More than 2,800 British travellers were refused entry at US and Australian borders between 2023 and 2025, according to data obtained by Confused.com. The figures show 2,836 UK holidaymakers were denied entry across the two countries over the three-year period, with more turned away in 2025 alone (1,607) than in the two previous years combined (1,229).
US refusals more than triple
In the US, 2,533 refusals related to visa or travel-documentation requirements under the visa waiver programme (VWP). The US figures show a sharp rise in recent years, more than tripling from 424 refusals in 2024. 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.
In Australia, 303 Brits were refused immigration clearance between 2023 and 2025. Incorrect documentation was behind over half of UK refusals at the Australian border.
Confusion over visa rules
While some destinations now offer visa-free access, many still require certain permits or specific documentation to be allowed in the country. Travellers often 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.
Further research suggests the problem is part of a broader lack of awareness and confidence among travellers. Half say they aren't confident which countries require a tourist visa for entry, and 54% say the visa application process is too complicated or confusing. Over half of travellers cite visa fees as a deterrent.
Expert advice and new tool
Confused.com has launched a new visa checker tool, designed to help UK travellers quickly understand the entry requirements for their destination before they travel.
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."
He added: “Visas are just one part of getting ready for a trip. Travellers should also check their passport validity, make sure they have appropriate travel insurance and understand what it does and doesn't cover, and keep important documents and emergency contacts easily accessible to avoid any last-minute issues.”
Destinations with visa requirements include the European Union (ETIAS permit, €20 fee), the United States (ESTA, $40), Australia (eVisitor or ETA, free or $20 service fee), China (temporary visa-free entry until December 2026), India (e-Visa or paper tourist visa, £25–£80 or £127), Pakistan (tourist visa required prior to arrival), and Kenya (eTA, approximately £16).
