

“The holders of permanent residence permits issued by the UK or Ireland (the validity of which is of 5 years or more). The right of stay on the territory of Romania shall not exceed the right of stay granted as per such residence permits.”

5- Yes. It’s the same process. You just have to show your current passport and ILR card.

August 3, 2019 at 3:48 pm

Thank you very much!

July 22, 2019 at 11:18 am

Hi, I have an Indian passport, married to British citizen so hold a UK spouse visa. Can I go to Barbados for a holiday? Thank you.

July 23, 2019 at 3:24 am

Hi Ruby! As far as my knowledge goes, India passport holders DO NOT REQUIRE a visa for Barbados. But there is conflicting information on the internet. I suggest contacting your nearest embassy or consulate of Barbados to confirm the requirements.

August 22, 2019 at 1:58 pm

Thanks. I have been going around in circles! The embassy website says Indians do need a visa. I called them and they said that I do not need a visa. Wikipedia says I do not. I contacted the airlines and they say I do need a visa. This is crazy!

August 26, 2019 at 5:01 am

Though the airline said that you need a visa, I’m sure they will let you board the flight. At the time of check-in, the airline staff refers to TIMATIC database to verify the visa requirements. TIMATIC says that India passport holders DO NOT REQUIRE a visa. Therefore, you will be allowed to board your flight to Barbados. Here is the link to TIMATIC on United Airlines if you like to verify and carry a print with you.

NOTE: TIMATIC is a paid service accessible only to airlines’ staff. Only a few airlines make it available to their passengers. One of them is United Airlines. It’s fine to take a print from United Airlines’ website even if your boarding airline is different.

July 19, 2019 at 2:09 pm

Hi, I just want to be clear. I am a Jamaican passport holder and my children have British passports. I have a UK limited leave to remain (biometric residence permit BPR) visa for 2.5 years which I renew every 2.5 years I am now on my third one as I am on a 10-year route to settlement as a parent and I am a UK resident. Can I use my BPR to travel to Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Island without the need to apply for a visa for those countries?

July 22, 2019 at 10:55 am

Hi Keema! Yes, you can use your UK BRP to travel to both Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands. For the Cayman Islands, you must fly directly from the UK to the Cayman Islands. Turks and Caicos don’t have such requirement, therefore you can fly into Turks and Caicos from anywhere.

Andrew says

July 19, 2019 at 12:26 pm

Hello sir! I am a Filipino with a UK permanent residence card issued at march 2011 and will expire in march 2021. I plan to travel to Romania but their website says that the permit must be valid for 5 years. I am not sure whether they mean valid for the next five years or with a total validity of 5 years since issue. Is it still possible to travel with my residence permit? Thank you!

July 22, 2019 at 10:48 am

Hi Andrew! It is the total validity of your permit. Residence permits that are issued with a validity of 5 or more years are eligible. Therefore, you can use your UK residence permit to enter Romania.

YOUSUF IQBAL says

July 16, 2019 at 1:50 pm

Hello Sir, I am traveling to the UK on visit visa type C. I intend to visit turkey for a week during my stay in the UK and want to return back to the UK before I go back to Pakistan. Is it possible on my visit visa? Would greatly appreciate your reply. Thank you.

July 19, 2019 at 10:57 am

Hi Yousuf! Since you have a valid UK visa, you are eligible to apply for Turkey eVisa. If your Turkey eVisa is approved, then you can enter Turkey with the eVisa.

July 19, 2019 at 11:09 am

Thank you so much sir for your reply. Will I then be able to come back to the UK from Turkey if my visa is valid. I have multiple entry UK visa. Regards

July 19, 2019 at 11:58 am

Yes. You can enter the UK again with your visa since your visa is multiple-entry.

swathi says

July 15, 2019 at 6:16 am

Hi Thirumal, can I know if a person holding an Indian passport? He is travelling from London to USA (ticket issued from India). Can we issue travel insurance from India? If not Why. Kindly help with this information.

July 16, 2019 at 1:05 am

Hi Swathi! Yes, you can purchase travel insurance from India though you are traveling to the US from the UK.

July 11, 2019 at 11:49 pm

I was recently refused a UK visa even though I had a 5 yrs US visa but never travelled with it. After the UK refusal, I got a 5 yr Canada visa too. I have since travelled to the US and Canada. What are my chances of getting the UK visa if I reapply?

July 12, 2019 at 12:57 pm

Hi Jaime! You have very good chances. But, your previous UK visa refusal could be a red flag. I suggest improving your travel history a bit more to compensate for that. Also, make sure you are “not making” any of the mistakes outlined in the article – UK visa refusal reasons .

Abiola says

June 26, 2019 at 7:26 am

Good day sir! You are really doing a great job. Please am a Nigerian and want to travel to Dublin with my UK 6 month visa. What will I need? And what is B I V S?

June 26, 2019 at 9:49 pm

Hi Abiola! Nigeria passport holders REQUIRE a visa for Ireland. You CANNOT use their UK visa to travel to Ireland unless the UK visa has BIVS. If you have a UK visa with BIVS, then you can travel to Ireland.

BIVS means, British Irish Visa Scheme. It’s a single visa for both UK and Ireland. You have to ask for BIVS at the time of applying for UK or Irish visa. Then you will be issued a visa with BIVS.

June 23, 2019 at 5:21 am

Firstly thanks a very nice and informative article. My parents have a 3-year Australian visitor/family visa, could they visit the UK on any visa exemption?

Really appreciate your response.

Regards, Kiran

June 23, 2019 at 6:39 pm

Hi Kiran! Unfortunately, they would need a UK tourist visa to visit the UK. They cannot use their Australia visa.

NOTE: There is a 24-hour entry provision for Australia visa holders but that is only when transiting through the UK while heading to Australia.

June 15, 2019 at 6:39 am

Hi there, I am from the Philippines holding a c-visit visa. Are all your list of countries above updated for the visa-free travel? I would like to visit Bosnia next week but I’m not sure whether I can go travel without having to apply for a separate visa. Many thanks!

June 16, 2019 at 11:55 pm

Hi April! I have updated this article in March but I haven’t found any changes since then. I suggest making a list of countries that you would be visiting in this trip and then using the links (official sources) I have provided to verify the requirements.

Prathik says

June 14, 2019 at 10:04 am

Hi, I have an Indian passport and a UK Tier 4 student visa with a BRP valid till October 2020. I have a university trip to France for 2 weeks. Is my BRP sufficient or will I need to apply for a Schengen Visa? Thank you.

June 14, 2019 at 9:00 pm

Hi Prathik! You need to apply for a Schengen visa. You cannot use your UK BRP to enter France (Schengen zone).

June 12, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Hi there. I have a Nigerian passport. Can I travel to the UK with a Canada visitor visa and or travel to Canada with a UK visitor visa. Thanks for your time.

June 12, 2019 at 4:44 pm

Hi King! Unfortunately, no. You CANNOT travel to the UK with Canada visa or Canada with a UK visa. There is a 24-hour entry provision at London’s Heathrow airport. If you are traveling to Canada via London’s Heathrow airport, you can request for a 24-hour entry at the Heathrow airport.

June 10, 2019 at 5:53 am

I want to travel to Ireland, Europe. Can I travel with a UK tourist visa to Ireland? And if yes, then there is one past rule that after or within 6 months you have to enter UK for at least once. And a Schengen visa is required or not.

June 10, 2019 at 10:10 pm

Hi Piyu! You can travel to Ireland with a UK visa. But there are two types of UK visas and the rules are different.

UK short stay visa: If you have this visa, you must first enter the UK. From there, you can enter Ireland by land or air. Your stay in Ireland must be within the “leave to enter” time specified in the UK entry stamp. UK short stay visa with BIVS: If you have this visa, you can enter Ireland any time. You don’t have to enter the UK at all.

A Schengen visa cannot be used for Ireland as Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone. You would need an Irish tourist visa.

Anandakumar says

June 1, 2019 at 7:27 pm

Dear Thirumal, Thanks for sharing this blog. It was really useful it worked well for me.

I travelled – Serbia – Bosnia – Montenegro – Albania – Macedonia – And Turkey (evisa) With my UK multiple entry Visa Thanks again!

June 4, 2019 at 2:25 am

Hi Ananda Kumar! That’s fantastic! I’m glad the article was useful in your travel through those countries. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Mshoaib says

May 24, 2019 at 10:59 am

Dear, I have a UK visitor visa. After attending my business meeting, can I go around for the six months to allowed countries from the UK?

