visa travel in foreign countries

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Do I Need a Visa? 100+ Countries With Tourist Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Amar Hussain

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Tourist Visa Requirements for Popular Countries in Africa

Tourist visa requirements for popular countries in the americas, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in asia-pacific, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in europe, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in the middle east, final thoughts.

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U.S. citizens are in luck! The U.S. passport is ranked the 11th most powerful in the world , giving visa-free access to 186 countries as of 2018.

Sure, it’s slipped a bit in the last couple of years — but it’s still one of the best passports you can have.

Regardless of whether a country has visa-free access, requirements still need to be met if you travel abroad. We recommend confirming with the relevant embassy before making any travel plans.

Although each country has different requirements, here are some general rules:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date from the country you’re traveling to. Don’t leave it too late to renew your passport .
• Consider a new passport when you have accumulated a lot of stamps. Although most countries only require 1 blank page , many require 2 blank pages  (and some even need 3).
• You may be asked for proof of onward travel , which is not a problem if you have a return ticket. If you plan on country-hopping, you must have proof of your travel plans. You may be refused boarding to your planned destination if you cannot adequately demonstrate to immigration officers that you plan on leaving their country. If you’re unsure when you plan on going, you can buy a refundable onward flight and re-book later.
• Some countries require that you have adequate medical insurance to cover your stay. Regardless of whether it is mandatory, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Check out our guide to travel insurance to find the best one for you.
• It is rare, but you may be asked for proof of funds and will need to satisfy immigration so that you can support your travels. This can catch you off guard, and trying to log in to your bank account on airport Wi-Fi can be a bit frantic. To be prepared, ensure you have a copy of a bank statement or a screenshot on your phone.

Below, we have listed the specific visa requirements for over 100 of the most popular countries. Note that these details relate to tourist travel only .

In addition to these requirements, you must possess a fully valid passport (rather than an emergency or U.S. passport card). Unless otherwise stated, tourist visa prices and departure taxes are in USD.

Before we begin, remember to also check for vaccinations you may need before setting off, as many countries require one.

Below is information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular African countries as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Africa is a mixed bag for tourist visa requirements, with half of the prominent safari destinations requiring visas and the others not. Be sure to apply in advance where possible to avoid any panic or stress at the airport.

Algeria Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($160)

Stay permitted: 90 days maximum at each entry

• You will need a visa in advance unless you are part of an organized excursion from a cruise ship, in which case you can obtain a visa on arrival.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 1 page per stamp . You may experience some difficulties if you have an Israeli stamp.
• You can apply for a visa in person or via mail at the embassy in Washington, D.C., if you are there (or nearby in North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia). If you are based anywhere else, you must apply at the New York consulate.
• Visa applications take at least a week, and you will be required to submit 2 forms, 2 passport photos, and proof of travel. You may also need to provide evidence of travel insurance.
• More information can be found on the Algerian Embassy website.

Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: No

Stay permitted: 90 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and you can stay in Botswana for 90 days within a 12-month period without a visa. Your passport should have 3 or more unused pages, 1 blank page per entry.
• Yellow fever vaccinations are not required to enter Botswana.
• More information can be found here .

Côte d’Ivoire Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (~$77)

Stay permitted: 24 to 36 months with multiple re-entries

• You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and has 1 blank page.
• You can apply for a visa in advance at the embassy in Washington, D.C., or apply for an e-visa at the airport (but this must be requested in advance).
• Applications take 2 to 3 days for your passport to be returned to you, and you will need to submit 2 application forms, 2 passport photos, proof of air travel, and a hotel reservation.
• A copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required for travel.
• More information on applying for a visa can be found on the embassy website .

Egypt Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($25 single entry, $60 multiple entry)

Stay permitted: 30 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 1 blank page.
• You can apply for an e-visa prior to travel and are advised to do so at least 7 days before departure.
• Single-entry visas cost $25, or you can pay $60 for a multiple-entry visa.
• You will need to have a printout of your e-visa and travel itinerary.
• Tourists entering Egypt via the Taba border from Israel may get a 14-day no-fee visa for travel in the Sinai Peninsula or the 30-day visa as above for more comprehensive travel within Egypt.

Kenya Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($51)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages.
• You will need proof of yellow fever immunization, or you may be denied entry.
• Single-entry visas are currently available at the airport but be aware there are plans to phase this out in favor of an e-visa system . (E-visa is mandatory before boarding the flight; learn more at https://kenyaembassydc.org/evisa/ )
• An e-visa takes 2 business days to process, and you will need to take a printed copy with you when you travel to Kenya.
• Two categories of single-entry visits are available. Category 2 Single Entry Visa is valid for travel within 3 months of the issue date. Category 3 Single Entry Visa is valid for travel within 1 month of the issue date. Both allow a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya, which can be extended for a further 90 days at immigration headquarters in Nairobi for a maximum stay of 6 months.

Lesotho Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months (6 months to be safe) and have 1 page per entry stamp.
• Tourists can stay for 30 days and can extend for an additional 30 days — 5 extensions are permitted for a total stay of 180 days.

Mauritius Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 60 days

• You will need a valid passport with 1 blank page.
• You will need to provide proof of onward or return travel. You may also be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds (at least $100 per night for the duration of your stay).
• See the Embassy of Mauritius website for up-to-date information.

Morocco Tourist Visa Requirements

• You’ll need a passport valid for 6 months, and 1 full page is required for an entry stamp.
• Ensure that your passport is stamped when entering Morocco and isn’t damaged, as this may cause issues on departure.
• It is forbidden to export Moroccan currency.
• For more information, see the Moroccan Embassy website.

Mozambique Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: No for those traveling to the country and not residing with a citizen or resident of Mozambique (i.e., those staying at a hotel, guest house, or lodge). Yes for anyone visiting a citizen or resident of Mozambique.

• You will need a passport valid for 6 months with at least 3 blank pages for a visa and stamps.
• Proof of round-trip flight and hotel reservation.
• Visas are available on arrival ($50) for all nationalities and require an accommodation reservation, an onward plane ticket, and a valid passport with 3 empty pages and 6 months validity.
• All passport data pages, visa application forms, and documents must be scanned in one PDF file per applicant (except 2 passport-size photos, money order, and prepaid return label and envelope). It needs to be emailed to the Consulate.
• Processing time takes place once the pre-approval from Immigration in Mozambique and the physical documents/requirements are received. This may be 3 to 10 business days.
• Submit 2 passport-size photographs (passport photos must be in color and with a white background).
• Include a self-addressed envelope or a pre-paid air bill with a tracking number (preferably FedEx) unless the application is brought to the Embassy in person.
• Payment must be only by money order in U.S. dollars, and  payable to the Embassy of Mozambique .

Namibia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 3 blank pages.
• Immigration officials in Namibia have been known to give shorter stays, so check your entry stamp and the validity of your stay to be safe.
• See more details at the Embassy of Namibia online.

