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US Passport Holders: See if your destination requires a visa.

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Visa Quick Check

Are you a US citizen who wants to know if a visa is required for your trip?  Use Visa Quick Check to get the information you need for your destination. Simply select the country to which you are traveling to determine if a visa will be required for your trip.  If a visa is required for travel to your destination country, select Get a Visa and you will be on your way to getting the documents you need. Where ‘No visa required’ is indicated, you must hold the following:

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

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

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

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

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Visa vs. Passport: What’s the Difference?

Aaron is a freelance contributor to the travel team at NerdWallet. He has been a credit card and travel rewards enthusiast since applying for his first credit card the day he turned 18. While a student at Iowa State University, Aaron combined his knowledge of credit card rewards with a resale business to help pay his way through college. After finishing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Michigan, Aaron used points and miles to travel for six months across five continents, including a month traveling overland through Russia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China on the Trans-Siberian Railway Network.

He has written hundreds of articles about miles, points, travel and credit card rewards for publications, including The Points Guy, Bankrate.com, Forbes, Rolling Stone and Robb Report. He is passionate about helping others leverage their wallets into increasing their financial security and fulfilling their travel dreams.

Aaron is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but his favorite airport is Amsterdam Schiphol.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You probably know that you need a passport for international travel, but you may have also heard of another type of travel document called a visa. Depending on your travel plans, you might be able to travel with just a passport — or you might need to apply for a visa as well.

But what is the difference between a visa and a passport? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a passport?

A passport is a specific type of official identity document used for international travel. A country's government issues the document to its citizens or in some cases, to noncitizen nationals. Passports contain identifying information like your name, birth date, gender, photo and passport number.

Many passports also contain electronic chips that store your identity information and signature digitally, which makes the passport difficult to fake or alter.

Most passports are regular, or tourist, passports. In the U.S., these are the blue passports that you’re most likely familiar with. But countries also issue diplomatic and official passports for officials traveling on government business.

When do you need a passport?

If you plan to travel internationally, you most likely need a passport. There are alternatives to passports for U.S. citizens going to Canada or Mexico by land, but most international travel will require a passport. International air travel always requires a passport.

» Learn more: Passport book vs. card: 4 key differences

What is a visa?

A visa is a document that permits you to enter another country for a specific length of time and purpose. Whether a visa is required to enter a country depends on your country of citizenship, your reason for travel, the duration of your stay and other factors.

Any country might issue dozens of different types of visas. It may have a complicated taxonomy of visa types or offer only a handful of visa types. Here are some of the most common types of visas:

Tourist visas are issued when you are traveling to a country for sightseeing, visiting friends or other noncommercial, nonofficial purposes. These visas are typically issued for a short stay of a few months.

Student visas are issued to those who will be studying in the country. They typically allow you to stay in a country during your studies, but there are often restrictions on how much you can work.

Work visas allow you to enter a country for the purposes of employment. Most countries require a specific work visa if you want to work during your stay.

Transit visas are issued when you need to pass through a country to catch a connecting flight. Transit visas are typically valid for a short period of time, and visa holders aren’t allowed to exit the airport while in the country.

» Learn more: How to get your first passport

How do you get a visa?

Countries that require a visa will often ask you to send your passport to an embassy or consulate before you travel. Requirements vary, but you will usually be asked to provide evidence of your travel bookings, a photograph, a completed visa form and proof of residence. Visa processing may take a few days to more than a month.

Even if a country requires a visa for travel, you don’t always have to apply for it in advance. Some countries will grant you a tourist visa on arrival. Egypt, for example, grants a 30-day tourist visa to U.S. citizens arriving by air for a $25 fee.

Finally, some countries allow you to apply for a visa electronically. Australia, for instance, allows U.S. citizens, as well as those from a handful of other countries, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority. You can apply for the electronic visa online, allowing you to get a visa without submitting your passport to an embassy or consulate.

When do you need a visa?

Whether you require a visa for travel will depend on your citizenship, the country you are traveling to, your purpose for travel, and how long you intend to stay.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, one way to find out if you need a visa to travel is to use the State Department’s Learn About Your Destination tool, which contains visa information for most countries. Keep in mind that visa rules can change, so it’s best to verify entry requirements even if it’s a country you’ve been to in the past.

» Learn more: Places to travel without a passport this summer

Visa and passport differences

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between a passport and a visa:

Visa vs. passport recapped

A passport is for identity verification, while a visa permits you to enter a country.

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll need a passport. In addition to your passport, some countries require you to apply and be approved for a visa in advance of your travel.