Another question is whether Malaysia is on the list? If not, what is the legal process to visit Malaysia after being entered to the UK in visit visa?

May 27, 2019 at 11:41 pm

Hi Mshoaib! Yes, you can travel to the countries listed in this article with your UK visa after your business meeting in the UK.

You cannot use your UK visa to enter Malaysia. You would need a Malaysia visa. You can refer to my Malaysia visa guide for more details.

Muhammad Zargham Haider says

May 22, 2019 at 9:36 am

Hi, I am Zargham from Pakistan. I got a UK visit visa (6-Month). I want to visit Turkey on my way back from the UK to Pakistan. As per your suggestion, I will have to obtain E-Visa for Turkey or I can have a transit visa while traveling back through Turk Air.

Please also guide if I get Russian visit visa, are there other countries I can visit too?

May 22, 2019 at 3:40 pm

Hi Zargham! Yes, you can obtain eVisa for Turkey using your UK visa. I’m not aware of the transit visa facility by Turk Air. So, I cannot comment on that.

Unfortunately, Russian visa does not give access to any other countries.

May 20, 2019 at 6:07 pm

Hello, I have a UK six month visa and I am planning to travel to Dublin from London for 2 days. I am an Indian citizen but applied for the UK visitor visa from the UAE (I live in Dubai). Will I be able to travel to Dublin? visa type is UKVI05 multiple entries valid for 180 days, C visit.

May 22, 2019 at 4:05 am

Hi Cruz! Yes, you can enter Ireland from the UK using your UK short stay visa. No separate visa for Ireland is necessary. Make sure you follow the below two rules –

– Must have entered the UK and went through the UK immigration before entering Ireland – Must enter Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different than visa expiry date)

Sameera Buddhika says

May 9, 2019 at 1:27 pm

Hi Mr. Thirumal I have a previous UK student visa, and now it has expired. I am a Sri Lankan passport holder. So, is there any European countries that I can travel with that previous visa? Thank you in advance!

May 10, 2019 at 10:09 pm

Hi Sameera! Unfortunately, no. All countries in Europe require the UK visa to be valid.

There are one or two countries in this list (non-European) that accept expired visas. One of them being Taiwan, but their visa exemption with a UK visa is not applicable to Sri Lankan passport holders.

Dr Jayanti mehta says

May 8, 2019 at 10:41 am

Dear sir/Madam, I have UK/USA & CANADA multiple tourist visas. How many countries I can travel visa-free? I have returned confirmed air tickets. Please guide me I want to travel in June/July & August 2019. Thanks.

May 8, 2019 at 2:41 pm

Hi Dr. Mehta! With your UK, US and Canada visas, you can travel up to 37 countries. I suggest referring to the below articles along with this article.

– VISA-FREE countries for US visa – How to make your weak passport strong

May 3, 2019 at 3:46 pm

Thanks bro! You are doing an amazing job. Today I got an email confirmation from Costa Rica embassy in London. I share with you. so it might help you to advise. Again thanks!

Email received on:- 03 May 2019 Dear Mr. Patel,

Holders of a UK residence permit can go without a consular visa, provided the residence card is valid for 6 months from the day of entry into Costa Rica, and could be allowed to stay up to 30 days.

You need to show a return ticket or ongoing travel, hotel reservation and proof of financial means (credit cards), if requested.

Jorge Aguilar Minister Counsellor and Consul General Embassy of Costa Rica 23 Woodstock Street, Mayfair London W1C 2AS, United Kingdom phone 020 7629 3111

May 3, 2019 at 6:44 pm

Hi Sunny! Thanks for the information and the email! Very useful! I will advise our readers/community accordingly. Thanks again!

May 2, 2019 at 7:23 pm

But Brexit is not done yet the UK still part of the EU. I called Costa Rica embassy in London today. The lady was on phone, she said you are good to go with out visa but it’s so confusing man. Please find some information for me. Thanks!

May 2, 2019 at 10:31 pm

Hi Sunny! If it’s confusing for just one country, imagine how confusing it would be to update this entire article. Brexit, it’s delays and extensions are causing confusion to many countries and travelers. I’m waiting for official information from these countries whether they allow UK visa, but I guess they are waiting for the final word on Brexit as well.

Anyways, you are told that you are good to use your UK visa. Enjoy your trip to Costa Rica!

May 2, 2019 at 3:43 pm

Hello, I have UK student visa valid till October 2020. We planned to visit Costa Rica on 27 May. So with Indian passport can we travel without a visa?

May 2, 2019 at 6:16 pm

Hi Sunny! Unfortunately, NO. Costa Rica allowed residence permits from any country in the EU. But the UK ceased to be in the EU and therefore UK residence permits are not eligible for Costa Rica anymore.

NOTE: I’m yet to update this article after Brexit. I’m making my best efforts to update it as soon as I can.

Amir Iqbal says

May 2, 2019 at 10:54 am

Hello, I hold a Schengen student visa and a UK tourist visa on my Indian passport. I need to travel to Dubai, as per the blog’s info I do not need UAE visa. Do I need to undergo any other formalities before my travel? Thanks for answering.

May 2, 2019 at 6:07 pm

Hi Amir! YOU NEED A VISA for UAE. You cannot use your UK tourist visa. You would need a UK residence permit.

April 28, 2019 at 5:39 am

Hi, I am an Indian passport holder and wanted to check if I can go to Bermuda with a UK visitor visa (C category for 6 months) from India. Further, do I need to file for a Bermuda eVisa online also?

April 29, 2019 at 8:37 pm

Hi Ish! If you hold a “multiple-entry” UK visitor visa, you can enter Bermuda without needing a separate visa. Refer to the official information on Government of Bermuda website.

Dr Purushottam Padala says

April 27, 2019 at 12:32 pm

Hi Thirumal. You are doing a great job helping out on this lovely blog.

I and all my family have a Permanent residence (PR) visa to the UK on my Indian passport. This visa was issued 12 yrs ago on my previous passport, which I always keep stapled to my new passport so that whenever I travel to the UK I do not have a problem.

Can I travel to the Schengen area on my UK PR without visa requirement especially so because it is on my old passport?

Although you have mentioned one can, there is information to the contrary on the web that you need a Schengen visa.

I also have a 10 yr B1/B2 to the US on my new passport, if it helps to visit Schengen without a visa.

Thanks in advance

April 30, 2019 at 9:01 pm

Hi Dr. Purushottam! Unfortunately, you CANNOT use your UK PR or US B1/B2 visa to enter any country in the Schengen zone. You would need a Schengen visa to travel to any Schengen country.

April 17, 2019 at 1:50 am

I am from Nigeria and I have a UK visitors visa. I’ve used it a lot and I’d like to know if I can go to Romania without having to apply for a Romanian visa for tourism.

April 17, 2019 at 6:58 pm

Hi Ayo! No, you CANNOT use your UK visitor visa to enter Romania. You would need a UK Residence Permit to enter Romania.

April 8, 2019 at 9:36 am

Hi Is this list valid for people holding a UK BRP (Bio metric residence permit) valid for 2 years. It’s normally issued if you are working in UK but not a permanent resident.

April 8, 2019 at 11:33 pm

Hi Adil! Yes, the list is applicable for UK BRP holders as well. First, go through the article and prepare a list of countries you want to visit. Then go through the official sources to make sure your BRP can be used. Visa requirements constantly change and it’s very difficult for me to keep the list up to date. You will have to do your due diligence as well before traveling to these countries.

Ibrahim Taiwo says

April 8, 2019 at 3:05 am

Please can i travel to any Schengen countries with my UK visit visa.

And which Schengen country is that.

April 8, 2019 at 8:47 pm

Hi Ibrahim! No, you CANNOT travel to Schengen countries with a UK visa. You would need a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen country.

April 7, 2019 at 6:25 pm

Good day sir!

Please, can I travel with the UK visit visa to all the countries mentioned? Please, I want to know the countries I can visit with UK VISIT VISA without a visa.

April 7, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Hi Ibrahim! Yes, you can visit all the countries in this article with your UK visit visa. There have been some changes since last month as the UK ceased to be part of the EU because of Brexit. I haven’t received updates from some countries and the updates are still pending. Therefore, make a list of countries that you like to travel with your UK visa and let me know. I can check and confirm that you can use your UK visa for those countries.

Prasanth says

April 2, 2019 at 10:29 am

Thanks Thirumal for the quick response

April 1, 2019 at 7:11 am

I am indian passport holder with a UK BRP card valid for another 2 years, from the above i see that i should apply for a evisa to the above countries you mentioned through their respective consulate websites if i need to travel.