Nigeria Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 1 blank page.
• Nigeria does have a visa-on-arrival program, but tourists will not be eligible.
• You will need to complete a visa application form and have confirmation of your online payment. In addition to the visa fee of $160, there is a charge of ~$41 with each application, and you will need the receipt. Important Note : Selected visa may include an additional fee of $65 for biometric capture.
• You’ll also need a letter of invitation from a host willing to accept responsibility for you and a copy of their passport.
• A copy of your return flights and hotel reservation is required.
• You must provide proof that you have had polio and yellow fever vaccinations.
• All of the above must be taken to an interview at the Washington, D.C. embassy or the Atlanta consulate.
• More information can be found on the Nigerian Embassy website.

Senegal Tourist Visa Requirements

• Senegal introduced visa exemptions for U.S. citizens in 2015.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 1 page per stamp.
• Yellow fever vaccinations are not a requirement but are recommended.
• Visit the Embassy of Senegal online for more details.

South Africa Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your return date and have 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry (not including endorsement pages).
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if you have passed through a yellow fever country in the last 10 days.
• If you want to extend your stay past 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence visa rather than another tourist visa.
• The Department of Home Affairs for South Africa has more information.

Tanzania Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($100)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months with 1 blank page.
• The multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months. The maximum stay duration for each visit is 90 days. Applications take 10 days and require a completed form, 2 passport photos, and your flight itinerary.
• Appointments are not required at the embassy in Washington, D.C. The embassy has expedited visa application services such as 3-day, next-day, and same-day for additional fees.
• Note that volunteering is prohibited on a tourist visa even if you have paid for the opportunity.
• Visit the Embassy of Tanzania website for more information.

Tunisia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page per stamp.
• U.S. citizens with Arabic names or those born in the Middle East may experience delays when arriving in Tunisia.
• Importing and exporting Tunisian currency is prohibited, and you must declare currency above approximately $3,500.

Uganda Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($50)

• You will need a valid passport for at least 6 months with 1 at least page free for entry stamp.
• Visas are not available on arrival; you will need to apply for an e-visa at least 2 weeks before you arrive.
• To apply, you’ll need a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and a copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• If you are traveling around, it may be less time-consuming and more cost-effective to get an East Africa Tourist visa for $100, which gives you 90 days of multiple-entry access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Zimbabwe Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($30)

• You will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages.
• Tourist visas cannot be acquired through the embassy in Washington, D.C., but you can apply online through the Zimbabwe eVisa website , at the airports, or at other border points of entry.
• In addition to the 30-day single-entry visa, there is also an option for a 45-day/double-entry visa that costs $45 or a 12-month/multiple-entry visa for $160.
• Due to the cash liquidity crisis in Zimbabwe, it is highly recommended that you bring sufficient cash for your travels and prepay expenses such as hotels where possible.

Below, you’ll find information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular countries in the Americas  as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

The Americas are a great place for U.S. travelers, as very few countries in Central and South America require visas. Quite a few have departure taxes that should be included in your flight price, but it’s best to check with your airline.

Argentina Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a valid passport, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• Traveling on an expired or damaged passport will result in you being sent back at your own expense.

The Bahamas Tourist Visa Requirements

• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in the Bahamas, but you will need a valid passport, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• Proof of onward travel may be requested.
• More information can be found on the Bahamas Immigration website.

Brazil Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes

• You will need a passport valid for at least 1 month and must have 1 page for entry stamp.
• Brazil has consulates all over the U.S., but it is easier to apply for an eVisa . In addition to paying the $40 visa fee and the $4.24 service fee, you need to upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport.
• An eVisa application takes 5 business days.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 180 days

• You will need a valid passport with at least 1 blank page. If transiting Canada on your way to Europe, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months (though it’s best to have at least 6 months to be safe).
• Individuals with criminal records (including alcohol-related driving offenses) may experience difficulties entering Canada without obtaining approval of rehabilitation first. At least 5 years will need to have elapsed since your sentence (not your conviction), and you will need to complete an application in advance and pay either $200 or $1,000/Canadian dollars, depending on the criminal offense. Note : These applications can take over a year to process. Make sure you plan far enough in advance of your travel to Canada.
• More information can be found on Canada’s Immigration website .

Chile Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip and have at least 1 blank page.
• Upon arrival, you will be given a Tourist Card that allows 90 days in Chile. This can be extended for 90 days for $100 at the Chilean Immigration Office . Make sure you keep the Tourist Card safe, as losing this may cause issues when leaving Chile.

Colombia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your visit, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp unless enrolled in Migración Automática, a program for frequent travelers.
• You can stay in Colombia for 90 days and request an extension for up to 90 days from the Colombian immigration authority .
• If you travel from Brazil, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Uganda, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate from at least 10 days before.

Costa Rica Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: Up to 180 days

• No visa is required for stays up to 180 days, but your passport must be valid when entering Costa Rica and have 1 page per entry stamp.
• You will need proof of onward travel and may be asked for proof of funds of more than $100 per day for the duration of your trip.
• There is an exit tax of $29, but this may be included in your airline ticket. You will need to check the terms with your airline.
• The currency restrictions for entry and exit is $10,000.
• Check with the Costa Rican Immigration Agency for more information.

Cuba Tourist Visa Requirements

• Travel to Cuba for tourism purposes is currently prohibited.
• Obtaining a license to travel to Cuba from the U.S. is possible under specific circumstances. There are 12 categories that include humanitarian projects, family visits, educational activities, and journalism.
• U.S. citizens will require a Tourist Card rather than a tourist visa, but the term is used interchangeably. To apply, your passport must be valid and have 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
• The process and cost for applying for a Tourist Card can vary from airline to airline, so it’s best to check before purchasing a plane ticket.
• U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba, and it is advised that you bring enough cash for your trip. Amounts over $5,000 must be declared.
• For more details, see the Cuban Embassy website.

Dominican Republic Tourist Visa Requirements

• As a tourist, a visa is not required for stays less than 30 days, but you will be required to purchase a tourist card.
• A tourist card can be purchased online or obtained on arrival, costing $10.
• Your passport must be valid, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• Visit the Dominican Republic Embassy online for more details.

Ecuador Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for 6 months and have 1 page per stamp.
• No tourist visa is required for stays under 90 days in a 12-month period.
• Anything over $1,200 taken out of the country will be subject to a 5% tax.

El Salvador Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid and have at least 1 blank page.
• No visa is required, but you will need to pay $12 on arrival for a tourist card that allows you to stay for 90 days. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a multi-entry visa at the embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the 18 Salvadoran consulates in the United States.
• Under the CA-4 agreement, U.S. citizens can freely move between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90 days and can apply for a 1-time extension in the country they are currently in.
• See the Embassy of El Salvador website for more information.

Guatemala Tourist Visa Requirements

• Under the CA-4 agreement, U.S. citizens can move freely between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90 days. They can apply for a 1-time extension in the country they are currently in.
• More visa and travel information can be found here .

