The United Kingdom has updated its list of countries whose nationals must obtain a visa before travelling to or transiting through the country.
The revised list, published by the UK government on July 10, 2026, covers dozens of countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.
Under the updated immigration guidance, citizens of these countries are required to secure the appropriate visa before entering the UK or passing through its airports, depending on the purpose and conditions of their journey.
Several African countries remain on the list, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia, the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The updated list also includes major Asian countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
In Europe, the countries affected include Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia and the northern part of Cyprus.
Several countries in the Americas and the Caribbean are also covered by the visa requirement. They include Colombia, Venezuela (for holders of non-biometric passports), Jamaica, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Other countries listed include Afghanistan, Mongolia, Nauru, Palestine, Timor-Leste, Turkey and Vanuatu.
The UK government said the list forms part of its immigration rules and is intended to guide travellers on whether they need to obtain entry clearance before travelling. The requirements apply to both visitors and transit passengers from the listed countries, although certain exemptions may apply depending on an individual’s immigration status or the type of passport they hold.
Travellers are advised to confirm the visa requirements that apply to their specific circumstances before making travel arrangements, as entry rules may vary depending on the purpose of the visit, length of stay and travel documents.
The updated guidance serves as an important reminder for intending visitors, students, workers and business travellers to ensure they have the necessary travel documents before departing for the UK, as failure to obtain the required visa could result in denied boarding or refusal of entry upon arrival.
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