United Kingdom Visa Requirements 2026Entry Rules & Visa-Free Access by Passport

Visa-free nationalities
1
Visa on arrival
0
eTA / e-Visa
83
Total streamlined
84
Visa required in advance
114

United Kingdom's visa policy is restrictive relative to other destinations worldwide. If your nationality is not listed as visa-free, visa on arrival, or eTA/e-Visa eligible, you will need to apply for a United Kingdom tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Visa-free

Countries Whose Citizens Can Visit United Kingdom Visa-Free (1)

Passport holders from these countries can enter United Kingdom without a visa - no embassy appointment, no advance fee.

eTA / e-Visa

eTA & e-Visa Eligible Countries for United Kingdom (83)

These nationalities can apply for an electronic travel authorisation or e-Visa online before travel - no embassy visit required.

Show all 83

Fees

United Kingdom Visa Fees (updated 28 Jul 2026)

  • Standard Visitor visa - up to 6 months

    6 monthsofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 135 (~$180)

  • Standard Visitor visa - 2 years multiple entry

    2 yearsofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 506 (~$673)

  • Standard Visitor visa - 5 years multiple entry

    5 yearsofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 903 (~$1,201)

  • Standard Visitor visa - 10 years multiple entry

    10 yearsofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 1,128 (~$1,500)

  • Visitor in Transit visa

    single or double transit, up to 48 hours airside/landsideofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 74.5 (~$99)

  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

    2 years or until passport expires, multiple entry, stays up to 6 months per visitofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 20 (~$27)

Show all 7 fees

  • Standard Visitor visa (business visitor activities)

    6 monthsofficial sourcegov.uk ↗

    GBP 135 (~$180)

Compare official tourist-visa fees across every destination →

Applications are handled via VFS Global (most countries as of 2025 transition) / TLScontact (some regions still transitioning) - a service fee applies on top of the visa fee and varies by country and centre.

Transit

United Kingdom Transit Visa

United Kingdom publishes a transit visa product for travellers passing through to another destination. Whether you need one depends on your nationality and whether you stay airside - see how transit visas work.

Transit Visa (Direct Airside / Visitor in Transit)

Passing through the UK en route to another country

up to 2 days~$53apply online

Two types: Direct Airside Transit visa (£41.50, remain airside without passing border control) and Visitor in Transit visa (£74.50, pass through border control and leave within 48 hours). Required for visa nationals changing flights in the UK, unless exempt under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) scheme.

Apply here ↗

FAQ

United Kingdom Visa Requirements FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

It depends on your nationality - the lists above show every nationality that can enter United Kingdom visa-free or with an eTA or e-Visa. If your country is not listed, you will likely need to apply for a United Kingdom tourist visa in advance at an embassy or consulate.

Which countries can visit United Kingdom without a visa?

1 country can visit United Kingdom without a visa in 2026, including: Ireland. Use Earth Visa to check whether your specific passport grants visa-free access to United Kingdom.

How do I apply for a United Kingdom tourist visa?

If your nationality is not eligible for visa-free entry to United Kingdom, you typically need to apply at a United Kingdom embassy or consulate in your home country. Requirements generally include:

  • Valid passport
  • Completed application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of onward travel
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of sufficient funds

Processing times and fees vary by nationality and visa category - see the visa types and fees on this page for the exact figures.

How long can I stay in United Kingdom without a visa?

The maximum visa-free stay duration in United Kingdom varies by nationality. Common allowances are 30, 60, or 90 days. See the visa-free country list above for specific stay durations per nationality.

By nationality

United Kingdom Visa Guides by Nationality

Step-by-step United Kingdom visa requirements, fees and document checklists for travellers from these countries. Nationalities in the access lists above link straight to their own guides.

Show all 114

Check your specific visa requirements for United Kingdom

Enter your passport to instantly see whether you need a visa for United Kingdom, how long you can stay, and what documents you need.

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