Where Can UK BRP Holders Travel Without a Visa?

If you live in the UK as a resident but don’t hold a British passport, travel planning often comes with extra questions. Which countries recognise UK residence? Where does a UK BRP actually help, and where does it not?

Some countries allow visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or simplified entry for travellers holding a valid UK residence permit. Others don’t, regardless of how long you’ve lived in the UK.

This guide focuses on what matters in practice: where a UK BRP can simplify travel, what conditions apply, and what to double-check before booking a trip.

What Is A UK BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)?

A UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an official document issued to non-UK nationals who are legally resident in the United Kingdom for more than six months.

It confirms your immigration status, not your nationality.

In practical terms, a BRP:

• proves your right to live, work, or study in the UK
• shows the length and conditions of your permission
• is issued for the duration of your visa

A BRP does not replace a passport and does not automatically grant visa-free travel. However, some countries treat UK residence as a positive factor for entry, which is where travel flexibility can come in.

BRP Vs BRC: What’s The Difference and Why It Matters for Travel

UK residence documents are often grouped together, but BRPs and BRCs are not the same, and the distinction matters when you travel.

A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is issued to non-UK nationals who hold a UK visa for more than six months. It reflects your immigration status, length of stay, and conditions, and is linked to your visa record with UK Visas and Immigration.

A Biometric Residence Card (BRC), on the other hand, is associated with individuals who hold status under the EU Settlement Scheme or related frameworks. BRC holders manage their status primarily through an online UKVI account rather than relying on a physical card.

Why this matters for travel:

• Some countries explicitly reference UK visas or BRPs when allowing visa-free or simplified entry
• A BRC does not always fall under the same recognition rules
• Airlines and border officials may treat the two documents differently

If you hold a BRP, the travel options outlined in this guide apply to you. If you hold a BRC, entry conditions should be checked country by country, as assumptions based on BRP rules can lead to problems at departure or arrival.

Visa-Free, Visa-On-Arrival, And eVisa Countries for UK BRP Holders

A UK BRP does not grant automatic visa-free travel. What it can do, in certain cases, is simplify entry into countries that recognise UK residence as a supporting factor.

The destinations below fall into three categories:

• Visa-free entry, where no prior application is required
• Visa-on-arrival, where permission is issued at the border
• eVisa / eTA, where a short online application is required in advance

In all cases, your passport nationality remains the primary determinant. The UK BRP acts as supporting evidence, not a substitute for a passport or visa.

Before travelling, always check:

• That your BRP is valid for the entire stay
• Whether your UK visa must have been used at least once
• Any minimum validity requirements on your passport

Below is the region-by-region breakdown, with entry type, duration, and key conditions clearly listed.

Europe

Entry across Europe for UK BRP holders is limited and highly specific. None of the countries listed are part of the Schengen Area, and entry is granted on a short-stay basis only.

Americas And the Caribbean

In this region, UK residence is often accepted as supporting documentation, particularly for leisure travel. In some cases, prior use of the UK visa is required.

Asia

Asian destinations tend to offer the most flexibility for UK BRP holders, particularly through visa-on-arrival and eVisa systems.

Africa

Entry conditions in Africa vary widely. Where permitted, BRPs are typically accepted alongside standard arrival procedures rather than replacing them.

Oceania

Travel to Oceania usually involves an electronic authorisation. A UK BRP may support the application but does not remove the need for advance approval.

Things To Know When Switching from A UK BRP To A UK eVisa

The UK is moving away from physical residence cards and replacing them with a digital immigration status, known as the UK eVisa.

For most residents, this change affects how you prove your status, not your rights.

What Is Required When Switching to A UK eVisa

To access your eVisa, you must create and maintain an online account with UK Visas and Immigration.

In practice, this means:

• Your immigration status is stored digitally, not on a card
• You access it through your UKVI account
• You generate a share code when proof of status is required

A valid passport is still mandatory for all international travel. The eVisa does not replace your passport.

Many travellers choose to save a digital copy or print confirmation details when travelling, particularly when flying to countries where airline staff may still expect physical documents.

Will Travel Rights Change After Switching to An eVisa

For most destinations, travel rights are expected to remain the same. Countries that currently accept a UK BRP or UK visa as supporting documentation are expected to continue recognising UK residence status, even when it is held digitally.

