Visa-Free African Countries for UK BRP Holders

Exploring African travel options with your UK Biometric Residence Permit

African Travel with a UK BRP

Visa waivers based on UK BRP status are less common in Africa compared to other regions. Most African nations require visas based on nationality without special exemptions for UK residents. Morocco is the main exception, with recent updates to its visa policy that may benefit certain UK BRP holders.

This page explores the limited opportunities for visa-free African travel with a UK BRP and provides alternative options for exploring this diverse continent.

Morocco: Potential Visa-Free Access

Morocco

Varies by nationality Country Details

Morocco (Selective visa exemptions)

Conditional Access Varies by nationality Recent policy changes

In recent updates, Morocco has started to allow certain travelers to skip a visa if they hold visas or residence permits from countries like the UK, Schengen area, or USA. This policy is primarily nationality-specific and applies to certain passport holders.

Evolving Policy: Morocco's visa exemption policies have been updated in recent years, with some reports suggesting that travelers with specific nationalities holding UK BRPs may be granted entry without a visa. However, implementation can be inconsistent.

Key Information:

  • Policy appears to apply to specific nationalities on a case-by-case basis
  • Some reports suggest Israeli passport holders and potentially certain other nationalities benefit
  • Valid UK BRP or Schengen/US visa may qualify for entry without a Moroccan visa
  • Duration of stay typically 90 days for visa-exempt travelers
  • Implementation may vary at different ports of entry
More Morocco Information Official Information

Important Consideration

Due to the evolving and somewhat inconsistent nature of Morocco's visa policies regarding UK BRP holders, we strongly recommend:

  • Contacting the Moroccan embassy or consulate in the UK to confirm current requirements for your specific nationality
  • Considering applying for a visa in advance if your trip is essential or time-sensitive
  • Checking with your airline or travel provider about their understanding of current entry requirements

Morocco: Detailed Information

Understanding Morocco's Evolving Visa Policy

Morocco has traditionally required visas for many nationalities outside Europe and North America. However, in recent years, there have been reports of policy adjustments allowing certain travelers with UK, Schengen, or US visas to enter without requiring a separate Moroccan visa.

Current Understanding:

  • The policy appears to apply mainly to Israeli passport holders, but potentially also to some other nationalities on a case-by-case basis
  • Holding a UK BRP may qualify certain nationalities for entry without a Moroccan visa
  • The implementation of this policy can be inconsistent across different entry points
  • There is limited official documentation of this policy online

Entry Requirements if Eligible:

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Valid UK BRP/digital status
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient funds for your stay

Alternative Entry Options:

Given the uncertainty around visa exemptions based on UK BRP status, most travelers prefer these more reliable options:

  1. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Morocco has been introducing an electronic system for certain nationalities
  2. Traditional visa application: Through Moroccan consulates and embassies
  3. Visa on arrival: Available to certain nationalities at specific entry points
Tip: For the most reliable entry experience, consider obtaining a visa in advance through official channels rather than relying on the UK BRP exemption, which may not be consistently honored.

Morocco at a Glance

  • Capital Rabat
  • Currency Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
  • Languages Arabic, Berber, French
  • Time Zone UTC+1

Top Destinations:

  • Marrakech (historic medina, souks)
  • Fes (medieval old town)
  • Casablanca (modern city, Hassan II Mosque)
  • Chefchaouen (blue city)
  • Sahara Desert (desert tours)
  • Atlas Mountains (trekking)
  • Essaouira (coastal town)

Best Time to Visit:

March-May and September-November offer mild temperatures. Avoid July-August (very hot) except in coastal areas.

Alternative Options for African Travel

While visa waivers based specifically on UK BRP status are limited in Africa, the continent offers several other accessible options for travelers:

Nationality-Based Visa-Free Access

Many African countries offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access based on your nationality, regardless of your UK residence status:

  • Visa-free for many passports: Mauritius, Seychelles, Tunisia, Rwanda
  • E-visa systems: Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt
  • Visa on arrival: Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar

Check entry requirements based on your passport nationality rather than UK BRP status for most African destinations.

