Visa requirements for British Nationals (Overseas)

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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. British National (Overseas) status was available only to eligible Hong Kong residents who voluntarily registered before the 1997 handover. An estimated 2.9 million people are BN(O) status holders today, while the number of valid British National (Overseas) passports in circulation is significantly lower, at around 700,000, as many BN(O)s do not hold a current 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 for immigration clearance.[6]

Countries and territories with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entries for British Nationals (Overseas)
  United Kingdom
  Admission refused
  Visa not required
  Visa on arrival
  eVisa
  Visa available both on arrival or online
  Visa required

Visa requirements

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
  • Must arrive and leave via Minsk National Airport and not flights from Russia but this does not apply diplomatic or official passport holders.
  • 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]
  • BN(O) citizens transiting through Brunei International Airport for less than 24 hours do not require a visa; those traveling to a third country may obtain a transit visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 72 hours (fee: 5.00 BND/SGD).
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 B1/B2 visa issued by United States 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 eVisa[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 required[117]
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 eVisa[126][127] 30 days
  • 30 days, 1 year and 5 years of eTourist visa is now available from Indian eVisa. However this service is not available for British citizens of Pakistani origin (i.e. someone with at least 1 Pakistani parent or grandparent).
Indonesia e-VOA / Visa on arrival[128] 60 days[129]
  • The (Visa on Arrival) costs 1,000,000 Indonesian rupiah, payable in cash or by card. It is valid for single entry only. You must meet passport validity requirements and have a return or onward ticket.[130] For visa before available online.[129]
Iran Visa required[131]
  • Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Iran.[132]
Iraq Visa on arrival[133][134] 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.[135]
Ireland Visa not required[136] 90 days
Israel Visa not required[137] 3 months
Italy Visa not required[138] 90 days
Jamaica Visa not required[139] 180 days
Japan Visa not required[140] 90 days
Jordan Free visa on arrival[141][142]
  • 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[143] 30 days
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation[144][145] 90 days
  • Can also enter on an East Africa Tourist Visa issued by Rwanda or Uganda.[146]
Kiribati Visa not required[147] 30 days
North Korea Visa required[148]
South Korea Visa not required[149] 30 days
  • BNO passport has right to get E-ETA free till December 31, 2025. The government of the Republic of Korea announced that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, a K-ETA is not required for 27 countries citizens visiting Korea for 90 days or less for business or tourism.[150]
  • 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.[151]
  • 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.[151]
Kuwait eVisa / Visa on arrival[152] 3 months[153]
Kyrgyzstan Visa not required[154][155] 60 days
Laos eVisa / Visa on arrival[156] 30 days [157]
Latvia Visa not required[158] 90 days
Lebanon Visa required[159]
  • 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[160] 14 days
Liberia Visa required[161][162]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
Libya eVisa[163][164]
  • Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Libya.[165]
Liechtenstein Visa not required[166] 90 days
Lithuania Visa not required[167] 90 days
Luxembourg Visa not required[168] 90 days
Madagascar Visa on arrival[169] 60 days
Malawi Visa not required[170] 30 days
Malaysia Visa not required[171] 1 month
Maldives Free visa on arrival[172] 30 days
Mali Visa required[173]
Malta Visa not required[174] 90 days
Marshall Islands Visa not required[175] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period
Mauritania Visa on arrival[176]
Mauritius Visa not required[177] 90 days
Mexico Visa not required[178] 180 days[179]
Micronesia Visa not required[180] 30 days
Moldova Visa not required[181] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180 day period
Monaco Visa not required[182] 30 days
Mongolia Visa not required[183] 30 days[184][185]
Montenegro Visa not required[186] 90 days
  • Must register with the local police station (either through a tourist organisation or at hotel reception) within 24 hours of arrival.[187]
Morocco Visa not required[188] 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.[189][190]
Mozambique Visa not required[191][192] 30 days
Myanmar eVisa[193] 28 days
Namibia Visa not required[194] 3 months
Nauru Visa required[197]
  • In addition of a visa, an application should be obtained by email via the Directorate of Immigration.
  Nepal Online Visa / Visa on arrival[198] 90 days[199]
  • Visa-on-arrival is extendable[200]
Netherlands Visa not required[201] 90 days
