Remember when living in Europe was as simple as packing a bag and hopping on a plane? When the biggest concern about moving to Spain was whether to tell mum you’d be missing Sunday roast? Post-Brexit, those halcyon days feel like ancient history for many travel-loving Brits.

But don’t bin those dreams of living abroad just yet. While the EU’s freedom of movement may have dried up for Brits, there are still plenty of ways to make a life beyond Blighty’s shores. And before you set off, remember to speak to a trusted partner like OnTrailVisa to help you get a visa for your chosen destination to enjoy a worry-free adventure.

The New Reality for British Expats

Let’s face it, Brexit has thrown a spanner in the works for those dreaming of a sun-soaked life abroad. The sad reality is that British citizens now face the same restrictions as other non-EU nationals. That means the old ‘live in Barcelona for three years on a whim’ lifestyle is, sadly, off the table without proper visas.

The infamous 90/180-day rule now applies to Brits too, meaning you can only spend a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period across most of Europe. Just as you’re settling in, it’ll be time to leave!

Making the Most of Tourist Visas

Tourist visas might seem like the poor cousin of residency permits, but with some creative thinking, they can become your ticket to extended life abroad. Here’s how to squeeze every last drop of value from them:

Strategic Visa Runs: The Art of the Border Hop

The visa run – that ritual involving leaving a country just to come straight back in again – has long been the backbone of the semi-permanent traveller’s lifestyle. While increasingly scrutinised, visa runs remain viable in many parts of the world.

The key to successful visa runs is variety. Immigration officers tend to get suspicious when they see the same face popping back and forth. Mix up your entry and exit points where possible, and always have a reasonable explanation for your return.

In Southeast Asia, the classic Thailand-Cambodia-Laos triangle remains popular with British nomads. A fortnight exploring Angkor Wat provides a perfect break before heading back to your Thai beach hut.

Do remember that some countries have tightened regulations. Thailand, once the visa-run capital of the world, now limits land entries to two per calendar year for many nationalities, including Brits. Always check the latest rules before planning your hop.

Extensions and Renewals: Buying Precious Time

Many countries offer the option to extend tourist visas while still in-country – a godsend for those who’ve found their perfect beach and aren’t quite ready to leave.

Indonesia, for example, allows tourists to extend their 30-day visa three times, giving a total of 120 days without leaving. That’s plenty of time to master the perfect nasi goreng recipe.

The key to successful extensions is preparation. Gather necessary paperwork before applying, including proof of funds, onward travel tickets (even if you plan to cancel them later), and accommodation details. Looking respectable at immigration offices goes a long way too – so leave the beach-hat and flip-flops at your hostel.

Country Hopping: The Nomad’s Rotation

Perhaps the most enjoyable way to extend your overseas adventure is through strategic country hopping. This approach means establishing a circuit of countries you enjoy, staying within visa limits in each before moving to the next.

For European lovers, the non-Schengen countries become valuable breathing spaces. Spending 90 days in Montenegro or Bulgaria allows your Schengen clock to reset, ready for another 90 days in Italy, France or Spain.

Latin America offers some of the most generous tourist provisions for British passport holders. Mexico permits six months on arrival, while Georgia – straddling Europe and Asia – offers a whopping one year for Brits wanting to sample its wine regions and mountain vistas.

Hotspots for the Brexit-Affected Brit

Some countries have become particularly appealing for long-term British travellers in the post-Brexit landscape:

  • Portugal’s D7 Visa has gained legendary status among digital workers for its relatively low-income requirements and straightforward application process. While not a tourist visa solution, it provides a legitimate pathway to residency.
  • Mexico continues to welcome Brits with open arms and minimal paperwork, offering 180 days upon arrival – though recent reports suggest immigration officers are becoming stricter about granting the full six months automatically.
  • Thailand’s Long-Stay Visa options, including retirement visas for those over 50 with sufficient pension income, remain popular despite periodic rule changes.
  • Dubai and the UAE have introduced remote worker visas that allow for yearlong stays, provided you meet minimum income requirements and have health insurance.

Staying on the Right Side of the Law

A crucial warning: the suggestions here are about maximising legitimate tourist stays, not encouraging visa overstays or illegal work. The consequences of breaking visa rules can be severe, from fines to deportation and future entry bans.

Always research the specific rules for your nationality and destination. Immigration policies change frequently, often without warning or extensive publicity. Facebook expat groups can be valuable sources of current information, but always verify with official sources.

Practical Tips for the Long-Term Tourist

  • Banking and finances present challenges for long-term travellers. Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Revolut have become the financial backbone for many British nomads, offering excellent exchange rates and multi-currency accounts.
  • Tax liability doesn’t disappear just because you’re sipping coconuts on a beach. HMRC still considers you tax resident if you spend 183 days or more in the UK during a tax year, or if your only home is in the UK. Seek professional advice if planning extended time abroad.
  • Healthcare requires careful planning post-Brexit. The EHIC card has been replaced by the GHIC, but coverage is more limited. Comprehensive travel insurance is now essential, with policies specifically designed for long-term travellers.
  • Accommodation strategies can make or break your extended stay. Consider negotiating monthly rates directly with guesthouses or apartment owners – you’ll often get significant discounts for longer commitments, especially in low season.

The Silver Lining

Despite the Brexit-shaped cloud hanging over British travellers’ dreams, there’s a silver lining. The restrictions have pushed many to explore beyond the traditional European haunts, discovering gems they might otherwise have overlooked.

From the digital nomad scenes of Medellin and Tbilisi to the beach communities of Bali and the cultural richness of Kyoto, British passport holders still have a world of options. It just takes a bit more planning, paperwork, and perhaps a slightly more adventurous spirit.

The freedom to live abroad hasn’t disappeared – it’s simply evolved. With careful planning, strategic movement, and a flexible mindset, that dream of international living remains very much alive, even in these post-Brexit days.