The admin side of things is definitely the only bad thing about travelling the world. Honestly, if we could just travel everywhere without needing passports, visas or any other documentation, life would be so much easier!
Obviously, there are reasons why it’s difficult to go to other countries. The rules are in place for security, but that doesn’t make them any easier to understand – or less stressful when planning a trip. Visas are the worst of it; you have to apply for specific visas when going to certain countries, ensuring you apply for the right one. They cost money as well, and you might need multiple visas if you’re travelling over different continents.
Luckily, as UK citizens, we’re allowed to travel to a whole host of countries without needing a visa at all. Yes, even after the whole Brexit fiasco! Currently, there are 139 visa-free countries we can visit. I won’t list them all, simply because there are too many to cover! But, I will show you a selection of the best places you can go:
The Schengen Area
We’ll start a little closer to home, and this is actually a bit of a cheat. The Schengen Area isn’t a country, it’s a group of countries around Europe. To confuse things even further, it doesn’t have anything to do with the European Union. You have countries in the Schengen Area that are part of the EU, and ones that aren’t.
Anyway, the countries in this area can all be travelled to from the UK without needing a visa. However, as explained on the Europe Visa website, at some point you will need to fill in an ETIAS application to travel to these countries. This isn’t a visa, and it actually lets you enter countries without one. You don’t have to do this just yet, but expect the new law to be introduced in 2022.
Regardless, you can still travel to these 26 countries without needing visas:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
New Zealand
That’s right, you can literally travel to the other side of the world without a visa. It’s weird how some countries make you get a visa and some don’t. For instance, if you went to Australia, you’d need a visa.
Regardless, UK citizens are allowed into New Zealand without any visa at all. What’s more, you can stay there for up to 6 months!! That’s more than enough time to tour the entire country and its two islands. There is a slight caveat, but you’ll witness similar things in other countries as well. While a visa isn’t required, you will need an NZeTA. This is a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, and it can be applied via a mobile app or the internet. You have to pay for it, but it’s only $9 via the app, and it’s easy for you to get.
Now, you can explore New Zealand and enjoy all the natural wonders and landscapes it has to offer, blending rural life with modern cities, it’s a joy to behold!
Indonesia
Believe it or not, you can travel to Indonesia without a visa. You can only stay there for 30 days, but that’s more than enough time for most travellers. This is probably one of the best places you can travel to as there are so many things to enjoy in this wonderful country.
The best thing about Indonesia is that there are plenty of islands dotted around that fall under its territory. So, you can technically travel to places like Bali without the need for a visa either! As you know, this is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world because of all the gorgeous beaches and hotspots Bali has to offer. The food throughout Indonesia is stunning as well; it’s just a wonderful place to go, and having no visa requirements for UK citizens is the perfect excuse to go there!
Vietnam
Again, another really popular travel destination, and you can go there without a visa. The staying period is much less here; you can only stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa. Still, that’s a decent amount of time to see some of the main attractions here.
Naturally, there are so many relics of the Vietnam War that are well worth your time. You really get a different perspective of the war, compared to what you might have learnt in school or heard about from Western news outlets.
Then, there are acres upon acres of gorgeous landscapes for you to marvel at, along with some of the best cuisines your tastebuds will ever get to experience.
South Africa
Home of the safari, South Africa is open to UK citizens for up to 90 days without a visa. Everyone goes to Cape Town when they visit South Africa, largely for the aforementioned safaris, and to see the iconic Table Mountain.
This country boasts things that most other countries in the world could only dream of. Primarily, it’s home to so many different animals and rare species that you’ll only find in Africa. If you want to be one with nature and see loads of animals in their natural habitats away from zoos, South Africa is the place for you.
The Bahamas
There is actually a selection of countries in the Caribbean that you can travel to without a visa. I’ve picked the Bahamas because, well, who wouldn’t want to stay there for a while? You can only visit for up to 21 days without a visa, though you might be able to extend this for up to 8 months.
Does it really matter? With so many sandy beaches, beautiful blue seas, and a whole host of delights, you’ll have more than your fair share of fun over three weeks in the Bahamas.
There you have it; countries you can travel to from the UK without needing a visa. All you need is a valid UK passport, and you’re good to go. Of course, be sure you check all travel requirements and guidelines relating to COVID before you book your next trip!