You might also need a visa if you’re traveling for a specific nontourism purpose, such as work or study.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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International travel

Prepare for your trip

International travel doesn’t have to be tricky – just follow these steps to help you prepare for your trip.

We recommend you:

• Check if your destination has travel restrictions and entry requirements
• Come prepared with travel documents and required paperwork
• Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled departure time
• Documents and requirements you need to travel Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel and health restrictions by destination Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel often?

If you travel often, skip the paperwork and lines with:

• Global Entry
• TSA PreCheck
• Mobile Passport Control Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travel documents and requirements

You’re responsible to make sure you have the correct documents to enter and pass through any countries during your trip, and then make your way back home. If you don’t have the required documentation and identification, you will not be allowed to board the plane and would be responsible for any resulting costs.

Keep in mind:

• Everyone traveling, regardless of age, needs their own set of travel documents.
• Always use the information exactly as it appears on your passport (to book and fill out any documents).
• Check with the consulate of every country you’re entering (or passing through) to make sure you meet all travel requirements.
• Some countries require proof of return or onward travel, a visiting address and sufficient funds for your stay.

All children, regardless of age, must have a passport and any travel documents required by the countries visited. If you’re traveling internationally with anyone under 18, you may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.

Traveling with children

A passport is required for all international travel. If you're traveling anywhere overseas, you need a passport to board an international flight and to enter the country. Passport cards will not be accepted as form of I.D. for international air travel.

• Some countries require your passport to be issued at least 6 months before the day you arrive. Check your destination’s requirements if you’re unsure.
• Passports must be kept in good condition, free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear, and material alterations. You may be denied boarding if you travel with a passport that appears damaged or altered.

U.S. citizens can use any government-issued form of identification to travel between the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

More information on U.S. passports Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

In addition to a passport, some countries require a visa to enter. If you’re traveling to the U.S. for a stay less than 90 days, the Department of Homeland Security requires eligible travelers to use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). You must submit your application no later than 72 hours before departing for the U.S., but we suggest you apply for authorization when you start planning your trip. You will be denied boarding if you arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

An approved ESTA travel authorization is:

• Valid for up to 2 years or your passport expires, whichever comes first
• Valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
• Not a guarantee of admissibility to the U.S., approval only authorizes you to board a carrier for travel to the U.S.

To enter the U.S. under the VWP, each passenger must have a machine-readable passport. If you don’t have a machine-readable zone, a valid visa is required.

Each passenger traveling to the U.S. under the VWP must have a:

• Valid electronic (e-Passport) with this symbol on the passport cover

If you present a non-electronic passport, a valid U.S. visa will be required or you’ll be denied boarding and entry into the U.S.

Apply for the Visa Waiver Program Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Contact tracing for flights to the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all passengers flying to the United States to provide their contact information within 72 hours of departure. This information may be used by public health officials to follow up with passengers who may have been exposed to a contagious disease during travel.

• Read more information about the CDC contact tracing requirement Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.
• Submit your contact tracing information

Additional requirements

Some countries have additional requirements for travel, so we recommend that you check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information and sign up for their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. Department of State Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Travelers flying to Australia from certain countries, including the U.S., will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entry.

Apply for Australia ETA Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Brazil has postponed requiring an eVisa for U.S., Canadian and Australian citizens until April 2025.

All visa-exempt foreign travelers who fly to, or transit through Canada now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The authorization is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian visa are exempt from this eTA requirement.

Learn how to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Under the VWP, Nationals of Chile traveling to the U.S. are required to have an E-passport in addition to a machine-readable passport.

All travelers entering Cuba will need to prepare additional information including a visa and health insurance.

Travel to Cuba

Travelers flying to Curaçao will need to complete a digital embarkation/disembarkation card (ED Card) prior to their trip.

Complete digital ED Card Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

If you are a permanent resident of Australia or travelling on a passport from a visa waiver country, you'll need an New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Some visitors and transit passengers can travel to New Zealand without a visa if they get an NZeTA before their trip.

Request an NZeTA Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Customers traveling to or from Peru with amounts of cash exceeding $10,000 USD or its equivalent in local or foreign currency are legally responsible for declaring such amount at airport controls to avoid sanctions and up to the confiscation of the undeclared amount, as per Article 4 of Supreme Decree 195-2013-EF.

Additionally, it is prohibited entering or leaving the country with amounts over $30,000 USD or its equivalent in local or foreign currency.

Health and testing requirements

To travel, vaccinations may be required depending on where you’re traveling to and from.

