Visas for European countries

For short visits, it's normally a case of no visa required. Turkey, Belarus and Russia are exceptions - see below. Passport validity, however, can vary considerably. For example, if you're travelling to Iceland, your passport must be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date you enter the country. Other countries, such as France, Spain and Italy, only require that your passport be valid for the duration of your stay.

Turkey

Unless you're a cruise ship passenger entering the country for a day trip and returning to the ship the same day, you'll need a visa to enter Turkey. The good news is that you can purchase a 90-day visitor's visa at the port or entry for £20. Alternatively, you can obtain your visa in advance from the Turkish Consulate in London. Or get an e-visa online before travel at the official e-visa website.

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Turkey and have at least three months' validity from the date you leave the country.

Belarus

You must obtain a tourist or transit visa before you travel. For more details, contact the Belarusian Embassy in the UK. Also, if you're staying in Belarus for longer than five days, you need to register with the local police office (OVIR) in the district in which you are staying: this will normally be organised by your hotel or host. Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry into Belarus.

Russia

Visas are required to enter Russia - and it's advisable to apply well in advance of your trip. For more details, contact the Russian Embassy.

If you're staying in Russia for more than seven working days, you must register your stay with the local branch of the Federal Migration Service within seven working days of arrival: this will normally be organised by your hotel. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months after the expiry date of your visa.

Visa information for...

...North America
...Australia and New Zealand
...the Middle East
...African countries
...Indian subcontinent
...Asia
...South America
...tropical islands

Further information

This information is correct at the time of publication and for British passport-holders only. For the latest country-by-country advice, see the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website

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