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority[202] 3 months
Nicaragua Visa not required[206] 90 days
Niger Visa required[207]
Nigeria eVisa[208][209] 90 days
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
North Macedonia Visa required[210]
  • BN(O) citizen can enter with a multiple-entry B1/B2 visa issued by US valid for at least 5 days longer than the duration of stay. They can stay for a maximum of 90 days in a period of 6 months, with a maximum stay of 15 days per visit.
Norway Visa not required[211] 90 days
Oman Visa not required / eVisa[212] 14 days / 30 days
Pakistan Online Visa / ETA[213] 30 days
  • Electronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes.[214]
  • Electronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for business purposes.[215]
  • Online Visa eligible.[216]
Palau Free visa on arrival[217] 30 days
Panama Visa not required[218] 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.[219]
  • 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.[220] British nationals don't need a visa to visit Panama except if arriving by sea.[221][222]
Papua New Guinea eVisa[223] 60 days
  • Issued free of charge
Paraguay Visa not required[224] 90 days
Peru Visa not required[225] 183 days
  • Visa stamp (up to 183 days) length determined on arrival
Philippines Visa not required[226] 7 days
  • A tourist visa is available from the Philippine Embassy before you travel, which will allow an initial total of 59-day stay.[227][228]
  • For longer periods, a visa extension is available once inside the country from the Bureau of immigration.[229]
Poland Visa not required[230] 90 days
Portugal Visa not required[231] 90 days
Qatar Visa required[232]
Romania Visa not required[233] 90 days
Russia Visa required[235]
  • Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Russia.[236]
Rwanda Visa not required[237] 30 days
  • Can also be entered on an East Africa Tourist Visa issued by Kenya or Uganda.[146]
Saint Kitts and Nevis Visa not required[238] 3 months
Saint Lucia Visa not required[239] 6 weeks
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Visa not required[240] 6 months
Samoa Free Entry Permit on arrival[241] 60 days
San Marino Visa not required[242]
São Tomé and Príncipe Visa not required[243] 15 days
Saudi Arabia eVisa / Visa on arrival[244][245][246]  90 days
Senegal Visa not required[247] 90 days
Serbia Visa not required[248] 90 days
Seychelles Free Visitor's Permit on arrival[249] 3 months
Sierra Leone eVisa / Visa on arrival[250][251][252] 30 days
Singapore Visa not required[253] 30 days
Slovakia Visa not required[254] 90 days
Slovenia Visa not required[255] 90 days
Solomon Islands Free Visitor's permit on arrival[256] 3 months
  • Issued free of charge.
Somalia Visa on arrival[257]
South Africa Visa not required[258] 30 days[259]
South Sudan eVisa[260][261][262]
  • Obtainable online[263]
  • Printed visa authorization must be presented at the time of travel[263]
Spain Visa not required[264] 90 days
Sri Lanka eVisa / Visa on arrival[265] 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.[266]
Sudan Visa required[267][268]
Suriname Visa not required[269] 90 days
  • An entrance fee of US$25 or 25 Euros must be paid online prior to arrival.[270]
  • Multiple entry eVisa is also available.[271]
Sweden Visa not required[272] 90 days
 Switzerland Visa not required[273] 90 days
Syria Visa required[274][275]
  • Due to security concerns, Government of UK advises its citizens to avoid travelling to Syria.[276]
Tajikistan eVisa[277] 45 days
Tanzania eVisa / Visa on arrival[278][279] 3 months
Thailand Visa not required[280] 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.[281]
Timor-Leste Visa on arrival[282] 30 days
Togo eVisa[283][284] 15 days
Tonga Free visa on arrival[285] 31 days
Trinidad and Tobago Visa not required[286]
Tunisia Visa not required[287] 3 months
Turkey eVisa[288] 3 months
Turkmenistan Visa required[289]
  • Pre-approved visa can be picked up on arrival.
Tuvalu Free visa on arrival[290] 1 month
Uganda eVisa[291] 3 months
  • May apply online.[292]
  • Can also be entered on an East Africa Tourist Visa issued by Kenya or Rwanda.
Ukraine Visa required
United Arab Emirates eVisa[294][295]
United Kingdom Bespoke UK Immigration Status[305] 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[306]
  • 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[307] 90 days
Uzbekistan eVisa[308]
Vanuatu Visa not required[309] 30 days
Vatican City Visa not required[310]
Venezuela Visa not required[311] 90 days[312]
  • 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.[313]
  • One can only apply for or extend their (residency permit) at the main SAIME office in Caracas.[313]
Vietnam Visa required[314]
  • BN(O) citizens must obtain a traditional visa (sticker) or a "Landing Visa Approval Letter" before departure, and prepare two recent color photos and US$25 in cash (single entry). Upon arrival at the Vietnamese airport, they can obtain a visa on arrival.[315]
Yemen Visa required[316][317]
  • 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[318] 90 days
  • British Nationals (Overseas) are eligible for a universal visa allowing access to Zimbabwe.[319]
Zimbabwe eVisa / Visa on arrival[320] 3 months
  • British Nationals (Overseas) are also eligible for a universal visa allowing access to Zambia.[319]

