Are you planning on travelling to China or Cuba anytime soon for work or a holiday?

As a UK passport holder, sometimes you might need to have a visa issued before you can enter a country.

In total, there are currently 37 countries around the world where this rule applies.

Full list of countries UK passport holders need a visa in advance for

So you don’t get caught out when arranging your travel plans, here are the countries you typically need a visa in advance for, according to Ignite SEO:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Bhutan
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Congo (Democratic Republic)
  • Cuba
  • Djibouti
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Gabon
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Pakistan
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Turkmenistan
  • Venezuela
  • Yemen

Can I still travel with a red passport in 2024?

Digital nomad and entrepreneur Adam Collins of Ignite SEO, explained: “Travelling as a British passport holder offers a lot of freedom, but it's essential to be aware of visa requirements to avoid any unexpected travel disruptions.

“As a digital nomad, I find it crucial to research each country's entry regulations ahead of time.

“Having a clear understanding of visa requirements not only saves time but also ensures a smoother journey, allowing you to focus more on your work and enjoy your travel experiences." 

How long can a UK citizen stay in Europe without a visa?

Your Europe explains: “British citizens don’t need a visa to stay in an EU country for up to 90 days in a given 180-day period.

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“This applies only to leisure visits, and any work you carry out will most often require a work permit.

“After 90 days, you will need to get a visa to be able to stay longer and to get a job or to study.”

This rule applies if you are staying in a destination within the Schengen area.

You can correctly calculate the number of days you have stayed in the Schengen area by using the Schengen short-stay visa calculator on the VisaGuide.World website.

Recommended reading:

  • Where can UK passport holders travel to without a visa? See all 155 destinations
  • Does your UK passport number change when renewed? What page to find it on
  • When is my UK passport too damaged to use for travel? All you need to know

Your Europe adds: “Most EU countries have multiple visa types, and the conditions and procedures differ for each.

“In some countries, it is necessary to be sponsored by an employer in order to be able to get the right to stay, while others will allow you to have a temporary visa to find work.

“Some EU countries have a points-based system for skilled migrants.

“Please check the website of the national authorities for more information on the conditions that apply in your case.”