We all realise that we need a valid passport to travel and therefore this is an essential part of the trip, but on its own it’s often not enough. Many countries also require a visa or travel authorisation which is easy to overlook in planning a holiday, and turning up without the right one can mean being refused boarding before you even leave the UK.
Visa rules vary widely by destination, nationality and purpose of travel, so it’s important to check requirements early — ideally before you book.
Visas vs Travel Authorisations
A visa is formal permission to enter a country, often issued by an embassy or immigration authority. This can be a physical sticker in your passport or an electronic visa linked to it.
A travel authorisation is usually a lighter-touch system for short stays, completed online in advance. While simpler than a visa, it is still mandatory and checked by airlines.
Both are legally required where applicable, and whilst visa on arrival is sometimes an option you should never assume that a visa can be arranged at the airport.
Countries Requiring Advance Authorisation
Several popular destinations require UK travellers to apply online before travelling, even for short stays.
For the United States, most UK passport holders travel under the Visa Waiver Program, but must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). This applies even if you are only transiting through the US. An ESTA is normally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Given the popularity of the USA as a holiday destination we have a full separate guide on ESTAs.
Australia operates an eVisitor or ETA system for UK travellers. These allow short stays for tourism or business and must be approved before departure. Airlines will not allow boarding without confirmation.
Canada requires an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for UK visitors arriving by air. This is linked electronically to your passport and is generally valid for several years.
The EU is introducing ETIAS, a travel authorisation system for visa-free travellers. Once live, UK travellers will need to apply online before visiting Schengen countries, even for short trips.
Countries Requiring Visas
Many destinations still require full visas, often issued in advance. Popular countries such as India, China and Vietnam require either an electronic visa or a traditional visa arranged before travel, as do many less frequently visited countries, especially in African and Asia.
Some countries offer visas on arrival, but this should never be assumed. Visa-on-arrival schemes can be withdrawn, suspended or limited at short notice, and airlines may still refuse boarding if there is any uncertainty.
Visa requirements can also vary depending on whether you are travelling for tourism, business, work or volunteering.
Applying for a Visa or Travel Authorisation
Most visa and travel authorisation applications are now completed online via official government websites. Processing times vary widely, ranging from minutes for some electronic authorisations to several weeks for traditional visas, so it’s important to apply well in advance of travel.
Applications typically require passport details, travel dates and accommodation information, and in some cases proof of onward travel or sufficient funds. Certain visas may also require passport photos, supporting documentation or attendance at an appointment.
It’s important to apply only through official channels. Unofficial websites often charge high fees simply to submit forms on your behalf and do not improve approval chances or speed up processing.
In-Person Visa Applications
Despite the move towards digital systems, some countries still require visas to be applied for in person, usually at an embassy or consulate. In the UK, most of these are based in London.
A notable example is China. While China offers visa-free transit for short stays — currently allowing entry for up to ten days in certain circumstances — this is often unsuitable for travellers making a dedicated trip. In most cases, a full visa is required.
Chinese visas must be applied for in person at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, located on Old Jewry in the City of London. The process is time-consuming and extremely busy. Applicants are required to bring printed confirmation of flights in and out of the country, as well as accommodation details covering every day of their stay. It’s not uncommon for the application visit to take most of the day, and applicants must usually return around a week later to collect their passport.
For countries where this is the case, for travellers who don’t live in London, can’t take time off work, or simply want to avoid the process, it may be worth booking through a specialist travel company or visa service that can handle the application on your behalf. While this adds cost, it can save significant time and inconvenience.
Transit Rules Still Count
Transit rules are often overlooked, but they matter. If you are transiting through a country — particularly if you need to collect baggage and re-check in — you may need to meet that country’s full entry requirements, including visas or travel authorisations.
Even where you remain airside, some countries still require transit visas depending on your nationality, route or length of connection. Always check transit requirements carefully, especially on complex or multi-leg journeys.
Travel History Can Affect Entry
Some countries take previous travel history into account when assessing entry.
For example, travellers who have visited Cuba after January 12, 2021 are no longer be eligible for a US ESTA and therefore need to apply for a full US visa instead. Similarly, travel to certain conflict zones or sanctioned countries can lead to additional questioning or refusal of entry elsewhere.
This doesn’t automatically mean you can’t travel, but it may change the type of visa or authorisation you need.
A Criminal Record May Prevent Entry
Some countries take criminal history into account when assessing whether to allow a traveller to enter, even for short visits. This can apply regardless of whether a visa or travel authorisation is required and, in some cases, even if the offence occurred many years ago.
The rules vary significantly by country. The United States and Canada, for example, are known to apply stricter assessments and certain convictions can make a traveller ineligible for schemes such as the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA therefore requiring a full visa application where an electronic authorisation would otherwise be sufficient.
In many cases, questions about criminal history are asked during visa or travel authorisation applications, and providing inaccurate or misleading information can lead to refusal of entry and future travel restrictions. Some countries may also carry out checks on arrival.
This doesn’t necessarily mean travel is impossible. Depending on the destination and the nature of the offence, travellers may be able to apply for a full visa, seek a waiver, or provide additional documentation. Because the rules are complex and differ by country, it’s important to check official guidance well in advance and, where necessary, seek advice from the relevant embassy or consulate.
Multiple Trips and Long-Validity Options
If you plan to visit a country more than once, it’s worth checking whether a multi-entry or long-validity visa or authorisation is available. These can be more cost-effective and save time compared with applying separately for each trip.
Travel authorisations such as ESTA, eTA and eVisitor visas often allow multiple entries within their validity period, as long as you continue to meet the entry conditions.
Always Check Official Advice
Visa and entry rules can change quickly due to political, security or health reasons. Before travelling, always check the UK Foreign Travel Advice website and the official immigration website of your destination.
Airlines rely on this information, and if you don’t meet the requirements, they are obliged to refuse boarding — even if you have travelled there before without issue.
Holiday Nerd 