Travel information from the CDC Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

• You must declare all personal medication on your arrival card.
• You must carry medical documentation to defend use of the medication.
• If you need to use syringe during your flight, you will also need a doctor's letter proving there's a medical reason to use it onboard.
• If you don't have proper documentation the medications may be confiscated.

When traveling to Nicaragua, a Yellow Fever shot will be required if you departed from or connected through any of these countries in the last 30 days:

• French Guiana
• Any country in Africa

Chemical sprays on international flights

Flights to and from certain countries require insecticide treatment (a process known as disinsection) inside the cabin for insect and disease control. The U.S. Department of Transportation provides full information about the spray and the countries required to use it.

Aircraft disinsection requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Your checked and carry-on bags may be sprayed or misted with a solution upon arrival due to local health protocols for virus and disease control. This action is performed by local authorities and not American Airlines.

Tax exemptions

You may be entitled to a refund of some taxes included in the price of your ticket if you meet the applicable criteria for exemptions and your itinerary involves:

• Travel between the U.S. and Mexico (including travel between Canada and Mexico via the U.S.)
• International travel departing Belize, Colombia or Trinidad and Tobago
• International travel arriving into Colombia

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Learn about regulations and procedures that apply to all travelers that enter or depart the United States.

Travel tips Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

To enhance border security, passenger information will be passed through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system and sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection to review passenger information before the flight arrives.

• All international flights arriving and departing the U.S. are required by law to provide API data.
• API data for American Airlines/American Eagle flights is also transmitted to Customs and Immigration agencies in other countries where required by law.
• The information sharing is mandatory as part of the U.S. Aviation and Transportation Security Act.

All visitors to the U.S., except nationals of Canada, will have their photograph and fingerprints taken, and will automatically be registered under the Visit the U.S. program when they pass through Customs and Border Protection.

Learn about the Visit the U.S. program Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Secure Flight Passenger Data is basic personal information the TSA requires for you to travel. The information is collected during booking or ticketing.

TSA Secure Flight

Flying on one of our partners?

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• Trusted Traveler Programs

Global Entry

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports .

At airports, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes where processing technology will be used to expedite the members by capturing a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.

Another upcoming processing technology option for travelers will be the Global Entry Mobile App. This app will enable members to validate their arrival to the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

Global Entry Benefits

• No processing lines
• No paperwork
• Access to expedited entry
• Available at major U.S. airports
• Reduced wait times

• Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards For International Travel

Best credit cards for international travel of june 2024.

Fact Checked

Updated: Jun 25, 2024, 4:48pm

Regardless of your personal or financial situation, if your end goal is to travel internationally and maximize your rewards earning potential, there is a credit card out there that can help you unlock more possibilities. Sometimes, going for a combination of credit cards can take your travel even further.

Below are the best credit cards in the market geared for international travel. We’ve grouped them in a few categories to look into what options work best for each circumstance.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

• 93,000,000 miles and points redeemed
• 29 loyalty programs covered
• 113 countries visited
• 53 years of industry experience
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best Credit Card for International Travel Benefits
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best Credit Card for International Travel With the Most Transfer Partners
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best Credit Card for International Travel With Lounge Access
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® : Best Credit Card for International Travel With No Annual Fee
• Aeroplan® Credit Card : Best Credit Card for Air Canada Frequent Flyers
• United Quest℠ Card : Best Card for United Frequent Flyers
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card : Best Card for Earning Avios
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Best Card for IHG Frequenters
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express * : Best Hilton Card With a Free Night Award
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * : Best Mid-Tier Hotel Card
• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Earning Flat-Rate Cash Back
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Dining Rewards
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best Card With Simple Reward Redemptions
• Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® * : Best 2% Cash-Back Card for International Travel
• Credit One Bank Wander® Card : Best Travel Card for Fair Credit
• Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Simple Cash-Back
• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best Credit Card for International Travel for Students
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students : Best Card for Students With Elevated Earning on All Purchases
• Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for Students for Dining and Entertainment
• Best Credit Cards Of 2024
• Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best First Credit Cards To Build Credit
• Best Travel Credit Cards
• Best Business Credit Cards

Best Credit Cards With Flexible Currency Points for International Travel

Best credit card for international travel benefits, chase sapphire preferred® card.

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all Read More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Regular APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Offering a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility, this card is a dream for frequent spenders on travel & dining – while charging a modest annual fee.

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

• Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
• Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
• Many travel and shopping protections
• No intro APR offer
• Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through the Chase Travel portal
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Best Credit Card for International Travel With the Most Transfer Partners

Capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 10 miles per dollar Read More

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Excellent (750 - 850)

Capital One’s most premium travel card is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards, but at an annual fee that leaves the others far behind.

