Visa requirements for British Nationals (Overseas)

Visa requirements for British Nationals (Overseas) are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states and territories placed on British National (Overseas) passport holders. Several million people, the vast majority with a Hong Kong connection, hold this passport.

Holders of British National (Overseas) status[1] are British nationals and Commonwealth citizens, but not British citizens. This nationality, by itself, does not grant the right of abode anywhere in the world, including the United Kingdom or Hong Kong,[2] but all BN(O)s possess either right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong due to holding right of abode before 1997. BN(O)s are subject to British immigration controls and do not have the automatic right to live or work in the United Kingdom.[3] From January 2021, they are eligible to apply for limited leave to remain to work or study in the UK with a path to citizenship, as a consequence of the Chinese national security law imposed on Hong Kong, which the UK considers a violation of the Sino-British Joint Declaration signed in 1984.

The British National (Overseas) status was created in 1985 in anticipation of the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong on 1 July 1997.[1] This nationality was "tailor-made" for British Hong Kong residents with British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC) status by virtue of their connection with Hong Kong; it allowed the people of British Hong Kong to retain a relationship with the United Kingdom after the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong to China. BN(O)s enjoy consular protection as British nationals would when travelling outside Hong Kong. Since most BN(O)s also hold Chinese nationality, they do not enjoy consular protection in China, Hong Kong and Macau.[4] From 1 July 1987 to 30 June 1997, nearly 3.4 million of British Dependent Territories Citizens in Hong Kong successfully registered as a British National (Overseas).[5] All BDTCs relate only to Hong Kong lost their BDTC status on 1 July 1997, and any BDTC who did not register as a BN(O) and without other nationality automatically acquired British Overseas Citizenship.

Visa requirements for other classes of British nationals such as British citizens, British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Protected Persons or British Subjects are different.

Starting from 31 January 2021, China no longer recognizes British National (Overseas) passports as valid travel documents. BN(O) passport holders need to use other identity documents such as their Hong Kong identity card in conjunction with their BN(O) for immigration clearance.[6]

Visa requirements map

[edit]
Countries and territories with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entries for British Nationals (Overseas)

