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FAQs on the Overseas Territories

What is an Overseas Territory?

The Overseas Territories are constitutionally not part of the United Kingdom. They have separate constitutions, and most Overseas Territories have elected governments with varying degrees of responsibilities for domestic matters. The Governor, who is appointed by, and represents, HM the Queen, retains responsibility for external affairs, internal security, defence, and in most cases the public service.

Which are the UK Overseas Territories?

There are 14 UK Overseas Territories. Anguilla, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory (BAT), British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena and its Dependencies (Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia in Cyprus and The Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI)

Do the Overseas Territories have diplomatic representation in the UK?

No. The UK Government is responsible for Overseas Territories' external affairs. However, some territories do have Government representatives.

Are the legal systems in the Overseas Territories different from that of the UK?

Yes. Although the law in force in the Overseas Territories is broadly based on English common law, each Territory has its own distinct body of legislation, which differs from UK legislation. However, some UK statutes also apply within the Overseas Territories or are extended to them following consultation.

Do I need a visa to visit an Overseas Territory?

British nationals do not need a visa to visit most Overseas Territories. However, there are certain entry requirements for some Overseas Territories. (For British Antarctic Territory please go to Guidance for Visitors to Antarctica. For Pitcairn Islands and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands please refer to the relevant Country Profile).

Non British nationals in the UK should contact the advice line of the UK Passport Office on 0870 521 0410 for visa enquiries.

This is an external link UK Passport Service

Outside the UK, British Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates can issue visas for the Overseas Territories.

Do I need a work permit or residence permit for the Overseas Territories?

Each Overseas Territory has its own policy on immigration. For further enquiries you should contact the Department of Immigration in the relevant territory.

I am a British Overseas Territories Citizen passport holder, or a British Citizen normally resident in the Overseas Territories. Where can I renew my passport in the UK, or overseas?

The UK Passport Agency in the UK can renew any type of British Passport. You can renew your passport overseas at most British Embassies, High Commissions or Consulates. (Not all are passport issuing posts).

Are the Overseas Territories members of the European Union?

Gibraltar is for most purposes within the European Union, but the other Overseas Territories are not. However, British citizens from the Overseas Territories have the same rights within the other existing 14 European Union states as other British citizens. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

These include freedom to:

  • travel/work and live in the EU without a work permit.
  • Vote in an EU member states elections and stand as a candidate within those elections.
  • Start up a business.
  • Provide and receive services.
  • Move capital around member states.
  • Apply to study/train or do research anywhere in the EU.
  • Undergo training and periods of work experience if you’re unemployed.
  • Practise as a Lawyer or Doctor providing you meet certain conditions.

    Please note that these rights will not necessarily apply for the 10 Accession States joining the EU from 1 May 2004. These countries are: Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. You are strongly advised to contact the relevant country's local mission for further information. The following link provides further links to foreign missions in the UK: Foreign Embassies in the UK

    Where do I go for commercial advice for the Overseas Territories?

    Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Montserrat:

    Caribbean and Central America Unit
    UK Trade & Investment
    Kingsgate House
    66 - 74 Victoria Street
    London
    SW1E 6SW

    Tel: Jane Alexander (Deputy Manager) 020 7215 4763, or Michael Johnson (Desk Officer) 020 7215 4717.
    Fax: 020 7215 8066
    Email: jane.alexander@uktradeinvest.gov.uk or michael.johnson@uktradeinvest.gov.uk

    Bermuda:

    USA Desk
    UK Trade & Investment
    Kingsgate House
    66-74 Victoria Street
    London
    SW1E 6SW

    Tel: Oliver Parsons (Desk Officer) 020 7215 4608
    Fax: 020 7215 8260
    Email: oliver.parsons@uktradeinvest.gov.uk

    A web page is being prepared with details of commercial contacts in the Overseas Territories.

    Any other questions?

    Please contact:

    Caribbean and Bermuda Overseas Territories: 020 7008 2696

    British Antarctic Territory/ South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands: 020 7008 3986

    British Indian Ocean Territory, Pitcairn Islands: 020 7008 2754

    St Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, Falkland Islands: 020 7008 2749

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