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee, the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

• Annual fee lower than others in its category
• Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
• Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
• Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
• Capital One lounge network in its infancy
• Lack of hotel status benefits
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Best Credit Card for International Travel With Lounge Access

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Up to 10x Reward Rate

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Read More

22.49%-29.49% Variable

This card offers superior points earning rates if you spend frequently on travel and dining out. The $300 travel credit justifies much of the annual fee, and redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠ nets you a 50% bonus.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the most valuable flexible rewards credit cards thanks to its lucrative bonus categories and easy-to-use travel credit. Cardholders can offset the annual fee and get great value when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card, thanks to partnerships with numerous airlines and hotels and its convenient travel booking portal, Chase Travel℠.

• $300 annual travel credit is incredibly flexible
• Generous welcome bonus
• Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase
• Points transfer to valuable airline and hotel partners
• High annual fee
• High variable APR on purchases
• Excellent credit recommended
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Best Credit Card for International Travel With No Annual Fee

Bilt world elite mastercard®.

Up to 3x Reward Rate

1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel Read More

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Pay rent, earn rewards and use your earnings for travel. Sounds like a great way to maximize your rent money to us.

It’s almost impossible to earn rewards on what is the biggest monthly expense for many people, which is why anyone who pays rent should have a Bilt Mastercard in their wallet. Not only will you earn points just from paying your rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year), you’ll do it without being charged a fee for the transaction, and Bilt points are among the most versatile travel points around. ( Pro Tip: Don’t redeem Bilt points to pay rent when you can get much more value for them for travel!).

• Earn rewards on rent
• Primary car rental and cell phone insurance
• Points can be transferred to partners
• Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
• No welcome bonus
• High regular APR range
• Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
• Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
• $0 annual fee
• 1x points on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
• 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company)
• 3x points on dining
• Plus 1x points on other purchases
• Cell Phone Insurance
• Purchase security (theft and damage protection)
• Mastercard® World Elite Concierge
• Lyft Credits
• No foreign currency conversion fee
• Rewards & benefits terms

Best Airline Credit Cards for International Travel

Best credit card for air canada frequent flyers, aeroplan® credit card.

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Read More

Earn 70,000 points

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

The solid reward-earning potential of the Aeroplan® Credit Card makes the card an excellent option for those loyal Air Canada passengers who also regularly spend on food and travel.

Chase and Air Canada’s co-branded Aeroplan Credit Card will serve as an excellent companion for frequent flyers of Star Alliance and its carriers from United to Lufthansa as you earn valuable Aeroplan points. Maximize your Aeroplan points and redeem for flights and hotels through an extensive partner network. Enjoy additional points-earning opportunities in key everyday categories.

• Excellent rewards earning
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel benefits including perks for Air Canada flyers
• $95 annual fee
• Lacks non-travel-related benefits
• Earn 70,000 bonus points
• Earn 70,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $95 Annual Fee
• Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
• Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
• Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.

Best Card for United Frequent Flyers

United quest℠ card.

Up to 3X Reward Rate

3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases. 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all Read More

Earn 70,000 bonus miles

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Frequent United customers will appreciate that the United Quest Card comes with an annual $125 United credit, rewards on travel and dining and travel protections such as primary car rental coverage and trip cancellation insurance.

Don’t let the card’s annual fee scare you off. Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, the perks can make this card worth your while, and the rewards rates are better compared to most airline cards.

• Up to $125 annual United purchase credit
• Earn up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually
• Two free checked bags for cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points per calendar year
• Primary auto collision damage waiver for eligible rentals
• Checked baggage benefit only applies to one companion
• Earnings for general purchases are only 1 mile per dollar
• Limited-time offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after qualifying purchases
• Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel, dining and select streaming services
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and priority boarding
• Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

Best Card for Earning Avios

British airways visa signature® card.

Earn 85,000 Avios.

Those who frequently travel British Airways will appreciate this card’s robust welcome bonus and the chance to earn a companion ticket. There is a modest annual fee.

Those who spend enough to earn the Travel Together Ticket can get 50% off the price of their award ticket when traveling solo or get a second seat on the same flight and cabin for a companion at no additional cost beyond taxes and fees. Travel Together Tickets are now valid on British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus flights and any of their subsidiaries on itineraries from anywhere in the world for both one-way or round-trip flights.

• Generous rewards on eligible flights
• Potential to earn a companion ticket
• Lucrative welcome bonus
• No foreign transaction fee
• Rewards rate poor outside of Avios-earning airlines
• Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule
• No checked baggage or lounge perks
• Limited time offer! Earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
• Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
• 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
• Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
• Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
• Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!

