European visas
Do I need a visa to go to Europe?
Each of the countries in Europe have different rules for entry. For UK citizens, some European countries require you to get a visa, and some don’t. Some European visas are difficult to obtain, and some countries may refuse you entry.
Do I need a visa to enter the Schengen area?
The Schengen area is a group of countries in Europe the have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders. UK citizens do not require a European visa to enter the Schengen area.
As the UK has now left the EU, UK citizen are only allowed to stay 90 days in any 180 day period within the Schengen area. When entering or leaving the Schengen area, you should ensure that your passport is stamped in and out of each area to provide evidence of your length of stay within the Schengen area. This will also help to ensure that you can stay the maximum time in the Schengen area.
The map below shows which countries are part of the Schengen area and which are part of the European Union (EU).
Do I need a visa to enter European countries that are not in the Schengen area?
Some European countries that are outside of the Schengen area require you to obtain a visa in order to enter the country, however most do not. The majority of non-Schengen European countries will stamp your passport.
Several countries that are not part of the Schengen area have also placed restrictions on the length of time UK citizens can stay within their respective countries. Ensuring that your passport is stamped in and out of such countries is advisable to provide evidence of your length of stay within the country. This will also help to ensure that you can stay the maximum time in the non-Schengen European areas.
How do I obtain a non-Schengen European visa?
Some countries in Europe will issue you a visa when you arrive at the border, whereas others require you to obtain a visa in advance. There are even some countries may require you to obtain the visa in your country of residence.
When overlanding through Europe, you should plan in advance where you will need a visa for, and where you can obtain one from. You may not be able to obtain a visa for your country of interest in every country that you’re travelling through.
The table shows whether European visas are required for short term visits, via vehicle (not via airport), to European countries that are not in the Schengen area.
Do I need to register with authorities when staying in Europe?
Some countries require you to register your presence with authorities if staying overnight. When staying in a hotel, the hotel will normally register for you with the relevant authorities. If you’re staying at a private residence, or camping etc, you may need to register yourself.
You may also find it useful to refer to our other information on driving abroad.
Visa and registration requirements, time to obtain the visa, and Schengen membership by European country
| Country | Visa Required | Time to obtain Visa | Schengen area |
| Albania | No | No | |
| Armenia | No | No | |
| Azerbaijan | Yes, online eVisa Also register with authorities (police) if staying longer than 15 days | 3 days | No |
| Belarus | Yes. Visa-free to Brest and Grodno regions Visas can be obtained from any Belarus embassy Also register with authorities. | 5 days | No |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | No, but register with authorities (police) | No | |
| Bulgaria | No, but stamp passport | No | |
| Cyprus | No, you can travel without a visa to Cyprus for up to 90 days, including in North Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus authorities will count time in North Cyprus towards the 90-day visa-free total. If you enter the Republic of Cyprus from the north (such as through Ercan Airport, or one of the ports), authorities will consider you to have entered illegally. Only pedestrians can use the crossing points at Ledra Palace and Ledra and Lokmaci Street. | No | |
| Czechia | No, but register with authorities (police) if staying for longer than a few days | Yes | |
| Georgia | No, but stamp passport | No | |
| Gibraltar | No, UK nationals do not need a visa to enter Gibraltar for visits, study or work. | ||
| Hungary | No, but register with authorities (police) if staying for longer than a few days | Yes | |
| Kosovo | No, but register with authorities (police) if staying for longer than a few days | No | |
| Moldova | No, but stamp passport | No | |
| Montenegro | No, but register with authorities (tourist information / police) | No | |
| North Macedonia | No, but register with authorities (police) | No | |
| Romania | No, but stamp passport | No | |
| Russia | Yes, apply in person only | 2 – 12 days | No |
| Serbia | No, but register with authorities (police) | No | |
| Slovakia | No, but register with authorities | Yes | |
| Turkey | Stamp passport | No |