Explore Mexico and Panama without a visa using your UK Biometric Residence Permit
While most American countries require visas based on nationality, Mexico and Panama stand out by offering generous visa-free access to UK BRP holders. These two destinations provide excellent opportunities to explore North and Central America without the need for additional visas.
Mexico offers one of the most generous visa-free policies worldwide for UK BRP holders, allowing up to 180 days (6 months) without the need for a separate visa application. This applies to all nationalities holding a valid UK visa or residence permit.
Mexico offers incredible diversity, from ancient Mayan ruins and colonial cities to stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Popular destinations include Cancun, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, and Tulum.
Panama allows those with permanent residency in the UK to enter as tourists without a visa for up to 90 days. This Central American gem offers a unique combination of modern cities, tropical rainforests, and pristine beaches.
Panama offers diverse attractions including the famous Panama Canal, colonial Panama City, Bocas del Toro archipelago, and the San Blas Islands. It's also a hub for biodiversity with spectacular wildlife.
Mexico's generous 180-day visa-free policy makes it particularly attractive for UK BRP holders. Here's what you need to know:
Panama allows UK permanent residents (those with ILR status) to visit for up to 90 days without applying for a visa in advance. However, the requirements are more specific than Mexico's policy.
No. A UK BRP does not grant you visa-free access to the United States or Canada. Entry to these countries is determined solely by your nationality, not your UK residence status.
If you're from a country that participates in the US Visa Waiver Program or that has a visa exemption agreement with Canada, you can apply for an ESTA (for the US) or eTA (for Canada). If your nationality requires visas for these countries, you must apply for a visa regardless of having a UK BRP.
Mexico and Panama are currently the only major countries in the Americas that offer specific visa exemptions based on UK residence status.
Technically, Mexico's tourist entry does not authorize employment. However, the reality is that many digital nomads do work remotely while in Mexico on tourist status, as long as:
Mexican authorities generally don't investigate or penalize tourists who quietly work online for overseas employers. However, if you plan to stay long-term or work for Mexican entities, you should apply for a proper work visa or temporary resident visa.
For Panama, similar principles apply, though Panama's shorter 90-day limit makes it less popular for long-term digital nomads.
Mexico:
Mexico does not offer extensions to the 180-day tourist period while remaining in the country. Your options are:
Panama:
Panama offers a "tourist visa extension" that allows you to extend your stay for an additional 90 days:
For longer stays in either country, look into temporary residency options, which will require more documentation and potentially financial solvency requirements.
Combining destinations in the Americas requires some planning as connections aren't always straightforward:
Major airline hubs:
When planning multi-destination trips, check visa requirements for each country, as your UK BRP may not provide visa-free access to transit countries (especially the US). If transiting through the US, you may need a transit visa or ESTA even for a brief layover.
Important safety tips for traveling in Mexico and Panama:
Most tourist areas are quite safe, but remain vigilant as you would in any foreign country.
Spanish is the official language in both Mexico and Panama:
Useful Spanish phrases:
Mexico:
Panama:
Staying connected in Mexico and Panama:
Options for connectivity:
Local SIM cards offer the best value for extended stays.
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, visa requirements can change without notice. Always verify with official government sources or the embassy/consulate of your destination country before travel.
Information last updated: March 2025