British Overseas Territories Travel Guide - Overview

The scattered islands that make up British Overseas Territories enjoy the same rights as nationals of Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, with full British citizenship and residence within the UK. All territories are required to adhere to EU standards, particularly regarding financial regulations and human rights.

The territory is under the sovereignty and formal control of the UK but is not an actual part of the UK. Most Overseas Territories are self-governing but rely on the UK in crucial matters of foreign policy etc. Since they are separate jurisdictions, there is no Overseas Territories' representation in the British parliament. The UK exerts its formal control through a governor of each territory, appointed by the British Monarch.

British Crown Dependencies: These include the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, which are dependencies of the British Crown whilst exercising considerable self-government in domestic affairs. The British Government is solely responsible for defence and international representation. Many British aspects are apparent in the Crown Dependencies, such as the UK telephone numbering plan or a BBC presence, although this is not always the case. Acts of the British parliament rarely – but occasionally – apply to the Crown Dependencies.

Information on the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands has been placed under the United Kingdom section.

The following territories have their own sections in the World Travel Guide: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Turks & Caicos Islands.