Visa-Free / Visa on Arrival

Below is an alphabetically sorted table of the countries whose citizens (non‐GCC visitors) can enter the UK without arranging a visa in advance. Citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia) are visa free. In addition, many other nationalities may obtain a visa on arrival for a 30‑day stay.

European Countries:

Andorra	Austria	Belgium
Croatia	Czech Republic	Denmark
Estonia	Finland	France
Germany	Greece	Hungary
Iceland	Ireland	Italy
Latvia	Liechtenstein	Lithuania
Luxembourg	Malta	Monaco
Netherlands	Norway	Poland
Portugal	Romania	San Marino
Slovakia	Slovenia	Spain
Sweden	Switzerland

Non-European Countries:

Argentina	Australia	Bahamas
Barbados	Belize	Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brazil	Brunei	Canada
Chile	Colombia	Costa Rica
Dominica	Ecuador	El Salvador
Georgia	Grenada	Guatemala
Israel	Japan	Kiribati
Malaysia	Maldives	Marshall Islands
Mauritius	Mexico	Micronesia (Federated States of)
Montenegro	New Zealand	Nicaragua
North Macedonia	Palau	Panama
Paraguay	Peru	Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Samoa
Serbia	Singapore	Solomon Islands
South Korea	Taiwan*	Timor-Leste
Tonga	Trinidad and Tobago	Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates	United States	Uruguay
Vanuatu	Venezuela

*Note: While Taiwanese citizens generally enjoy visa-free access, special registration or documentation may sometimes be required.

Important: This list is provided as a general reference and may be subject to change. Delegates should always check the latest regulations on the official UK government website or consult their local British consulate prior to travel.

Business Visitor Guidelines:

For trade mission delegates whose activities are confined to short-term business engagements, the visa-free visitor regime applies to a range of business activities, including:

• Attending meetings and conferences: Participating in scheduled business engagements, networking events, and industry forums.
• Business negotiations: Conducting meetings that involve discussions, signing contracts, and finalizing business deals.
• Site visits and inspections: Touring facilities, participating in product demonstrations, or evaluating business opportunities.

Permitted Business Activities:

• Delegates can conduct meetings with potential partners, suppliers, or customers.
• Participation in seminars, exhibitions, and trade shows is allowed.
• Short-term training courses (if they are not the primary reason for the visit) may also be permitted.

Restrictions:

• Business visitors are not allowed to take up employment or work for a UK-based entity during their visit.
• They must not receive remuneration from a UK source (other than reimbursement of expenses, where applicable).
• The visa-free status is intended for temporary business engagements and not for long-term employment, study, or residency.

Applying for a Business Visa

Delegates from countries not listed above—or those intending to engage in activities that exceed the scope of permitted business visitor activities—will need to secure a Standard Visitor visa for business purposes. Key points for the application process include:

• Application Form: Complete the online visa application form on the UK government website.
• Supporting Documentation: Provide evidence of your business activities, including:
  • An invitation or support letter from the UK company or event organizer.
  • A detailed itinerary of your planned business engagements.
  • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements) to cover your stay.
• Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended visit.
• Biometrics and Interview: You may be required to attend a visa application center for biometrics collection and possibly an interview.
• Processing Time: Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates as processing times can vary.

Final Reminders:

• Duration of Stay: Visa exemptions typically allow for visits of up to six months. Ensure your travel plans align with these limits.
• Verification: Due to frequent updates in immigration policies, always verify your eligibility and required documentation before departure.
• Purpose of Visit: Remain within the scope of permitted activities (business meetings, conferences, site visits) to maintain compliance with visitor rules.