Post-Brexit Travel Guide for UK BRP Holders

For the most part, no. Countries that offered visa-free access to UK BRP holders before Brexit generally continue to do so. These arrangements were typically bilateral agreements between the UK and individual countries, not dependent on EU membership.

Countries like Mexico, Albania, Montenegro, Georgia, and various Caribbean nations still welcome UK BRP holders without requiring a separate visa. Brexit had minimal impact on these visa waivers since they were established independently of the UK's EU membership.

The primary changes affect EU travel itself, not third-country visa waivers for UK residents.

Brexit has not significantly changed EU travel requirements for most non-EU citizens holding UK BRPs. Even before Brexit, UK BRP holders whose nationality required a Schengen visa (e.g., Indian, Chinese, Nigerian citizens) needed to apply for one to visit most EU countries, and this remains the case.

The main changes affect:

• EU citizens with UK residence: While they can still enter the EU freely as EU citizens, their UK status is now that of a third-country resident rather than an EU member state resident.
• Family members of EU citizens: Non-EU family members who previously had certain travel rights under EU freedom of movement laws may have lost some privileges unless they secured status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Standard non-EU UK residents who always needed Schengen visas continue to need them, just as before Brexit.

No, UK BRP holders do not need an ETA to visit or return to the UK. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement that came into effect on April 2, 2025, applies to EU/EEA and Swiss citizens visiting the UK, not to people who already have UK immigration status.

If you have:

• A valid UK BRP (physical or digital status)
• EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled)
• Any other UK visa or immigration permission

Then you do NOT need an ETA. The ETA is only for visitors who would otherwise enter the UK visa-free for short stays.

Legally, yes. The UK's transition from physical BRP cards to digital immigration status doesn't change your underlying travel rights. Countries that accepted UK BRPs for visa-free entry should equally accept proof of digital status.

Practically, however, there are important considerations:

• Always carry printed proof of your digital status when traveling
• Border officials in some countries may be less familiar with digital status than physical cards
• You may need to explain the UK's transition to digital immigration system
• Airlines might require additional verification before boarding

Important: Your physical BRP remains valid for UK entry until June 1, 2025, giving you time to transition to digital status.

No, the British-Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS) continues to operate post-Brexit. This scheme allows eligible nationals (currently limited to Chinese and Indian citizens) to travel between the UK and Ireland on a single visa.

BIVS was established through bilateral agreements between the UK and Ireland and operates independently of EU frameworks. It was designed to address the unique travel area between these countries (the Common Travel Area) and remains intact after Brexit.

If you have a BIVS-endorsed visa, you can:

• Travel to and stay in Ireland if you entered the UK first
• Travel to and stay in the UK if you entered Ireland first

The visa must be marked with "BIVS" to be valid for this purpose, and typically applies to certain short-term visas.

The post-Brexit travel landscape continues to evolve. Some upcoming changes to be aware of:

• EU EES (Entry/Exit System): Expected to launch in October 2025, this new electronic system will register UK nationals entering and exiting the Schengen Area, collecting biometric data and tracking the 90/180-day limit more precisely.
• ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System): Still in development, ETIAS will require non-EU nationals who currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area (including British citizens) to obtain a travel authorization before visiting. This may affect some UK BRP holders whose nationality allows visa-free Schengen access.
• Youth Mobility Scheme: Following the May 2025 UK-EU agreements, discussions are ongoing about creating a new youth mobility scheme that would allow young people to work and travel between the UK and EU, though details are yet to be confirmed.
• Further UK digitization: The UK's ongoing shift toward fully digital immigration status may introduce new ways of proving your status when traveling.

Stay informed by regularly checking official government sources and our website for updates.