Visa-Free Travel in 2025: Where Can Brits Still Go Without a Visa?

By: Stuart Kerr, Travel Correspondent

Published: 02/08/2025 · Updated: 02/08/2025

Contact: editorial@holidaymate.com | About the Author

Travel Without the Paperwork

Once upon a time, a British passport opened nearly every border. But as global mobility continues to evolve post-Brexit and post-pandemic, where exactly can Brits go without applying for a visa in 2025?

The good news: British citizens can still travel to a wide array of destinations visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, thanks to bilateral agreements, Commonwealth connections, and global travel partnerships. The more nuanced news: Europe is changing, and so are the rules.

A Passport That Still Goes Far

According to the Henley Passport Index, the UK passport currently grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 countries and territories, placing it 6th globally in 2025. This includes most of Europe, large parts of Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.

The full list is updated regularly on the Visa Requirements for British Citizens page. Countries like Japan, Singapore, Chile, South Korea, and South Africa continue to offer streamlined entry.

Even in complex regions, such as Central Asia or parts of Africa, the UK still enjoys relaxed access compared to many other nationalities.

What About the EU?

Post-Brexit travel arrangements remain largely stable for short trips. UK citizens can still enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

But there’s a major change coming: the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). While initially expected in 2024, the scheme has been delayed until Q4 2026, as confirmed on ETIAS' official Wikipedia entry. Once in force, Brits will need to:

Apply online

Pay a €7 fee

Receive a 3-year electronic travel authorisation

It’s not a visa—but it’s a formal check that must be done in advance, similar to the ESTA system used by the US.

The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Comes First

While ETIAS has been delayed, a separate border control mechanism called the Entry/Exit System (EES) is going live first—on 12 October 2025. As outlined in official GOV.UK guidance, it will require:

Biometric scans (fingerprints and facial images)

Automated passport checks at EU borders

Real-time tracking of overstays

Though this doesn’t affect visa requirements, it introduces more formality to European border crossings for British travellers.

Visa-Free Doesn’t Always Mean “Free Entry”

It’s important to remember that visa-free travel is not permission to work, study, or stay indefinitely. Countries like Thailand or Indonesia may allow short-term entry without a visa, but impose strict penalties for overstays.

Similarly, while places like the UAE offer British travellers easy entry, local laws and restrictions vary dramatically.

Always check GOV.UK’s Foreign Travel Advice for each destination before departure.

What About Long-Term Travel?

Visa-free access covers short stays only. For extended visits—whether to retire in Spain or work remotely in Mexico—you’ll need a long-stay visa or residency permit.

As shown in the House of Commons Library’s January 2025 partner visa briefing, long-term travel and migration involve income thresholds, health cover, and background checks. Many countries also require a local sponsor or pre-approved purpose for entry.

Top Visa-Free Picks for 2025

If you're looking for travel with zero red tape, here are five standout destinations for British passport holders in 2025:

Japan – 90 days visa-free, and direct flights are improving.

Mexico – 180 days without a visa, with no ETIAS-style pre-check yet.

Morocco – No visa needed for up to 90 days, and new budget airline routes make it accessible.

Georgia – A hidden gem, visa-free for 360 days.

Barbados – 6 months visa-free access for UK citizens, ideal for winter sun.

Final Tip: Check Before You Fly

Visa rules are constantly evolving—especially in politically shifting or post-pandemic regions. While the UK passport still opens most doors, don’t rely on outdated blog posts or assumptions. Instead:

Review your destination at GOV.UK Travel Advice

Check for upcoming changes like ETIAS

Track your days in Schengen countries using a 180-day calculator

About the Author

Stuart Kerr is a travel correspondent for Holidaymate.com, specialising in practical and policy-driven travel news across Europe and beyond. You can reach him at editorial@holidaymate.com.