Is there any country(Asian/European) for which i can travel without visa at all since i hold the residence to UK.

Thank you Prasanth

April 2, 2019 at 1:01 am

Hi Prasanth! You are VISA EXEMPT (without visa) for the above countries if holding a UK visa, except Turkey (eVisa), Oman (eVisa), Qatar (eTA) and Taiwan (eTA).

August 9, 2019 at 2:13 pm

I have a UK 5 years visa. Can I go to Ireland alone?

August 12, 2019 at 9:50 am

Hi Atif! You cannot go to Ireland directly with your UK visa. You have to enter the UK first and then go to Ireland by land or air. Also, you must hold a passport listed under “14. Ireland”

NOTE: If you have a UK visa with BIVS, then you can go to Ireland without going to the UK first. This applies to all nationalities.

August 12, 2019 at 4:37 pm

Dear, I have pre-settlement visa 5 years card. Where I can go on that without a visa? Thanks for your quick response.

August 14, 2019 at 7:43 am

Hi Atif! I don’t know much about the pre-settlement visa. If it’s a “residence permit”, then you may be able to visit the countries listed out in “VISA-FREE travel with UK Permanent Residency”.

Inayat says

March 30, 2019 at 7:27 pm

I am travelling to Mexico and as I hold a Standard Visa of UK. I don’t need a separate Mexico visa. As the embassy site clarifies that I would not need one. Do you agree? Just want to have a double confirmation. I hold a Pakistani passport. Appreciate your help.

March 30, 2019 at 9:38 pm

Hi Inayat! Different Mexico consulate sites are saying differently on the UK visa. I have had many readers use their UK visas without any issues so far.

MOHAMMED says

March 27, 2019 at 12:26 pm

You cannot go to Bosnia and Herzegovina with a UK VISA, you can visit Bosnia and Herzegovina only by schengen or USA visa or residence permit… Please try to be accurate next time and thanks for your effort…

March 28, 2019 at 3:18 am

Hi Mohammed! Thanks for the update! UK ceased to be a member of EU from this month due to Brexit. Therefore Bosnia and Herzegovina do not honor UK visas anymore. I will be updating the article this week and I’m waiting for official confirmations from some more countries.

Regarding being accurate next time, first of all, it’s highly impossible to be up to date with 200+ countries’ visa requirements for 200+ nationalities. That is close to 40,000 individual visa requirements. I continuously check with authorities, but not all 200+ countries respond in a timely fashion. There may be inaccuracies due to such delays.

March 23, 2019 at 5:15 am

Hi, are you saying you dont need a visa to Qatar if you have UK visa? My husband and kids (Nigeria passport holders) had UK visa and they wanted to go to Qatar from London but the airline staff asked them to present their Qatar visa before they can be checked in.

March 24, 2019 at 1:00 am

Hi Okin! Even if you hold a UK visa, you would need to first apply for Qatar eTA. With an approved eTA, you can get Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the arriving airport in Qatar. If you do not hold an approved eTA from Qatar, the airline will not allow you to board the plane.

If you read carefully, I have clearly mentioned that “Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then avail Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar”

March 18, 2019 at 11:14 pm

I am a Nigerian passport holder on a UK tier 4 student visa currently studying in the UK. My question is, can I apply for a US visa from the American embassy here in UK or as a UK visa holder will I be allowed to just travel to the US for a short visit without a valid US visa .

March 19, 2019 at 5:58 am

Hi Sonia! Yes, you can apply for a US visa from the UK. And no, you cannot use your UK visa to enter the US. You would need a US visa.

March 14, 2019 at 4:49 am

Hi, what are the countries near to United Kingdom you can visit if you have a UK- visit visa from Dubai? Holding a Philippine passport.

March 15, 2019 at 8:39 pm

Hi Mitch! You can visit Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and Qatar with Philippines passport and UK visa. These countries are all near to the UK and UAE.

March 13, 2019 at 9:00 am

Hi I am a Kosovo citizen I have 6 mounth Touristic Uk visa can I travel in country such as Bermuda, Turks and Caicos and Mexico?

March 14, 2019 at 3:20 am

Hi Arba! Yes, if you hold a Kosovo passport and valid UK visa, you can travel to Bermuda, Turks and Caicos and Mexico.

Oyewale says

March 1, 2019 at 7:03 pm

I am a Nigerian currently in uk with a Nigeria passport can I apply for Ireland visa from England?

March 1, 2019 at 9:22 pm

Hi Oyewale! Yes, you can apply for Ireland visa from England.

March 1, 2019 at 12:30 am

Hi thirumal Great article Im British and my wife has Indian passport with dependent visa (brp) She will be a permanent resident next year Does she qualify for the visa free countries on her current visa? Many thanks

March 1, 2019 at 6:11 pm

Hi Biju! Yes, your wife qualifies for VISA-FREE travel to all of the countries in the list, except Ireland. Ireland requires a UK short stay C-Type visa. But your wife can secure an Irish visa easily as there are special provisions for those with UK long stay visas.

February 24, 2019 at 10:01 pm

Hello Thirumal! I have a Thai passport and also UK tourist visa that is multiple entry and valid for 6 months. I am a US resident travelling from New York to England. My question is, can I visit Dublin after England? Or I can only visit north Ireland? Please help me. I am so confused now.

February 25, 2019 at 2:52 am

Hi Lali! With your Thai passport and UK visa, you can enter Dublin (Ireland). If you follow the below rules, you can enter Ireland using your UK visa.

Rules – Your UK visa must be a UK short stay visa – When you enter the UK, you will be given an entry stamp in your passport. Check the “date of exit” on that stamp. You can only enter and remain in Ireland (including Dublin) within that “date of exit” given by the UK. – The entry in Ireland will be up to 90 days or until the “date of exit” on the UK entry stamp, whichever is shorter

Note: “Northern Ireland” is part of the United Kingdom itself. Whereas, “Ireland” is a separate country and needs an Irish visa. But you can enter “Ireland” with your “UK” visa by following the above rules.

Aiisha says

February 21, 2019 at 9:30 pm

Hello! I have a Gambia passport. I have a UK resident. Please, can you tell Switzerland or any country is visa-free? Thanks!

February 22, 2019 at 6:10 pm

Hi Aiisha! Unfortunately, you would need a “Schengen visa” for Switzerland.

With your Gambia passport and UK residence permit, you can travel to all the countries listed out in this article that says “applies to all passport holders”.

February 18, 2019 at 4:08 pm

Hi, I have a UK residents permit that allows me to live and work in the UK. So this means I can travel to Bermuda without applying for a Bermuda visa?

February 18, 2019 at 5:53 pm

Hi Ugo! Yes, you can travel to Bermuda using your UK residence permit. You do not need a separate visa for Bermuda.

Pratibha Sharma says

February 12, 2019 at 1:57 pm

Hi, Could you provide official webpage link where it confirm that UK work permit holder do not need Costa Rica visa?

February 13, 2019 at 7:04 pm

Hi Pratibha! The three official links for Costa Rica in this article confirms that a “legal permanence” in any EU country (UK is part of EU until the end of March 2019). There are specific rules for work permits, so please read the fine print before planning your trip to Costa Rica.

Here is the official information according to the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC –

“You have permanent residence (Greencard holder), a student visa (F1, J1), a work visa (H1B, G4, L1, EB-1, etc.) in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, and countries members of the EUROPEAN UNION (those residence cards issued in a language other than Spanish or English must be translated into Spanish.”

Phuong says

February 12, 2019 at 10:56 am

Hello Thirumal

I am so happy to find this article of yours and to realize how many more countries I can visit with my UK tourist visa. As a Vietnamese I have to admit our passport is pretty much useless. As much as I appreciate this blog post so much, do you mind if I translate to Vietnamese and share this article on my blog (crediting you and your blog)? I am sure this will be very helpful to others as well (although the 1st step – obtaining a UK tourist visa is very challenging haha).

Thank you again

February 13, 2019 at 6:15 pm

Hi Phuong! Thanks! I can understand. I actually spent over 6 months in Vietnam. I have several friends there and we had many conversations on this topic. Vietnam’s economy and tourism is growing. I hope the Vietnamese passport becomes stronger in the coming years.

Yes, please go ahead. It would be great if my article helps fellow Vietnamese travelers.

Manisha Arora says

February 8, 2019 at 4:40 pm

Thanks for all the information. Although I think I understand from your post but I still want to clarify.

