BackAs a luxury holiday apartment provider in Gibraltar, Bentley Holiday Apartments understands the importance of having a UK visa and the ease of travelling to other countries with it. In this article, we will explore some of the best countries to visit with a UK visa, and why Gibraltar should be at the top of your list.
Introduction
If you are a UK visa holder looking to travel abroad without the hassle of applying for a visa, you’re in luck. There are many countries around the world that UK visa holders can visit without a visa, making travel easier and more accessible. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the top visa-free UK countries for UK visa holders.
What does Visa-free mean?
Before we dive into the list of visa-free countries, let’s clarify what visa-free means. Visa-free travel means that you can enter a country without having to obtain a visa beforehand. This is different from visa-on-arrival or e-visa, which means that you can obtain a visa when you arrive at your destination or apply for a visa online, respectively.
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, is a popular destination for UK citizens due to its sunny climate, rich history, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. With a valid UK visa, visitors can easily enter Gibraltar without the need for any additional documentation or visas, making it a convenient and hassle-free destination.
Top Visa-free UK Countries
- Gibraltar. No visa is required for this destination for a stay of up to three months.
- Ireland – UK visa holders can travel to Ireland without a visa for up to 90 days. Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.
- France – UK visa holders can travel to France without a visa for up to 90 days. France is known for its world-famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles.
- Spain – UK visa holders can travel to Spain without a visa for up to 90 days. Spain is a popular destination for UK travelers due to its sunny beaches, delicious food, and rich history.
- Germany – UK visa holders can travel to Germany without a visa for up to 90 days. Germany is a country with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and modern cities.
- Italy – UK visa holders can travel to Italy without a visa for up to 90 days. Italy is a country with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Greece – UK visa holders can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days. Greece is a country with stunning islands, beautiful beaches, and a rich history and mythology.
Other Visa-free Countries
Apart from the countries mentioned above, there are many other visa-free countries that UK visa holders can travel to, including:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Sweden
- Switzerland
About Gibraltar
If you hold a UK visa, you may be wondering which countries you can visit without the need for a visa. One of these countries is Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on the southern tip of Spain. With a rich history, stunning scenery, and favorable weather, Gibraltar has become an increasingly popular destination for UK visa holders looking for a quick getaway. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Gibraltar visa-free as a UK visa holder.
Gibraltar is a small peninsula that covers just 6.7 square kilometers and has a population of around 30,000 people. Despite its size, it’s a bustling hub of culture and commerce, with a rich history dating back to the 8th century BC. As a British Overseas Territory, it’s an ideal destination for UK visa holders looking for a bit of British charm combined with a Mediterranean twist.
Gibraltar is most famous for its rock, which towers over the town and is home to a colony of Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe. The town itself is a mixture of British and Spanish influences, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars to explore.
Why Visit Gibraltar?
There are plenty of reasons why Gibraltar is a great destination for UK visa holders. Here are just a few:
- No visa required: As a UK visa holder, you can enter Gibraltar without the need for a visa, making it an easy and hassle-free destination.
- Beautiful scenery: Gibraltar is home to stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
- Rich history: With a history dating back thousands of years, Gibraltar is a treasure trove of historical sites and artifacts, including the ancient Moorish Castle and the Great Siege Tunnels.
- Unique wildlife: The Barbary macaques that live on the Rock of Gibraltar are a must-see for animal lovers, while the seas around Gibraltar are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, whales, and turtles.
- Duty-free shopping: Gibraltar is a tax-free shopping haven, with a wide range of goods available at duty-free prices.
Requirements for Entering Gibraltar Visa-Free
To enter Gibraltar visa-free as a UK visa holder, you’ll need to meet certain requirements. These include:
- A valid UK visa: You must hold a valid UK visa at the time of entry into Gibraltar.
- A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Gibraltar.
- Hold proof of onward and return flights
While you don’t need a visa to enter Gibraltar, you will need to go through passport control and have your passport stamped.
What are the top attractions in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar has a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Some of the most popular include:
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- The Rock of Gibraltar: This iconic limestone rock rises 426 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can take a cable car to the top or hike up if you’re feeling adventurous.
- St. Michael’s Cave: This natural limestone cave is located within the Rock of Gibraltar and is a popular tourist attraction. It’s known for its stunning rock formations and impressive lighting displays.
- The Great Siege Tunnels: These tunnels were built during the Great Siege of Gibraltar in the late 18th century and offer a fascinating insight into Gibraltar’s military history.
- Europa Point: This scenic viewpoint offers stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the African coast. It’s also home to the historic Trinity Lighthouse.
- Gibraltar Nature Reserve: This protected area covers around 40% of Gibraltar’s land area and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the reserve’s natural beauty
What is the weather like in Gibraltar?
Gibraltar enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. The average temperature in summer (June to September) is around 25°C, while winter temperatures (December to February) average around 14°C. The best time to visit Gibraltar is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
How do I get to Gibraltar?
Gibraltar is easily accessible from the UK via air or land. You can fly to Gibraltar International Airport from several UK airports, including London Gatwick, Manchester, and Bristol. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus from nearby cities in Spain, such as Malaga or Seville.
Gibraltar: gateway to Europe
But Gibraltar is not just a great starting point for UK travelers, it is also a gateway to many other countries that can be easily accessed with a UK visa. Here are some of the best countries to visit with a UK visa:
Spain: Just a short walk across the border from Gibraltar, Spain offers a wealth of history, culture, and cuisine to explore. From the vibrant city of Barcelona to the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain has something for everyone.
As a luxury holiday apartment provider in Gibraltar, Bentley Holiday Apartments is the perfect place to stay when exploring these destinations. Our self-catered apartments are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Discover our blog and get the best advice and recommendations on what to see and do in Gibraltar and beyond.
Conclusion
With a UK visa, travellers can easily explore a wide range of destinations from Gibraltar, from the beaches of Spain to the beautiful coast of Portugal. But for those looking for a convenient and luxurious starting point, Gibraltar should be at the top of your list. And for the ultimate holiday experience in Gibraltar, book your stay at Bentley Holiday Apartments.
It may be one of the more difficult visas to obtain, and it is certainly not cheap. However, the UK visa is not without its benefits. For example, easy access to two countries around the world. Here’s a list of countries that will either give you a visa on arrival or will not ask for one at all if you have a valid UK visa. (Note: Visa policies are subject to change at any time. So, before you pack your bags, check with the visa office of the country you’ll be visiting.)
Entry Requirements for Gibraltar: What You Need to Know
At Bentley Holiday Apartments, we understand that travel requirements can be confusing and overwhelming, especially during these unprecedented times. That’s why we’re here to provide you with comprehensive information about entry requirements for Gibraltar, so you can be fully prepared for your upcoming trip.
Passports and Visas
To enter Gibraltar, you will need a valid passport or national ID card if you’re an EU citizen. Non-EU citizens will need a passport and may also need a visa, depending on their nationality. It’s important to ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Gibraltar. British nationals don’t need a visa to enter Gibraltar.
For further information on entry requirements, check the website of HM Government of Gibraltar.
COVID-19 Requirements
Gibraltar, like many other countries, has implemented measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Yey, entry requirements for Gibraltar are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
Proof of vaccination status
You do not need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Gibraltar.
Travel Insurance
While travel insurance isn’t a requirement for entry to Gibraltar, it’s highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected situations such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Getting Around Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a small territory, so it’s easy to get around on foot. However, there are also taxis, buses, and rental cars available. Keep in mind that driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Gibraltar, and it’s important to adhere to local traffic laws.