Visa requirements

[edit]
Country Visa requirement Allowed stay Notes (excluding departure fees)
 Afghanistan Visa required[7]
 Albania Visa not required[8] 90 days
 Algeria Visa required[9]
 Andorra Visa not required[10]
 Angola Visa not required[11] 30 days
 Antigua and Barbuda Visa not required[12] 6 months
 Argentina Visa not required[13] 30 days[14]
 Armenia Visa not required[15] 180 days[16]
 Australia Electronic Travel Authority[17] 90 days
  • BN(O) citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) through the AustralianETA App on smart phone devices, which is valid for 12 months and allows BN(O) citizens to stay in Australia for 90 days per visit during the validity of the ETA.
  • In response to the imposition of National Security Law on Hong Kong, Australia introduced a pathway for BN(O) citizens to obtain permanent residency. BN(O) citizens in the temporary skilled worker or graduate visa categories are eligible for a visa grant or extension for 5 years, with a pathway to permanent residency after 4 years of residence in Australia, or 3 years in regional Australia.
 Austria Visa not required[18] 90 days
 Azerbaijan eVisa[19] 30 days[20]
 Bahamas Visa not required[21] 21 days
 Bahrain eVisa / Visa on arrival[24] 3 months
  • Visas can be issued on arrival for a stay up to 3 months.[25]
  • eVisa issued for 14 days, extendable once.[26]
 Bangladesh Visa on arrival[27] 30 days
 Barbados Visa not required[31] 6 months[32][33]
 Belarus Visa not required[34][35] 30 days
  • By air via any of six Belarusian international airports and not from Russia.
  • Visa-free arrangement does not apply when travelling on a diplomatic or official passport.
  • Due to safety concerns, the UK Government advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Belarus.[36]
 Belgium Visa not required[37] 90 days
 Belize Visa not required[38]
 Benin eVisa[39][40] 30 days
  • Must have an international vaccination certificate.
 Bhutan eVisa[41][42][43]
  • Visa via approved tour operators only[44][45]
 Bolivia Visa not required[46] 90 days
  • Be aware you may be given an initial 30 days and can extend it for another 60 days.
  • The Department of Immigration has imposed an annual limit for tourists of 90 days without a visa. For longer periods you must seek advice from the Bolivian Embassy in London or the Department of Immigration office in La Paz.[47]
 Bosnia and Herzegovina Visa not required[48] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 6-month period.
 Botswana Visa not required[49] 90 days
 Brazil Visa not required[50] 90 days
  • Extendable for further 90 days[51]
 Brunei Visa required[52]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival
 Bulgaria Visa not required[53] 90 days
 Burkina Faso eVisa / Visa on arrival[54][55] 1 month
 Burundi Visa on arrival[56] 1 month
 Cambodia eVisa / Visa on arrival[58] 30 days
 Cameroon eVisa[61][62]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
 Canada Visa not required[63] 6 months
  • Canada introduced a new immigration scheme for British National (Overseas) after the enforcement of the national security law in Hong Kong: 3-year open work permits will be available for applicants who graduated within 10 years from either a recognised Canadian or overseas post-secondary institution. The pathway to permanent residency will be expedited under the scheme if the applicant accrues 1 year of Canadian legal work experience with any work permit. Alternatively, immediate permanent residency is available for current graduates from Canadian post-secondary institutions.
  • eTA required if arriving by air.[64][65]
 Cape Verde Visa not required[66] 30 days
  • Must register online at least five days prior to arrival.[67]
 Central African Republic Visa required[68][69] Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Central African Republic.[70]
 Chad Visa required[71]
 Chile Visa not required[72] 90 days
  • May be extended.
 China Admission refused[73]
  • BN(O) citizens who are also permanent residents of Hong Kong must enter China with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents. Those who are also deemed Chinese citizens can stay in Mainland China for the validity of the Travel Permit, they must apply for a separate resident permit if they stay for longer than six months, for employment or study. Those who are deemed non-Chinese citizens can only stay in China for up to 90 days as visitors, and must apply for an appropriate visa for other purposes using their other travel documents recognised by China.
  • BN(O) citizens who are not permanent residents of Hong Kong must use other travel documents recognised by China and apply for the appropriate visa to enter the country.[74]
 Colombia Visa not required[75] 90 days
  • Extendable up to 180-days stay consecutively within a one-year period.[76][77][75]
 Comoros Visa on arrival[78]
 Republic of the Congo Visa required[79]
 Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa[80][81][82] 7 days
 Costa Rica Visa not required[83] 30 days
 Côte d'Ivoire eVisa[84] 3 months
 Croatia Visa not required[85] 90 days
 Cuba Tourist card required[86] 90 days
  • Can be extended up to 90 days with a fee.
 Cyprus Visa not required[87] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180 day period
 Czech Republic Visa not required[88] 90 days
 Denmark Visa not required[89] 90 days
 Djibouti eVisa[90] 31 days
 Dominica Visa not required[91] 6 months
 Dominican Republic Visa required[92][93]
  • Holders of a visa issued by Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania and any Schengen Area country can obtain a Tourist Card on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days.
 Ecuador Visa not required[94] 90 days
  • May be extended.
 Egypt eVisa / Visa on arrival[95][96] 30 days
 El Salvador Visa required[97][98]
 Equatorial Guinea eVisa[99][100]
 Eritrea Visa required[101]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
 Estonia Visa not required[102] 90 days
 Eswatini Visa not required[103] 30 days
 Ethiopia eVisa[104] up to 90 days
 Fiji Visa not required[106] 4 months
 Finland Visa not required[107] 90 days
 France Visa not required[108] 90 days
 Gabon eVisa[109]
 Gambia Visa not required[110] 90 days
 Georgia Visa required[111]
 Germany Visa not required[112] 90 days
 Ghana Visa required[113]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
 Greece Visa not required[114] 90 days
 Grenada Visa not required[115] 6 months
  • Beginning on 1 December 2020, all travellers to Grenada will be required to complete an online application in order to receive a Pure Safe Travel Authorization Certificate to enter Grenada.[116]
 Guatemala Visa not required[117] 90 days
 Guinea eVisa[118][119] 90 days
 Guinea-Bissau Visa on arrival[120] 90 days
 Guyana Visa required[121]
  • BN(O) citizen passport holders require visa to enter Guyana and who may be unable to apply at any of Guyana's missions or consulates, visas will be issued on arrival.
 Haiti Visa not required[122] 90 days
 Honduras Visa required[123]
 Hungary Visa not required[124] 90 days
 Iceland Visa not required[125] 90 days
 India Visa required[126]
  • Not eligible to apply for Electronic Travel Authority online: British Nationals (Overseas) must apply traditional sticker visa through Indian embassies or consulates.
 Indonesia Visa required[127]
  • Not eligible to apply for eVOA online: British Nationals (Overseas) must apply traditional sticker visa through Indonesia embassies or consulates.
 Iran Visa required[128] Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran.[129]
 Iraq Visa on arrival[130][131] 60 days
  • British nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Iraq's airports, land and sea crossings for 60 days, for a fee of US$75.
  • Visa not required for up to 30 days to Iraqi Kurdistan.
  • On 15 March 2021 the Iraqi government lifted pre-arrival visa requirements, allowing British citizens to apply for visa on arrival in any entry point.[132]
 Ireland Visa not required[133] 90 days
 Israel Visa not required[134] 3 months
 Italy Visa not required[135] 90 days
 Jamaica Visa not required[136] 180 days
 Japan Visa not required 90 days
 Jordan Free visa on arrival[137][138]
  • Visa can be obtained upon arrival, it will cost a total of 40 JOD, obtainable at most international ports of entry and land border crossings (except King Hussein/Allenby Bridge)