I am on H1B US visa, do I need UK visitor visa to visit UK?

Thanks in advance Manisha

February 8, 2019 at 6:50 pm

Hi Manisha! Yes, you would NEED a UK visitor visa to visit the UK. You CANNOT use your US H1B visa to enter the UK as a tourist.

But, if you are traveling to the US and transiting through London’s Heathrow, you can request for a 24-hour entry at the Heathrow airport. Many of my readers were able to get the 24-hour entry without any issues. You can try this if you have a long layover in London.

Carlo Paulo says

January 30, 2019 at 10:27 am

I recently have been approved of a UK visitor Visa, and i was planning on travelling the Balkans this June 2019 (Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania). All of the 4 countries except for Bosnia & Herzegovina had mentioned on their Ministry of foreign affairs website that “holders of a VALID UK Visa” can enter their country. BH mentioned “valid visa issued by the EU”, so i guessed that since Brexit is on end of MARCH 2019, i can no longer visit BH in June. am i correct on this one?

I am a PH passport holder and a resident in Qatar. i’m planning to travel during EID (June 5, and the cheapest flight (via Pegasus Airlines) on that day is to SARAJEVO, BH.

waiting for your response.

January 30, 2019 at 5:14 pm

Hi Carlo! I believe the countries that say “valid visa issued by any EU country” will soon update their terms to include “valid UK visa”. A UK visa is a strong visa and these countries would definitely honor UK visa. It’s just a matter of time. I’m actually waiting for the official statements from these countries so I can update this article.

But in your case, I suggest contacting BH consulate and asking about the UK visa in June. They probably know the changes coming up in March 2019. If they aren’t sure, then getting a BH visa would be a smart move.

January 29, 2019 at 3:44 pm

Hi Thirumal, thank you for such useful information. You mention permanent residency. I am studying in the UK, I have Biometric Resident Permit (BRP). Am I a UK resident? I am from Vietnam. In particular, with my BRP (valid until end of March 2020), can I travel to Costa Rica and Romania (tourism purpose) without these countries’ visa?

January 29, 2019 at 5:30 pm

Hi Linh! If your BRP is a residence card (not a sticker in your passport), then yes, you can use it to enter Costa Rica. Your BRP must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of arrival in Costa Rica. I suggest traveling to Costa Rica before March 2019 as the UK ceases to be in EU. The Costa Rica visa exemption is currently only for EU permanent residents.

For Romania, your BRP must have been issued for 5 or more years. I know it expires in 2020, but you didn’t mention when it was issued. Here is the official statement from the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The holders of permanent residence permits issued by the UK or Ireland (the validity of which is of 5 years or more).”

January 21, 2019 at 10:20 am

Hi Thirumal!

Thanks for such a helpful post! Quick question: I have a valid 2 year multiple entry visa for the UK and according to many different sources (including yours), all I need is a tourist card to visit Cuba. However, after ringing up the Cuban consulate in London, they said that everyone needs a proper visa to visit Cuba even UK nationals. I am severely confused. If that were the case, surely it should have been updated on the internet? I hold a Pakistani passport.

Regards, AK

January 21, 2019 at 5:10 pm

Hi AK! Quite a few readers of mine were able to travel to Cuba with a US/Canada/UK visas. They were India, Bangladesh and Philippines passport holders.

There seems to be confusion around Tourist Card (also called Travel Card) and A1 visa. Both are being referred to as “visa” by consulates and travel agents.

My source of information from Cuba so far has been the TIMATIC database . Since it’s a paid service and Airlines depend on this service for visa requirements, I would say, go with TIMATIC.

Note: The UK soon ceases to be in the EU. You can still use your UK visa for some of these countries including Cuba till March 2019. I will update this article in March with the most up to date information.

Nandakumar Balasubrayalu says

January 7, 2019 at 4:30 pm

Hello, my parents are visiting the UK and have visited the UK many times before. They have a Type C Visitors visa. Are they eligible to apply for Turkish Evisa when they are in the UK? At the time they will be holding an Indian passport with Type C visitors visa from the UK.

January 7, 2019 at 9:10 pm

Hi Nandakumar! Yes, your parents are eligible to apply for Turkish eVisa as they hold a valid UK short stay visa. They just have to make sure that their UK visas are still valid at the time of entering Turkey.

Oluseyi says

January 4, 2019 at 10:03 am

Hi Thirumal you are going a very good job, i have valid UK 6months Visa and i’m planning to travel to Gibraltar January 20th do i still have to apply for Gibraltar visa? thanks you very much for your swift response

January 4, 2019 at 4:02 pm

Hi Oluseyi! You can use your UK visa to enter Gibraltar. You do not need a separate visa.

Keep in mind that you have to fly directly into Gibraltar. If you plan to fly to Spain first and enter Gibraltar by road, you would also need a Schengen visa to enter Spain.

Rizwan ullah says

January 7, 2019 at 11:24 pm

Hi, I m Rizwan from Pakistan having a C- visit visa on my passport, may I visit to Gibraltar as well without having schengen visa

January 8, 2019 at 3:24 am

Hi Rizwan! Yes, you can visit Gibraltar with your UK visa. You don’t need a Schengen visa if you fly into Gibraltar directly from the UK. But if you fly into Spain first and then enter Gibraltar by land, you would need a Schengen visa since you are entering Spain.

Talaat says

December 27, 2018 at 2:17 pm

Hi Thiruma,

Thanks for this useful post, I hold a national permanent residency card in EU which has been issued in Hungary and I have a valid UK visa.

I am planning to travel with my wife who is an EU citizen to ( Dublin ) Ireland for a vacation.

Am I exempted from applying for a visa or do I still need to apply?

I hold Egypt passport, Thank you

December 31, 2018 at 4:26 am

Hi Talaat! Ireland offers visa waiver for certain passport holders with UK visas. Unfortunately, Egypt is not on that list. Also, Ireland is not part of the Schengen zone, so you can’t use your residency permit from Hungary. Therefore, you would need to apply for an Ireland tourist visa to enter Ireland.

Asad Khan says

December 25, 2018 at 11:35 am

I had to apply for a South Korean tourist visa in Germany even though I still have a valid UK visa. However, proper listed documents were still checked required by the embassy. In any case, having a visa from OECD country eases the whole process for the South Korean Visa. I did not have to show any Income tax returns in Germany. On the other hand, it was a mandatory requirement from a native country Pakistan.

December 25, 2018 at 6:58 pm

Hi Asad! Thanks for the information! Yeah, unfortunately, you cannot use your UK visa to enter South Korea. There was a mention of 30 EU country visas on Hi Korea portal, but when I enquired with the consulates, they all said the visa waiver applied to only US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand visa holders.

But, it is good to know that having a visa from an OECD country eases the visa process. Building travel history and getting visas from countries such as US, UK, Canada, etc definitely makes a “weak” passport stronger.

Good luck and have a great time in South Korea!

TARUN BANERJEE says

December 14, 2018 at 4:13 pm

Hi Thirumal … how are you ? i have 2 question just couple of days back i have recieved my UK visa with BIVS endorsed on my passport … so the first question is can you please tell me if i travel to Ireland for 2-3 days from UK will they put a proper sticker visa or just stamp once i arrive dublin airport. Second question is some travel agents told me if i want to visit Romania as a tourist i must have US/UK/CANADA OR SCHENGEN visa valid in my passport is that true ?

December 15, 2018 at 12:59 am

Hi Tarun! I’m doing good. How are you? When you arrive in Dublin, you will receive an entry “stamp” in your passport. No visa sticker will be issued since you already have a UK visa with BIVS.

To visit Romania, you would need either a multiple-entry Schengen visa or a UK permanent residence permit. Romania DOES NOT honor US or Canada visas.

February 15, 2019 at 12:10 pm

Good day you mean one can travel to Ireland if you a UK Visa with bivs endorsement,I am a Nigerian passport holder I have 10 years valid visa

February 15, 2019 at 6:00 pm

Hi Oyewale! Yes, if you have a Nigeria passport and a UK visa with BIVS endorsement, you can visit Ireland. Actually, you can go back and forth between the UK and Ireland as BIVS is considered a unified visa for both UK and Ireland.

Ragu Prasad says

December 1, 2018 at 12:23 pm

Hi Thirumal, that’s an exhaustive list of useful information. I would like to know whether i can visit US from UK if i am having all the below 1. Indian Passport 2. UK Work Permit VISA 3. US Business VISA

December 1, 2018 at 5:52 pm

Hi Ragu! Yes, you can visit US from the UK since you already have a US visa. You can travel to the US from anywhere in the world (including the UK). It doesn’t have to be from your home country.