Best Hotel Credit Cards for International Travel

Best card for ihg frequenters, ihg one rewards premier credit card.

Up to 26X Reward Rate

Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts; 5 points per Read More

Earn 140,000 bonus points

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

The IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is a must-have for road warriors shelling out big bucks on IHG properties. The complimentary Platinum status boosts the rewards on IHG purchases to stratospheric heights, and the free night and other perks easily justify the annual fee. For those who aren’t IHG fans, we suggest looking elsewhere.

The IHG One Rewards Premier blows all other mid-tier hotel credit cards out of the water with perks alone. You don’t even have to use the card regularly to offset its annual fee every year.

• Earn up to 26 points per dollar spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5 points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants and 3 points on all other purchases
• Free night award every account anniversary
• Fourth night free on point redemption stays
• Automatic Platinum Elite status
• No worthwhile redemption options outside of IHG properties
• Low overall point value
• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®

Best Hilton Card With a Free Night Award

Hilton honors aspire card from american express *.

Up to 14X Reward Rate

Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7X Read More

Earn 175,000 points

20.99% - 29.99% variable

The flagship card from Hilton, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a price tag to match its top-tier status and perks. It’s a perfect fit for big spenders who haunt Hilton properties enough to leverage the rich suite of benefits that come with the complimentary Diamond status.

Top-tier elite status from simply holding this credit card is its most endearing quality. Hilton Diamond status–granted every year you hold the card–gets you room upgrades, food and beverage credits, executive lounge access and more. Since there’s no spend requirement for the Diamond status, this benefit even on its own can make the card worth keeping long term.

• CLEAR® Plus membership credit with enrollment
• Over $750 in value annually
• Instant Hilton Diamond elite status with rich set of benefits
• Free standard night award with no category limits at participating properties
• High annual fee with no first-year waiver
• High regular APR and penalty APR
• Credits are doled out in increments, making them harder to spend
• Points have a lower value than most rewards programs
• Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 7/31/2024
• Earn 14 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio
• Earn 7 points for every dollar spent on dining and eligible travel purchases including: Flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com and car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
• Earn 3 points per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
• Up to $400 in statement credits each year of card membership ($200 semi-annually) for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts
• Complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status
• Annual free night reward, terms apply
• Up to $200 flight credit ($50 in statement credits each quarter)

Best Mid-Tier Hotel Card

Marriott bonvoy boundless® credit card *.

Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6 points for every $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points for every $1 spent each year (up Read More

Earn 3 Free Night Awards

For those who prefer staying at Marriott’s 7,000+ properties, this card offers a robust set of perks and rewards potential. The annual free night alone (valued at 35,000 points) can justify the annual fee, and Silver Elite status is just icing on the cake. Thinking about carrying a balance? The high APR could easily eclipse the value of your hard-earned rewards.

The card’s free award night perk alone makes the card worth a spot in any traveler’s wallet. The option to combine the certificate with up to 15,000 points to get more flexibility for your annual stay is a nice touch.

• Free night certificate every year (valued at 35,000 points)
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• Automatic Silver Elite status
• Stingy earnings structure
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
• Earn 6 points per dollar on qualifying Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays
• Earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on groceries, gas stations, and dining
• Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your credit card every 24 months

Best Cash-Back Credit Cards for International Travel

Best for earning flat-rate cash back, capital one quicksilver cash rewards credit card.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked Read More

This card is a good value all-rounder, offering an intro APR period, no annual fee and a simple 1.5% unlimited cashback rate on all purchases.

• No spending category enrollment
• No cash-back rewards limits
• Low spending requirement to earn welcome bonus
• High regular APR
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Best for Dining Rewards

Capital one savorone cash rewards credit card.

Up to 8% Cash Back

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Read More

Earn $200 Cash Bonus

The Capital One SavorOne card is a perfect cash back credit card for those who spend a lot at restaurants, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) and on entertainment. With its 3% cash back rate in those categories, it’s a win for socialites that don’t want to pay for an annual fee.

• No annual fee
• Increased cash back on dining and entertainment
• Easy-to-redeem cash-back rewards
• Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
• High standard rate APR
• Limited cash-back reward categories
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn

Best Card With Simple Reward Redemptions

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card.

1.5x Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and Read More

25,000 points

19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an excellent fit for those who value simplicity over complicated bonus rewards programs. And since it has no foreign transaction fees, it’s also a great card to use when traveling.

