What’s the best source of information about visas?

Most visa applications are managed wholly online, and you should always be cautious of scams and unofficial operators. Only use gov.uk and the embassies it links to: these are the most trustworthy sources of information about visas.

Do I need a visa to visit Europe?

UK tourists do not need a visa to visit the EU and Schengen area, provided they are staying for 90 days or fewer in a 180-day period.

“The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’,” advises gov.uk, which has a five-step process for working out if your stay is within the 90-day limit.

For longer stays, you may need a visa: check your destination’s entry rules on gov.uk.

How much do visas cost?

Each nation sets its own rates, which may vary according to visa type, format and length of validity. For example, UK travellers to the United States who are eligible for an Esta must pay $21 (£16), whereas those who need a visa are charged $185 (£145).

The most expensive tourist visa for Britons is Guinea Bissau, at £207; followed by Iran (£185) and China (£151) – though many, such as the UAE and the Maldives, are free. 

I need a visa for my holiday – should I get one before I book it?

Many nations issue visas on arrival; in others, you should be fine to book before you get a visa. However, if you foresee a problem, or are visiting a nation with more red tape – such as China, Ghana, Nigeria and Bangladesh – you might be wise to wait until you’ve secured one.

The official line from most countries’ embassies is not to book anything until you have a visa, warns Bridges – though conversely, they will likely ask you for airline and hotel confirmations as part of the application process. 

“This is a loophole they use to void their responsibility in the event that a visa isn’t issued in time,” Bridges advises. “Personally I try to avoid asking applicants to book anything unless it is specifically requested by the embassy.” 

What does “visa on arrival” mean?

Countries such as Japan and Qatar issue visas on arrival: they are literally granted at your point of entry. You may have to travel through certain airports or ports, and supply biometric data, as well as fulfilling other requirements, such as passport validity and additional permits. Again, always check the advice for your destination on gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. 

What is a visa agency?

A visa agency can obtain a visa on your behalf: they are experts in liaising with embassies, and ensure that applications are submitted accurately and within the required timeframe. They charge a fee for this service, which may depend on the complexity of the process.

However, they offer no guarantees: “The final decision for a visa to be granted is taken by the country of which the application has been submitted,” says a spokesperson from The Travel Visa Company. 

What are the common reasons for a visa being rejected?

Silly mistakes can lead to an unsuccessful application, says The Travel Visa Company’s spokesperson – such as filling in the form incorrectly or sending the wrong documents. Other reasons include insufficient passport validity, wrong-sized photos, applying for the incorrect visa type, and applying too early – or too late – for your trip.

What if I want to extend my trip while I’m away, and my visa is due to expire?

If you’re unable to go home due to illness or transport issues, contact the local government offices. “You may be granted a visa extension or an allowance for extra stay if your reason is valid,” says Bridges. This may incur a charge, but otherwise, you risk being picked up at the airport on your departure, or prosecution by the authorities. 

If you simply want to extend your holiday, however, you might not be successful, warns Bridges. “It depends on the country: some allow you to apply for an extension while in-country, but others will not. The best approach is to contact the local government offices.”

Oops, I forgot to get a visa – what happens next?

It is your responsibility to obtain the right visa, not that of your travel agent or airline. 

If you are unable to travel, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to claim on your insurance for any compensation or assistance, warns travel insurer Insurefor. “Typical coverage exclusions, which mean the traveller is not covered, include [not having] valid documentation,” a spokesperson advises. 

But don’t give up just yet. Depending on how soon you’re due to travel, a visa agency may be able to help: “we have good relationships with embassies, so we can usually get the visa issued in record time,” says Bridges. 

We’ve crunched the visa requirements for UK holidaymakers’ 100 most popular destinations. Use our tool below to find out if you need a visa for your holiday.