December 3, 2018 at 4:55 am

Thanks for the clarification Thirumal!

Ashwin says

November 27, 2018 at 5:25 pm

I am travelling to Mexico and as I hold a Standard Visa of UK. I don’t need a separate Mexico visa. As the embassy site clarifies that I would not need one. Do you agree? Just want to have a double confirmation. I hold a Indian passport. Appreciate your help.

November 28, 2018 at 2:49 am

Hi Ashwin! Agree. You DO NOT need a separate Mexico visa since you already hold a valid UK visa. You can enter Mexico with your UK visa.

November 28, 2018 at 9:55 am

In addition, Can you guide me on cost effective route to Mexico from India using the UK visa? I looked at few routes and a found a route from Canada, so for that I will require a transit visa. Can I use the UK visa to apply for Canada transit visa. Mexico as the destination country?

November 29, 2018 at 6:37 pm

Hi Ashwin! I suggest you look for flights that transit via France or England. – India passport holders do not need a transit visa to transit through France. – You already have a UK visa, so transiting or changing airports in the UK is not a problem for you. – Search from all big cities in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, etc) to both Mexico City and Cancun. Flights to Cancun are sometimes cheaper from Europe. Here is an example, one-way flight from Mumbai to Cancun via the UK for $700 USD.

randy j says

December 2, 2018 at 5:20 am

Hi Thirumal! Glad you are helping everyone. Can you help me with this? I have a valid UK visa. I am going to Mexico and the layover is in Canada. I intentionally want to go this route. I am applying for a Canada transit visa, but they are asking for a valid visa for the final destination (Mexico). What do I provide them? I am confused since Mexico visa is not required for UK visa holders.

December 2, 2018 at 6:06 pm

Hi Randy! I suggest providing a copy of your UK visa along with a print of visa requirements from the Mexico consulate page. Make sure to highlight the text in the requirements that says that you can use your UK visa to enter Mexico. This makes it easy for visa officers to understand the Mexico visa requirements easily.

Also, make sure to mention that you will be using your UK visa to enter Mexico in your cover letter.

December 2, 2018 at 7:44 am

Such a great help and information you have passed on Thanks alot Thirumal.

Regards, Ashwin

November 23, 2018 at 4:48 am

I am travelling to London in December, and plan to visit Ireland (Dublin) thereafter.

As per what I checked on the web, I don’t need separate Ireland visa. I have a multiple-entry visitor visa (C) to Uk.

But your site says we need BIVS stamp – I don’t have that,

November 25, 2018 at 1:08 am

Hi Nanda! As far as my knowledge goes, you would need BIVS endorsed on your UK visa in order to travel to Ireland. When you say that you checked on the web, what websites are you referring to?

November 29, 2018 at 5:58 am

This is the Visa Waiver Programme , as distinct from the BIVS

November 29, 2018 at 5:07 pm

I apologize! You are correct, Nanda. You can travel to Ireland from the UK using the Visa Waiver Programme.

Thanks for pointing it out! I see the distinction between VWP and BIVS clearly now. I will update the article accordingly. Please let me know how it goes in December. So, I can help others better. Thanks again!

Olufemi Akinyemi says

November 20, 2018 at 8:49 am

I think someone can travel to Israel with UK valid Visa

November 25, 2018 at 1:01 am

Hi Olufemi! I’m not aware of any such visa exemption with UK visa for Israel. Where did you get this information from? Do you have a link to the official information?

Olufemi Akinyemu says

November 19, 2018 at 7:17 pm

I have 2years UK C class valid visa, planning to visit Gibraltar by next 12days. I booked my hotel at Tarifa, 10 miles away from Gibraltar. Can my UK visa allow me to stay in Tarifa hotel? I later noticed that Tarifa is in Spain

November 24, 2018 at 11:28 pm

Hi Olufemi! If your hotel is in Spain, then it’s in the Schengen zone. Therefore, you would need a Schengen visa to enter Spain and stay in that hotel.

If you are flying into Gibralter using your UK visa and then taking a taxi to your hotel in Spain, then you will be entering the Schengen Zone en route your hotel.

I suggest you call the hotel and check with them to be clear.

November 15, 2018 at 12:26 pm

Can a philippino passport holder with a 3 year work visa in uk with nhs visit ireland without a visa?

November 28, 2018 at 2:57 am

Hi Sarah! The UK visa must be a short stay (C-type) visa with BIVS endorsed on it. Also, Philippines passport holders are not eligible for the BIVS scheme.

August 12, 2024 at 4:56 pm

I’m a Philippine passport holder with UK C visa (Short stay visa) multiple entry for 6 months. I was able to enter Cork/Dublin using my UK visit visa.

August 13, 2024 at 2:12 pm

Hi Mei! Thanks for updating us! I’m glad you were able to visit Cork/Dublin using your UK visit visa.

Lewis Ose says

November 12, 2018 at 10:20 pm

Hello, can one travel to Scotland with a UK C-visit visa….I am from Nigeria

November 13, 2018 at 11:17 pm

Yes, Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. Your UK C-type visa entitles travel to the entire United Kindom i.e. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

November 11, 2018 at 3:37 pm

Wow, amazing been searching for a comprehensive list for a long time. Many Thanks

November 11, 2018 at 10:04 pm

Hi Taiwo! You’re welcome! I’m very glad you found my list. Take care and enjoy your travels!

November 8, 2018 at 2:31 pm

However, Gibraltar in Spain which is British overseas territory is missing in this list.

Beautiful place and the airport is one of its kind in the world with runway running from middle of a road and with rock of Gibraltar featured in James bond movie, beautiful weather..

I am Indian passport holder with UK work visa. Visa free entry in this part of Spain :)

November 8, 2018 at 5:36 pm

Hi Priya! That’s fantastic! Thank you very much for the info. I will add it to the list. I do want to check out Gibralter at some point. By the way, do you remember the number of days of entry given at the immigration?

November 6, 2018 at 4:33 am

Thank you very much for this info..

November 6, 2018 at 4:44 pm

You’re welcome, Ogie!

November 6, 2018 at 2:20 am

Great article. Very helpful. Thank you.

November 6, 2018 at 3:17 am

You’re welcome!

November 3, 2018 at 10:09 am

Hey, yesterday I got a UK visitor visa for attending a conference. What if Due to my university commitments in Germany as a student I can not attend a conference which is going to be held on November 26 but can I visit the UK during my semester break in February 2019? What I understand is that Standard Visitor Visa has replaced visas like tourism, business, family visit and merge them into one category. However, on my visa application, my purpose of travel was to attend a conference/attend lectures, not as tourism. Would I be facing any issues at the UK airport later on If I travel because Immigration officers have the final authority to allow you in or not, having a visa itself is not a final guarantee of things. So I am kind of confused right now?

As a side question, Did you travel to Panama and Dominican Republic on the UK visitor visa?

November 5, 2018 at 4:02 pm

Hey Asad! It is absolutely fine to change/tweak your plans after you receive your visa. There is a reason why the UK grants visa valid for 6 months. Even if you were asked why you haven’t attended the conference, you can always tell the reason why couldn’t. Not attending the conference will not prevent or impact your entry in Feb 2019.

July 5, 2019 at 1:26 pm

Hello sir. I have Greece one year national visa. Can I go to the UK?

July 5, 2019 at 7:57 pm

Hi Preet! Unfortunately, no. You would REQUIRE a UK visitor visa.

October 27, 2018 at 5:46 pm

Thank you for such a prompt enlightening!!

Shyam Goenka says

October 27, 2018 at 4:19 pm

Hi Sir. Is Romania exempt for 30 days o a 2 year UK Visa? Also, is there an exemption for South Korea as well. Despite South Korea not being on your list, I asked this because Australian Visa allows a transit thru South Korea.

October 27, 2018 at 5:42 pm

Hi Shyam! What you have is still a visa. You would need a UK residence permit (something like permanent residence) to get a visa exemption for Romania.

No, South Korea doesn’t offer visa exemption with UK visa. South Korea exempts visa for those with a visa from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the US. You must be in transit to reach the country of visa as your destination.

Dave Nguyen says

November 24, 2018 at 12:07 am

I think you’re wrong. Here is the official website for immigration information of South Korea, it clearly stated that the 4 countries: USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand visa holders as well as visa holders from other 30 countries of Europe can I live to maximum 30days then depart to their home countries.

