Visa-Free Americas Destinations for UK BRP Holders
Explore Mexico and Panama without a visa using your UK Biometric Residence Permit
Americas Travel with a UK BRP
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.
A UK BRP does not grant 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 your nationality requires a visa for the US, you'll need a C-1 transit visa or ESTA (if eligible) even for brief layovers. Consider routing through Mexico City, Toronto, or European hubs to avoid US transit requirements when traveling within the Americas.
Mexico: Most Generous Visa-Free Policy
- Valid passport with your UK BRP/digital status
- Complete a tourist card (FMM) upon arrival
- Proof of onward/return travel within 180 days
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- UK BRP must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Complete the FMM tourist card (provided on flight or at airport)
- Present passport, BRP, and completed FMM to immigration
- Mention you're entering with a UK BRP visa exemption if asked
- Keep the stamped portion of your FMM - you'll need it when leaving
- The 180-day period is not renewable while in Mexico
- Must leave Mexico before your authorized stay expires
- "Border runs" may be scrutinized if done frequently
- Working for Mexican companies is not permitted on tourist entry
- Remote work for non-Mexican employers is generally tolerated
December to April: Dry season with perfect weather in most regions. May to June: Shoulder season with fewer tourists. July to October: Rainy season with potential for hurricanes on coasts.
Panama: For UK Permanent Residents
- Must have permanent UK residency status (ILR)
- Passport and UK BRP must be valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of onward/return travel within 90 days
- Evidence of sufficient funds (recommend at least $500 + $100 per day)
- Address where you'll be staying in Panama
- Panama specifically requires permanent residency in the UK
- Temporary visas or limited leave to remain may not qualify
- Policy is aimed at those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- Digital status holders should carry printed proof of permanent status
- Some nationalities may face additional scrutiny
- Complete immigration form (provided during flight or at airport)
- Present passport, proof of UK permanent residence, and form
- Be prepared to show evidence of funds and onward travel
- Immigration may stamp authorization for up to 90 days
Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency alongside the Panamanian Balboa (pegged 1:1 with USD). This makes budgeting easier for travelers as you don't need to worry about exchange rates.
Central American Travel Routes & Connections
- Mexico → Guatemala → Belize → Mexico: Overland route through Mayan ruins and tropical coastlines
- Mexico → Cuba (Havana) → Mexico: Short flight from Cancun/Mexico City to explore Caribbean culture
- Panama → Costa Rica → Nicaragua → Panama: Nature and adventure route (check visa requirements)
- Panama → Colombia (Cartagena) → Panama: Quick flight to explore South American culture
- Mexico-Guatemala: Tapachula to Tecun Uman (check Guatemala visa requirements for your nationality)
- Mexico-Belize: Chetumal to Corozal (most nationalities get 30 days visa-free in Belize)
- Panama-Costa Rica: Paso Canoas border crossing (check Costa Rica requirements)
- ADO buses connect Mexican cities; chicken buses are common in Central America
- Mexico City (MEX): Connections throughout Latin America
- Cancun (CUN): Caribbean and Central American routes
- Panama City (PTY): Copa Airlines hub - connects all of Latin America
- San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO): Central hub for the region
Each Central American country has different visa requirements based on your nationality. Research and obtain necessary visas before departure, as some cannot be obtained at borders. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua have varying policies for different nationalities.
US Transit & Flight Connections
- Mexico City Hub: AeroMexico connects Mexico to South America without US stops
- Panama City Hub: Copa Airlines extensive Latin American network
- Toronto Hub: Air Canada connects to many Caribbean/Central American destinations
- European Hubs: KLM (Amsterdam), Air France (Paris), Iberia (Madrid) to Latin America
- Caribbean Hubs: JetBlue (Barbados), Caribbean Airlines (Trinidad)
- VWP Countries: Need valid ESTA authorization for transit
- Non-VWP Countries: Need C-1 transit visa or B1/B2 tourist visa
- Sterile Transit: Not available in US airports - you must clear immigration
- UK BRP does NOT exempt you from US transit requirements
- To Caribbean: Virgin Atlantic (London-Barbados), British Airways (London-Jamaica)
- To Mexico: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic (direct to Mexico City/Cancun)
- To Central America: Connect via Mexico City or Panama City
- To South America: KLM via Amsterdam, Air France via Paris
When booking connecting flights through non-US hubs, allow at least 2-3 hours for connections. Some airports like Mexico City and Panama City can have longer immigration and security lines during peak hours.