Jamaica Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and exit from Jamaica, and you need at least 1 blank page.
• Your departure tax should be included in the price of your flight or cruise ticket, but it is best to check.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Jamaica website.

Mexico Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a valid passport to travel to Mexico for up to 180 days; those with a U.S. passport card may be denied entry.
• You will need 1 page per stamp in your passport.
• The Embassy of Mexico website has more information.

Nicaragua Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay in Nicaragua and have 1 page per stamp.
• No visa is required, but you must purchase a tourist card at the airport, which costs $10.
• Under the CA-4 agreement, U.S. citizens can travel freely between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90 days and apply for a 1-time extension in the country they are currently in.
• You may be asked for proof of funds and proof of onward travel.
• There is a $42 departure tax, but this should be included in your airline ticket.
• More information can be found on the Nicaraguan Immigration Website .

Panama Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months past the entry date and have 1 page per stamp.
• You will need proof of onward or return travel and may be asked to prove that you have at least $500 either in cash, credit card, bank statement, or traveler’s checks.
• Visit the Embassy of Panama online for more information.

Paraguay Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page requested for an entry stamp.
• The visa is for 90 day visits
• There is a $40 departure tax, which should be included in your airfare. Please check with your airline.
• Visit the Embassy of Paraguay website for more information.

Peru Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 30 to 183 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• No visa is required for entry into Peru, but you will be given an approved length of stay at the point of entry. Although the maximum stay permitted is 183 days, it can vary between 30 to 183 days (90 days is the norm). Speak to border officials at entry and ensure you adhere to the exit date given.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Peru website.

Puerto Rico Tourist Visa Requirements

• As a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a visa or passport to visit Puerto Rico.
• You only need one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Although not necessary, it is still recommended that you take your passport.

Uruguay Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid on entry, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• There is a $44 departure fee on departure, which is usually included in your airfare.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Uruguay website.

Below, you’ll find information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular countries in the Asia-Pacific region as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Countries in this part of the world have a mix of visa requirements, but thankfully, many are visa-free or have simple e-visa systems. It’s still best to check for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements to avoid any travel stress.

Australia Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (~$13)

• Your passport must be valid at entry, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• A visa (ETA) is required, which can be applied for online at the Electronic Travel Authority website.
• An ETA allows you to visit Australia as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days for each visit. The ETA also allows you to enter as many times as you need within a 12-month period (or the expiration of your passport if it happens before the 12 months).
• The ETA fee is $20 AUD, which is approximately $13 USD.
• You may be asked to provide proof of funds and evidence of return travel.

China Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($185)

Stay permitted: 30 days (may vary)

• As a tourist, you must apply for an L-category visa and may be entitled to a 10-year multi-entry visa. Other options include single-entry and multiple-entry over 6 and 12 months, and all cost $185. There is no option to get a visa on arrival.
• Apply online for your visa. However, a visa appointment may be required by the Chinese embassy/consulate ( click here to schedule an appointment ). Your application ID will be needed to book an appointment.
• You may be asked to provide a travel itinerary showing return travel plans and hotel reservations.
• For more information, see the Chinese Embassy website.

Hong Kong SAR, China Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 1 month after your intended stay, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• It is possible to extend your stay for longer than 90 days.
• For more information, see the Immigration Department for Hong Kong .

India Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (from $25)

Stay permitted: 30 days up to 5 years

• Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India and have 2 blank pages.
• You will need proof of onward or return travel and may need proof of funds to support your travels.
• You can apply for a 30-day visa online using the Indian e-Visa system , which allows double access for that period. This must be done at least 4 days prior to travel.
• e-Tourist Visa – 30 days e-visa $25
• e-Tourist Visa – 1 year e-visa $40
• e-Tourist Visa – 5 year e-visa $80
• Look for Payment Gateway Card transactions (Debit or Credit Card): 2.5% of the applicable e-visa fee. Paypal: 3.5% 
• Travelers should note that Indian visa requirements can change without notice and are not always well publicized.
• U.S. citizens of Pakistani descent can expect additional delays of considerable length and should apply for a visa well in advance.

Indonesia Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 30 days; can be extended for 30 days

• You will need a passport valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date and 2 blank visa pages required for entry stamp. Indonesia doesn’t accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for entry.
• As a U.S. citizen, you can get a visa on arrival that costs $35 for 30 days of travel, but this visa can be extended another 30 days for $35.
• An Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) can be used for tourism, government officials’ visits, business meetings, merchandise purchasing visits, and transit.
• For more details see the Indonesian Immigration  website.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens are visa-exempt, and there are no fees. Multiple entry 1- to 5-year visas are also available and cost $44.
• The Embassy of Japan website has more information on travel and visas in Japan.

Kazakhstan Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for 3 months from entry and have 1 blank page.
• No visa is required for stays up to 30 days.
• See the Kazakhstan Embassy website for more information.

Kyrgyzstan Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have 1 full page available.
• A stay of up to 60 days is permitted visa-free but stays longer than 60 days will require a visa application at the Kyrgyzstan Embassy .

Lao PDR (Laos) Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date and have 2 blank pages (endorsement pages are not considered blank).
• You can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and must fill out a visa form, have 2 passport photos, and pay the visa fee in cash (payable in USD).
• You can extend your 30-day visa to 90 days by visiting the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.

Macao SAR, China Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• It is possible to extend your stay for longer than 30 days.
• For more information, see here .

Malaysia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival, and at least 1 blank page is required for an entry stamp.
• A visa is not required for U.S. citizens, and you will be granted a Short-Term Social Visit Pass. Tourists can apply for a 60-day extension at the Malaysian Immigration Department.
• For more information, visit the Embassy of Malaysia .

Myanmar (Burma) Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 28 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• You will need to apply for a visa prior to travel; this can be done online by getting an eVisa .
• For your eVisa application, you must upload a copy of your passport and a color passport photo. The $50 fee can be paid by credit card, and applications normally take 3 business days.

New Zealand Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months past your date of arrival, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• You are entitled to a 3-month stay in New Zealand as part of the visa waiver program. You may be asked on entry to provide passwords to electronic devices by a border officer. Failure to comply can lead to a fine.
• New Zealand has very strict biosecurity, and you should declare (or think twice about carrying)  items such as honey, fruit, seeds, or plants.
• For more information, see the New Zealand Embassy website.

Philippines Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will be given a free 30-day entry visa upon arrival, with a valid passport, sufficient space for an entry stamp, and proof of onward or return travel.
• The 30-day visa can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration .

Singapore Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from leaving Singapore, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• For more information, see the Singapore Embassy website.

South Korea Tourist Visa Requirements

• For a visa-free stay of 90 days, your passport must be valid at the time of entry and should have 1 page per stamp.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Korea website.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (Online: $50, Port or Entry: $60)

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your departure date, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• You must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority , have proof of onward travel, and may be asked for proof of funds. You can get a 30-day double-entry ETA at your port of entry, but it is highly recommended that you do it online beforehand.
• The 30-day ETA may be extended up to 6 months via the Department of Immigration .

Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival and 1 page per stamp.
• You may be asked for proof of onward or return travel.
• Visa requirements have been known to change without notice, so it’s best to check with the Thai Embassy for the latest information.

Uzbekistan Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($20)

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the allowed period of stay, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens can apply for an E-visa, which takes 3 business days to process (not including the day E-visa , which takes 3 business days to process (not including the day you apply).
• You should note that immigration laws and regulations for Uzbekistan are known to be enforced at the discretion of border control officers. While the information provided above and from the Uzbek government may be correct, the arrival situation may differ.
• Uzbekistan has recently implemented a 5-day free-transit visa that is free for U.S. citizens. You should have an onward confirmed flight ticket for your next destination. You can find more information on this page from the Embassy of Uzbekistan .

Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($25 Single Entry, $50 Multiple Entry)

• You must have at least 6 months validity left on your passport and 1 visa page is required for an entry stamp.
• You can apply for a single-entry 30-day visa online via Vietnam’s E-visa system . Applications take 3 business days to process. Taking a print-out of your approved E-visa with you would be best when you travel.
• For more information, see the Vietnam Embassy website.

Below is information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular European countries as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

Europe is one of the most accessible continents for U.S. citizens to travel to, predominantly because of The Schengen Agreement, which includes 26 countries that have abolished their internal borders to facilitate free movement.

This allows U.S. citizens 90 days of visa-free travel within those 26 countries during a 180-day period. Most E.U. countries are party to the agreement, but some are not — and some non-E.U. countries are. See below for more information on each country.

Albania Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 365 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your visit, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens can stay up to 1 year without a visa or residence permit.
• You may be asked for confirmation of accommodation, a return ticket, and proof of the financial means to support yourself (currently set at 30 euros per day).
• For more information, see the Albanian Embassy website.

Andorra Tourist Visa Requirements

• Andorra is landlocked and has no airport, so access must be through either France or Spain.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days — but check the visa requirements for France or Spain, as you will pass through one of them first.
• Your passport must be valid for 6 months; entry stamp available upon request.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Andorra website.

Austria Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within 180 days.
• Austria is part of the  Schengen Agreement ; more information on European travel can be found here .
• Longer stays require a visa, and more information can be found on the Austrian Embassy website.

Azerbaijan Tourist Visa Requirements

• An E-visa is available prior to travel and takes 3 business days to process.
• The embassy website states that a 30-day visa is available on arrival for $20, but we still recommend applying for an E-visa before you travel to be safe.

Belgium Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after departure and have 2 blank pages. The 12-page emergency U.S. passport is not valid for visa-free entry into Belgium.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within 6 months.
• Belgium is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on European travel here .
• See the Belgium Embassy website for more details.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure and 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps.
• You can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within 6 months.
• You may be asked to provide proof of medical insurance on entry.
• See the Bulgarian Embassy website for more details.

Croatia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• Please see the Croatian Embassy website for more details.

Cyprus Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 2 pages for entry stamp.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
• You may be asked for proof of return travel and proof of funds.
• For more information, see the Cyprus Embassy website.

Czech Republic Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have 2 blank pages.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• You may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to support your visit.
• The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Agreement; learn more about travel in Europe here .
• See the Czech Republic Embassy website for more information.

Denmark Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Denmark is part of the  Schengen Agreement .
• The Danish Embassy website has more information on visa requirements.

Estonia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have 1 page per entry stamp.
• Estonia is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on European travel here .
• See the Estonian Embassy website for more information.

Finland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 2 pages per stamp.
• Finland is part of the Schengen Agreement, and more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• See the Finnish Embassy website for more details.

France Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have at least 1 blank page for stamps. The 12-page emergency U.S. passport is not valid for visa-free entry into France.
• You may be asked to show proof of funds and a return travel ticket.
• France is part of the Schengen Agreement, and travelers can find more information here .
• See the French Embassy website for more details.

Georgia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport at entry, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens can stay in Georgia without a visa for 365 days.
• The Embassy of Georgia website has more information.

Germany Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have 2 blank pages.
• Germany is part of the Schengen Agreement; see this website for more information on European travel.
• More information can be found on the German Embassy website.

Greece Tourist Visa Requirements

• You may be asked for proof of funds and a return travel ticket.
• Greece is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on travel in Europe here .
• See the Embassy of Greece website for more visa information.

Hot Tip: Since no Visa is required, Greece makes an excellent vacation destination. Explore our guide on how to fly to Greece using points and miles to start planning. 

Hungary Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended ) after your departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Hungary is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• See the Hungarian Embassy website for more details.

Iceland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) after your departure, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on European travel here .
• See the Icelandic Immigration website for more information.

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least 1 blank page.
• It has been reported that many U.S. tourists are being refused entry to Ireland for being unable to demonstrate the purpose of their trip. It is advised that you have proof of sufficient funds to support your trip, hotel reservations, and proof of onward travel.
• See the Embassy of Ireland website for more visa details.

Italy Tourist Visa Requirements

• Italy is part of the Schengen Agreement, and more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• The Embassy of Italy website has more information.

Latvia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Latvia is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• See the Latvian Embassy website for more information.

Lithuania Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Lithuania is part of the Schengen Agreement; you can find more information on travel in Europe here .
• See the Embassy of Lithuania website for more details.

Malta Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement; visitors can find more information on European travel here .
• The Malta Embassy website has more visa information.

Montenegro Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have 1 page required for entry stamp.
• You must register within the first 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, they will register you automatically; otherwise, you must visit a police station or official tourist center to register.
• See the Embassy of Montenegro website for more information.

Netherlands Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have 2 pages required for entry stamp. The 12-page emergency U.S. passport is not accepted for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on European travel can be found here .
• See the Netherlands Embassy website for more information.

Norway Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 2 blank pages.
• Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, and you can find more information on travel in Europe here .
• The Norwegian Embassy website has more details.

Poland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 (6 months recommended) months after your departure and have at least 1 blank page.
• Poland is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on travel in Europe here .
• The Embassy of Poland website has more visa details.

Portugal Tourist Visa Requirements

• Portugal is part of the Schengen Agreement. More information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• The Embassy of Portugal website has more details.

Romania Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Romania and have 1 page per stamp.
• You are permitted a 90-day stay within a 180-day period. If you leave spending less than 90 days and return within the same 180-day period, your next length of stay will be the remaining days from your previous 90-day visit (it does not grant you another full 90 days).
• For more information, visit the Romanian Embassy website.

Russia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your departure from Russia and have 2 pages per stamp.
• There is no provision for a visa on arrival, and you must arrive and depart Russia on the exact dates provided on your visa.
• You must start applying for a Russian visa online , but this is only the first step. You still need to print off this completed application and submit a physical copy to a consular department of the Russian Federation.
• You can apply for a single-entry visa that is valid for 90 days . There is also an option for a multiple-entry 3-year visa that allows stays of up to 180 days and costs $185 (For U.S. citizens. For citizens of other countries, refer to visa fees ).
• Processing time is estimated to be 4 to 20 business days, so apply for a visa well in advance.
• See the Russian Embassy for more information on visa requirements.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You may be asked to provide proof of funds and a medical insurance policy.
• If you do not stay in a hotel (which will register you automatically), it is your responsibility to register with local police within 3 working days of your arrival.
• Slovakia is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information here .
• See the Slovakian Embassy website for more details.