November 24, 2018 at 12:08 am

I forgot to attach the link. Here is the official link .

December 17, 2018 at 11:08 pm

Hi Dave! Thanks for pointing it out! I also apologize for the delay in responding to your comment. I was waiting to confirm the information with the consulates.

I contacted a few consulates and I heard back from the South Korean consulates in India and Malaysia. They both said that visa exemption does not apply to UK or any EU country visa holders. The consulate officials said that the visa exemption applies to only those with visas from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

That being said, if you have used your UK visa to enter South Korea, please let me know. If there are more cases like yours, I can consider adding it to this list/article.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I myself entered South Korea in September using my US visa. At the time of immigration in the airport, I asked the immigration officer on the visas I can use. She said that the visa exemption applies to visas from only the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I was not given a chance to ask further questions. So, I couldn’t ask anything on the 30 EU country visas.

February 12, 2019 at 11:08 am

My sister recently just entered South Korea in January without any visa, she’s holding a UK spouse visa and traveling with her husband. Upon landing, she was given 30 days single entry visa.

February 13, 2019 at 6:39 pm

Hi Dave! Thanks for the information! I’ve contacted several Korean authorities, but none of them confirmed if the visa exemption applies to the visa holders from “30 EU Countries (including the UK)”. “HiKorea” says that “30 EU Countries” are eligible but all the other authorities I’ve contacted denied it. I couldn’t find an easy way to contact HiKorea directly.

So, I’m still looking for an official source and confirmation in order to add South Korea to this list. If you know the official source, please let me know.

December 30, 2021 at 9:40 pm

Hi, if someone got a UK student visa on a Pakistani passport, can he travel to Turkey without a visa?

January 1, 2022 at 8:03 am

Hi Shah! You still need a visa, but with your UK student visa, you are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa. Turkey e-Visa is valid for 90 days and you can stay up to 30 days in Turkey. E-Visa fee is $60 USD.

August 20, 2019 at 9:16 pm

Hi Thirumal, unfortunately, the website of Romania visa does not say that an Indian passport holder with UK permanent residency does not require a visa for Romania. Can you please share the link?

August 25, 2019 at 9:12 am

Hi Dipti! I apologize. The links are broken. Below is the information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Link: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Romania

Hassan says

October 18, 2019 at 8:38 pm

Hi dear, I have got UK Visa for 5 years. Can I travel to Saudi Arabia? If I got a problem at the airport am I allowed to contact the UK embassy Thanks.

October 19, 2019 at 4:20 am

Hi Hassan! Saudi Arabia just opened it’s eVisa/VOA to visa holders of US, UK and Schengen. Their e-Visa system is not updated yet, so your only option is to get Visa on Arrival. If you have any issues at the port of entry in Saudi Arabia, you are allowed to contact your passport country’s embassy but not UK since you are not a UK national.

Asad Iqbal says

November 19, 2019 at 5:51 am

Hi sir, how are you? I have six months multiple entry visa UK. My question is can I travel to Mexico without a visa? I am now in UK London.

November 21, 2019 at 3:30 pm

Hi Asad! Yes, you can travel to Mexico using your valid UK visa. You do not need a separate Mexico visa.

June 20, 2019 at 11:08 am

Hi dear, I want to travel to Panama. I have a 5-year multiple tourist visa of UK C category. Can I travel to Panama on Uk visa? I’m a Pakistani passport holder.

June 23, 2019 at 8:46 pm

Hi Irfan! Yes, you can use your UK visa to enter Panama.

February 7, 2020 at 6:37 pm

Hi. I have a UK residence card which is valid for 5 years. Can I travel to France with this card?

February 8, 2020 at 4:26 am

Hi Rabia! No. You CANNOT travel to France with your UK BRP/ILR. You would REQUIRE a Schengen visa to enter France.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

READ BEFORE LEAVING A COMMENT: (1) Use the Search Form to see if your questions have already been answered in an existing article. (2) Ask your questions on Visa Traveler Facebook Group for quick response from us and other experienced visa travelers. (3) We cannot respond to questions on student visas, work visas or immigration. Our advice is purely for travelers needing tourist visas. (4) Due to overwhelming amount of questions, comments and messages we receive, please allow us 24-48 hours to respond to your query.

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

Search this site

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.

• Entering and staying in the UK
• Refugees, asylum and human rights

Afghanistan resettlement and immigration policy statement

• Home Office
• UK Visas and Immigration

Updated 10 July 2024

© 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/afghanistan-resettlement-and-immigration-policy-statement/afghanistan-resettlement-and-immigration-policy-statement-accessible-version

Introduction

1. The Home Office has been at the heart of the UK’s response to the fast-moving and challenging events in Afghanistan. Op PITTING was the biggest UK military evacuation for over 70 years and enabled around 15,000 people to leave Afghanistan and get to safety. This is in addition to the families we had already welcomed under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) for those who served alongside our armed forces and worked with the British government. It was established by the Home Secretary and Defence Secretary in April of this year and supplements the existing scheme which had operated since 2013.

2. Following rapid work by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Home Office and Ministry of Defence (MoD) during Op PITTING, we were able to ‘call forward’ a number of other people for evacuation, in addition to the ARAP contingent and British nationals. These people were identified as being particularly at risk. They included female politicians, members of the LGBT community, women’s rights activists and judges. Those who were called forward may form part of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) cohort.

3. This unprecedented mission was supported by over 300 dedicated civil servants in the Home Office – from Border Force officers on the ground in Kabul supporting our military and diplomats in extremely challenging circumstances, to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) staff in Liverpool – working alongside colleagues from across government, the military, the police and our intelligence agencies. They conducted vital security checks, processed visa and passport applications and welcomed and supported people to begin their new lives in the UK.

4. The evacuation of eligible people from Afghanistan was a humanitarian effort, but at every step of the process the security and safety of the UK and its citizens was front of mind. Individuals evacuated were subject to rigorous security checks. We have world-class police and security and intelligence agencies who work around the clock to keep us safe. Where they identify a threat, it is rigorously investigated. We will not hesitate in taking robust action against anyone who poses a threat to our country.

5. This emergency evacuation is now over. UK military personnel left Afghanistan on 29 August. This policy statement sets out the Home Office’s position on the immigration status of those evacuated, as well as providing detail on the UK’s ACRS.

6. For those evacuated here, we are determined to ensure they have the best possible start to life in the UK. Given the difficult, exceptional and unique circumstances in which many arrived in the UK, we will be offering indefinite leave to remain to those Afghan nationals and their family members who were evacuated, called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation, by the government during Operation PITTING. This will apply to those who have already arrived in the UK or arrive after the evacuation. This will give them certainty about their status and the right to work and contribute to society.

7. Given the speed with which decisions were necessarily taken, we need to ensure everyone has the correct status and there may be a small number of groups who do not fit into the category set out above. We will work to ensure their situation is resolved quickly.

8. We are also setting out here the details of the ACRS and the position of those relocated under ARAP; and the position of other groups, for example how the Immigration Rules apply in terms of Family Reunion, the Points-Based System and Asylum.

Operation Warm Welcome

9. On 31 August, the Government announced ‘Operation Warm Welcome’ to ensure that all those relocated to the UK can access the vital healthcare, housing, education and support into employment they need to fully integrate into our society. This includes English language training for those who need it. The work is being overseen by Victoria Atkins MP, the Minister for Afghan Resettlement.

10. We continue to work with local authorities to source appropriate accommodation as quickly as possible for families already in the UK. So far, over 100 councils have agreed to house Afghans, and we would urge every council across the country to contribute to this national effort.

11. UKVI has established a dedicated case working team, which is working jointly with FCDO and the MoD, to take the necessary steps to bring more people to safety in the UK. This includes those who were called forward for evacuation or specifically authorised for evacuation but were not able to board flights. Those who hold nationality or lawful status in a country outside of Afghanistan will have their eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis. Given the difficult, exceptional and unique circumstances in which many arrived in the UK, the Home Office may grant those called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation immediate indefinite leave to remain, exceptionally those who hold nationality or lawful status in a country outside of Afghanistan will have their eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis. This will give them certainty about their status, entitlement and future in the UK to benefits and right to work.

12. The dedicated team will contact individuals in this situation who can also refer to the helpline details at the end of this document.