African Visa Unions

Regional visa agreements can simplify travel to multiple African countries:

  • ECOWAS: Free movement between West African states (for citizens)
  • East Africa Tourist Visa: Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda on a single visa
  • SADC Univisa: Occasionally available for Zimbabwe and Zambia
  • KAZA Univisa: When active, covers Zimbabwe and Zambia

These visa unions typically benefit all travelers, not just UK BRP holders.

Simplified Visa Applications

Your UK residence status may still be beneficial when applying for traditional visas to African countries:

  • Many African embassies in London offer streamlined visa services
  • UK residence often viewed positively in visa applications
  • Several countries offer e-visa systems accessible to UK residents
  • Travel agencies in the UK can assist with visa applications

Popular African Destinations

These destinations offer relatively straightforward visa processes for most travelers:

  • Mauritius: Visa-free for many nationalities (up to 90 days)
  • Egypt: E-visa available for most nationalities
  • South Africa: Visa-free for many Western passports
  • Kenya: E-visa system open to most nationalities
  • Tanzania: Visa on arrival for most travelers

Frequently Asked Questions: African Travel

There are several reasons why visa exemptions based on UK residence are less common in Africa:

  • Revenue considerations: Visa fees are an important source of foreign currency for many African countries
  • Reciprocity: Most African nationals still require visas for the UK, so there's limited incentive to offer exemptions
  • Immigration control: Many African nations maintain stricter visa policies as part of their border management
  • Administrative systems: Some countries may lack the verification systems to validate foreign residence permits
  • Historical patterns: Visa exemptions often follow historical, colonial, or economic ties

Instead, African countries tend to offer visa-free access based on nationality or through visa-on-arrival programs that are open to all travelers meeting certain criteria.

While direct visa exemptions based on UK BRPs are limited, your UK residence status can still benefit your African travel plans:

  • Visa applications: UK residence often viewed positively when applying for visas, suggesting stable ties and return intent
  • Documentation: UK bank statements and proof of residence can strengthen visa applications
  • Consular access: Access to African consulates in London, which may offer better service than in some other countries
  • Travel history: UK residence and travel within Europe builds a positive travel history
  • Flight options: Extensive connections between the UK and African destinations

Additionally, your nationality may grant you certain visa privileges in Africa independently of your UK status. For example, US, Canadian, EU, and many Commonwealth passport holders enjoy visa-free access to various African countries.

These African countries generally have the most accessible visa policies for international travelers:

  • Mauritius: Visa-free for most nationalities for up to 90 days
  • Seychelles: Visa-free for all nationalities (tourist visa issued on arrival)
  • Rwanda: Visa on arrival or e-visa for all nationalities
  • Kenya: Efficient e-visa system for most nationalities
  • Tanzania: Visa on arrival available for most travelers
  • Morocco: Visa-free for many Western nationalities (and potentially UK BRP holders as discussed)
  • Tunisia: Visa-free for many nationalities, visa on arrival for others
  • South Africa: Visa-free for many Western passport holders

Remember that even countries requiring visas often have straightforward application processes, and many now offer e-visa systems that simplify the procedure significantly.

African visa policies are gradually evolving, with several notable trends:

  • E-visa expansion: More countries are implementing electronic visa systems (Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya already have them)
  • Visa on arrival growth: Countries like Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda have embraced visa-on-arrival policies
  • Regional visa initiatives: East Africa and southern African regions are working on multi-country visa arrangements
  • African Union passport: Long-term plans for visa-free travel within Africa for African citizens

However, there are no major announced initiatives specifically targeting UK BRP holders for new visa exemptions. Most developments focus on either:

  • Simplifying visa procedures for all travelers
  • Creating visa exemptions based on nationality rather than residence status

We recommend monitoring the official websites of African embassies in the UK for the most current information about visa policies affecting UK residents.