Can you watch UK TV abroad?
Only partly. BBC iPlayer, ITVX and 5 work only in the UK, and Channel 4's streaming service works in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. On holiday or as an expat, these apps show a message instead of the picture, even if you pay for a TV licence.
What does work: Sky News and GB News stream live for free all over the world on their websites and YouTube; BBC News has an international channel that TV providers carry; ITVX Premium lets you download shows in the UK and watch them abroad for up to 7 days; and Sky says UK customers can download programmes in Sky Go before they travel and watch them anywhere, but not stream abroad.
Why Spain, France and Portugal are no different
The EU rule that keeps paid streaming services working on short trips no longer applies to travel between the UK and the EU and EEA. The UK government says services may still offer it of their own accord, with the content owners' permission. So for UK apps, Spain, France, Portugal and Cyprus are treated like any other country outside the UK.
What about a VPN?
We do not list a VPN as an option. Many streaming services forbid them in their terms of use, and the UK apps are made for viewers in the UK. We only list official ways to watch.
Which UK channels work abroad?
UK TV in Spain, France, Portugal and beyond
UK TV in Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus, the USA, Australia and Canada
- BBC News: BBC News (international channel)
- ITV1: ITVX Premium downloads (not the channel itself)
- Sky News: Sky News on YouTube, Sky News website and app
- Sky Sports Main Event: Sky Go downloads (not the channel itself)
- GB News: GB News website, app and YouTube
- ITV2: ITVX Premium downloads (not the channel itself)
No official way that we found for BBC One, Channel 4, Channel 5, BBC Two, TNT Sports and CBeebies.
UK TV in Ireland
- BBC News: BBC News (international channel)
- ITV1: ITVX Premium downloads (not the channel itself)
- Channel 4: Channel 4 in the Republic of Ireland
- Sky News: Sky News on YouTube, Sky News website and app
- Sky Sports Main Event: NOW Sports in Ireland, Sky Go downloads (not the channel itself)
- GB News: GB News website, app and YouTube
- ITV2: ITVX Premium downloads (not the channel itself)
No official way that we found for BBC One, Channel 5, BBC Two, TNT Sports and CBeebies.
UK TV abroad: common questions
Can I watch UK TV in Spain?
Partly. BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and 5 do not stream in Spain. Sky News and GB News stream live for free, BBC News has an international channel on TV packages, and ITVX Premium and Sky Go downloads made in the UK can be watched abroad.
Can I watch ITVX abroad?
Not live. ITVX streams only in the UK, but ITVX Premium subscribers can download shows before they travel and watch them abroad for up to 7 days.
Which UK channels can I watch abroad for free?
Sky News and GB News, live on their websites and official YouTube channels. Channel 4 is also free in the Republic of Ireland.
Can I watch UK TV in Ireland?
Partly. Channel 4's streaming service works in the Republic of Ireland, and NOW sells Sky Sports there in euro. BBC iPlayer, ITVX and 5 do not.
Does the EU travel rule cover UK apps?
No. It no longer applies to travel between the UK and the EU and EEA. Services may offer it of their own accord.
Where the facts come from
- ITVX help: I'm abroad and can't watch shows
- Channel 4 help: watching outside the UK
- 5: geo-restriction page
- UK Parliament petitions: 637777, BBC iPlayer for licence payers abroad (rejected 10 May 2023)
- Sky: Sky Go
- GB News: how to watch GB News anywhere
- GOV.UK: cross-border portability of online content services between the UK and EU
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.