That said, acceptance is always at the discretion of the destination country and the airline. Entry rules should be checked before each trip, particularly during the transition period.

Will The EU Accept A UK eVisa

A UK eVisa does not grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area.

If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, you will still need one, regardless of whether your UK status is held on a physical BRP or as an eVisa. The UK’s digital status system does not change EU entry rules.

Visiting European Countries After Brexit As A UK Resident

If you live in the UK as a resident, it’s important to separate UK residence status from European entry rights.

Brexit changed the framework, and UK residence does not translate into EU mobility.

For travel purposes, European countries assess:

• Your passport nationality
• Whether you hold a valid Schengen visa, if required

A UK BRP or UK eVisa does not provide visa-free access to Schengen countries. It is not considered an alternative to a Schengen visa, even if you have lived in the UK for many years.

Short visits to non-Schengen European countries may still be possible under specific conditions, as outlined in the regional tables earlier.

For Schengen travel, entry rules depend entirely on your nationality and visa status.

If you plan to travel within Europe regularly, checking Schengen requirements in advance remains essential.

How UK Citizens Can Visit the United States

If you hold a UK passport, travel to the United States is governed by US entry rules, not UK residence status. A UK BRP or eVisa is not relevant for US entry.

What are Entry Requirements for UK Citizens

UK passport holders can travel to the United States for short stays under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), provided all conditions are met. Travel is permitted for tourism, business visits, or transit.

You must hold:

• A valid UK passport
• An approved ESTA prior to departure

Entry is typically granted for stays of up to 90 days.

What Is ESTA And How It Works

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online pre-clearance required before boarding a flight to the US.

Key points to know:

• It must be applied for before travel
• Approval is usually quick but not guaranteed
• It is valid for two years, or until your passport expires

ESTA does not guarantee entry. Final admission is decided by US border authorities on arrival.

Visa Options for Longer or Non-Tourist Visits

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or your visit involves work, study, or residence, a US visa is required.

Common options include:

• B1/B2 visas for extended visits
• Employment-based visas
• Student visas

The appropriate category depends on the purpose and duration of your stay.

How Strong Is the UK Passport for US Travel

The UK passport continues to provide straightforward access to the US for short visits under the Visa Waiver Program.

Despite wider global changes, UK citizens retain visa-free short-stay access, provided ESTA requirements are met.

Planning Travel as A UK Resident: What to Check Before You Go

Holding a UK BRP can simplify travel in certain cases, but it doesn’t remove the need to plan carefully.

Before booking any trip, make sure you:

• Confirm entry rules based on your passport nationality, not just UK residence
• Check whether your UK visa or BRP must have been used previously
• Verify minimum validity requirements for both passport and BRP or eVisa
• Review airline requirements, which may be stricter than border rules

With the transition to digital immigration status, having access to your UKVI account and share code is increasingly important, especially when travelling to countries where UK residence is referenced as supporting documentation.

Rules can change, and enforcement can differ by airline and destination. A final check with official immigration sources before departure helps avoid issues at the airport.

FAQs On UK BRP And Travel

Can I Travel to Schengen Countries with A UK BRP?

No. A UK BRP does not grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area. If your nationality requires a Schengen visa, you must apply for one regardless of UK residence.

Do UK BRP Holders Need a Visa for Europe?

In most cases, yes. Entry depends on your passport nationality. A UK BRP alone does not exempt you from European visa requirements.

What Happens If My BRP Expires While I’m Abroad?

You may face difficulties re-entering the UK. Always ensure your BRP or eVisa remains valid for the entire duration of travel or complete the transition to eVisa before leaving.

Can I Enter Ireland with A UK BRP?

Only in limited cases. Certain nationalities may qualify under the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS). Outside of this scheme, Ireland applies its own visa rules.

Can A UK BRP Help with US Or Canadian Entry?

A UK BRP does not replace a visa for the US or Canada. However, long-term UK residence may support eligibility for an ESTA, eTA, or visitor visa depending on your nationality and travel history.

References

UK Visas and Immigration — View and Prove Your Immigration Status (eVisa). Referenced from: https://www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status

Home Office — Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). Referenced from: https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits

Home Office — Travelling to the UK with a Visa or Permit. Referenced from: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/before-you-leave-for-the-uk

U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Referenced from: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

European Commission — Schengen Visa Information. Referenced from: https://commission.europa.eu