Applying for a visa can be the killjoy of every potential holiday. Thankfully being a British passport holder can be quite a powerful thing, it is ranked as the third best in the world to have due to the visa-free or visa on arrival access that’s available.

Although British citizens can easily step foot into 176 different countries there’s another 40 that make life a little bit more difficult. This list is a bit like my nemesis, my aim is to visit all of them but sadly some are far more complicated than others. Let’s take a look at where they are and how you can visit these entry restricted places.

*This list does not include the easy e-visa or visa on arrival countries

Afghanistan

Tourist visas for Afghanistan can be a bit of a faff, thankfully they can now be purchased for 90 days, however you must attend an appointment at the Embassy in London with all the required elements including an invitation letter, completed application form, photo, evidence of employment, proof of address and a personal statement that confirms you are aware of the risks involved and take full responsibility.

• Visa fee: Single entry tourist visa £140.00
• Afghanistan Embassy in London

Algeria

Unlike neighbouring Morocco, Algeria requires British citizens to apply for a visa in advance. This can take up to 15 working days although it is likely to be issued much quicker if all of your paperwork is correct, however be aware that if your visa is refused or cancelled the fee is non-refundable! I recently applied via post to the Consulate in London and had a rather interesting experience, read more here.

• Visa fee: £85 for single entry tourist visa
• Algerian Consultate in London
• Blog article: How to get an Algerian Visa

Belarus

As the last Dictatorship of Europe it is no surprise that the visa process can be rather long and complicated. To encourage tourism (and bring in much-needed hard cash), President Lukashenko has introduced some new rules; as of 1st January 2018 you can now enter Belarus visa-free for trips of 10 days or less, as long as you arrive/leave via Minsk International Airport and travel to specific destinations around the country.

• Visa fee: Longer than 10 days – €60. 10 days or less – free & on arrival (must provide insurance with £10,000 medical assistance included).
• Belarussian Embassy in London
• Blog Article: A five-day visa-fee trip to Belarus

Benin

A tiny West African nation that is little-known outside the adventure tourist market, home to tribal cultures, ancient voodoo traditions and amazing colonial architecture. I’ve never previously considered visiting Benin, however the visa process appears really simple so who am I to complain?!

• Visa fee: £60 for a 15 day single entry tourist visa
• Benin UK Consulate

Bhutan

Often described as the “last Shangri-La” due to its pristine environment and strict entry rules. You’ll need to have a substantial budget to visit Bhutan due to its enforced request of having a daily spend, this is approximately £190 ($250) per day depending on the season, although this fee does include your accommodation, food, transport and a guide.

• Visa Fee: $250 per day depending on the time of year you visit (approximately £190)
• Bhutanese Visa Information 

Cameroon

Can you point Cameroon out on a map? Most likely not, I had to do a quick search so I could confirm I was in the right place…I wasn’t! Cameroon is surrounded by conflict zones and many parts are off-limits. The visa process appears relatively straight forward apart from the letter of invitation with the Cameroonian Police from your host, partner or contact in the country!

• Visa fee: 3 months visa £100, 6 month visa £200
• Cameroonian High Commission in London

Central African Republic

The FCO currently advise against all travel to the Central African Republic due to the ongoing civil war. There’s no embassy in the UK, previously you used to be able to apply for a visa via the French Consulate-General in London but they sadly no longer seem to accept applications. Therefore you will now be required to visit the embassy in Paris or Brussels.

• Visa fee: £130 for 1 month entry
• Consulate-General of France in London

Chad

There’s no Embassy/Consulate in London, therefore your nearest place to visit will either be Paris or Brussels, however if you don’t speak French you’ll need to use Google Translate (like I did). Sadly very few people could tell you exactly where Chad is, let alone why you should visit but it is the most northern place in the whole of Africa where you can do a safari, check out my article.

• Visa fee: €70 for a single entry tourist visa and an extra €20 for it to be issued within 24 hours
• Chadian Embassy in Brussels
• Blog Article: Zakouma National Park; Africa’s Northernmost Safari

China

Although I’ve previously visited Hong Kong, I never ventured to the mainland and I greatly regret this as China has rapidly developed in the last 10 years. For UK citizens you must apply via one of the three application centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, be aware that there’s a variety of visa options and prices but the process thankfully isn’t complicated.