Slovenia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) after your departure, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• Slovenia is part of the Schengen Agreement, and more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• For more information, see the Slovenian Embassy website.

Spain Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) after your departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Spain is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information here .
• For more information see the Embassy of Spain website.

Sweden Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have space for entry and exit stamps.
• Sweden is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• For more information, visit the Swedish Embassy online.

Hot Tip: Dreaming of traveling to Sweden? Fly to Sweden, all on points and miles . 

Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 1 blank page.
• Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on travel in Europe here .
• Visit the Embassy of Switzerland for more information.

Ukraine Tourist Visa Requirements

• You must have a passport valid upon entry and exit, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• A visa is not required for stays less than 90 days within a 180-day period.
• You may be asked for proof of medical insurance and sufficient funds.
• See the Embassy of Ukraine website for more information.

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Requirements

• Must be valid for the duration of your stay, and valid for a further 6 months if you plan to move on to another country. You will also need at least 1 blank page.
• See the U.K. Visa and Immigration website for more information.

Below you’ll find information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular Middle Eastern countries as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Some visa requirements and regulations for Middle Eastern countries such as Israel and Saudi Arabia are tricky, so it’s best to check the embassy websites for the most up-to-date information.

Bahrain Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (~$32)

• Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months and 1 page per entry stamp.
• You can apply for a 30-day  eVisa online prior to travel or get a 30-day visa on arrival. The visa costs 12 Bahrain Dinar (approximately $32), and for online applications, there is an additional 4 BD fee (approximately $11).
• For more information on visa requirements visit the Embassy of Bahrain .

Iran Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($80)

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• Before considering any travel to Iran, read the travel advisory .
• As there is no Iranian Embassy, you must apply for a visa through the Iranian interest section of the Pakistani Embassy . The process can take 4 to 6 weeks, but it is advised to allow 8 weeks to be safe.
• Multiple sources state that you can only get authorization for a visa if you apply through an organized tour.

Israel Tourist Visa Requirements

• It is recommended that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport. Usually, your passport will not be stamped, but you should still have at least 1 blank page.
• Israel has a visa exemption policy in place for U.S. citizens and permits stays of up to 90 days.
• There are complex entry and exit criteria concerning Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. See the following guidance regarding travel in the region and the Israeli Embassy website for more information.

Jordan Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($56)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• Jordan issues visas on arrival for U.S. citizens that permit a stay of 30 days. You can also apply for the visa beforehand, which takes 5 business days. Double-entry and multi-entry visas are also available from the Embassy.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Jordan website.

Lebanon Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry, have 1 page for an entry stamp, and must not have any Israeli stamps or visas.
• U.S. citizens can get a free 30-day visa on arrival, which can be extended to 3 months through the General Security office .
• The Embassy of Lebanon has more information on visa requirements.

Oman Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($130/$52/$13)

Stay permitted: 30 days (U.S. citizens are visa exempt for 14 days )

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page per entry stamp.
• You can apply for an E-visa in advance
• U.S. citizens are eligible for a 1-year multi-entry visa that allows stays of up to 30 days at a time. There is also the option of a single-entry 30-day stay and a single-entry 10-day stay visa. The 1-year multiple-entry visa costs 50 Omani Rials (~ $130), the 30-day single-entry visa costs 20 Omani Rials (~ $52), and the 10-day single-entry visa costs 5 Omani Rials (~ $13). Find more information on pricing for each type of visa here .

Qatar Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
• On arrival, U.S. citizens are entitled to visa-free entry for a period of 30 days at any MOI service center or airport immigration office. The 3-day visa waiver entitles you to multiple entries during that period.
• For more information, see the Government of Qatar website.

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (eVisa: $142; VOA: $80)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page required for entry stamp.
• U.S. Nationals are eligible for an eVisa , which costs ~$142 (including application fee and medical insurance fee), granting multiple entries for 1 year from the issue date. In each entry, you can stay up to 90 days.
• You also have the option of a Visa on Arrival, which costs $80 (only Visa fee). This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The number of entries permitted depends on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The multiple-entry visa is valid for a year from the issue date.
• Find more details on the Visit Saudi website.

Syria Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: n/a

• A valid passport and visa are required to travel to Syria. The passport should have 1 page available for an entry stamp.
• However, as of March 2014, Syria suspended its embassy and consular services, making obtaining a visa problematic.

Turkey Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will require a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry and has 1 page for entry and exit stamps.
• You can apply for an e-Visa online that entitles you to a stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Applications should be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
• U.S. citizens traveling to Turkey on cruise ships are entitled to a visa-free stay of 72 hours.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Turkey website.

United Arab Emirates and Dubai Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will require a passport valid for 6 months beyond your entry date and 1 page required for entry stamp. Those who have a 12-page emergency passport are often denied entry to Dubai.
• If you are exiting by land, you must pay a 35 UAE Dirham departure fee (approximately $10 USD) in local currency only.
• See the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates website for more information.

U.S. citizens are fortunate to have a widely accepted passport that grants visa-free access to many countries.

Always check with your destination country’s embassy for the latest visa requirements to avoid any disastrous travel visa situations. Finally, check for any travel advisories before you make travel arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the u.s. passport the most powerful passport.

The U.S. passport is ranked the 11th most powerful in the world , giving visa-free access to 186 countries as of 2018.

Do I need a visa for Europe?

This depends on which country or countries you’re planning to visit on the continent. Refer to our guide above to see specific requirements for many popular countries in the region.

Can I visit Cuba?

Currently, travel to Cuba as a tourist is not permitted. However, it is possible to receive a license for traveling to Cuba under certain conditions. Refer to the Cuba entry above for more information.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Currently, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan. But, be sure to check the country’s entry requirements before departing as this can change.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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• A passport containing one blank visa page that is valid for 6 months past the date that you will enter the country • Proof of sufficient funds • Proof of onward or return flights • All documents required for your next destination

While a travel visa may not be required, many countries have specific travel requirements beyond the bullet points provided above that you must meet in order to enter your destination country.  Go to the Visas page to learn about the specific travel requirements for your destination.

Jump to your destination by selecting the letter of the country or scroll down the page until you see what you are looking for.

Note: It may be possible to obtain a required visa upon arrival at some of these destinations. Significant restrictions often apply and requirements for entry vary. Check with the local consulate for details. Inquire with your airline if boarding is allowed without a visa. Immigration officials in the destination country can refuse entry to anyone for any reason. To minimize risk of being refused entry and to avoid excessive waiting for an on arrival visa to be issued, CIBTvisas strongly recommends that travelers obtain all visas prior to departure.