 Kazakhstan Visa not required[139] 30 days
 Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation[140][141] 90 days
  • Can also enter on an East Africa Tourist Visa issued by Rwanda or Uganda.[142]
 Kiribati Visa not required[143] 30 days
 North Korea Visa required[144]
 South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization[145] 30 days
  • BN(O) Citizen can enter South Korea as a short term visit (e.g., tours, visiting relatives or friends, attending simple meetings) up to 30 days without a visa, though you should remain aware of the quarantine requirements. You must also have an onward or return ticket. It is illegal to work on a tourist visa, whether as a teacher or in any other capacity.[146]
  • You must be in possession of a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) to enter Korea visa-free. You can complete your K-ETA application up to 24 hours before boarding your flight and it will be valid for two years from the date of approval. There is a small, non-refundable charge.[146]
 Kuwait eVisa / Visa on arrival[147] 3 months[148]
 Kyrgyzstan Visa not required[149][150] 60 days
 Laos eVisa / Visa on arrival[151] 30 days [152]
 Latvia Visa not required[153] 90 days
 Lebanon Visa required[154]
  • Tourist groups of minimum 8 people can obtain a visa on arrival at Beirut International Airport for a maximum stay of 6 months. They must be sponsored by a registered tour operator in Lebanon.
 Lesotho Visa not required[155] 14 days
 Liberia Visa required[156][157]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
 Libya eVisa[158][159] Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Libya.[160]
 Liechtenstein Visa not required[161] 90 days
 Lithuania Visa not required[162] 90 days
 Luxembourg Visa not required[163] 90 days
 Madagascar Visa on arrival[164] 60 days
 Malawi Visa not required[165] 30 days
 Malaysia Visa not required[166] 1 month
 Maldives Free visa on arrival[167] 30 days
 Mali Visa required[168]
 Malta Visa not required[169] 90 days
 Marshall Islands Visa not required[170] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Issued free of charge
 Mauritania Visa on arrival[171]
 Mauritius Visa not required[172] 90 days
 Mexico Visa not required[173] 180 days[174]
 Federated States of Micronesia Visa not required[175] 30 days
 Moldova Visa not required[176] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180 day period
 Monaco Visa not required[177] 30 days
 Mongolia Visa not required[178] 30 days[179][180]
 Montenegro Visa not required[181] 90 days
  • Must register with the local police station (either through a tourist organisation or at hotel reception) within 24 hours of arrival.[182]
 Morocco Visa not required[183] 90 days
  • For periods of longer than 90 days, a resident permit is required and can be issued by the Police Department in place of residence in Morocco.[184][185]
 Mozambique Visa not required[186][187] 30 days
 Myanmar eVisa[188] 28 days
 Namibia Visa not required[189] 3 months
 Nauru Visa required[192]
  • In addition of a visa, an application should be obtained by email via the Directorate of Immigration.
   Nepal Online Visa / Visa on arrival[193] 90 days[194]
  • Visa-on-arrival is extendable[195]
 Netherlands Visa not required[196] 90 days
 New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority[197] 3 months
 Nicaragua Visa not required[201] 90 days
 Niger Visa required[202]
 Nigeria eVisa[203][204] 90 days
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
 North Macedonia Visa not required[205] 90 days
 Norway Visa not required[206] 90 days
 Oman Visa not required / eVisa[207] 14 days / 30 days
 Pakistan Online Visa / ETA[208] 30 days
  • Electronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes.[209]
  • Electronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for business purposes.[210]
  • Online Visa eligible.[211]
 Palau Free visa on arrival[212] 30 days
 Panama Visa not required[213] 90 days
  • As of December 2021: The maximum time of stay in Panama will be 1 to 3 months. If the visa is granted for 3 months, it cannot be extended. If the visa is for a shorter time and you need to extend your stay, you must apply personally to the National Immigration Service Directorate upon arrival in Panama.[214]
  • Regular entry: Visa stamp (180 days) length determined on arrival
  • The maximum amount of time that you can stay in Panama is six months. For longer than six months, you may extend your stay applying for an extension of visa with the Offices of Immigration in Panama.[215] British nationals don't need a visa to visit Panama except if arriving by sea.[216][217]
 Papua New Guinea eVisa[218] 60 days
  • Issued free of charge
 Paraguay Visa not required[219] 90 days
 Peru Visa not required[220] 183 days
  • Visa stamp (up to 183 days) length determined on arrival
 Philippines Visa not required[221] 7 days
  • A tourist visa is available from the Philippine Embassy before you travel, which will allow an initial total of 59-day stay.[222][223]
  • For longer periods, a visa extension is available once inside the country from the Bureau of immigration.[224]
 Poland Visa not required[225] 90 days
 Portugal Visa not required[226] 90 days
 Qatar Visa required[227]
 Romania Visa not required[228] 90 days
 Russia Visa required[230] Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Russia.[231]
 Rwanda Visa not required[232] 30 days
  • Can also be entered on an East Africa Tourist Visa issued by Kenya or Uganda.[142]
 Saint Kitts and Nevis Visa not required[233] 3 months
 Saint Lucia Visa not required[234] 6 weeks
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Visa not required[235] 6 months
 Samoa Free Entry Permit on arrival[236] 60 days
 San Marino Visa not required[237]
 São Tomé and Príncipe Visa not required[238] 15 days
 Saudi Arabia eVisa / Visa on arrival[239][240][241]  90 days
 Senegal Visa not required[242] 90 days
 Serbia Visa not required[243] 90 days
 Seychelles Free Visitor's Permit on arrival[244] 3 months
 Sierra Leone eVisa / Visa on arrival[245][246][247] 30 days
 Singapore Visa not required[248] 30 days
 Slovakia Visa not required[249] 90 days
 Slovenia Visa not required[250] 90 days
 Solomon Islands Free Visitor's permit on arrival[251] 3 months
  • Issued free of charge.
 Somalia Visa on arrival[252]
 South Africa Visa not required[253] 30 days[254]
 South Sudan eVisa[255][256][257]
  • Obtainable online[258]
  • Printed visa authorization must be presented at the time of travel[258]
 Spain Visa not required[259] 90 days
 Sri Lanka eVisa / Visa on arrival[260] 4 months
  • Visa on arrival with Electronic Travel Authorization.
  • British Nationals (Overseas) are allowed to extend their stay twice when in the country to a maximum stay of 90 days in total.[261]
 Sudan Visa required[262][263]
 Suriname Visa not required[264] 90 days
  • An entrance fee of 25 USD or 25 Euros must be paid online prior to arrival.[265]
  • Multiple entry eVisa is also available.[266]
 Sweden Visa not required[267] 90 days
  Switzerland Visa not required[268] 90 days
 Syria Visa required[269][270] Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Syria.[271]
 Tajikistan eVisa[272] 45 days
 Tanzania eVisa / Visa on arrival[273][274] 3 months
 Thailand Visa not required[275] 30 days (as of April 1, 2023)
  • If not arriving by air, British Nationals (Overseas) are only permitted two visits per year.
  • For longer periods up to 60 days, a Tourist visa is available online.[276]
 Timor-Leste Visa on arrival[277] 30 days
 Togo eVisa[278][279] 15 days
 Tonga Free visa on arrival[280] 31 days
 Trinidad and Tobago Visa not required[281]
 Tunisia Visa not required[282] 3 months
 Turkey eVisa[283] 3 months
 Turkmenistan Visa required[284]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
 Tuvalu Free visa on arrival[285] 1 month
 Uganda eVisa[286] 3 months
  • May apply online.[287]
  • Can also be entered on an East Africa Tourist Visa issued by Kenya or Rwanda.
 Ukraine Visa not required 90 days Due to ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Ukraine.[288]
 United Arab Emirates eVisa[289][290]
 United Kingdom Bespoke UK Immigration Status[300] 6 Months (Visitors, extendable by converting into a BN(O) visa from inside the UK);

