tourist visa requirements

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Visit the U.S.

Generally, if you want to visit ( and not live in ) the United States you must first obtain a visitor visa . Travelers from certain countries may be exempt from this requirement. For more information, please see the U.S. Department of State website .

If you want to travel to the United States for reasons other than business or pleasure, you must apply for a visa in the appropriate category. This includes if you want to study, work as a crew member or journalist, etc. You can get help determining which visa you need by using the Explore My Options page.

Extending Your Visit

If Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  authorizes your admission to the United States at the designated port of entry, you will receive a stamped Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure . If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, you may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , with USCIS.

If You Lose Form I-94

You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record .

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• For Travelers

Visit the United States

The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State work together to create and maintain an effective, efficient visa process that secures America’s borders from external threats and ensures that our country remains open to legitimate travel.

DHS provides a full range of online resources to help you plan your trip, manage your arrival and if needed extend your stay.

Plan Your Trip

• Obtain a Visitor VISA - (U.S. State Department) Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The visa allows a foreign citizen, to travel to the United States port-of entry and request permission of the U.S. immigration inspector to enter the U.S.
• Determine the correct VISA category - (USCIS) There are more than 20 nonimmigrant visa types for people traveling to the United States temporarily. There are many more types of immigrant visas for those coming to live permanently in the United States.  The type of visa you need is determined by the purpose of your intended travel.  Get help determining the right VISA category at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services homepage.
• Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM)  - Provides biometric identification services to federal, state and local government decision makers to help them accurately identify the people they encounter and determine whether those people pose a risk to the United States. OBIM currently applies to all international visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States, but not to U.S. citizens.
• Visa Waiver Program: Passport Requirements Timeline - As of October 26, 2006, any passport issued on or after this date by a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country must be an e-Passport  for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the United States without a visa. If your passport is older, see requirements here
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - A fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Voluntary ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States, and Visa Waiver Program travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the U.S.

Your Arrival

• Locate a Port Of Entry - Air, Land, or Sea (CBP) - At a port of entry, CBP enforces the import and export laws and regulations of the U.S. federal government and conducts immigration policy and programs. Ports also perform agriculture inspections to protect the USA from potential carriers of animal and plant pests or diseases that could cause serious damage to America's crops, livestock, pets, and the environment.
• Global Entry Program (CBP) - Expedited screening and processing for pre-screened international travelers entering the United States.
• CBP Traveler Entry Forms (CBP) - Whether you are a visitor to the United States or U.S. citizen, each individual arriving into the United States must complete one or more of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) entry forms.
• DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) - If you have difficulties experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs--like airports and train stations--or crossing U.S. borders, use this system to make inquiries or seek resolution.

Extend Your Stay

• Apply to Extend Your Stay - (USCIS) If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires. If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States.
• Change Your Non-Immigrant Status - (USCIS) If you want to change the purpose of your visit while in the United States, you (or in some cases your employer) must file a request with USCIS on the appropriate form before your authorized stay expires. 

Tips During Your Trip to the United States

Beware of Scams - (Federal Trade Commission) The Department of State, Office of Visa Services, advises the public of a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the U.S. government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

US tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 25, 2023

US tourist visa requirements are clear and detailed. US visa application is a multi-step process. The first step of the application process is to fill DS-160 form online. The second step is to schedule the visa interview appointment. This step involves paying the visa fee and picking the location and date of your visa interview.

Visa interview is mandatory so it can be intimidating for some. If you have a genuine reason to visit the US along with relevant data and documentation, the odds of visa approval are high.

Table of Contents

Us tourist visa requirements by nationality.

Minimum passport validity required to enter the United States

Your passport must be valid only for the intended period of stay

NOTE A few countries are required to have their passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. For more information, refer to the six-month club update on U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Visa EXEMPT passport holders

180-day entry.

• Bermuda (British Territory)

90-day entry

• Entry allowed under Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
• Must hold a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval
• Must hold an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip
• Extensions are not permitted
• Nationals who have been to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen are not eligible. Must apply for a visa.
• Nationals who are also citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are not eligible. Must apply for a visa.
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Visa REQUIRED passport holders

• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• The Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem Rep of
• Congo, Rep of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Marshall Islands
• North Korea
• Palestinian Territories
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Timor-Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates

US TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

Validity of US tourist visa

The validity of US visas depends on the country of passport. US tourist visas are usually issued for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years.

Example: The B1/B2 or B2 visas for Afghanistan passport holders are valid for 1 year only. Whereas, for Bangladesh passport holders, the B1/B2 visas are valid for 5 years. For Indian passport holders, B1/B2 visas are valid for 10 years.