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Here’s Every Country That Requires a Visa for Americans

Shannon McMahon

Editor Shannon McMahon is always planning her next trip and often writing in her travel journal. Follow her on Twitter @shanmcmahon_ and on Instagram @shanmcmahon .

Shannon joined SmarterTravel in 2015. A former news reporter, she's lived in the south of Spain, spotted elephants in Sri Lanka, gone spelunking in the Caribbean, hiked Jordan's Petra Basin, interviewed Sao Paulo's Michelin-Star chefs, and explored China via bullet train. Travel trends, news oddities, and her visits to up-and-coming destinations are some of her favorite things to write about.

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American citizens are pretty fortunate in terms of passport power, but your little blue booklet may not be quite as powerful as you think. The list of countries that require visas for Americans includes some travel hotspots, for example Australia, Brazil, Cuba, and China.

The United States has the 22nd-most powerful passport in the world: 116 foreign countries allow U.S. citizens with a passport in without any visa, according to PassportIndex.org.  This puts the U.S. in the sixth-most powerful class of passports, alongside Ireland, France, Belgium, Greece, Japan, Norway, and Malta.  

Countries That Require Visas for Americans  

So, where in the world will you need to have a visa to support your passport? Interact with the map below to see.

For short-term travel, there are a few primary ways to acquire a tourist visa. The simplest route is simply getting one upon arrival by paying a fee at the airport—this occurs in most visa-requiring places that are popular for travel, and is known as “visa on arrival.” Some nations, however, may require or encourage you to secure one before your arrival; either by pre-registering or purchasing a visa online, usually called an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or eVisa , or by applying for one in person at an embassy.

  Advance Visa Required or Strongly Recommended

The following countries require or recommend that visas are secured before your arrival. Notable recent changes to this list include Brazil being absent since waiving visas (beginning in June 2019), and Turkey now offering eVisas.

Terms and conditions vary; some may need to be acquired online. Some countries may simply recommend purchasing one beforehand in case the airport is busy—Australia, for example, may offer visas at your departure airport, but it’s wise (and may be necessary depending on the time of year you’re visiting) to get yours beforehand. Starred nations offer eTA or eVisas, which means you’ll get electronic approval rather than a physical visa to put in your passport—at least until you arrive. Check specific Entry Requirements for your destination on the State Department’s website for more details.

Visa on Arrival

Here are all the countries that require visas for Americans and offer them upon arrival. Starred nations use eTA or eVisa. Notable recent changes to this list include Egypt now offering eVisas and Qatar being absent since waiving visas for visits under 30 days.

Check your destination’s Entry Requirements page on the State Department’s website for more details, and note that some or all visa rules may not apply if you’re entering the country via cruise ship.

Europe Travel Authorizations Starting in 2021

Beginning in 2021, U.S. travelers to Europe’s Schengen countries will need to acquire an authorization—which requires a process similar to that of obtaining visa, even though the European Union maintains that the countries remain visa-free for Americans. Called an ETIAS, the authorization will cost about $8 and is similar to SEPTA, the travel authorization that the United States currently requires of European nationals. Here are all the Schengen nations that will require an ETIAS as of 2021 .

Editors’ Note:  This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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More from SmarterTravel:

• Egypt Adds Electronic Visas for Easier Entry
• Everything You Wanted to Know About Working Holiday Visas for Americans
• Traveling to Cuba: 7 Things You Need to Know

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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New Greek Resorts, Golden Visa Countries And More Travel News

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5 New Greek Hotels For Summer

W ith summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out —and into.

10 Incredible Cruise Ship Features

For many years, the trend in cruise ship design has been that “bigger is better”—with vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records. But many cruise lines are also competing by offering innovative features to the high seas. From kart racing on multi-level courses to multiscreen movie theaters, here are some of the most incredible activities on cruise ships right now.

Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort—which has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant since 2018—added a new star to its constellation this month: It became the first Disney restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star . Located at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its opulent Victorian era-inspired meals. A prix-fixe dinner is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person. Unlike the rest of the theme park, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

Golden visas—which grant residency and/or citizenship through an investment—may be disappearing from Europe, but many EU countries are now luring travelers with digital nomad visas, which grant travelers the legal right to work remotely for an extended period. Italy recently became the latest country to offer the visa and here are other EU countries with digital nomad visas .

America’s Best Airlines 2024

The personal-finance website WalletHub recently announced its annual ranking of the best U.S. airlines . The study evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier across a range of criteria, including safety, on-time records and overall service. This year, Alaska Airlines was named the best airline in America, beating out Delta, which ranked first in 2022 and 2023. The survey also ranked U.S. carriers based on reliability and comfort.

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Why Traveling Around Africa Is Difficult for Africans

I was scrolling on social media when a post caught my eye. Green Ranger Safaris , a travel company I'd never heard of, was organizing a road trip through seven African countries. This trip would start in Nairobi, Kenya, then head down into Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana. The pricing was reasonable, so I paid a deposit, brushing aside concerns about both spending weeks on end with a group of strangers and the slight chance that the trip might have been an excellently worded scam.

A few months later, in August, I was on a truck with those strangers. It was late in the evening, and we swept through the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana, the sun in the sky a flaming orb, the only visible life on the sand of the desert being the shrubs, the wild horses, and the herds of elephants. Music swirled from the truck's speakers, a mishmash of popular Kenyan songs from the turn of the century and Nigerian megahits. The countries we were traveling to had been chosen mostly because they were all English-speaking and provided visa-free travel to Kenyans, so the border crossings were simple, with clearances for the trucks, stamps for our passports and, in Botswana, disinfectant for our shoes.

Talk among the passengers was already turning toward doing similar trips in other parts of Africa. One suggested starting in Namibia, sweeping down along the coast into South Africa, moving through the megacities there, then traveling to Lesotho and Eswatini before entering Mozambique. Another pitched a West Africa trip. It all sounded exciting. Everything was possible. But then another passenger brought up Niger, where a coup had just led to the country's closure of its borders. What would happen if a person took a West Africa road trip and then there was a coup? Would the passenger have to stay there and never go home? We laughed at the absurdity. But behind the laughter was real heartache. Because the reality is that any African traveler has thought about the difficulty of traveling as an African.

My mother was a traveler, and when she traveled for work, my brothers and I would travel in Kenya with her. Then, when I was older, the expanse of my travel grew larger: First I traveled around Kenya, then around East Africa. Now I have a desire to explore the continent, to explore versions of myself in other countries in Africa, home to some of the most humbling and impressive landscapes and vistas in the world: to the largest freestanding mountain on earth (Kilimanjaro); to the largest hot desert in the world (Sahara); to thundering waterfalls twice as wide and deep as Niagara (Victoria); to sparkling white-sand beaches; to UNESCO-listed nature reserves; to cities whose histories stretch back through millennia; and to award-winning wine regions. But I find myself marooned before the bank of difficulties other African travelers face.

