The British passport has long been a symbol of freedom and global mobility, granting its holders extensive access to countries worldwide. While the privileges associated with the British passport have evolved, particularly after Brexit, it remains one of the most powerful and desirable travel documents globally. In this article, we explore what makes the British passport strong, how passport strength is measured, and the specific visa requirements for British citizens around the world.
Understanding passport strength: how is it measured?
The strength of a passport is typically assessed based on the level of access it grants to different countries without requiring a visa. Various organisations, such as the Guide Passport Index, evaluate passport power by analysing how many destinations a passport holder can visit visa-free or with simplified entry processes like visa-on-arrival or electronic visas.
Key factors that contribute to passport strength include:
- Visa-free access: The ability to enter a country without needing a visa in advance.
- Visa-on-arrival: Permission to obtain a visa when arriving at the border.
- Electronic travel authorisation (e-visa): Digital pre-clearance that is quicker and easier to obtain than a traditional visa.
- Global mobility score: The total number of destinations that can be accessed without a visa or through simplified processes.
As of 2025, the British passport is ranked 7th in the world according to the Guide Passport Index, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 173 countries, reflecting its high mobility score and international standing.
The British passport
Historically, the strength of the British passport can be traced back to the days of the British Empire. British citizens enjoyed unrestricted travel across colonies and territories. This legacy of global influence has contributed to the wide access British passport holders enjoy today. However, Brexit has reshaped this landscape, particularly in Europe.
The Post-Brexit impact
Before Brexit, British citizens had the right to freedom of movement within the European Union, allowing them to live, work, and travel across member states without visas. Since leaving the EU, British passport holders must now comply with Schengen Area rules, which limit stays to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. This shift means that extended stays in France or any other Schengen country require formal visa applications.
British citizens wanting to live in France
For British passport holders wishing to live in France long-term, the process has become more complex. While they can still visit France for up to 90 days without a visa, any stay beyond this period requires applying for the appropriate long-stay visa (visa de long séjour). This includes visas for retirees, students, entrepreneurs, and those seeking employment.
Additionally, those planning to work or establish a business in France must apply for specific residence permits. These visas often require proof of income, health insurance, and a clear reason for relocation. If you are a British citizen considering a permanent move to France, starting the visa process early is crucial to ensure a smooth transition.
ETIAS: The upcoming travel change
From 2025, British citizens will also need to navigate a new system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). This electronic authorisation will be required for visa-exempt visitors to the Schengen Area, including France, as well as Cyprus and other European nations. While not a visa, ETIAS acts as a pre-screening measure to enhance border security.
Under ETIAS, British citizens will need to complete an online application before traveling to France or other participating countries. The application will require basic information, passport details, and a small fee. Once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
This new system aims to streamline entry while maintaining security, but it also adds an extra layer of bureaucracy for British passport holders who were previously free to enter and exit EU countries with minimal restrictions.
More about the ETIAS and the new EES system in this article.
The British passport’s global strength
Despite the changes brought on by Brexit and the introduction of ETIAS, the British passport remains one of the most powerful in the world. It grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 173 countries, ranking 7th globally according to the Passport Index. This high mobility score means British passport holders continue to enjoy relatively unrestricted travel outside of Europe, maintaining the passport's prestige on the global stage.
For those considering moving to France, understanding these post-Brexit changes and upcoming regulations is crucial. With careful planning and awareness of new systems like ETIAS, British citizens can still enjoy the benefits of living and working in France—albeit with a little more paperwork.
United Kingdom passport visa requirements
The British passport offers its holders significant global mobility, granting access to numerous countries with varying visa requirements. Below is a categorised list of countries based on their entry stipulations for British citizens:
Visa-free access (90 days or more)
British passport holders can enter the following countries without a visa for stays up to 90 days or more: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican City, Argentina, Bahamas (240 days), Barbados (180 days), Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica (180 days), Dominica (180 days), Ecuador, El Salvador (180 days), Guatemala (90 days), Honduras (90 days), Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua (90 days), Panama (180 days), Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis (90 days), Saint Lucia (42 days), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (30 days), Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela, Armenia (180 days), Georgia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia (90 days), Philippines (30 days), Qatar, Singapore (90 days), South Korea, Thailand (30 days), United Arab Emirates (30 days), Uzbekistan, Botswana (90 days), Eswatini (30 days), Lesotho, Malawi (90 days), Mauritius (90 days), Namibia (90 days), Senegal (90 days), South Africa (90 days), Tunisia (90 days), Zambia (90 days)
Visa on arrival
British passport holders can enter the following countries getting a visa on arrival: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Maldives, Nepal, Niue, Oman, Palau, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Zimbabwe
Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) needed
British passport holder need to apply for an eTA before entering the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, United States of American, US Virgin Island
Visa required
British passport holders need to apply for a visa before entering the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Cuba, Eritrea, Ghana, Honduras, Iran, Liberia, Mali, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Yemen
Visa online
British passport holders need to apply for an online visa before entering the following countries: Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, India, Libya, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, South Sudan, Syria, Togo, Uganda
*Source is from VisaIndex.
The future of the British passport
The British government continues to negotiate bilateral agreements and visa-free arrangements to maintain and expand its global mobility. New developments in digital passports and increased international cooperation could further enhance the British passport's strength in the future.
British citizens should stay informed of changing visa policies, especially when planning long-term stays or business travel. With the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system planned for the UK itself, reciprocal systems could shape future visa requirements for British travellers.
To wrap it all up
While the effects of Brexit have limited seamless travel within Europe, the British passport remains one of the most powerful and versatile travel documents in the world. Its extensive visa-free access, combined with strategic international agreements, makes it a valuable asset for global mobility.
Whether you're planning a short holiday or considering long-term relocation, the British passport continues to open doors across continents. With ongoing changes in international travel policies, staying informed ensures you can fully leverage its strengths and navigate global borders with ease.