When to apply for US tourist visa

You can apply for US tourist visa as early as you can. Unlike, other country visas, US visa can be applied as early as you. I have seen some readers apply as much as 1 year in advance.

How long can your stay in the US

The US tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the US. But if you stay that long continuously in the US on a tourist visa, you will have trouble entering the US again. You may be questioned on your purpose of visit.

US tourist visa processing time

Unlike other country visas, US visa has no processing time. Meaning, the visa officer will tell your visa result at the end of your interview. You will be able to pick up or receive your passport within 3-10 business days from your interview day.

Application procedure

The US visa application is a 4 step process

• Fill DS-160 form online
• Pay visa fee
• Schedule fingerprints and photo appointment
• Schedule visa interview appointment
• Preparation
• Documentation
• Interview Procedure
• Dos and Don’ts of the Appointment
• Dos and Don’ts of the Interview
• Interview Questions and Answers
• Visa Result
• Pick up Passport

1. Fill DS-160 form online

The first step in the US visa application process is to fill DS-160 form online . It is a lengthy form, so it can take a few days to complete. You would need to gather and compile a lot of information for the form.

I recommend starting your application process as early as possible.

2. Schedule US visa appointment

The second step in the visa application process is to schedule US visa appointment . This involves paying the visa fee, and selecting the location and date of your interview.

Depending on the country where you would like to attend your visa interview, you would need to schedule one or two appointments. Some countries require an additional appointment for fingerprints and photos.

The website and the procedure to schedule US visa appointment is different in different countries.

If you are attending your US visa interview in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, you must schedule your appointment on the US Travel Docs website.

If you plan to attend your US visa interview in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, you must schedule your appointment on the US Visa Information and Appointment System .

2.1. Pay US tourist visa fee

The US visa application fee is $160 payable in US dollars or local currency (in Asia only). You can pay your visa fee in various ways, such as cash at a local bank, electronic fund transfer or using a credit card.

2.2. Schedule fingerprints and photo appointment

Certain countries such as Mexico requires an additional appointment for fingerprints and photo. You will be prompted to make this additional appointment as part of your visa interview appointment.

2.3. Schedule visa interview appointment

Available dates and times for your visa type are displayed on the screen. Pick the date and time that works best for you.

3. Attend US visa interview

Attending US visa interview is a feat in itself. The high-security US embassy and the intimidating visa officers can make the entire process daunting and overwhelming.

But if you break the interview process into smaller steps and tackle them individually, it can be less stressful. Let’s look at these steps individually in detail.

3.1. Preparation

• Go over your DS-160 to familiarize yourself with the information you have entered. You may be asked the same questions in the interview. You must not contradict your own answers.
• Go over the top 5 US interview questions and answers. Sit and answer all of those questions. Make a note of them if you have to.
• Write down any other questions on your purpose, industry, etc and prepare them as well.

3.2. Planning

• Gather the documentation that you would need to carry
• Print any documentation that needs to be printed
• Organize your documentation in an easily retrievable format
• Familiarize yourself with directions and transportation options to the embassy
• Wash, iron and have your interview clothes ready

PRO TIP Use a compartment folder to sort and organize your documentation. Label the compartments if you have to it.

3.3. Documents required

  Mandatory Documentation

• Current Original Passport
• All old passports (especially those with old US visas)
• Interview Appointment Confirmation Print
• Your DS-160 Confirmation Print
• Visa Fee Receipt (if the fee was paid at a local bank in person)
• Recent Passport Size Photo (white background only)
• Additional Photo ID (required to gain access into the embassy)

  Additional Documentation

• Employment Letter
• Leave Approval Letter
• Recent 3 Months Payslips
• Letter from the university
• Fee receipts
• Recent results, transcripts or diplomas
• Business Registration
• Annual Reports
• Annual Income Statements
• Tax Returns
• Sponsor’s ID copy
• Sponsor’s Employment Proofs
• Conference tickets
• Wedding invitations
• Training Confirmations
• Detailed Itinerary
• Recent 6-Months Bank Statements

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I was not asked to show any documentation at all during my US B1/B2 visa interview. I did take my bank statements, my payment receipts for the conference I was attending, and my business cards as a blogger and travel writer.

3.4. Appointment Procedure

The interview procedure varies slightly from location to location. This 10-step procedure gives you an overall idea of what to expect.