Unlimited (With a valid BN(O) visa)

  • BN(O) citizens who are inside or outside of the UK can choose to apply for a British National (Overseas) BN(O) visa, which allows the passport holder to live, work or study in the UK for unlimited periods of up to 5 years in each visa renewal.
  • BN(O) citizens are eligible to choose to apply for settled status after 5 years of qualifying residence in the UK.
  • BN(O) citizens are eligible to choose to additionally register as a British citizen after 12 months with settled status, under Section 4c of the British Nationality Act 1981. British citizenship confers right of abode in the UK.
  • Obtaining British citizenship under the above route does not cause one to lose BN(O) status.
 United States Visa required[301]
  • BN(O) citizens who do receive a visa are normally issued with 10-years multiple-entry combination B1/B2 visas, and each entry can stay for a maximum of 6 months (the period of stay is subject to the border immigration officer)
  • In response to the imposition of national security law on Hong Kong, certain BN(O) citizens who were present in the US as of 26 January 2023, and continuously meet the eligibility requirements are protected by Deferred Enforced Departure for 24 months from 26 January 2023, with full working right during this period.
 Uruguay Visa not required[302] 90 days
 Uzbekistan Visa not required[303] 30 days
 Vanuatu Visa not required[304] 30 days
 Vatican City Visa not required[305]
 Venezuela Visa not required[306] 90 days[307]
  • Extensions of up to 90 days can be arranged at any SAIME (immigration service) for a fee and must apply before one’s tourist card and stamp expire.[308]
  • One can only apply for or extend their (residency permit) at the main SAIME office in Caracas.[308]
 Vietnam Visa on arrival[309]
  • Valid for 30 days, single entry[310]
 Yemen Visa required[311][312]
  • A single tourist visa for British Nationals (Overseas) is issued for a maximum stay of 60 days from arrival into Yemen.
 Zambia Visa not required[313] 90 days
  • British Nationals (Overseas) are eligible for a universal visa allowing access to Zimbabwe.[314]
 Zimbabwe eVisa / Visa on arrival[315] 3 months
  • British Nationals (Overseas) are also eligible for a universal visa allowing access to Zambia.[314]

British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories

[edit]
British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories
Visitor to Visa requirement Allowed stay Notes
 Akrotiri and Dhekelia Visa not required
 Anguilla Visa not required 3 months[316][317]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
 Bermuda Visa not required 6 months[318][319]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
 British Antarctic Territory Special permit required[320][321]
 British Indian Ocean Territory Special permit required[322][323]
 British Virgin Islands Visa not required 1 month[324][325]
  • Extension of stay possible.
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
 Cayman Islands Visa not required 30 Days[326][327]
  • The passenger must arrive directly from the United Kingdom.
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
 Falkland Islands Visitor's permit on arrival 4 weeks[328][329]
  • The initial visitor's permit is valid for 4 weeks.
  • Visitors who have a connection with the Falkland Islands have right of abode.
 Guernsey Leave to Enter/Remain to Settlement
  • BN(O) citizens have the same immigration rights as in the UK to settle in Guernsey.
 Isle of Man Leave to Enter/Remain to Settlement
  • BN(O) citizens have the same immigration rights as in the UK to settle in Isle of Man.
 Jersey Leave to Enter/Remain to Settlement
  • BN(O) citizens have the same immigration rights as in the UK to settle in Jersey.
 Gibraltar Visa not required[330]
 Montserrat Visa not required 6 months[331]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
 Pitcairn Islands Visa not required 14 days[331]
United Kingdom Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
 Ascension Island eVisa[336][337] 3 months
  • 3 months within any year period
 Saint Helena Entry permit on arrival 183 days[338]
  • The entry permit costs £25 and is issued on arrival.
 Tristan da Cunha Permission required
 South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Permit required
 Turks and Caicos Islands Visa not required 90 days[343][344]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.

Territories and disputed areas

[edit]
Europe
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
 Abkhazia Visa required[345]
Mount Athos Special permit required Special permit required (4 days: 25 euro for Orthodox visitors, 35 euro for non-Orthodox visitors, 18 euro for students). There is a visitors' quota: maximum 100 Orthodox and 10 non-Orthodox per day and women are not allowed.[346][347]
Belarus Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park Visa not required 3 days;[348] must first obtain an electronic pass[349]
Autonomous Republic of Crimea Crimea Visa required Visa policy of Russia applies de facto.[350]
 Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Visa not required 3 months[351]
United Nations UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus Access Permit required[352] Access Permit is required for travelling inside the zone, except Civil Use Areas.
 Faroe Islands Visa not required[353]
Norway Jan Mayen Permit required[354] Permit issued by the local police required for staying for less than 24 hours[355] and permit issued by the Norwegian police for staying for more than 24 hours.[356]
 Kosovo Visa not required[357] 90 days
 Novorossiya Restricted area Crossing from Ukraine requires visit purpose to be explained to Ukrainian passport control on exit and those who entered from Russia are not allowed to proceed further into Ukraine.[358]
 Russia Special authorization required Several closed cities and regions in Russia require special authorization.[359]
 South Ossetia Visa not required Multiple entry visa to Russia and three-day prior notification are required to enter South Ossetia.[360][361]
 Transnistria Visa not required Registration required after 24h.[362][363]
Africa
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
 Eritrea outside Asmara Travel permit required To travel in the rest of the country, a Travel Permit for Foreigners is required (20 Eritrean nakfa).[364]
 Mayotte Visa not required[365] 90 days
 Réunion Visa not required[365] 90 days
 Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Visa not required Visa not required up to 3 months.[366]
 Somaliland Visa on arrival 30 days for 30 US dollars, payable on arrival.[367][368]
 Sudan Travel permit required All foreigners traveling more than 25 kilometers outside of Khartoum must obtain a travel permit.
Sudan Darfur Travel permit required Separate travel permit is required.[369]
Asia
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
 Hong Kong Right of Abode or Right to Land Status Holder. Must use other identity documents in conjunction with the BN(O) passport for Hong Kong immigration clearance.[370] The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognise BN(O) passports as valid documents for immigration clearance and identification purposes. BN(O) citizens are instead entitled to a Hong Kong identity card which attests the passport holder the Right of Abode or Right to Land status in Hong Kong, implying BN(O) citizens the right to live, work or study in Hong Kong without any immigration controls.[371]
 India PAP/RAP PAP/RAP required Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for whole states of Nagaland and Sikkim and parts of states Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) required for all of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim. Some of these requirements are occasionally lifted for a year.[372][373][374][375][376]
 Iraqi Kurdistan Visa on arrival 15 days[377]
 Kazakhstan Special permission required Special permission required for the town of Baikonur and surrounding areas in Kyzylorda Oblast, and the town of Gvardeyskiy near Almaty.[378]
Iran Kish Island Visa not required Visitors to Kish Island do not require a visa.[379]
 Macao Visa not required The Macau SAR government has no official announcement regarding the admissibility/ inadmissibility of BN(O) passport holders. BN(O) citizens are able to visit Macau with their Hong Kong Identity Card for up to 1 year.[380]
Malaysia Sabah and Sarawak Visa not required[166] 1 month. These two Malaysian states have their own immigration authorities and a valid passport is required to travel between them, however the same Malaysian visa applies. Length of stay will not be extended for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.[381]
Maldives Maldives Permission required With the exception of the capital Malé, tourists are generally prohibited from visiting non-resort islands without the express permission of the Government of Maldives.[382]
 North Korea outside Pyongyang Special permit required People are not allowed to leave the capital city, tourists can only leave the capital with a governmental tourist guide (no independent moving)
 Palestine Visa not required[383] Arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed.[384]
 Taiwan Exit & Entry Permit required[385] BN(O) citizens who meet certain eligible can apply online (Fee waiver) or on arrival (Fee : NT 300). This Permit for up to 30 days [1]
Tajikistan Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province OIVR permit required OIVR permit required (15+5 Tajikistani Somoni) and another special permit (free of charge) is required for Lake Sarez.[386][387][388]
 Turkmenistan Special permit required A special permit, issued prior to arrival by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is required if visiting the following places: Atamurat, Cheleken, Dashoguz, Serakhs and Serhetabat.[389]
United Nations Korean Demilitarized Zone Restricted zone
United Nations UNDOF Zone and Ghajar Restricted zone
Vietnam Phú Quốc Visa not required Can visit without a visa for up to 30 days.[390]
 Yemen Special permission required Special permission needed for travel outside Sana’a or Aden.[391]
Caribbean and North Atlantic
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
 Aruba Visa not required[392] 30 days, extendable to 180 days[393]
Netherlands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba Visa not required[394] 90 days
Colombia San Andrés and Leticia Tourist Card on arrival Visitors arriving at Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport and Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport must buy tourist cards on arrival.[395]
 Curacao Visa not required[396] 3 months
France French Guiana Visa not required[397] 90 days
France French West Indies Visa not required 90 days. French West Indies refers to Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.[398]
 Greenland Visa not required[353]
Venezuela Margarita Island Visa not required All visitors are fingerprinted.[399]
 Puerto Rico Visa required[400] US visa required
 Saint Pierre and Miquelon Visa not required[365]
 Sint Maarten Visa not required[401] 3 months[402]
 U.S. Virgin Islands Visa required[403] US visa required
Oceania
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
 American Samoa Visa required[404][405] US visa required
Australia Ashmore and Cartier Islands Special authorisation required Special authorisation required.[406]
France Clipperton Island Special permit required Special permit required.[407]
 Cook Islands Visa not required[408] 31 days
Fiji Lau Province Special permission required Special permission required.[409]
 French Polynesia Visa not required[410] 90 days
 Guam Visa not required[411] 45 days
 New Caledonia Visa not required[365] 90 days
 Niue Free Visa on arrival[412] Visa on arrival valid for 30 days is issued free of charge.[413]
 Northern Mariana Islands Visa not required[414] Visa not required under the Guam - CNMI Visa Waiver Program, for 45 days. Must also present a Hong Kong identity card.
United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Special permit required Special permits required for Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll and Wake Island.[415][416][417][418][419][420][421]
 Wallis and Futuna Visa not required[365] 90 days
South America
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
Galápagos Pre-registration required Online pre-registration is required. Transit Control Card must also be obtained at the airport prior to departure.[422]
South Atlantic and Antarctica
Visitor to Visa requirement Notes (excluding departure fees)
Antarctica Special permits required for  French Southern and Antarctic Lands,  Argentine Antarctica, Australia Australian Antarctic Territory, Bouvet Island Bouvet Island, Antártica Chilena Province Chilean Antarctic Territory, Australia Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norway Peter I Island, Norway Queen Maud Land, New Zealand Ross Dependency.[423][424][425][426][427][428][429][430][431][432][433][434]