British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories

British Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories
Visitor toVisa requirementAllowed stayNotes
Akrotiri and Dhekelia Visa not required
Anguilla Visa not required 3 months[321][322]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
Bermuda Visa not required 6 months[323][324]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
British Antarctic Territory Special permit required[325][326]
British Indian Ocean Territory Special permit required[327][328]
British Virgin Islands Visa not required 1 month[329][330]
  • Extension of stay possible.
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
Cayman Islands Visa not required 30 Days[331][332]
  • 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[333][334]
  • 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[335]
Montserrat Visa not required 6 months[336]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.
Pitcairn Islands Visa not required 14 days[336]
United Kingdom Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Ascension Island eVisa[341][342] 3 months
  • 3 months within any year period
Saint Helena Entry permit on arrival 183 days[343]
  • 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[348][349]
  • British Nationals (Overseas) with a connection to the territory have right of abode.

Territories and disputed areas

Europe
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (excluding departure fees)
Abkhazia Visa required[350]
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.[351][352]
Belarus Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park Visa not required 3 days;[353] must first obtain an electronic pass[354]
Autonomous Republic of Crimea Crimea Visa required Visa policy of Russia applies de facto.[355]
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Visa not required 3 months[356]
United Nations UN Buffer Zone in Cyprus Access Permit required[357] Access Permit is required for travelling inside the zone, except Civil Use Areas.
Faroe Islands Visa not required[358]
Norway Jan Mayen Permit required[359] Permit issued by the local police required for staying for less than 24 hours[360] and permit issued by the Norwegian police for staying for more than 24 hours.[361]
Kosovo Visa not required[362] 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.[363]
Russia Special authorization required Several closed cities and regions in Russia require special authorization.[364]
South Ossetia Visa not required Multiple entry visa to Russia and three-day prior notification are required to enter South Ossetia.[365][366]
Transnistria Visa not required Registration required after 24h.[367][368]
Africa
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (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).[369]
Mayotte Visa not required[370] 90 days
Réunion Visa not required[370] 90 days
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Visa not required Visa not required up to 3 months.[371]
Somaliland Visa on arrival 30 days for 30 US dollars, payable on arrival.[372][373]
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.[374]
Asia
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (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.[375] 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.[376]
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.[377][378][379][380][381]
Iraqi Kurdistan Visa on arrival 15 days[382]
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.[383]
Iran Kish Island Visa not required Visitors to Kish Island do not require a visa.[384]
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.[385]
Malaysia Sabah and Sarawak Visa not required[171] 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.[386]
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.[387]
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[388] Arrival by sea to Gaza Strip not allowed.[389]
Taiwan Exit & Entry Permit required[390] BN(O) citizens may apply for an entry permit to Taiwan under the following conditions. Those who meet the criteria may apply for a free permit or obtain a visa on arrival at a Taiwanese airport (fee: NT$300), allowing a stay of up to 30 days (non-extendable): 
(1) The place of birth shown in the passport is “Hong Kong” or “Macau”.; or
(2) not born in Hong Kong or Macau but having previously traveled to Taiwan as Hong Kong or Macau permanent residents after 1983; or 
(3) holding a valid Exit & Entry Permit issued by the Republic of China (Taiwan) for Hong Kong and Macau residents.

For the free 30-day online entry permit, the following document types are available: 

(a) a single-entry Exit & Entry Permit valid for three months; or 
(b) a two-entry permit valid for three months, with the second entry restricted to arrival by cruise.