• Earn unlimited rewards
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
• No bonus categories to boost reward earnings
• APR can be high, depending on creditworthiness
• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best Credit Cards for International Travel for People With Fair Credit

Best 2% cash-back card for international travel, capital one walmart rewards® mastercard® *.

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery; 2% cash Read More

5% cash back for the first 12 months

19.48% or 29.99% variable

The card offers excellent rewards for those who frequently shop at Walmart, particularly online. With no annual fee, it’s a sweet deal to earn up to 5% cash back.

• Up to 5% cash back at Walmart.com
• 2% cash back at restaurants and travel
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• Rewards for in-store Walmart purchases are low
• High APR, depending on creditworthiness
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases made in Walmart stores for the first 12 months of account opening when you use your Capital One Walmart Rewards Card with Walmart Pay
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery
• Earn 2% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, and at Walmart stores
• Earn 1% cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
• $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges

Best Travel Card for Fair Credit

Credit one bank wander® card.

Earn 10X points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel site; earn 5X points Read More

29.74% Variable

Fair/Good (650 - 699)

The Wander is the rare card that combines high-value travel and gas earnings and only average credit needed to apply.

The Credit One Bank Wander Card offers lucrative points-earning opportunities within key travel categories, however, its extra perks and benefits fall short when compared to other premium credit cards.

• High reward potential
• Issuer advertises requiring an average minimum credit rating
• No low introductory APR period
• High 29.74% Variable APR
• Earn 10x points on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner site
• Earn 5x points on eligible travel, dining, and gas
• Earn 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem your reward points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, flights, hotels, and more
• With $0 Fraud Liability, you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• Free Online Credit Score and Credit Report summary, terms apply
• If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
• See Rates & Fees

Best for Simple Cash-Back

Capital one quicksilver secured cash rewards credit card.

29.99% (Variable)

Limited, Bad

For those who don’t mind paying a security deposit to unlock access to rewards earning, this card may be worth considering.

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back reward on all eligible purchases
• Reports to all three credit bureaus
• Ability to graduate to an unsecured card with good payment behavior
• No bonus categories other than Capital One Travel bookings
• $200 minimum opening deposit
• No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you’re approved in seconds
• Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get a $200 initial credit line
• Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
• Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
• You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
• Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
• Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It’s free for everyone

Best Credit Cards for International Travel for Students

Best credit card for international travel for students, capital one quicksilver student cash rewards credit card.

Average, Fair, Limited

Build credit and earn flat-rate cash back at the same time, for no annual fee.

• Excellent extra benefits
• Solid cash-back rewards for a student credit card
• Other student cards may offer better earning potential
• Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
• Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
• Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
• Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it’s misplaced, lost or stolen
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
• Build your credit with responsible card use
• Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you

Best Card for Students With Elevated Earning on All Purchases

Bank of america® travel rewards credit card for students.

1.5X Reward Rate

Students studying abroad will pay no foreign transaction fees (and no annual fee) while earning flat-rate rewards points with flexible travel redemption options. Plus, the intro APR offer makes this a good card for any students who need to make a big purchase or move debt over from another card.

• Flexible rewards redemption options
• Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on all spending
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• No bonus categories to boost rewards
• High penalty APR and late fee
• When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.

Best for Students for Dining and Entertainment

Capital one savorone student cash rewards credit card.

Up to 10% Reward Rate

Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, unlimited 3% cash back on dining, Read More

Earn $50 bonus

Earn elevated cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment and select streaming at the same time you’re building credit history.

• Excellent cash back rewards
• No low introductory APR
• Limited bonus cash back reward categories
• Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
• Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal

Here's a summary of Best Credit Cards For International Travel

Arguably one of the most valuable travel credit cards thanks to a combination of ancillary benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card includes exceptional transfer partners, travel protections and no foreign transactions fees—all for a very reasonable annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Foreign transaction fees: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel programs , where you can get outsized value in redemptions. A $50 credit to use against a hotel booking made through Chase Travel℠  is also offered.

The card comes with built-in travel related protection, such as auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation or interruption insurance and emergency assistance services, as well as extended warranty and purchase protection for items bought with this card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) is a premium travel credit card that’s packed with benefits like travel protections and points that can be transferred to multiple travel partners that can make travel a breeze and help to offset the steep annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $395

Foreign transaction fees: None

Other benefits and drawbacks: Capital One miles can be transferred to more than 15 partners at a very competitive rate, and even used to offset hotel stays, airline ticket and car rental purchases. A $300 annual travel credit is automatically applied to your Capital One Travel account and can be used towards purchases booked through Capital One Travel, as well as a $100 credit toward a  TSA Precheck® or Global Entry membership .