Non-visa restrictions

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This section is transcluded from Non-visa travel restrictions. (edit | history)

Many countries have entry restrictions on foreigners that go beyond the common requirement of having either a valid visa or a visa exemption. Such restrictions may be health related or impose additional documentation requirements on certain classes of people for diplomatic or political purposes.

Blank passport pages

[edit]

Many countries require a minimum number of blank pages to be available in the passport being presented, typically one or two pages.[435] Endorsement pages, which often appear after the visa pages, are not counted as being valid or available.

Vaccination

[edit]
Main articles: Vaccination requirements for international travel, International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, and Vaccine passports during the COVID-19 pandemic
Cover of the new International Certificate of Vaccination issued by the Bureau of Quarantine in the Philippines since 2021

Many African countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo, South Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia, require all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year[436] to have a current International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, as does the South American territory of French Guiana.[437]

Some other countries require vaccination only if the passenger is coming from an infected area or has visited one recently or has transited for 12 hours in those countries: Algeria, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.[438][439]

Passport validity length

[edit]

Very few countries, such as Paraguay, just require a valid passport on arrival.

However many countries and groupings now require only an identity card – especially from their neighbours. Other countries may have special bilateral arrangements that depart from the generality of their passport validity length policies to shorten the period of passport validity required for each other's citizens[440][441] or even accept passports that have already expired (but not been cancelled).[442]

Some countries, such as Japan,[443] Ireland and the United Kingdom,[444] require a passport valid throughout the period of the intended stay.

In the absence of specific bilateral agreements, countries requiring passports to be valid for at least 6 more months on arrival include Afghanistan, Algeria, Anguilla, Bahrain,[445] Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel,[446] Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru,[447] Philippines,[448] Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Vietnam.[449]

Countries requiring passports valid for at least 4 months on arrival include Micronesia and Zambia.

Countries requiring passports with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the date of intended departure include Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Honduras, Montenegro, Nauru, Moldova and New Zealand. Similarly, the EEA countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, all European Union countries (except Ireland) together with Switzerland also require 3 months validity beyond the date of the bearer's intended departure unless the bearer is an EEA or Swiss national.

Countries requiring passports valid for at least 3 months on arrival include Albania, North Macedonia, Panama, and Senegal.

Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry.

Countries that require a passport validity of at least one month beyond the date of intended departure include Eritrea, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Macau, the Maldives[450] and South Africa.

Criminal record

[edit]

Some countries, including Australia, Canada, Fiji, New Zealand and the United States,[451] routinely deny entry to non-citizens who have a criminal record, while others impose restrictions depending on the type of conviction and the length of the sentence.

Persona non grata

[edit]

The government of a country can declare a diplomat persona non grata, banning them from entering the country or expelling them if they have already entered. In non-diplomatic use, the authorities of a country may also declare a foreigner persona non grata permanently or temporarily, usually because of unlawful activity.[452]

Israeli stamps

[edit]
Israeli border control Entry Permit (issued as a stand-alone document rather than a stamp affixed in a passport)

Kuwait,[453] Lebanon,[454] Libya,[455] Syria,[456] and Yemen[457] do not allow entry to people with passport stamps from Israel or whose passports have either a used or an unused Israeli visa, or where there is evidence of previous travel to Israel such as entry or exit stamps from neighbouring border posts in transit countries such as Jordan and Egypt.

