Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many countries have visa-free travel to the UK; and whether visa-free travel to those countries is reciprocated for British passports holders.

The UK visa system, including the Visa National List, is kept under regular review to ensure to works in the UK national interest. Decisions on which countries are ’non-visa national’ and are not required to apply for a visit visa and can instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), are taken on the basis of a range of factors. These vary globally, but often include security, compliance, returns arrangements and prosperity.

The countries and territories whose nationals are eligible to apply for an ETA prior to travelling to the UK are listed at Appendix ETA National List in the Immigration Rules. Currently, there are 85 locations where nationals can travel to the UK with an ETA rather than a visitor visa. Irish nationals do not require a visitor visa or an ETA to enter the UK. Visitors can usually stay in the UK for up to six months.

Any decision on whether a foreign country requires British passport holders to apply for a visa prior to travel is a sovereign matter for the country concerned. The UK no longer enters into reciprocal agreements with international partners concerning the requirement to obtain a visitor visa or ETA before travel.