Countries You Can Visit With UK BRP

Countries You Can Visit With UK BRP

UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) offers the holders several travel opportunities. Designed for non-UK nationals residing in Britain, this permit not only confirms immigration status but also grants visa-free or simplified entry to dozens of countries. Meanwhile, UK BRP holders can travel to 144 countries without a visa. However, the travellers can also get visas on arrival in 36 more countries, which gives BRP holders plenty of travel options.

The travellers can stay in countries like Mexico, Thailand and Montenegro. However, this permit provides travel chances throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. This blog will provide information about all the visa-free countries available with UK BRP in 2025 including entry rules, how long you can stay, and more.

Brief Information About UK BRP Travel Rights in 2025

Travellers have to understand the UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) system before planning international travel in 2025. Meanwhile, the UK’s immigration documentation processes are changing. However, these changes will affect how visa holders travel to different countries worldwide.

What is a UK Biometric Residence Permit?

The Biometric Residence Permit works as a secure ID document for foreign nationals in the UK. This tamper-resistant card has the holder’s biographical details (name, date of birth, place of birth) and biometric information (digital photographs and fingerprints). The card shows your immigration status, entitlements, and conditions while you stay in the UK.

Meanwhile, the BRP proves the travellers’ right to stay, work, or study in the UK. Additionally, they can use it to confirm their identity and access public services or benefits. However, they should keep in mind that a BRP is not a standalone travel document – they must show it with a valid passport when crossing borders.

How does the BRP status affect travel eligibility?

Your travel options depend on your BRP status. Additionally, the permit shows your UK immigration status, which helps countries decide if they’ll let you in. However,  you can’t use the BRP card alone to enter Europe or other countries. Meanwhile, there are two things that determine where you can travel with BRP: 

• The travellers’ passport nationality.
• UK residency status that is shown by their BRP. 

However, UK residents with valid BRPs often get visa-free access or visas on arrival in many countries. Additionally, these countries trust people who live in the UK. Meanwhile, travellers should take their BRP when they travel abroad. They will need it with their passport to return to the UK. Whereas, the Border officials will check both documents when the visitors come back to verify their entry permission.

Some key changes to BRP travel rights for 2025

The UK will move to a digital immigration system in 2025. Meanwhile, here are the changes:

• All but one of these physical BRPs expired on December 31, 2024, even if your immigration permission continues.
• eVisas (digital status records) replace physical documents.
• BRPs that expire on or after December 31, 2024 work for UK travel until June 1, 2025. 
• Airlines can accept expired BRPs as valid proof for UK travel during this change

Important Note: The travellers must create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to see their eVisa. Additionally, This digital record proves their immigration status. The UK also brings in Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) for visitors who don’t need visas for short stays. However, the travellers’ immigration rights stay the same through these changes. 

1. European Destinations Open to BRP Holders

UK BRP holders can travel to many European destinations in 2025, though your nationality and entry rules will affect where you can go.

Mediterranean getaways with visa-free access

Mediterranean destinations welcome many BRP holders without extra visas. Additionally, travellers can visit Albania‘s fortress towns and sparkling beaches for up to 90 days without a visa. Whereas, Turkey is also the best holiday destination. Meanwhile, it also lets specific nationalities with valid UK visas get single-entry e-visas. However, travellers can also stay in Gibraltar for 21 days if they have a multiple-entry UK visa that’s valid for at least six months.

Eastern European countries with relaxed entry requirements

Eastern Europe gives BRP travellers several visa-free options. You can spend 90 days in Georgia within 180 days to explore its valleys and historic architecture. Montenegro welcomes you for up to 30 days, while Serbia lets you stay for 90 days in any six months. A multiple-entry UK visa gets you 15 days in North Macedonia.

Scandinavian nations welcoming BRP travellers

Scandinavian countries follow Schengen rules and let the BRP Holders stay for 90 days in any 180-day period. Additionally, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark all use these same rules. Meanwhile, the travellers’ visits to these countries count toward their total Schengen allowance.

The EU plans big changes in 2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will need visa-exempt foreigners to get pre-travel authorization for some fee. However, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will scan the travellers’ faces and fingerprints instead of checking passports.

2. Exploring Asia and the Middle East with Your BRP

UK BRP holders can also experience rich cultural diversity in Asia and the Middle East. These regions feature everything from ancient temples to modern cityscapes and have various entry options based on your nationality and BRP status.

Southeast Asian destinations with visa-free access

BRP travelers will find Southeast Asia welcoming with straightforward entry requirements. 