To circumvent this Arab League boycott of Israel, the Israeli immigration services have now mostly ceased to stamp foreign nationals' passports on either entry to or exit from Israel (unless the entry is for some work-related purposes). Since 15 January 2013, Israel no longer stamps foreign passports at Ben Gurion Airport. Passports are still (as of 22 June 2017) stamped at Erez when passing into and out of Gaza.[citation needed]

Iran refuses admission to holders of passports containing an Israeli visa or stamp that is less than 12 months old.

Biometrics

[edit]
See also: Countries applying biometrics

Several countries mandate that all travellers, or all foreign travellers, be fingerprinted on arrival and will refuse admission to or even arrest travellers who refuse to comply. In some countries, such as the United States, this may apply even to transit passengers who merely wish to change planes rather than go landside.[458]

Fingerprinting countries/regions include Afghanistan,[459][460] Argentina,[461] Brunei, Cambodia,[462] China,[463] Ethiopia,[464] Ghana, Guinea,[465] India, Japan,[466][467] Kenya (both fingerprints and a photo are taken),[468] Malaysia upon entry and departure,[469] Mongolia, Saudi Arabia,[470] Singapore, South Korea,[471] Taiwan, Thailand,[472] Uganda,[473] the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Many countries also require a photo be taken of people entering the country. The United States, which does not fully implement exit control formalities at its land frontiers (although long mandated by its own legislation),[474][475][476] intends to implement facial recognition for passengers departing from international airports to identify people who overstay their visa.[477]

Together with fingerprint and face recognition, iris scanning is one of three biometric identification technologies internationally standardised since 2006 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for use in e-passports[478] and the United Arab Emirates conducts iris scanning on visitors who need to apply for a visa.[479][480]

Right to consular protection

[edit]
Diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom

British Nationals (Overseas) have the right to consular protection from British diplomatic missions[481] except in China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

When in a country where there is no British embassy, British Nationals (Overseas) may get help from the embassy of any other commonwealth country present in that country. There are also informal arrangements with some other countries, including New Zealand and Australia, to help British nationals in some countries.[482]

Foreign travel statistics

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This section is transcluded from British passport. (edit | history)

According to the Foreign travel advice provided by the British Government (unless otherwise noted) these are the numbers of British visitors to various countries per annum in 2015 (unless otherwise noted):[483]

Foreign travel statistics

Country Number of visitors Lost or stolen passports
 Albania[note 1] 80,000
 American Samoa[note 2][484][485][failed verification] 119
 Angola[note 3][486] 14,267/12,319 ?
 Andorra[note 4] 150,000
 Anguilla[note 4][487] 5,021
 Antarctica[note 2][488] 3,915
 Antigua and Barbuda[note 2][489] 70,701
 Aruba[note 1][490] 10,447
 Australia[note 2][491] 731,900 640
 Austria[note 5][note 4][492] 919,500
 Azerbaijan[note 4][493] 29,514
 Bahamas[494] 28,022
 Bangladesh[note 1] 150,000
 Barbados[note 5][note 4][495] 218,638
 Belarus[note 4] 6,000
 Belgium[note 4][496] 868,173
 Belize[note 4][note 5][497] 13,342
 Bermuda[note 2][498] 41,348
 Bhutan[note 2][499] 3,246
 Bolivia[note 4][500] 17,528
 Bosnia and Herzegovina[note 2][501] 12,715
 Botswana[502] 41,011
 Brazil[note 2][503] 185,858
 Brunei[note 6][504] 18,222
 Bulgaria[note 7][505] 424,384
 Burkina Faso[note 4][506] 1,343
 Cambodia[note 4][507] 159,489
 Cameroon[note 1][note 5][508] 16,008
 Canada[note 2][509] 819,530
 Cape Verde[note 5][510] 126,685
 Cayman Islands[note 2][note 8][511] 14,017
 Chile[note 2][512] 54,714
 China[note 4][513][514] 594,300
 Colombia[515] 39,715
 Congo[note 9][516] 6,115
 Cook Islands[note 2][484][517] 2,954
 Costa Rica[note 2][518] 76,173
 Croatia[note 2][519] 750,675
 Cuba[520] 155,802
 Curacao[note 4][521] 2,806
 Cyprus[note 7][522] 1,327,805
 Czech Republic[note 5][note 2][523] 470,576
 Denmark[note 1] 150,000
 Dominica[524] 4,951
 Dominican Republic[note 2][525] 177,534
 Ecuador[note 1][526] 27,126
 Egypt 865,000
 Ethiopia[note 1] 20,000
 Estonia[note 5][note 2][527] 58,402
 Eswatini[note 4][528] 15,503
 Fiji[note 2][529] 16,925
 Finland[note 5][note 7][530] 232,071
 France[531] 12,235,713 1,344
 French Polynesia[note 2][532] 2,840
 Gambia[note 9][533] 60,424
 Ghana[note 1] 90,000
 Georgia[note 7][534] 29,406
 Germany[note 4][535] 2,551,061 606
 Greece[536] 2,397,169
 Greenland[note 4][537] 1,595
 Grenada[note 2][538] 25,351
 Guadeloupe[note 1] <1,000
 Hong Kong[note 2][539] 555,353
 Hungary[note 5][note 4][540] 376,573
 Iceland[note 7][541] 297,963
 Indonesia[note 4][542] 352,017
 India[note 2][543] 986,296
 Ireland[544] 3,547,000
 Israel[note 2][545] 198,500
 Italy[note 4][546] 4,922,000 737
 Jamaica[note 2][547] 217,647
 Japan[note 2][548] 310,500
 Jordan[note 4][549] 64,776
 Kazakhstan[note 2][550] 21,341
 Kiribati[note 2][484][551] 173
 Kuwait[note 4] 7,000
 Kenya[note 3] 100,000
 Kyrgyzstan[note 2][552] 6,900
 Laos[note 2][553] 27,723
 Latvia[note 5][note 2][554] 95,357
 Lebanon[note 4][555] 61,994
 Lesotho[note 10][556] 2,380
 Liechtenstein[note 1] 2,200
 Lithuania[note 4][557] 58,200
 Luxembourg[note 4][note 5][558] 69,350
 Macau[note 2][559] 57,121
 Madagascar[560] 3,167
 Malaysia[note 2][561] 358,818
 Malawi[note 11][562] 51,145
 Maldives[note 2][563] 103,977
 Malta[note 7][564] 640,570
 Mali[note 1][565] 900
 Marshall Islands[note 2][484] 51
 Mauritius[note 2][563] 149,807
 Mexico[note 2][note 8][566] 563,099
 Moldova[note 2][567] 11,555
 Mongolia[note 2][568] 6,012
 Montenegro[note 5][note 4][569] 37,464
 Montserrat[note 12][570] 1,380
 Morocco[571] 554,000
 Myanmar[note 4][572] 51,051
 Namibia[573] 27,365
   Nepal[574] 29,730
 New Caledonia[note 2][484] 708
 Nigeria[note 1] 117,000
 Niue[note 2][484][575] 146
 North Macedonia[note 4][note 5][576] 8,856
 Norway[note 1] 581,000
 Netherlands[note 2][577] 2,195,000 602
 New Zealand[note 2][578] 249,264
 Nicaragua[note 4][579] 16,923
 Oman[note 2][580] 143,224
 Pakistan[note 11][581] 275,400
 Palau[note 4][582] 852
 Panama[583] 16,338
 Papua New Guinea[note 4][584] 6,974
 Peru[note 2][585] 69,506
 Philippines[note 2][586] 182,708
 Poland[note 4][587] 796,900
 Portugal 2,600,000 405
 Qatar[note 2][588] 120,495
 Romania[note 13][589] 243,991
 Russia[note 2][590] 193,522
 Saba[note 1][note 8][591] 200
 Saint Lucia[592] 68,175
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines[593] 17,045
 Samoa[note 2][484][594] 1,422
 San Marino[citation needed] 5,750
 São Tomé and Príncipe[note 14][595] 83
 Serbia[note 7][note 5][596] 32,802
 Seychelles[note 2][597] 21,906
 Singapore[note 2][598] 518,903
 Sint Eustatius[note 1][note 8][591] 200
 Slovakia[note 4][note 5][599] 77,837
 Slovenia[note 2][note 5][600] 118,508
 Solomon Islands[note 2][601] 496
 South Africa[602] 407,486
 South Korea[note 2][603] 126,024
 Spain[note 7][604] 18,502,722 5,605
 Sri Lanka[note 2][605] 201,879
 Suriname[note 2][606] 1,077
  Switzerland 709,925 430
 Sweden[note 1][607] 603,000
 Taiwan[note 2][608] 104,911
 Tanzania[note 4][609] 67,742
 Thailand[note 2][610] 994,468 603
 Timor-Leste[note 2][484][note 8][611] 1,253
 Tonga[note 2][484][612] 1,102
 Trinidad and Tobago[note 1][613] 37,473
 Turkey[note 7][614] 2,254,871
 Turks and Caicos[615] 6,399
 Tuvalu[note 2][484][616] 59
 Uganda[note 10][617] 43,009
 Uruguay[note 1] 20,000
 Ukraine[note 2][618] 78,603
 United Arab Emirates[note 2][619] 1,265,000
 United States[note 2][note 15][620] 5,076,167 1,539
 Uzbekistan[note 3][621] 1,800
 Venezuela[note 10][622] 20,837
 Vietnam[note 2][623] 283,537
 Zambia[624] 36,997
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Data for 2014
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl Data for 2017
  3. ^ a b c Data for 2015
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag Data for 2016
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Counting only guests in tourist accommodation establishments.
  6. ^ Data for 2011
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i Data for 2018
  8. ^ a b c d e Data for arrivals by air only.
  9. ^ a b Data for 2012
  10. ^ a b c Data for 2013
  11. ^ a b Data for 2009
  12. ^ Data for 2010
  13. ^ Data for 2019
  14. ^ Data for 2005
  15. ^ Total number includes tourists, business travelers, students, exchange visitors, temporary workers and families, diplomats and other representatives and all other classes of nonimmigrant admissions (I-94).

See also

[edit]

References and notes

[edit]
References
  1. ^ a b "Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa". House of Commons Library. Retrieved 12 February 2024. The British National (Overseas) status (hereafter, 'BN(O)') was created as part of the arrangements for the handover of sovereignty of Hong Kong on 1 July 1997.
  2. ^ Writt