Support for British nationals

13. The majority of British nationals in Afghanistan were flown out ahead of the emergency evacuation. A small number remain in Afghanistan and the region and the Government is working hard to secure safe passage out of Afghanistan for them and their dependants. HM Passport Office (HMPO) is working closely with FCDO, which is providing repatriation and consular support, to assist with the granting of emergency travel documents to allow onward travel to the UK where needed.

14. HMPO is also prioritising consideration of requests for first-time UK passports from people normally or previously resident in Afghanistan, and has a dedicated team focusing on them. Complex cases are being considered by senior decision makers to ensure they are decided quickly.

Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy

15. In 2013, the then Government put in place a scheme to relocate some interpreters who served alongside our armed forces in Afghanistan. In April this year, in preparation for the withdrawal of British and NATO forces and the changing situation in Afghanistan, the Home Secretary and Defence Secretary launched ARAP. The scheme offers relocation or other assistance to those who served alongside our armed forces in Afghanistan and provided important support to HM Government defence and security mission there, predominantly those who were employed directly, or in certain special cases via contractors, and who are assessed to be at serious risk as a result of such work. It is available to people regardless of rank or role, or length of time served, and builds on the long-standing support already available. The policy provides for the principal applicant to bring their close family members (spouse and under 18 children) to the UK and significantly expands the eligibility criteria from the previous scheme. Other family members may be resettled in exceptional circumstances.

16. Since the first ARAP flight on 22 June, around 7,000 Locally Employed Staff and their family members have been relocated to the UK. 1,400 former staff and families were relocated between 2013-2021 under the previous scheme for Afghan locally employed staff.

17. The ARAP scheme remains open to eligible applicants. It is also possible to make an application outside of Afghanistan and if successful will be supported by Embassies and High Commissions. Current or former staff who believe they qualify should check the eligibility criteria and apply by using the online application form . For further advice please use the contact form on the same webpage.

18. Work is underway with the MOD and FCDO to support the logistics of relocation of those accepted as eligible for ARAP who are already in third countries. Where possible, we will contact those who were identified for relocation to the UK but are not yet in the UK.

19. Those who are in the ARAP scheme, regardless of when they arrived, will be given indefinite leave to remain in the UK, rather than limited leave which has been the approach up to now. We believe that ARAP and ACRS should confer the same status. This will enable those relocated under ARAP access to certain roles not available to those with limited leave, for example in the police, defence and security sectors.

20. Those already in the UK with limited leave under the ARAP or the previous scheme for Afghan Locally Employed Staff, granted prior to 2 September 2021, can apply for indefinite leave to remain at any time during their period of limited leave (five years). The UKVI case working team will contact all those who recently arrived to discuss their leave arrangements and ensure they get the right form of leave. There will be no charge for changing limited leave to indefinite leave to remain. We will be utilising the ‘exceptional circumstances affecting a number of persons waiver’ provided by the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations where required, in advance of making changes in imminent regulations. Those on the ARAP scheme will be able to apply for British citizenship after five years in the UK under existing rules and subject to the appropriate fee.

Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme

21. On 18 August 2021, the Prime Minister announced the ACRS. This scheme will resettle up to 20,000 people at risk, with 5,000 in the first year. This is in addition to those brought to the UK under ARAP and is in line with the New Plan for Immigration commitment to expand legal and safe routes to the UK for those in need of protection, whilst toughening our stance against illegal entry and the criminals that endanger life by enabling it.

22. This makes the UK’s humanitarian response to the crisis in Afghanistan one of the most ambitious in the world to date and builds on our proud record of resettling more people than any other European country since 2015 [footnote 1] .

Eligibility and referrals

23. The ACRS will provide those put at risk by recent events in Afghanistan with a route to safety. The scheme will prioritise:

a. those who have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women’s rights and freedom of speech, rule of law (for example, judges, women’s rights activists, academics, journalists); and

b. vulnerable people, including women and girls at risk, and members of minority groups at risk (including ethnic and religious minorities and LGBT).

24. There will be many more people seeking to come to the UK under the scheme than there are places. It is right that we take a considered approach, working with partners to resettle people to the UK. There will not be a formal Home Office owned application process for the ACRS. Instead, eligible people will be prioritised and referred for resettlement to the UK in one of three ways.

25. First, some of those who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme, which included individuals who were considered to be at particular risk – including women’s rights activists, prosecutors and journalists - will be resettled under the ACRS. People who were notified by the UK government that they had been called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation but were not able to board flights, and who do not hold nationality or lawful status in a country outside of Afghanistan, may be offered a place under the scheme.

26. Second, the government will work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to identify and resettle refugees affected by events in Afghanistan, replicating the approach the UK has taken in response to the conflict in Syria, and complementing the UK Resettlement Scheme which resettles refugees from across the world. UNHCR has the global mandate to provide international protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees. UNHCR has expertise in the field and will refer refugees based on assessments of protection need. We will work with UNHCR and partners in the region to prioritise those in need of protection, such as women and girls at risk, and ethnic, religious and LGBT minority groups at risk. We will start this process as soon as possible following consultations with UNHCR.

27. Third, the government will work with international partners and NGOs in the region to implement a referral process for those inside Afghanistan, (where safe passage can be arranged,) and for those who have recently fled to countries in the region. This element will seek to ensure we provide protection for members of Afghan civil society who supported the UK and international community effort in Afghanistan. This category may include human and women’s rights activists, prosecutors and others at risk. We will need some time to work through the details of this process, which depends on the situation in Afghanistan.

Further details on eligibility

28. The ACRS will be focused on people affected by events in Afghanistan, who are located in Afghanistan or in the region. While the majority of people resettled will be Afghan, nationals of other countries (for example, in mixed nationality families) will be eligible to be resettled through the scheme. Individuals who are not part of a mixed nationality family who hold nationality or lawful status in a country outside of Afghanistan will have their eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with the ACRS policy.

29. Spouses, partners and dependent children under the age of 18 of identified eligible individuals will be eligible for the scheme. Other family members may be resettled in exceptional circumstances.

30. Unaccompanied children may be offered resettlement where it is determined that resettlement to the UK is in their best interests and they have been identified as eligible for the scheme and. This is an assessment that will be made with expert partners. Where a child is unaccompanied it may be in the child’s best interest to remain in the region, where they are more likely to be reunited with their family.

31. Identified eligible people who hold nationality or lawful status in a country outside of Afghanistan and were notified by the UK government that they had been called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation but were not able to board flights may also be offered a place under the scheme if they subsequently come to the UK

32. All individuals will be security screened as part of the process, including checks against security and other data bases and capturing biometrics. Individuals who have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, terrorism or other serious crimes will not be eligible.

33. Those resettled through the ACRS will receive fee-free indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK, the right to work and immediate access to benefits if necessary. They will be able to apply for British citizenship after five years in the UK under existing rules and subject to the appropriate fee.

34. All those resettled will be expected to comply with UK laws. Anyone convicted of a serious criminal offence in the UK will be liable to have their indefinite leave revoked.

Integration support for ARAP and ACRS

34. All those brought to the UK under ARAP and ACRS will have the right to work, access to education and healthcare and be able to apply for public funds. To ensure they will be supported properly, changes will be made to legislation so that, if necessary, people arriving under ARAP and ACRS do not need to meet the habitual residence test.

35. They will also receive comprehensive integration support as they start their new lives in the UK. A package of support to acclimatise to the UK, learn English, and find work, will enable rapid self-sufficiency and social integration in UK communities.

36. We will match the tariff for the successful Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) to provide a complete package covering health, education and integration support costs for those on the ACRS and ARAP. The core local authority tariff of £20,520 per person will be provided to those who volunteer over a shorter period of three years, enabling more funding in those crucial early years to support resettled Afghans to integrate into British society and become self-sufficient more quickly. Funding will also be provided to support education, English language and health provision (in year one only). We have also agreed a further £20m of flexible funding in the current financial year (2021/22) to support local authorities with higher cost bases with any additional costs in the provision of services.

37. It is vital that those arriving have somewhere suitable to stay once they are in the UK. We will only facilitate new ACRS and ARAP arrivals where suitable accommodation can be secured ahead of arrival, including where individuals can be supported to arrange accommodation themselves.

38. We welcome the commitments already made by many local authorities and would urge all local authorities to participate in welcoming these at-risk Afghan citizens into our communities. The challenge of integrating such a large number of people at pace and supporting them to rebuild their lives in safety cannot be met by central and local government alone. We are actively working with the private, voluntary and community sectors to harness a whole of society effort to address this challenge. As part of this, we have created a Government portal where people, organisations and businesses can register offers of support. This could include volunteering, offers of employment or to provide professional skills pro bono, including helping those arriving deal with trauma, or offering donations of mobile phones, mobile credit or data, laptops, access to training, clothes and toys. This will complement the Afghanistan housing portal which has been set up to collect offers of additional housing support.