Members are extended access to Priority Pass lounges as well as Capital One’s own network of lounges.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , Chase’s premium travel credit card, offers enough benefits to make up for a very high annual fee. But avid travelers can get even more if they are frequently traveling internationally.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar on flights and 10 points per dollar on hotels and car rentals when purchasing travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $550

Other benefits and drawbacks: Points can be worth 50% more valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase compared to 25% with the Sapphire Preferred and can be transferred to just as many travel partners. There is a $300 travel credit towards your travel purchases, as well as a $100 credit every four years to offset your TSA Precheck or Global Entry membership.

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® packs a punch with its benefits and points-earning scheme, being the first credit card geared toward earning points by paying rent. It’s also the rare personal card with no annual fee that has transfer partners.

Rewards: Earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Points can be redeemed to cover costs of air travel, hotel reservations and car rentals (partially or in full) as well as transferred into travel partners in order to redeem for travel at a much more favorable rate. The card also includes trip cancellation and interruption protection , trip delay reimbursement and auto rental collision damage waiver.

The Aeroplan® Credit Card  might not be the first card that comes to mind for your international travels, but Aeroplan points are incredibly powerful when you want to redeem for flights all over the world. Add in travel insurance and protections and a slew of other benefits that come with your card and you’ve got a strong contender for a slot in your wallet.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and each dollar spent directly with Air Canada including vacations and cruises and 1 point per dollar for all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Trip cancellation or interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, auto rental collision damage waiver and roadside assistance all come standard with the Aeroplan card. New cardmembers get automatic 25K status with Aeroplan and it’s easy to either keep or increase your status through credit card spend. Points can be redeemed as statement credits when using Pay Yourself Back or traveling on travel partners, although you’ll likely see the best return when using your points for the latter.

This card offers to offset $100 from your Global Entry and TSA Precheck membership every four years. Cardmembers and up to eight travel companions can have their checked bag fee waived.

If you fly on United Airlines or any of its Star Alliance partners, then the United Quest℠ Card is for you. Not only can you use your card wherever you travel overseas to earn bonus miles on dining and all things travel, but you’ll get bonus miles on United purchases and statement credits for United flights.

Rewards: Earn 3 miles per dollar on United® purchases, 2 miles per dollar on dining, select streaming services and all other travel and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $250

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardmembers receive up to $125 in statement credits for United purchases and free first and second checked bags for yourself and a companion. The card also extends a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership. It comes with auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation or interruption insurance to keep you worry free during your travels.

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card gives fans of the British flagship carrier a chance to not only earn Avios on all their day-to-day purchases but offers strong credits and rebates to offset flight costs.

Rewards: Earn 3 Avios per dollar on purchases with Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL, 2 Avios per dollar on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel and 1 Avios per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 85,000 Avios after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardmembers receive 10% off British Airways flights when booked through its dedicated website. When cardmembers spend $30,000 each year on the card they will receive a two-for-one Travel Together Ticket, or get a 50% discount on the Avios price paid when booking a solo award flight. Lastly, cardholders can get up to $600 back in statement credits on reward flight bookings.

With a massive worldwide footprint there’s a good chance that you’ll find an IHG hotel near your travel destination. The parent company of such hotels as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Intercontinental and Kimpton hotels brings a large welcome offer through the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card as well as plenty of bonus points earning potential for your hotel stays.

Rewards: Earn up to 26 points per dollar spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5 points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants and 3 points on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $99

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders receive automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and an annual free night award, good for a night capped at 40,000 points . Combine that with IHG’s fourth night free perk to really maximize your rewards.

The card comes with built-in trip cancellation or interruption insurance. There is a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck as well as up to a $50 United TravelBank Cash credit each calendar year when you link to your MileagePlus account.

American Express offers a few different Hilton Honors cards, but the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express * is the cream of the crop. Just by holding the card and paying the annual fee you’ll earn top-tier Diamond status with Hilton Hotels. Combine that with various statement credits, lounge access and foreign fee waivers and you’ve got a card that will help you rack up Hilton Honors points during your travels.

Rewards: Earn 14 Hilton Honors bonus points at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per dollar on eligible purchases for flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership, offer ends 7/31/2024.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Receive a free night reward, and up to $200 airline fee statement credit for incidental charges like baggage fees or in-flight purchases, an up to $400 Hilton resort statement credit and an up to $100 on-property credit for stays of at least 2 days when booked through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com at participating Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels. You will be granted Hilton Honors Diamond status. This card also comes with a Priority Pass Select membership for lounge access.

