Thousands of UK holidaymakers are being stopped at international borders and refused entry due to confusion around visas, permits, and entry requirements. This is often caused by complex rules that change frequently and continue to catch travellers off guard.
New figures obtained by Confused.com reveal that more than 2,800 British travellers were refused entry at the US and Australian borders between 2023 and 2025. Data from U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs shows 2,836 Brits were denied entry across the two countries over the three-year period. More were turned away in 2025 alone (1,607) than in the 2 previous years combined (1,229).
n the US, the 2,533 refusals related to visa or travel-documentation requirements under the visa waiver programme (VWP). In Australia, 303 Brits were refused immigration clearance between 2023 and 2025, with the vast majority coming from a single year. Out of the 303 refusals, 155 were recorded in 2025, more than double the 75 refusals in 2024.
The US figures show a sharp rise in recent years, more than tripling from 424 refusals in 2024 to 1,452 in 2025. They also reveal who is most affected. Of the 2,533 Brits turned away, men made up more than two-thirds (1,745), while 18–35-year-olds were the largest age group (1,498).
Nearly 100 under-18s were also refused, pointing to confusion that reaches beyond solo travellers and affects families too. Incorrect documentation was behind more than half of UK refusals at the Australian border. Of the 303 Brits refused immigration clearance over the three-year period, 189 (62%) were turned away for bogus documentation.
These cases more than doubled from 43 in 2024 to 100 in 2025, driving much of the recent rise. A further fewer than 30 were refused for improper documentation over the same period.
It seems that recent changes to international travel rules have made things more confusing. In the wake of Brexit, alongside evolving visa policies and shifting entry requirements worldwide, British travellers are facing an increasingly complex landscape.
While some destinations now offer visa-free access, many still require certain permits or specific documentation to be allowed in the country. Travellers often misunderstand this, Confused.com said.
They assume they can rely solely on their passport or arrange permits upon arrival, when in reality permits can take time to process or come with additional costs. This leaves them at risk of being turned away at the border. Some popular destinations that require certain permits are listed below.
Visa/permits costs on popular destinations for UK tourists
European Union | The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) permit will be required for visa-free travel to most EU countries. The official start date has not been confirmed yet but it will be valid for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period). | €20 application fee |
United States of America | The UK is part of the visa waiver programme. But you must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). | $40 USD |
Australia | You can usually obtain an eVisitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). Permitted for up to 3 months. | Potential service charge of $20 AUD to use the ETA app. |
China | Currently visa-free entry is allowed for short stays (e.g. tourism/business) under a temporary policy running until December 2026. After that, a visa will likely be required again unless extended. | No cost |
India | You’ll need either a regular paper visa or e-visa. Check your eligibility to apply. Make sure you get your passport stamped. | From £25–£80 for an e-visa (depending on length). A standard paper tourist visa is around £127 |
Pakistan | You can apply for a tourist visa prior to arrival. Submit your intent to travel at least 24 hours before your planned trip to receive Visa Grant Notice. You must have an unexpired visa to leave Pakistan. | Fees vary based on visa type and duration, with processing taking 7–10 business days |
Kenya | You must apply online for electronic travel authorisation in advance of travel. The local authorities recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your departure. | Around £16 |
Further research is based on a survey of 2,000 UK passport holders who go on holiday abroad at least once per year. The findings suggest the problem isn't just isolated incidents but part of a broader lack of awareness and confidence among travellers.
Half (50%) admit they aren't confident about which countries require a tourist visa for entry. This comes as 54% say the visa application process is too complicated or confusing, with more than a third (37%) lacking confidence in navigating it altogether.
For those who have applied for a visa before, more than two in three (67%) reported experiencing negative emotions during the process, including stress (53%), anxiety (46%) and confusion (45%). In some cases, this frustration is enough to change travel plans entirely, with nearly one in five (18%) saying they’ve been put off visiting a destination because of the visa process.
Cost and confusing rules are also major barriers. More than half of travellers (57%) cite visa fees as a deterrent, while two in five (40%) are discouraged by unclear requirements, raising concerns that many may delay applications or travel without fully understanding what is needed.
Tom Vaughan, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “Being turned away at border control is something no traveller expects, but it’s a real risk if you’re unsure about the entry requirements for your destination. Visa rules can be complex and vary between countries, so even small mistakes can result in people being refused entry and losing out on their holiday.
"And it's worth knowing that if you're refused entry, it may not be covered by standard travel insurance. Insurers may treat refusals as a preventable risk rather than an unforeseen emergency.
"This means you could be left to bear the cost of return flights and non-refundable bookings yourself. That’s why we’ve launched our travel visa checker, giving people a quick and simple way to check visa requirements, stay limits and any associated fees before they
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