1. Thailand: This country has become a favourite destination among travellers. The country’s White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Temple of the Emerald Buddha attract visitors worldwide. You can enjoy scenic landscapes and unique cuisine here without visa complications, though specific conditions apply based on your nationality.
2. Vietnam: the country also allows visitors without a visa for up to 45 days when travelling for tourism or business. Meanwhile, for longer stays travellers need an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay with multiple entries. Your e-visa will limit entry and exit points to those you select during the application.
3. Cambodia and Laos: These countries also permit UK BRP holders with 30-day tourist visas available upon arrival at major airports and border crossings. However, these Southeast Asian nations have now returned to their pre-pandemic entry protocols by removing COVID-related restrictions.

Middle Eastern countries offering visa-on-arrival

1. United Arab Emirates: UAE offers free visitor visas upon arrival to UK BRP holders. Meanwhile, immigration officers stamp their passports with a visa that usually lasts 40 days. Additionally, they can visit Dubai and other Emirates cities without advance applications.
2. Saudi Arabia: The country needs either an e-visa or an electronic visa waiver. Tourist e-visas stay valid for 365 days from the issue date and allow multiple entries for up to 90 days total. However, travellers can apply online or get one upon arrival at international airports.
3. Oman: It also provides e-visa options for some charges for specific nationalities with UK visas. The country’s desert landscapes and historic forts draw visitors year-round. Qatar also allows BRP holders to visit the country and explore attractions like Al Zubarah Fort.

Cultural hotspots with simplified entry for BRP holders

Armenia: It also welcomes BRP holders with flexible entry rules that vary by nationality. Lake Sevan offers a peaceful backdrop while you learn about the country’s rich heritage.

Important Note: BRP holders should check current entry requirements before planning their trip. Rules change often. Government websites provide updated information about documentation needs and stay duration limits for specific destinations.

3. Caribbean and Americas: Tropical Escapes for BRP Travelers

Beautiful beaches and vibrant cultures await BRP travellers looking for tropical adventures in the Caribbean and the Americas. These destinations are available to UK BRP holders in 2025, from pristine shores to ancient ruins.

Island paradises with visa-free entry

BRP travellers have many visa-free options in the Caribbean islands including the following:

1. Barbados: It lets visitors enter without visa requirements. Immigration officials decide the travellers’ allowed stay when they arrive. 
2. The British Virgin Islands: The islands also give the travellers a one-month entry stamp that the Chief Immigration Officer can extend up to six months.
3. Cayman Islands and Curacao:  The travellers can also visit the Cayman Islands and explore its secluded Starfish Point and magnificent Seven Mile Beach. However, they also visit Curacao without a visa and enjoy its expansive marine life and colourful pastel architecture.
4. Bonaire: This destination is special because of its unique wildlife. Additionally, the visitors can spot Yellow-shouldered parrots and Bonaire whiptail lizards here. Meanwhile, Te Amo Beach offers extraordinary snorkelling opportunities. 
5. Aruba: The BRP holders arriving in Aruba need to fill out an Embarkation and Disembarkation form online before they arrive. Additionally, people visiting this island country can explore places like Butterfly Farm and Conchi Natural Pool.

North and Central American destinations

1. Mexico gives BRP holders 180 days to explore its culture, ancient ruins, and coastal paradises. Additionally, the travellers will have plenty of time to experience Mexican traditions, food, and landscapes.
2. Costa Rica: UK nationals can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism. However, they need a passport valid throughout their stay (three months is ideal), proof they’ll leave the country and enough money. Meanwhile, the people visiting here can enjoy beautiful places having Crystal waters, clear sands, and surrounding rainforests making it perfect for jungle adventures.
3. Panama: The country also welcomes BRP holders with a simple entry process and gives them 90 days to explore where the city meets the jungle.

South American countries welcoming BRP holders

Peru: This country lets visitors stay up to 180 days without a visa if they have a valid UK visa. Additionally, their visa should be valid for at least six months after they arrive. Meanwhile, This gives the travellers plenty of time to see Peru’s landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Important Note: Some destinations charge entry or departure fees. The British Virgin Islands charges an environmental and tourism levy when you arrive. Meanwhile, the travellers also have to pay a departure tax to leave by air or by ferry. Additionally, the rules can change faster than expected. However, travellers should check official government websites for current entry requirements before they plan their BRP trip.

Conclusion

This blog provides information about the countries to visit with the UK BRP. Additionally, UK BRP gives travellers access to countless destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Meanwhile, physical BRPs will become digital formats throughout 2025. However, it won’t affect the travel privileges. Whereas, the travellers should have proper preparation for l smooth travel. They should check current entry requirements and keep their documentation ready. 

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions