The freedom of travel internationally for UK citizens has been reshaped since Brexit. As stepping into 2025, many are wondering where they can relocate or travel freely. In this passage, we will find out where you can live with a British passport and introduce some useful tips to prepare for visa-free trips from the UK.
Pre and Post-Brexit
Brexit specifically refers to Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU), a political and economic union of 27 European countries. Citizens in these countries can live, work, and study freely in any EU country without significant restrictions. However, as the United Kingdom officially left the EU on January 31, 2020, extra visas and administrative procedures might be required for UK citizens. After Brexit, the UK regained the freedom to set its own trade policies, boost domestic businesses, and protect the benefits of its nationals.
Where can I Move to from UK Without a Visa?
UK passport, as one of the most powerful travel documents in the world, allows its holders to travel to the following countries and regions without visas. We are frequently asked, “Where can I live with a British passport without a visa?”. Here are the answers.
Countries Within the European Union
UK citizens can still enjoy the freedom of travel to some EU countries even after Brexit. Here are some examples.
● The Common Travel Area
The Common Travel Area (CTA), an open borders area consisting of mutual land between the UK and Ireland, involves the best countries to move to from UK. Due to the long-standing relationship and shared history, UK citizens can travel, live, and work freely in Ireland with a valid passport. As part of the CTA, UK citizens don’t need visas to enter Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man for leisure activities, business, or long-term residence.
● Gibraltar
Closely linked to the UK, Gibraltar grants visa-free entry for British nationals who can go sightseeing, do business, or work there as long as they hold a valid UK passport.
● Belize
As a Commonwealth country, Belize welcomes British citizens to travel and live without a visa, experience ecological tourism, or participate in seasonal jobs. After a few months, you are supposed to leave or apply for an extension. The good news is that you can easily extend your stay by paying an extension fee, but you must obtain a relevant permit to study or work in Belize. After 5 years of consecutive living, UK citizens are allowed to apply for a permanent residence permit.
● Schengen area
It is the largest free travel zone in Europe and consists of 27 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and, Estonia. UK citizens can travel to these countries and stay for 90 days in any 180-day period for sightseeing, friend/family visits, business, cultural or sports events, or short-term studies or training. Please note that not all Schengen countries are EU members, and vice versa.
Countries Outside the European Union
UK citizens can also live and work in various countries and regions outside EU without visas, but the entry requirements and duration of stay might vary.
● Armenia
UK citizens can travel visa-free to Armenia, a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, and stay for up to 180 days within a one-year period. During this time, you can explore ancient historical sites, engage in cultural exchange activities, and do short-term work. If you want to stay longer, please apply for a residence permit or work permit.
● Paraguay
With a UK passport, individuals and their family members can enter Paraguay, a landlocked country in South America next to Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. The maximum stay without a visa is 90 days, during which you are not allowed to get a paid job.
● Canada
Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area, is a popular tourist destination for UK nationals as visas are exempted and up to 180-day stay is permitted. UK passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, which can be applied online and takes only a few minutes. Some might be able to attend business meetings and academic exchanges, but a corresponding permit is required if you want to live longer, study, or work in Canada.
● Georgia
UK citizens can visit Georgia without visas and live for up to one year (365 days). Please note that it is only designed for leisure activities, such as tourism, culture exchange, friend/family visit, etc. To study or work there, foreigners must own a particular work and student visa.
● New Zealand
Starting from 31st July 2022, UK citizens can travel to New Zealand with a valid passport and a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), a digital travel document issued to visa-free travelers. You can stay in the country for up to 6 months after which you need to apply for a residence permit or work permit to continue staying.
● Fiji
Full British passport holders do not need a visa for visits of up to 4 months in Fiji. Travelers can relax on its beaches, do water sports, experience local culture, and even take short-term work.
● Jamaica
UK citizens do not need a visa to travel to Jamaica, a Caribbean island nation in Latin America, and live for up to 90 days. You have to leave on or before the date stamped on your passport or apply for a corresponding visa to extend your stay.
● Singapore
UK passport holders can take a leisure trip or business trip to Singapore, a developed center of world trade, finance, and industry in the Southeast, without a visa and stay for 14-30 days.
● South Korea
South Korea, an East Asian country known for its global pop culture, attracts a large number of travelers from around the world, including the United Kingdom. UK citizens can enter the country visa-free and stay for up to 90 days. Please note that it is illegal to work in South Korea if you enter without a visa. Additionally, a K-ETA will be required for travelers from the UK since December 31, 2025.
Criteria for Visa-free Movement
Although visas are sometimes not required when traveling or moving to another country, it does not mean you can take a trip right away without any preparation. Learning about the key factors will help you plan your journey smoothly.
● Nationality
The degree of travel freedom depends on the passport you hold. For example, UK citizens are eligible for visa-free entry and movement in various countries and regions as stated before. However, there might be special regulations regarding dual nationality holders. Therefore, it is necessary to check the specific entry requirements for your destination country.
● Length of Stay
Visa-free travel is usually subject to a maximum length of stay which ranges from a few weeks to months in different countries. Overstaying might lead to severe consequences, such as fines, detention, or future visa restrictions. Therefore, you are supposed to obey the rule of permitted stay while planning an international trip.
● Purpose of Travel
People usually travel internationally for tourism, work, study, or retirement. Visa-free travel is usually designed for leisure activities, such as sightseeing, experiencing cultures, tasting cuisine, and so on. Few of them allow short-term work, study, or training without visas. In addition, moving to a liveable country that grants visa-free long-term residence to your country will be a good idea after retirement.
● Health Requirements
Some countries require foreign visitors to prove that they are in good health, which aims to prevent contagious diseases from being brought in. For example, those who travel to Africa must take vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis, typhoid, or rabies a few weeks in advance. Regions that particularly focus on public health, like Fiji, might ask for a health declaration upon entry.
The entry regulations might change occasionally subject to global events and health concerns. The chart below will help you learn about how these criteria influence visa-free travel.
| Criteria | Impact on Visa-free Travel |
| Nationality | It decides whether an individual can travel without a visa and how long to stay. |
| Length of Stay | It helps travelers arrange travel itineraries and have a wonderful trip. |
| Purpose of Travel | The entry requirements, length of stay, and permitted activities are different according to what an individual is traveling for. |
| Health Requirements | It ensures an individual is in good health condition and will not pose threats to the domestic medical service system. |
Tips for Relocating Visa-free
When planning to relocate to a destination that does not require a visa, proper preparation can ensure a safe and joyful trip. Here are some useful tips:
First of all, it is necessary to do thorough research on the entry requirements, customs regulations, local culture, transportation, accommodation, and emergency contact. The authorities might reject your entry if they cannot verify your identity or find you violate any rules and regulations.
Secondly, it is essential to prepare any necessary documents, including a valid UK passport, proof of financial funding, travel itinerary, return ticket, etc according to where you are going. Make sure these documents are authentic and legible. It is also advised to make photocopies of your identity documents and keep them in a safe place.
FAQ
What is the easiest country to immigrate to from the UK?
Ireland is considered one of the easiest countries to move to from UK due to its via-exemption policy, easier cultural adaptation, and high level of living.
Can I live in Canada as a UK citizen?
Yes. UK citizens can live in Canada visa-free for 180 days. For long-term residence, a residence permit is needed.
What is the cheapest country to move to from the UK?
Considering living costs, housing prices, and lifestyle preferences, Portugal is a popular choice.
Where can I live as a British citizen?
You can live in any country as long as you satisfy the requirements, but those that allow visa-free entry will be more recommended, such as the common travel area and Gibraltar.
Conclusion
Even though the freedom of traveling, living, and working in EU countries ceased after Brexit, UK citizens can still travel to many countries and territories without visas. We hope this passage will help you learn about where can a British citizen live, find a proper place to relocate, and get prepared for the visa-free international trip.
Erin Lo