A few months after my Green Ranger trip, I spoke to Anneli Douglas, an academic at the University of Pretoria in South Africa who has studied travel in Africa. She pointed out how much easier it is for Western visitors to get visas for Africa than it is for African travelers to visit their countries. "Sometimes, travelers have to travel long distances to apply for a visa, or there might not even be representation of the destination country in the home country, making it difficult to obtain a visa at all," she says. "Also, for Western countries, the cost to obtain a visa to Africa is much cheaper than what it is for Africans-considering the value of the local currency."

In places like Kenya, African destinations are rarely marketed to would-be travelers. Instead, there is a surfeit of packages offering holiday trips in destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, and Istanbul, because it is not only easier but also often cheaper to organize trips to these places than it is to organize trips within the continent. Even when visas are relatively easily attainable, travel from one African country to another is rife with difficulties. Sam Maundu, a Nairobi-based tour operator who runs Rosolo Safaris , which organizes trips around Africa, had no shortage of factors ready when I asked what these difficulties are: "Language barriers, visa restrictions, expensive flights, African destinations not targeting Africans to visit, long distances to be covered either by road or by flight since there are often no direct flights, security situations in some places, perception that there is nothing to see in other African countries, harassment by border officials."

One of the lingering effects of colonialism on the continent is that interaction between African countries tends to exist along mostly colonial lines: There are the former Portuguese colonies, the former British colonies, the former French colonies. Passport holders from Kenya, which was colonized by Britain, are mostly able to go to former British colonies visa-free or with visa-on-arrival status. This means that for a person planning a trip, it becomes easier to think of traveling to these countries. On our multiple-country road trip, the travelers were mostly holders of Kenyan and Ugandan passports (Uganda, another former British colony), and so the countries that the trucks went to were all-except for Namibia-former vestiges of the British Empire. This shared history meant also that because all these countries have English as an official language, it would be relatively easy for us travelers to communicate with people there.

Samuel Agblorti is a lecturer at the Centre for Mixed Migration and Diaspora Studies of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. I ask him about about a hypothetical trip from Cameroon to Senegal, across a region where multiple coups have happened in recent years. Safety concerns rising from these events had further entrenched visa restrictions across Africa. "Because our borders aren't very well protected, there is a fear that allowing too many visitors will make it unsafe," Agblorti tells me. But even getting those visitors has been a problem.

In 2016, the African Union announced plans for an AU passport to be rolled out by 2020. This passport would open travel across the continent, as more African citizens wouldn't need visas to travel to other African countries. However, more than seven years later, the passport hasn't been launched, stymied by a mixture of security concerns and protectionist attitudes among African states. (The AU remains silent on when and if the passport will be launched.) Still, Agblorti says such a passport would not necessarily be the panacea that its supporters think it would be as it wouldn't automatically lead to visa-free travel without individual states implementing it. He gave the example of regional blocs such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), whose membership comprises 15 West African states whose citizens hold ECOWAS passports. "Even within ECOWAS, there are protocols that member countries are supposed to adhere to, but some of them don't," he says. "You may have a common passport, but if the countries don't make extra commitments, then it doesn't matter."

Thus far, only a handful of African countries have committed to allowing African visitors to visit without a visa: Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles; Rwanda has announced plans to implement this. On a small scale, then, African visitors to these countries will experience the promise of the AU passport-if it does indeed come to fruition.

Most recently, in December 2023, rather than introduce the visa-free status its president had promised , Kenya announced that it would require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) , to increase revenue from visitors seeking to enter Kenya. Visa-free entry was scrapped for all but five other East African countries, and new travel requirements and fees were introduced for countries whose citizens had previously enjoyed visa-free travel into Kenya. To some, the doors of entry-rather than being flung open-were being closed even tighter.

Another issue is how expensive it is to travel in Africa. According to a 2013 World Bank report , airfare within Africa is roughly 50 percent more expensive than airfare in comparable locations worldwide. Flights from one African country to the other tend to be much more expensive than flights from Africa to Europe and Asia, despite logic that the shorter the distance, the cheaper the flight ought to be. This means, in effect, that a traveler from Kampala, Uganda, would find it more affordable, and therefore more attractive, to fly to Dubai than to Maputo, Mozambique, despite the latter being much closer than the UAE.

Tour operator Maundu told me that this makes it difficult for him to suggest to his clients travel packages that involve other African destinations: Often, it means the cost of the round-trip air tickets more than doubles the cost of the entire travel package. And there aren't always reliable road or rail options that offer alternative transport to travelers. Most leisure travelers can't move directly by rail from Kenya to South Africa (there is a luxury train network between Tanzania and South Africa that costs $19,000), while in most other regions of the continent, not only are there no multicountry rail options, but also existing bus networks rely on terrible roads.

The irregularity or non-availability of intra-regional air connections and of internal air transport also constrains access to internal destinations and prevents progress with multicountry tourism packages, Maundu says. Also, tax rates per passenger in Africa are more expensive than they are on other continents: The total tax per passenger is about $64, compared to $30.23 in Europe and $29.65 in the Middle East. This is exacerbated by the lack of a single unified aviation market, whose absence means that fares and tax rates swing with volatility across different parts of the continent.

Rather than negotiate with one central body, airlines operating in Africa deal with individual countries, which each usually have different rates and requirements for entry. In Europe, for instance, the establishment of the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) in 2006 decreased airfares across Europe by making possible the rise of a fleet of low-cost airlines, and at the same time increased the volume of flights within European airports. In this vein, there have been attempts to establish a single aviation market in Africa. The most recent of these attempts is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Announced in 2018 , the SAATM so far has signed on 34 countries. However, like the AU passport before it, the SAATM has not been implemented, and so it remains nothing but an idea.

In the meantime, African travelers continue to dream. Travel plans continue to be made. Potential destinations continue to be talked about. At the end of our seven-country road trip, as we headed back to Kenya, we spoke again about organizing future trips together, our group of strangers now bonded as friends. Some people discussed taking a trip to Uganda over the next month. Others talked about heading across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius. In Lusaka, Zambia, where the first batch of travelers would leave us to fly back to Nairobi, weepy goodbyes were made. "We are family," one of them said.

Time in Tbilisi: May 1, 2024 09:03

Georgian citizens to enjoy visa-free travel to China starting next month

Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador, has officially handed over a note on completion of legal procedures for the agreement, signed earlier this month, to Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. Photo: MFA of Georgia

Georgian citizens will be able to travel to China without a visa and stay in the country for 30 consecutive days starting May 28, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia said on Monday.

The body added Zhou Qian, the Chinese Ambassador, had officially handed over a note on completion of legal procedures for the agreement, signed earlier this month, to Aleksandre Khvtisiashvili, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

China has completed the necessary legal procedures to implement visa-free travel for people holding Chinese and Georgian passports. This agreement was signed by Ilia Darchiashvili [the Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs] and me on April 10”, Qian said.