• Arrive at the embassy
• Present your appointment confirmation at the gate
• Go through the security
• Deposit your ID proof
• Deposit your cell phone and keys
• Stand in the line for fingerprints and photo
• Give your fingerprints and photo
• Stand in line for the interview
• Give your interview
• Find out your visa result

3.5. Dos and Don’ts of the Appointment

• Arrive on Time: The time of your appointment is the time to arrive at the gate of the embassy. It is NOT the time of your actual interview. You must arrive not more than 15 min before your appointment time. Otherwise, you will be sent back and asked to arrive at your appointment time.
• No Electronics: Only a cell phone and keyfob are allowed into the embassy. Any other electronics such as tablets, laptops, etc. are not allowed into the embassy and you will be sent back.
• No Bags: Backpacks and luggage are not allowed into the embassy. The embassy will not store any bags and you will be sent back.
• No Non-permitted Items: Non-permitted items such as cigarettes, lighter, sharp objects, food items, etc are not allowed. You will have to discard them or you will be sent back.
• Carry Documents: You can only carry documents in a see-through folder or plastic bag.

3.6. Dos and Don’ts of the Interview

• Be honest: Visa officers are very well-trained and have years of experience. They see thousands of applicants in their careers. They can easily spot lies and manipulative answers. Be honest in your answers.
• Be confident: Stand straight. Be loud and clear. Ask the visa officer to repeat the question if you did not understand. Don’t change your answers if you are asked to repeat them.
• Don’t show desperation: Don’t show any signs of desperation. Visa officers are very well-trained and have years of experience. They can easily spot desperation.
• Say only what’s needed: Answer only with the information needed. Say what is needed, nothing else. Any extra information can lead to unnecessary questions that you may not have answers for.
• Be fluent in your English: This is a tricky one. Visa officers will not have much time and they can be impatient at times. If your answers are not clear and difficult to understand, it can impact your visa result. Improve your English speaking skills. Get rid of any accent if you have.
• Carry all relevant documentation: Make sure you have all the documentation with you. There should not be a situation where you don’t have a document that you are asked to present.
• Organize your documentation: Organize your documents in a smart way, so you can retrieve them right away when asked. Shuffling through the documents, taking too long to retrieve a document, and mishandling documents can affect your visa result.
• Dress appropriately: Dressing appropriately makes you presentable. It boosts your confidence as well.
• Choose your visa officer: Last but not least. If you have the opportunity to choose your visa officer, go to a visa officer who looks friendly and close to the same age as yours.

3.7. US tourist visa interview questions

During the US B1/B2 visa interview, you will be asked a few questions. These questions can be the same as what you already have in your DS-160 or completely different.

Here are the top 5 US visa interview questions.

• Why do you want to go to the US?
• How long do you plan to stay in the US?
• Have you been to the US before?
• Have you been to other countries?
• What do you do for a living?

Each above question can lead to many other questions depending on your answers. For example, “What do you do for a living” can lead to questions such as how long you have been working, how much money you make, etc.

3.8. Visa Result

You will be told the result of the visa at the end of the interview. Therefore, at the end of the interview, you will know whether your visa is approved or denied or needs additional information.

If approved, you will be told that your visa is approved. You will be given a sheet of paper with instructions on how to pick up your passport or when to expect the delivery.

If denied, you will be told that your visa is denied. Your passport and documentation will be returned back to you. You will also be given a sheet of paper marking the section under which your visa application was denied.

If the visa officer needs additional information, you will be given a sheet of paper with details and the steps to continue from there.

4. Pick up Passport

If your visa is approved, your passport will be ready for pick up within 3-10 working days. You will be notified via email or SMS that your passport is ready for pickup.

If you have requested for your passport to be delivered, you will be notified via email or SMS when the passport is dispatched. You should receive it in 3-10 working days.

After you pick up or receive your passport, verify your visa for any discrepancies. If you see any discrepancy, contact the consulate/embassy immediately.

What’s next?

Get ready for your US trip. US tourist visas are usually valid for 10 years and multiple entries. You can travel to the US anytime within the validity of your US visa. You can also enter as many times as you want.

Healthcare in the US is quite expensive. Most travel insurance does not cover travel in the US. So make sure to purchase insurance that is specifically meant for US travel.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE US

Entering the us by air.

Port of entry in US airports usually has two lines for arriving passengers. One for citizens and permanent residents and the other for visitors. You will go and stand in the visitor’s line. When your turn comes, you will be sent to either an automated kiosk or to an immigration officer.

If you are sent to an automated kiosk, just follow the instructions on the screen. You will scan your visa page and your details will appear on the screen. Review the details. Go through the steps and print your receipt.

Once you print your receipt, proceed toward an immigration officer. Present your passport and receipt.

You may be asked a few questions. Your passport will then be stamped with the appropriate visa type and the date until which you can remain in the US. Your passport and receipt will be returned back to you.