• Visa fee: £86 (plus £66 application service fee) for single entry tourist visa
• Chinese Visa Application Centre

Congo (Republic of the)

Definitely don’t get the two Congo’s mixed up, the Republic of is also referred to as Congo-Brazzaville highlighting the capital city. You must be granted a visa before arrival, similar to several other countries on this list you must obtain an invitation letter and already have your flight and hotel confirmations ready. According to the website it says the visa will be ready the next day, I’d love to test and see if this is true!

• Visa fee: 15 day visa £75
• Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Congo in the UK 

Congo (Democratic Republic of the)

When people ask where would you like to visit next, I’ve never ever heard anyone say the DRC. Tourism is very much in its infancy in the DRC, with red tape and unofficial bribes often needed this instantly puts many people off. You can apply for your visa via the Embassy in London, but expect a delay of 2-3 weeks so plan ahead.

• Visa fee: £60 for a single entry visa, plus $50 as an International departure tax upon leaving the DRC
• DRC Embassy in London (in French)

Cuba

Although you only require a Tourist Card for Cuba I have included it on this list as you still have to apply for it from the Consulate in London or via your travel agency if you are travelling with a group. It is probably the easiest visa to get on this list!

• Visa fee: Single entry Tourist card £39.00
• Cuban Consultate in London (tourist card application form)
• Blog article: Discover my Cuban adventure

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is a small but rather unusual country, divided in two with the largest part being on the mainland whilst the capital city sits on Bloko island. Getting a visa for Equatorial Guinea isn’t easy, there are plenty of hoops to jump through, especially considering the fact that tourists must prove that they have at least £2,000 in their bank account or risk having their visa rejected.

• Visa Fee: £100 for standard or £180 for urgent visa requests
• Equatorial Guinea Embassy in London

Eritrea

Eritrea is one of my favourite countries that I’ve been lucky enough to visit, I travelled with a group on a recce tour around Eritrea which made things much easier. To get a visa for Eritrea you will need to be booked on a tour with a local company, they will issue you with an application number which needs to be used when you submit your visa request. You may be required to have an interview whilst visiting the Embassy although the visa takes 2-4 weeks to process as it gets sent straight to Asmara (the capital city) for authorisation.

• Visa fee: £25 for a single entry tourist visa
• Eritrean Embassy in London (no longer works as of February 2018)
• Blog article: Explore the unexplored in my Eritrean adventure

Ghana

Often described as the first place you must visit in Africa to ease you in, Ghana is a safe, secure and stable country with an incredible history. The visa process is relatively straight forward although you must be immunised for yellow-fever and provide proof. It can take between 7-10 working days to receive your visa so plan in advance.

• Visa fee: £60 single entry tourist visa for 3 months
• Ghanaian Embassy in London

Guinea

Thankfully the Embassy of Guinea in London has a brand new website providing far more visa information than when I previously looked. They handle applications from U.K citizens but also manage the Republic of Ireland and Iceland visa submissions too.

• Visa fee: £70 for single entry for up to 1 month, £140 for next day processing
• Embassy of Guinea in London 

Iran

If you aren’t British, American or Canadian then an Iranian visa will be simple to get on arrival or via an e-visa, if you try to visit this section of the Iranian Embassy website you will instantly be blocked. Sadly for our three nations we must apply in advance, for Brits we must apply via the newly reopened Embassy in London, you will need an application number but this can be sought via the Embassy directly.

• Visa fee: £185 for a single entry tourist visa
• Iranian Embassy in London
• Blog article: Fancy visiting Iran? Find out all you need to know

Iraq

Why on earth would you want to visit Iraq? WELL… avoiding the pre-conceptions, the people are incredibly friendly, welcoming and the food is delicious. I visited the Kurdish region of Northern Iraq in 2014 and absolutely loved it. Thankfully you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance for Kurdistan, however for the rest of Iraq you will need to apply at the Embassy.