The coordination between our countries highlights our strategic partnership and equal treatment of one another. Our partnership is characterised by a pragmatic and efficient approach”, the diplomat added.

The Ambassador also made comments on infrastructure projects in Georgia with Chinese financing or participation, highlighting the completion of the Kvesheti-Kobi Tunnel of North-South Corridor. 

Qian also said the opening of the Zestaponi Bypass Road , a part of Georgia’s international East-West Highway, demonstrated China's “practical approach” to the development of the Middle Corridor - a logistics route connecting Central Asia and China to Europe via the South Caucasus.

He also noted Georgian Airways had launched direct cargo flights from capital Tbilisi to the city of Chengdu in China this month, with direct passenger flights “to follow soon”.

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting between the Ambassador and the Deputy Minister earlier today emphasised the importance of “fully using the new opportunities” that were created as a result of the “strategic partnership” established between the two countries last year. 

The body added the visa-free travel would contribute to the rapprochement of two “friendly nations and peoples”, the further development of “mutually beneficial cooperation”, the deepening of people-to-people contacts and ties in tourism, culture and economy.

Georgia announced visa-free travel for Chinese citizens in September 2023.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Monday announced visa-free travel to the country for Chinese citizens, citing attracting visitors and mutual economic investments among “main interests” behind the decision.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday highlighted the task of “using all opportunities” to strengthen the country’s economy, following the Government’s decision to establish visa-free travel to the country for Chinese citizens.

Levan Davitashvili , the Georgian Economy Minister, on Monday said the Chinese citizens would be able to stay in the country for 30 days without a visa requirement, following Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s announcement earlier during the day about the Government’s intention to introduce visa-free travel with the country. 

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Monday said a session of the intergovernmental trade and economic commission between China and Georgia had discussed topics including removal of visa requirements for Georgian citizens.

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Follow our news, recent searches, commentary: visa-free policies alone will not revive china’s inbound tourism, advertisement.

To revitalise inbound tourism, China must enhance travel convenience for foreign visitors, says an Edith Cowan University academic.

JOONDALUP, Australia: China’s tourism industry has faced significant challenges since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, China welcomed 97.7 million foreign visitors. But in 2023, this plummeted to 35.5 million, representing less than 40 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

The sluggish recovery of China’s inbound tourism has prompted widespread concern across government, industry, academia and the media. Leading tourism research journals in China have published dedicated articles discussing the factors influencing China’s inbound tourism recovery.

To address this trend, the Chinese government has implemented several policy measures. In July 2023, China reinstated its 15-day visa-free travel policy for visitors from Singapore and Brunei.

In November 2023, this policy was extended to ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.

On Mar 7, China expanded its 15-day visa-free policy to include six additional European countries - Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg.

IMPORTANCE OF INBOUND TOURISM FOR CHINA

Inbound tourism holds significant importance for China, particularly amid slowing economic growth. Tourism was prioritised during the early stages of China’s reform and opening up era, valued for its potential to generate much-needed foreign exchange.

But as China amassed substantial foreign exchange reserves through rapid development and entry into the World Trade Organization, the reliance on inbound tourism for foreign exchange earnings diminished over time.

Amid the challenges confronting China’s economy in 2024, inbound tourism has emerged as an avenue for bolstering economic growth. Drawing international tourists to spend in China translates to a net export of services, injecting added value into the nation’s economic ecosystem.

Compared to ordinary goods exports, inbound tourism holds the potential for greater benefits due to its multiplier effect. When international tourists spend money, their consumption creates a chain reaction, stimulating job creation and further expenditure.

Visa-free policies are a practical tool for facilitating tourist flows and trade exchanges between nations. China’s current visa-free policies are anticipated to incentivise more business and leisure travellers to visit China. Still, further efforts are necessary to rejuvenate China’s inbound tourism sector.

Commentary: Visa waiver deal puts Singapore in good stead to attract the coveted Chinese tourist

Singapore's visa-free agreement with China may push inbound travel closer to pre-pandemic levels

Eliminating barriers for foreign tourists in china.

Enhancing travel convenience is imperative to address the needs of foreign tourists. While China has made significant strides in developing advanced technologies and transportation infrastructure for domestic travel, foreign visitors often encounter obstacles while navigating in the country.

For instance, booking high-speed train tickets or entry tickets to popular tourist attractions necessitates the use of WeChat’s embedded program. Many establishments exclusively accept WeChat Pay or AliPay, leaving foreign tourists in a predicament if they rely solely on cash or credit cards. Many hotels in China are also not allowed to accommodate foreign tourists.

Eliminating barriers for foreign tourists to travel in China presents enhanced business opportunities for Chinese tourism-related enterprises. While Chinese consumers remain the primary market for most of these businesses, delivering seamless services to foreign clientele could further strengthen their competitive edge.

A case in point is the Chinese online travel company Ctrip - which initially emulated Travelocity’s business model but has since expanded its operations globally - establishing itself as a prominent international online travel business.

Technological advancements have the potential to mitigate technical barriers to foreigners’ travel in China without incurring substantial costs.

Yet, addressing structural and entrenched ideological barriers may be more challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted the Chinese government and tourism operators in China to adopt a more inward-looking approach, prioritising the needs of their citizens.

The shifting geopolitical landscape globally also plays a role in the challenges facing China’s inbound tourism. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Centre, most individuals in Western nations hold unfavourable views towards China. The Chinese government’s tightening grip on societal regulations could potentially cause discomfort for foreign travellers in China.

This increased control may lead to unnecessary disruptions in international events like academic conferences and exchanges, due to the formalities and documentation mandated by the government.

Commentary: Why China’s real estate crisis should make the global travel industry nervous

Commentary: Resurgent Chinese travel would reset the country’s global image

Look beyond national borders.

The time has come to look beyond national borders when contemplating tourism. The world has reopened, albeit with a transformed landscape compared to before the COVID-19-pandemic.

The Chinese government’s implementation of visa-free policies should be applauded - but to meaningfully revitalise its inbound tourism, concerted efforts are required to enhance convenience for foreign visitors before, during and after their travels to China.

To attract more foreign visitors, Chinese businesses must meet the needs of both domestic and international tourists. While transitioning to a cashless society is desirable, it should not exacerbate the digital divide among Chinese citizens or alienate international visitors.

It is imperative to implement more user-friendly alternative payment methods that cater to the preferences of foreign travellers, such as accepting major credit cards or other preferred payment options.

The process of passing through transport entry or exit points using passport scanning should be as seamless as tapping a Chinese identification card. Leveraging advancements in AI technology and multiple language mobile apps should also be developed to facilitate international tourists’ travel bookings in China.

China has demonstrated innovation across various technological fronts. This ingenuity should be harnessed to address the needs of international tourists, ultimately reversing the current decline in inbound tourism and bolstering the country’s tourism sector.

Sam Huang is Professor of Tourism and Services Marketing and Head of the Centre for Tourism Research in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University, Australia. This commentary first appeared on East Asia Forum.

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