If you are sent to an immigration officer instead of an automated kiosk, just present your passport, boarding pass and completed customs form.

You may be asked a few questions. Your passport will then be stamped with the appropriate visa type and the date until which you can remain in the US. Your passport, boarding pass, and customs form will be returned back to you. You will also be given a receipt.

Verify the stamp, visa type and date immediately for any discrepancy.

As always, carry a print of your return/onward flight ticket and hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket for proof of your onward ticket.

After you finish your immigration procedure, walk to your baggage claim carousel. Pick up your bags and head to the exit.

Before the exit, you will go through the customs screening. You will have to present the customs form or receipt that you received at the immigration. The customs officer will then indicate whether you can just walk out or scan your baggage.

If you are asked to scan your baggage, continue to the baggage scanning area and put all your baggage on the scanner conveyer belt. Pick up your bags after the scan and walk towards the exit.

Have a great time in the US!

Leaving the US by air

Unlike many other countries, the US does not have exit passport control. There will not be any immigration checks while exiting the US.

The departing airline will notify your exit details to the US Customs and Border Protection. You can check your history of US entry/exit dates on the US Visitor’s I-94 Website .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to apply for US tourist visa?

You can apply for US tourist visa by first completing the DS-160 form online. The US tourist visa application is a 4 step process.

• Make the visa fee payment
• Schedule visa appointment
• Pick up passport

The DS-160 form can take several days for you to complete as it needs a lot of information. The current US visa fee is $160 USD, which you can pay by cash at a local bank, electronic fund transfer or using a credit card. Depending on the country, you would need to set up one or two visa appointments. Countries such as Mexico requires an additional appointment for fingerprints and photo.

You will know your visa result at the end of the interview. You can then pick up your passport in 3-10 working days.

How much is the US visa application fee?

The US visa application fee is $185 USD. This fee is payable in local currency (in Asia) or in USD (in the rest of the world).

What is the US visa processing time?

US visa result is immediate. You will be told the visa result at the end of your visa interview.

That being said, the entire process beginning from DS-160 to receiving your passport can take several weeks. Apply for your visa as early as possible.

What are the documents required for US visa?

You would need to carry the following mandatory documents for your US visa interview.

• All Old Passport (especially those with US visas)
• The DS-160 Confirmation Print
• Additional Passport Size Photo
• Additional Photo ID

Along with the above mandatory documents, you can also carry other documents that support your case such as employment proofs, financial proofs, etc.

What are some of the US visa interview questions and answers?

During the interview, visa officers typically ask questions related to your purpose of travel, itinerary, ties with your home country, etc. Some of these questions can be from your DS-160 or completely different.

Here are the top 5 US visa interview questions and answers

Q1. Why do you want to go to the US? You can talk about whether you are visiting the US for tourism or business. If for tourism, talk about the places you plan to visit and why. If for business, talk about the meetings or conferences you plan to attend or the people you plan to meet.

Q2. How long do you plan to stay in the US? Mention the total days of your itinerary. Make sure to keep the total between 10-20 days.

Q3. Have you been to the US before? Mention whether you have been in the US before. If you did, also mention when and how long.

Q4. Have you been to other countries? Mention all the countries you have been to. Start with the countries that require visas such as countries in Europe, Canada, Japan, etc.

Q5. What do you do for a living? Mention your current employer, your role and your title. You don’t have to mention the duration of your employment, duties or salary.

Each applicant’s situation is different. Therefore, each of these questions can lead to many other questions depending on your answers.

How long does it take to get the visa after the interview?

The visa result will be told right at the end of the interview. If your visa is approved, your passport will be ready for you to pick it up within 3-10 working days. You will be notified via email or SMS that your passport is ready for pickup.

US tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the multi-step application process can be confusing for many.

A Visa interview is mandatory so it can be intimidating. If you have a genuine reason to travel along with relevant information and documentation, then you have nothing to worry about.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

What happens if your visa application is rejected

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If you are in the U.S. and your visa or passport was lost or stolen, learn how to report it and apply for a new one.

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Tourist Visa Information

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

According to the US Department of State , activities that qualify as tourism include:

• Sight-seeing
• Visiting family or friends
• Travel for medical treatments
• Attending a social event hosted by non-business and non-governmental organizations
• Amateur (unpaid) participation in athletics or the arts
• Auditing a course or another form of non-credit study

Those who need to obtain a tourist visa should apply through the consular services of the country or countries they wish to visit. Any individual who is unable to visit the appropriate consulate or who needs to expedite their visa application process can submit the visa application forms through a visa expediting service.