• Visa fee: $40 for Iraq / Free for Kurdish Iraqi visa
• Iraq Embassy in London
• Blog article: My Kurdish Iraqi diaries 

Liberia

Similar to Guinea, I’ve been unable to find much information about applying for a Liberian visa. There doesn’t appear to be an Embassy website, however you can apply using various agencies who will charge you more. Tourism is very much in its infancy in Liberia, very few people visit due to a lack of infrastructure, which was recently made worse by the ebola outbreak in 2014.

• Visa fee: £75 for a standard single entry tourist visa or £100 for next day processing
• Liberian Embassy in London, Wikipedia article

Libya

Currently the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Libya. During calmer times the most famous tourist attraction was Leptis Magna, one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres, although unfortunately at present its status is unknown due to the ongoing conflict. Visas in London are now being processed again, entry to Libya must be within 45 days of the visa being issued.

• Visa fee: £130 for a single-entry tourist visa or £180 for same-day processing
• Libyan Consulate in London – no longer working

Mali

Where did it all go wrong for Mali? Tourists used to flock here to see Timbuktu and then unfortunately the insurgency started and it was pretty much all over for the tourist industry of Mali. If, however that still doesn’t put you off, you can apply for a visa at the Honorary Malian Consulate in London and oddly enough I am tempted to visit very soon!

• Visa fee: £190 for a one month standard entry visa
• Malian Honorary Consultate in London

Mongolia

Mongolia is a huge landlocked country that is still traditional and unique in its values, it is one of the last places on earth you can experience nomadic life. When applying for your visa you’ll need a completed application form, visa fee and also a letter of invitation which can be done through a local tour company.

• Visa fee: £40 for a single entry tourist visa, £60 for same day service
• Mongolian Embassy in London

Mozambique

Mozambique – a country that’s very high on my list of “must-sees”, sadly it is also one of the 41 who still require you to apply for a visa before you arrive. It’s a painless process however, you’ll need your completed application form, two passport sized photos, return flight confirmation documents, hostel/hotel confirmation documents, 1 recent bank statement and also a copy of the first page of your passport (containing your photograph).

• Visa fee: £50 for a single entry tourist visa, £120 for express same-day processing
• Mozambique Embassy in London

Nauru

Nauru – officially the least-visited country in the world and the world’s smallest independent nation. Nestled deep in the South Pacific, this place won’t come up on your travel list unless you’re visiting Australia or New Zealand as it’s incredibly remote. There’s no UK embassy and British nationals need to apply via the Nauru High Commission in Fiji, from what I can tell it is free.

• Visa fee: Free (unconfirmed)
• The Government of the Republic of Nauru

Niger

I can sadly confirm that I know nothing about Niger, other than it’s in Africa and the Sahara desert occupies a large part of the country. Sadly there’s no UK embassy or honorary consulate anymore, therefore you’ll need to head to Paris to apply with a completed application form, 2 passport photos, a certificate of yellow fever vaccination and a copy of your onward travel.

• Visa fee: €75 for single entry tourist visa
• Niger Embassy in Paris (in French)

Nigeria

Due to the insurgency taking over Northern Nigeria it is currently advised against all travel to this part of the country. Nigeria has recently outsourced all of its visa applications to OIS, you’ll now need to apply and pay their huge service fee when submitting all documents.

• Visa fee: £20 (£15 debit card processing fee) plus a £72 service fee from OIS
• Nigerian High Commission in London

North Korea

This country certainly needs no introduction, the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) is a fascinating place that was completely cut off until 1953. I’m lucky enough to have visited the North Korean embassy in London, a very unique place that’s situated in West London, far away from any other Embassy. A random experience, but the Koreans that I met were very warm and welcoming. To get a visa for North Korea you’ll need to book onto a tour, I recommend Lupine Travel.

• Visa fee: €50 (Plus £20 if you want it as a sticker version)
• FCO advice for North Korea

Pakistan

Pakistan can be a rather difficult country to explain to people why you want to visit, however it has a lot to offer and hopefully with the power of Social Media this will become more obvious in the near-future. There are six visa application centres in the UK including Manchester, Bradford, Birmingham, Glasgow (opening soon) and also two in London.

