Explore 6 European countries you can visit without a visa using your UK Biometric Residence Permit
While most of Europe (especially Schengen countries) requires visas based on your nationality, several European countries outside the Schengen Area accept UK BRP holders visa-free. This means you can visit these destinations without applying for a separate visa, regardless of your passport nationality.
Montenegro offers a generous visa exemption for UK BRP holders, allowing you to visit this beautiful Balkan country for up to 30 days without needing to apply for a separate visa.
Albania allows UK BRP holders to enter for 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. You must have already used your UK visa at least once before using it for Albania entry.
Tirana, Albanian Riviera, Berat, Gjirokastër
Georgia welcomes UK BRP holders for up to 90 days within any 180-day period visa-free. The country offers a fascinating blend of ancient history, stunning mountains, and vibrant culture.
Tbilisi, Batumi, Kazbegi, Kakheti wine region
Serbia offers UK BRP holders visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. The country is known for its historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and affordability.
Belgrade, Novi Sad, Subotica, Zlatibor
North Macedonia allows UK BRP holders a shorter 15-day visa-free stay. Your UK visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond your intended stay in the country.
Skopje, Ohrid, Matka Canyon, Bitola
This British Overseas Territory allows UK BRP holders to visit for up to 21 days visa-free, provided you have a multiple-entry UK visa valid for at least 6 months.
Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael's Cave, Main Street shopping
No. A UK BRP does not grant you visa-free access to Schengen Area countries. For Schengen countries (which include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.), visa requirements are based solely on your nationality, not your UK residence status.
If your passport nationality normally requires a Schengen visa, you will still need to apply for one, regardless of having a UK BRP. The BRP visa-free privileges only apply to specific countries outside the Schengen Area listed on this page.
No, Montenegro is not currently part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, although it is a candidate country for EU membership.
This independent status allows Montenegro to set its own visa policies, including the 30-day visa-free access for UK BRP holders that we've highlighted on this page.
The same applies to Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Georgia - none are EU or Schengen members, which is why they can offer visa-free access to UK BRP holders under their own national policies.
Yes, you can visit multiple countries that accept UK BRP holders visa-free in a single trip. Each country will apply its own entry rules and stay duration limits separately.
For example, you could visit Montenegro for 30 days, then cross into Albania for up to 90 days, and then continue to Serbia for another 90 days, all without applying for visas in advance.
However, note that these countries are not connected in terms of immigration policies (unlike the Schengen Area). Each country will stamp your passport separately and track your stay individually. You must exit each country before the end of your allowed visa-free period.
The Balkan region (Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia) is well-connected through:
Georgia is geographically separate and best reached by air from major European cities.
Gibraltar can be accessed from Spain (through the La Línea border crossing) or by air from the UK.
Always ensure you have multi-entry permission for any country you plan to re-enter during your trip.
The ideal times to visit most of these European destinations are:
Summer (July-August) brings perfect beach weather in coastal areas like Montenegro and Albania but also peak crowds and prices.
Winter visits (November-March) offer unique experiences like skiing in Montenegro or Serbia, thermal baths in North Macedonia, and Christmas markets, all with significantly lower tourist numbers.
These European destinations offer excellent value compared to Western Europe:
Montenegro and Georgia can be slightly more expensive in high-tourist areas during peak season. Serbia and North Macedonia generally offer the most affordable options throughout the year.
Direct and connecting flights from the UK:
Budget airlines like Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet often offer affordable fares to these destinations.
Essential documents for your trip:
Keep digital copies of all documents in your email/cloud storage and share with a trusted contact at home.
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