Check your Passport and Travel Documents before you travel
You may need to do extra things before you travel to an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, such as:
- check your passport
- check if you need a visa and how long you can stay without one
- get travel insurance that covers your healthcare
- check you have the right driving documents
- organise pet travel – contact your vet at least 1 month before you go
Check the travel advice for the country you’re visiting for the latest information.
Travelling for work or business – including carrying goods to sell
There are more things to do if you’re travelling for business – for example:
- providing services (even with a charity)
- touring for art or music
- taking goods to sell – even if it’s a small amount or you’re selling to a friend or relative
Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), read the advice for travelling during the pandemic before you plan your trip.
Passports: check if you need to renew
How much time you need on your passport depends on the country you’re visiting. Check the travel advice for the country you want to travel to – read the entry requirements section.
You may need to renew your British passportbefore you travel if there’s not enough time left on it.
If you’re travelling to Ireland, you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) aren’t valid for entry into the USA or transit through the USA on an ESTA. If you’re planning to enter or transit through the USA using an ETD, you must apply for a visa from the nearest US embassy or consulate before you travel, which may take a number of days, or hold a valid lawful permanent resident card (often referred to as a ‘green card’), which you must have with you on arrival. UK ETDs issued in the USA are valid for exit from the USA.
Visa Requirements
How long you can stay without a visa
You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply:
- you’re staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period
- you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons
Other reasons include:
- studying a short course
- getting medical treatment
- travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference
- journalism or other media activities
Check the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting to find out what you can and cannot do during your stay.
Other visas
There may be another visa that’s right for you based on your circumstances. Check if you need a visa and what other visas you’re eligible for.