• Visa fee: Single entry costs £134 plus processing fee of £30
• Pakistan High Commission in London

Russia

The biggest country in the world, often misunderstood but a unique place to venture to. If like me, you’ve visited lots of countries you’ll have a panic attack just writing the visa application form by trying to remember all the countries you’ve been to in the last 10 years. Thankfully after attending the processing centre in London you’ll have your visa within a few days.

• Visa fee: £38.40 for 5 working day service or £45.60 for next working day service
• Russian Embassy in London
• Blog article: What’s it like to visit Russia as an LGBT citizen? 

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia represents one of the last frontiers in tourism, there are so many rules and very few opportunities to visit for tourism. The best chance of gaining a tourist visa is if you travel with a Saudi-specific agency but these are notoriously difficult to find and acquire. Thankfully in 2018 things are about to change with the announcement that tourist visas will start to be issued electronically from 1st April, watch this space!

• Visa fee: to be confirmed (March 2018)
• Saudi Embassy in London

Sierra Leone

After sadly being flawed by the ebola outbreak in 2014, Sierra Leone has struggled to get back on its feet. I don’t believe the expensive visa fee is helping to attract tourists as this has so far definitely put me off. The application process is straight forward and you can apply in person or by post, expect to receive your visa within one week.

• Visa fee: £109 for a single entry tourist visa
• Sierra Leone High Commission in London

South Sudan

The newest country in the world, South Sudan thought it would ease all of their problems to become independent, sadly it seems to have created new ones. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to South Sudan due to the ongoing civil war although the visa application process appears relatively simple I’d probably advise to wait a few years to see how the conflict unfolds.

• Visa fee: £50 for a one month visa
• South Sudanese Embassy in London

Sudan

It is said that the number of pyramids in Sudan far outweigh the number in Egypt, sadly this fact isn’t quite as well known by tourists yet. To apply for a Sudanese visa you’ll need to apply directly at the Embassy, however your request will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Khartoum and this can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to be approved, thankfully when I did it I received mine back from the Embassy within a few days.

• Visa fee: £55 for a 60 day standard visa
• Embassy of the Republic of Sudan in London
• Blog article: Sudan Travel – A guide to the Pyramids, Visa Rules & Khartoum

Syria

As of 2012 it is not possible to apply for a tourist visa for Syria due to the ongoing conflict affecting the country. I was lucky enough to visit in 2010 and was required to apply/collect my visa from the Embassy in London.

• Visa fee: Single entry £30, Multiple-entry £50
• Syrian Embassy in London (currently closed)
• Blog article: Pre-war Syria; what was it like?

Turkmenistan

Almost everyone needs a visa to enter Turkmenistan, the London embassy operates a rather strict calendar for applying/collecting your visa. When I purchased my visa from the embassy in 2015 I was charged £33, however this can fluctuate due to exchange rates.

• Visa fee: Approximately £35 (when I visited in 2015)
• FCO Visa advice for Turkmenistan 
• Blog article: Turkmenistan; A magic carpet ride in Central Asia

Uzbekistan

This land-locked Central Asian nation is extremely wealthy in natural resources, but it’s unlikely you’ll see this wealth amongst the local population. It has some of the most stunning architecture with several UNESCO World Heritage sites including the historic centre of Bukhara and the nation’s second largest city, Samarkand; home to the most famous Silk Road attraction of them all, the Registan.

• Visa fee: £51 single entry fee for up to 7 day visits, £59 for up to 15 days
• Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the UK

Yemen

Sadly now described as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, Yemen was previously accessible although often with Government warnings. Although previously it was almost impossible to get a visa for Yemen with the FCO advise against all travel to the country I’m now in the process of applying for a visa to visit the Socotra archipelago to enable me to visit in 2018. Watch this space…

• Visa fee: Unknown, currently not listed on the official website
• Yemeni Embassy in London (no longer active)
• Blog article: New tour to Socotra Island – visit now

Disclaimer

• Last updated: 12th March 2018
• This list does not include countries that have e-visa facilities
• It also doesn’t include any dependent, disputed or restricted territories
• The advice listed only refers to British citizens visa requirements
• It is possible to gain some visas from neighbouring countries, but not guaranteed

Further Information

If you’d like to discover more photographs and information from any of my trips please feel free to ask me any questions. You can visit my Facebook page and please don’t forget to ‘Like’ Travel Geek UK.