Travel Tips for Americas Destinations
Important safety tips for traveling in Mexico and Panama:
- Research safe areas before booking accommodation
- Use official taxis or rideshare apps (Uber in Mexico, Uber/Cabify in Panama)
- Avoid displaying valuable items in public
- Be careful with ATM usage - choose ones in secure locations
- Keep digital copies of all travel documents
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance
Spanish is the official language in both Mexico and Panama:
- English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major hotels
- Learning basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience
- Translation apps like Google Translate can help (download Spanish offline)
- Locals appreciate efforts to speak their language
Useful phrases: "Hola" (Hello), "Por favor" (Please), "Gracias" (Thank you), "¿Dónde está...?" (Where is...?)
Mexico: Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs widely available, credit cards accepted in most businesses. Carry some cash for smaller establishments.
Panama: US Dollar (USD) and Panamanian Balboa (PAB, pegged 1:1). No need to exchange currency if you have USD. Credit cards widely accepted.
Always inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Staying connected in Mexico and Panama:
- Mexico: Good coverage in urban/tourist areas; Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar
- Panama: Excellent coverage in cities; Digicel, Cable & Wireless, Claro
- Purchase local SIM card (bring unlocked phone)
- Use international roaming (check rates with UK provider)
- WiFi widely available in accommodation and cafes
Health considerations for Central America:
- No mandatory vaccinations for Mexico or Panama from UK
- Consider Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid for extended stays
- Yellow fever vaccination if traveling from affected areas
- Malaria risk in some rural areas - consult travel clinic
- Drink bottled water in rural areas
- Comprehensive travel insurance essential
Best times to visit different regions:
- Mexico Pacific Coast: November-April (dry season)
- Mexico Caribbean Coast: December-April (avoid hurricane season)
- Mexico Central Highlands: Year-round (mild climate)
- Panama: December-April (dry season) or May-November (green season, fewer crowds)
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, many digital nomads do work remotely while in Mexico on tourist status, as long as:
- You're working for a non-Mexican employer or clients
- You're getting paid to a non-Mexican bank account
- You're not working for or providing services to Mexican companies
Mexican authorities generally don't investigate or penalize tourists who quietly work online for overseas employers. For Panama, similar principles apply, though the shorter 90-day limit makes it less popular for long-term digital nomads.
If you plan to stay long-term or work for local entities, you should apply for a proper work visa or temporary resident visa.
Mexico: Does not offer extensions to the 180-day tourist period while remaining in the country. Your options are:
- Leave and return: Exit Mexico and re-enter to get a new tourist card (though immigration may question frequent "border runs")
- Apply for temporary residency: This must typically be done at a Mexican consulate outside Mexico before your trip
Panama: Offers a "tourist visa extension" that allows you to extend your stay for an additional 90 days:
- Apply at the Immigration Office in Panama City before your initial 90 days expire
- Bring passport, proof of funds, and onward travel plans
- Pay the extension fee (approximately $90 USD)
For longer stays in either country, look into temporary residency options, which require more documentation and potentially financial solvency requirements.
Combining destinations in the Americas requires some planning as connections aren't always straightforward:
- Mexico to Panama: Direct flights connect Mexico City to Panama City (about 3.5 hours)
- Mexico to Caribbean: Flights from Cancun to various Caribbean islands, with best connections to Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Bahamas
- Panama to Caribbean: Copa Airlines offers connections from Panama to several Caribbean destinations
Major airline hubs: Mexico City (AeroMexico), Cancun (good Caribbean connections), Panama City (Copa Airlines hub)
Important: When planning multi-destination trips, check visa requirements for each country. If transiting through the US, you may need a transit visa or ESTA even for a brief layover.
While not mandatory for entry, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended for both Mexico and Panama:
- Medical coverage: Healthcare costs can be expensive for non-residents
- Emergency evacuation: Important for remote areas or serious medical emergencies
- Trip cancellation: Weather-related cancellations are common during hurricane season
- Theft protection: Cover for stolen belongings, especially electronics
Ensure your policy covers adventure activities if you plan hiking, diving, or other adventure sports. Some UK travel insurance policies have geographic restrictions, so verify coverage extends to Central America.
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