39. We will also be extending the Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme (CSS) so that friends and neighbours, charities and faith groups can come together to support a family through the ACRS. We will make it easier and quicker for community groups to become sponsors so that more people can play a direct role in the warm welcome we will extend to these new members of our communities.

Afghan family members of British nationals, settled persons and refugees already resident in the UK

Close family members of british citizens (and settled persons) evacuated or called forward as part of op pitting.

40. To facilitate the travel of family members of those who were evacuated as part of Op PITTING, the Home Office waived visas requirements and granted limited permission to stay outside of the Immigration Rules for six months. However, given the exceptional circumstances of their arrival and to ensure they have clarity on their immigration status, we will grant indefinite leave to remain to this group of evacuees. We will waive the settlement fees for this group and they will not be required to meet the usual requirements, such as English language skills or minimum income requirement. Where necessary, we will use the ‘exceptional circumstances affecting a number of persons waiver’ provided by the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) regulations and seek to make changes in regulations at the next opportunity. This is the same approach as those evacuated under the ARAP scheme and other priority groups relocated to the UK under Op PITTING and eligible for the ACRS. We may also give indefinite leave to remain to those who were called forward or specifically authorised for evacuation by the UK government but were not able to be evacuated, or were evacuated to third countries. Exceptionally those who hold nationality or lawful status in a country outside of Afghanistan will have their eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Afghan family members of British citizens and settled persons who were not notified they were eligible for evacuation under Op PITTING

41. For other non-UK family members of British citizens and settled persons who were not called forward as part of Op PITTING, or who are not offered resettlement under the ACRS, they will need to apply to come to the UK under the existing economic or family migration rules . They will be expected to meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen route, which includes paying relevant fees and charges, and providing biometrics. There is currently no option to give biometrics in Afghanistan. The British Embassy in Kabul has suspended in country operations and all UK diplomatic and consular staff have been temporarily withdrawn. The UK is working with international partners to secure safe routes out of Afghanistan as soon as they become available, but while the security situation remains extremely volatile, we recommend people in Afghanistan do not make applications and pay application fees at this time as they will not be considered until biometrics are provided. Those Afghans who are outside of Afghanistan and able to get to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide their biometrics are able to make an application in the usual way.

41a. Our application system enables those who are unable to travel safely to a Visa Application Centre to enrol biometrics, to request alternative arrangements in exceptional circumstances. These arrangements may include deferral or excusing of the requirement to enrol biometrics, as outlined in our policy: Biometric information - enrolment .

Afghan family members of refugees in the UK

42. For Afghan refugees in the UK, we already have rules in place for their close family members to apply to join them in the UK, but we recognise those in Afghanistan will face the same challenges in providing biometrics and so we do not recommend making applications at this time.

Supporting Afghans already in the UK as visitors, or on economic or study routes

43. Afghan nationals who are currently in the UK with permission on an economic, work or study route that expires in the near future may face difficulties making a further application if they are unable to obtain the necessary documentation to meet the rules to extend their stay, including having a current passport. We intend to introduce a similar concessionary approach for Afghan nationals as we did in 2015 for Syrian nationals. This concession will apply to any Afghan national who had permission under these routes to be in the UK before 1 September 2021. It will also apply to those who had made an entry clearance application on these routes before 1 September and who have travelled since then. It will allow us to waive certain document requirements, but applicants will still be expected to pay any fees and meet the other requirements of the route.

44. We will also allow Afghan nationals with temporary leave that would normally prevent them from switching, or Afghan nationals who have been given an exceptional assurance by the Home Office under the COVID concessions, to switch into the routes set out above, such as Skilled Worker or Student, where they meet the requirements of the route. Those with leave as a visitor will also benefit from this concession. Individuals must have arrived before 1 September. This will mean they do not have to travel outside of the UK to make an application at one of our global VACs.

The asylum system

45. The details set out above constitute the UK’s comprehensive immigration response to the unique and exceptional circumstances of the evacuation and change of situation in Afghanistan. There is no change to our longstanding policy that a person can only claim asylum from within the UK. We will not accept asylum claims at our Embassies, High Commissions or VACs overseas or otherwise; whether by online application or through other correspondence.

46. There are Afghan nationals who are already in the UK asylum system. In light of the fast-moving situation in Afghanistan, we are working to update our country guidance. Once this is complete, all asylum and protection claims will be decided with reference to the updated country guidance and the individual circumstances of the case.

47. Any asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute are supported by the Home Office, where they are provided with fully furnished accommodation, a maintenance allowance for items such as food and toiletries, and have full access to healthcare services and education for children under the age of 18.

Afghans without status in the UK

48. The government has suspended enforced returns to Afghanistan and there are currently no commercial flights operating to Afghanistan. Those who have previously been refused asylum, who believe their situation has changed, will need to make a further submission to have their case re-considered.

49. We encourage all nationals present but without permission to stay in the UK to contact the Home Office as soon as possible.

50. Whenever we can, we will continue seek to remove from the UK those who have committed serious crimes or who present a threat to national security. We will look to remove them as soon as we are able to do so.

Getting in touch

51. On 20 August, the Home Office set up a dedicated helpline to provide information and support to Afghan nationals on the UK’s evacuation efforts. As we move to the next response phase, the line will remain open to offer general information about the relocation schemes. Our call handlers will also provide additional support to those Afghan nationals who have recently arrived and are transitioning from managed quarantine accommodation.

52. For all Afghanistan resettlement enquires, you can contact the General Immigration Enquiry Line on 0300 790 6268 (select option 2).

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:45pm
• Friday, 9am to 4:30pm

The helpline is closed on bank holidays.

Summary of immigration routes

Cohort 1: afghan relocations and assistance policy, eligibility criteria.

Former Locally Employed Staff in Afghanistan who have been assessed to be at serious risk as a result of their work with HM Armed Forces or the UK Government. It is available to people regardless of rank or role, or length of time served.

Immigration status

Indefinite leave to enter or remain (those already granted five years’ temporary leave to remain can upgrade their leave at any time).

Entitlements

Full access to work, benefits and services.

Cohort 2: Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme

Referred vulnerable refugees from Afghanistan and those put at risk by recent events in Afghanistan. The scheme will prioritise:

• those who have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women’s rights and freedom of speech, rule of law (for examples, judges, women’s rights activists, journalists; and
• vulnerable people, including women and girls at risk, and members of minority groups at risk (including ethnic and religious minorities and LGBT).

Indefinite leave to enter or remain (anyone granted temporary leave to remain during the evacuation who is subsequently referred to the ACRS will be able to upgrade their leave).

Cohort 3: Those who were evacuated or called forward to be evacuated as family members of British citizens or indefinite leave to remain

Called forward by HMG.

Indefinite leave to remain.

Cohort 4: Afghan family members of British citizens or those with indefinite leave to remain, or post flight family members of those granted refugee status who were not called forward under Op PITTING

As set out in the family Immigration Rules.

Temporary leave to enter or remain. Can apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 or 10 years on that route.

Access to work and healthcare (through payment of immigration health surcharge). Normally no recourse to public funds until settled, but can apply to have NRPF condition lifted in certain circumstances.

Cohort 5: Pre-flight Afghan family members of those granted refugee status

As set out in the family reunion rules.

Temporary leave to remain. Can apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 or 10 years on that route.

Access to work, benefits and services

Cohort 6: Afghans in the UK as visitors or temporary migrants on economic or study routes

As set out in the Immigration Rules, but will be able to switch into another route for which they qualify and there will be flexibility on approach to documentary requirements.

Temporary leave to remain based on route, with ability to apply for settlement on some routes.

Access to study, work and healthcare (through payment of the immigration health surcharge) as provided for in each route.

Cohort 7: Afghans claiming asylum in the UK

As set out in current protection rules.

If granted protection, temporary leave to remain for five years. Can apply for indefinite leave to remain after that.

Access to work, benefits and services.

Cohort 8: Afghans in the UK without immigration status

Not applicable.

Not applicable - encouraged to get in touch with the Home Office at the earliest opportunity to resolve their immigration status.

No access to work, benefits or services.

Note: exclusions apply for those convicted of serious crime, war crimes, or who pose a risk to national security.

Eurostat, 2021a.  ↩

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. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab) .