Tourist Visa Requirements

Tourist visa fees, applying for a tourist visa, what to do once your visa is issued.

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

The Visa Waiver Program  (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries *  to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Requirements for Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

You must meet  all  the following requirements to travel to the United States on the VWP:

Travel Purpose Must be Permitted on a Visitor (B) Visa

The following are examples of activities permitted while in the United States on the VWP. In addition, transiting through the United States to other countries is generally permitted for VWP travelers.

• consult with business associates
• attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)
• negotiate a contract

Learn more about  Business Travel to the United States  (PDF - 362 KB).

• vacation (holiday)
• visit with friends or relatives
• medical treatment
• participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Learn more about  Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure  (PDF - 510 KB).

Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program – Examples:

• study, for credit
• work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
• permanent residence in the United States

Must Be a Citizen or National of a VWP Designated Country *

You must be a citizen or national of the following countries *  to be eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP.

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom**

**To be eligible to travel under the VWP, British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Each Traveler Must Have a Valid ESTA

In order to travel without a visa on the VWP, you must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding a U.S. bound air or sea carrier. ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the United States for tourism or business under the VWP. Visit the  ESTA webpage  on the CBP website for more information.

Updating Your ESTA

In most cases, your ESTA will be valid for two years.  You also must obtain a new ESTA if you: (1) receive a new passport, including an emergency or temporary passport; (2) change your name; (3) change your gender; (4) change your country of citizenship; or (5) need to change your responses to any of the “yes” or “no” questions on the ESTA application.

These individuals can apply for visas using regular appointment processes at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. For more information, please visit the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview.

If an individual who is exempt from the Act because of his or her diplomatic or military presence in one of the seven countries is denied ESTA, he or she may go to the  CBP website , or contact the  CBP information Center . The traveler may also apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly recommends that any traveler to the United States check his or her  ESTA status  prior to making any travel reservations or travelling to the United States. More information is available on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website . 

Have the Correct Type of Passport

You must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by  country-specific agreements ). For families, each member of your family, including infants and children, must have a passport. 

In addition, you must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip can be scanned to match the identity of the traveler to the passport. E-Passports must be in compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). You can readily identify an e-passport, by a symbol on the cover. See the example below. More information about e-passports is available on the DHS website .

Emergency and Temporary Passports

If you use an   emergency or temporary passport to enter the United States on the VWP, the passport must be an e-passport. This includes VWP travelers who are transiting the United States. 

More information on frequently asked questions about VWP can be found at the following websites:

• DHS Visa Waiver Program Requirements
• CBP Visa Waiver Program

May I apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Yes, you may apply for a visitor (B) visa if you prefer to do so or if you are not eligible for VWP travel. Additionally, you need to apply for a visa if you will be traveling on a private aircraft or other non-VWP approved air or sea carrier. Review the  approved carriers list . Also, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days, then you need to apply for a visa. 

I was denied a visa under section 214(b). May I use the VWP?

A recent visa refusal for any reason could result in denial of ESTA authorization, additional review at the port of entry, or denial of admission to the United States. If you are uncertain if you qualify for VWP travel, you may apply for a visa.

Trips to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands

If you are admitted to the United States under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the United States under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival in the United States. Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less. See the  CBP website . Citizens of VWP countries *  who reside in Mexico, Canada, or a nearby island are generally exempted from the requirement to show onward travel to another country *  when entering the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

How can a country* join the VWP?

A country *  must meet various requirements to be considered for designation in the Visa Waiver Program. Requirements include, but are not limited to:

• enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States;
• issuing e-passports;
• having a visitor (B) visa refusal rate of less than three percent (for initial designation);
• timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports; and
• maintenance of high counterterrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.

Designation as a VWP country *  is at the discretion of the U.S. government. Meeting the objective requirements of the VWP does not guarantee a country *  will receive VWP designation.

Entering the United States

An approved ESTA allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States, but an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Learn more on the  CBP website .

Extending your stay

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to extend your stay in the United States beyond the initial admission period. You must depart the United States on or before the date on your admission stamp when you entered the United States. See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website .

Change of status

If you enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you are not permitted to change status in the United States. See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

What if I am traveling to Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands?

Citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom do not need a visa or ESTA to visit both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands because of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, though they must complete Form I-736 prior to travel.  People's Republic of China Passport holders also do not need a visa if they complete Form I-736 for temporary admission into the Northern Mariana Islands. For more information on the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program,  click here

* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” on this page, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

More Information

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

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

823 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

43 Published Articles 3382 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

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.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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.

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