BN(O) citizens who do not meet any of the above conditions, or who intend to stay in Taiwan for 31 to 90 days, may apply for an Exit & Entry Permit through the online application system prior to departure (fee: NT$600).

Upon approval, applicants must print the “Online Application for Temporary Entry Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents” on A4 paper in either black and white or colour; recycled paper is not permitted.

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.[391][392][393]
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.[394]
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.[395]
Yemen Special permission required Special permission needed for travel outside Sanaa or Aden.[396]
Caribbean and North Atlantic
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (excluding departure fees)
Aruba Visa not required[397] 30 days, extendable to 180 days[398]
Netherlands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba Visa not required[399] 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.[400]
Curacao Visa not required[401] 3 months
France French Guiana Visa not required[402] 90 days
France French West Indies Visa not required 90 days. French West Indies refers to Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.[403]
Greenland Visa not required[358]
Venezuela Margarita Island Visa not required All visitors are fingerprinted.[404]
Puerto Rico Visa required[405] US visa required
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Visa not required[370]
Sint Maarten Visa not required[406] 3 months[407]
U.S. Virgin Islands Visa required[408] US visa required
Oceania
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (excluding departure fees)
American Samoa Visa required[409][410] US visa required
Australia Ashmore and Cartier Islands Special authorisation required Special authorisation required.[411]
France Clipperton Island Special permit required Special permit required.[412]
Cook Islands Visa not required[413] 31 days
Fiji Lau Province Special permission required Special permission required.[414]
French Polynesia Visa not required[415] 90 days
Guam Visa not required[416] 45 days
New Caledonia Visa not required[370] 90 days
Niue Free Visa on arrival[417] Visa on arrival valid for 30 days is issued free of charge.[418]
Northern Mariana Islands Visa not required[419] 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.[420][421][422][423][424][425][426]
Wallis and Futuna Visa not required[370] 90 days
South America
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (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.[427]
South Atlantic and Antarctica
Visitor toVisa requirementNotes (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.[428][429][430][431][432][433][434][435][436][437][438][439]

Non-visa restrictions

Blank passport pages

Many countries require a minimum number of blank pages to be available in the passport being presented, typically one or two pages.[440] Endorsement pages, which often appear after the visa pages, are not counted as being valid or available.

Vaccination

Main articles: Vaccination requirements for international travel and International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
Cover of the new International Certificate of Vaccination issued by the Bureau of Quarantine in the Philippines since 2021

The African countries of Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and Togo, South Sudan and Uganda, along with French Guiana in South America, require all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year[441], to have a current International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.[442]

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, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.[443][444]

Passport validity length

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[445][446] or even accept passports that have already expired (but not been cancelled).[447]

Some countries, such as Japan,[448] Ireland and the United Kingdom,[449] 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,[450] 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,[451] Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru,[452] Philippines,[453] 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.[454]

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[455] and South Africa.

Maximum passport age

Countries of the Schengen area require non-EU passports to be less than 10 years old upon entry.[456]

Criminal record

Some countries, including Australia, Canada, Fiji, New Zealand and the United States,[457] 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

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.[458]

Israeli stamps

Kuwait,[459] Lebanon,[460] Libya,[461] and Yemen[462] 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

See also: Biometric identification by country

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.[463]

Fingerprinting countries/regions include Afghanistan,[464][465] Argentina,[466] Brunei, Cambodia,[467] China,[468] Ethiopia,[469] Ghana, Guinea,[470] India, Japan,[471][472] Kenya (both fingerprints and a photo are taken),[473] Malaysia upon entry and departure,[474] Mongolia, Saudi Arabia,[475] the Schengen Area,[476] Singapore, South Korea,[477] Taiwan, Thailand,[478] Uganda,[479] 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),[480][481][482] intends to implement facial recognition for passengers departing from international airports to identify people who overstay their visa.[483]

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[484] and the United Arab Emirates conducts iris scanning on visitors who need to apply for a visa.[485][486] The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to greatly increase the biometric data it collects at US borders.[487] In 2018, Singapore began trials of iris scanning at three land and maritime immigration checkpoints.[488][489]

Right to consular protection

Diplomatic missions of the United Kingdom

British Nationals (Overseas) have the right to consular protection from British diplomatic missions[490] 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.[491]

Foreign travel statistics

See also

References and notes

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