Marriott also offers a wide array of credit cards in which to earn points, but its intro card, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * gives you bonuses on certain categories with no foreign transaction fees and a large welcome offer. Silver Elite status is a nice addition to holding this card as it gives you the option for priority late checkout and elevated points-earning on each dollar spent at a Marriott property.

Rewards: Earn 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points per dollar spent each year (up to $6,000) on combined grocery stores, gas stations and dining purchases and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card * , you will receive 15 Elite Night Credits and automatic Silver Elite status each account anniversary year as a cardmember. You can earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite status for every $5,000 you spend on the card. An option to earn Gold Elite status is available for high spenders who can eke out $35,000 in purchases each year. And finally, like any worthy travel card, this one also comes with baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and trip delay reimbursement protections.

If you’re looking for an uncomplicated cash-back card that won’t rack up fees when you travel overseas then the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) is a worthy option for you. The card comes with some compelling features like a flat cash-back earn rate, a lucrative welcome bonus offer, no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card gets you access to the Capital One Travel portal where you can earn an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the portal. You can use those points to offset any purchases as a statement credit or check. Travel accident insurance is included with your card so you’ll be covered for a loss at no extra charge, just as long as the fare was purchased with this card.

It’s an inevitable fact that you’re going to be dining out when you travel overseas, so earning a large amount of cash back in that category is an added bonus. That’s exactly what you’ll get thanks to the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ).

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Just like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you use your points to offset any purchase as a statement credit otherwise you can choose to receive a check. You get access to Capital One Travel, where you can earn an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars that you booked through the travel portal. This card comes with travel accident insurance, which covers loss at no extra charge if the fare was purchased with this card.

If you’re a Bank of America customer, signing up for the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers a flat-rate points earning structure that you can manage all in one place from the Bank of America website. You’ll pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees when you use this card either.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Other benefits and drawbacks: As long as you keep this card in good standing, your points will not expire and since you can use your points to offset purchases on your statement, there are no blackout dates on any of your redemptions. Earn 25% to 75% more points when you enroll in Bank of America Preferred Rewards .

Not only can you earn points on your Walmart purchases at home when using the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® * , but you’ll earn a flat 2% cash back on dining and travel abroad as well. Don’t worry about paying anything extra while you are on your international trip as there are no foreign fees for this card.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery, 2% cash back on restaurants and travel, and at Walmart Stores, Walmart & Murphy USA fuel stations and 1% back everywhere else.

Welcome offer: Earn 5% cash back on purchases made in Walmart stores for the first 12 months of account opening when using the Capital One Walmart Rewards card with Walmart Pay.

Other benefits and drawbacks: For a no-annual-fee card, this option provides a solid cash-back earning potential for travelers—beware of the high APR if you’re not confident you won’t need to carry balances.

Hotels and rental cars can be a big expense when traveling. Using the Credit One Bank Wander® Card will allow you to earn bonus points for flights, hotels and rental cars. This is a strong option for those with average credit who are just building up or repairing their credit profile.

Rewards: Earn 10 points per dollar on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through the Credit One Bank travel partner, 5 points per dollar on eligible travel, dining and gas and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer:  This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Foreign transaction fees: N/A

Other benefits and drawbacks: The interest rate on this card may make it prohibitive for anyone who needs to carry balances month over month. Remember that any interest you pay will rapidly negate any rewards you earn.

If you’re building your credit or looking for an option that gives you rewards while establishing new credit, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) should be on your radar. A flat cash-back rate and no foreign transaction fees paired with the ease of use of the Capital One app allows you to get your credit journey started off right.

Other benefits and drawbacks : While many secured cards don’t offer any rewards, this option will net you 1.5% cash back on all of your purchases. As with most credit cards targeting customers with fair credit, the APR tends to be high and therefore it isn’t a great idea to carry balances.

Although this is a similar card to some of the other Capital One credit cards offered, the approval threshold is generally easier to overcome since the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) is a student credit card.

Rewards: Earn 10% cash back on purchases made with Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase.

Welcome offer: Earn $50 after spending $100 in the first three months.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Starting to build your credit history early on as a student can pay off later on in life. And, what better way than doing it with a card that allows you to earn 1.5% cash back and with no annual fee.

The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students offers a similar earning structure to the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card, but with a focus towards students. Expect your approval chances for this card to be improved.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases everywhere, every time with no expiration on points as long as your account remains open.

Other benefits and drawbacks: What’s better than a $0 annual fee card that doesn’t just help you start building your credit history, but also lets you earn rewards on every purchase? If we’re honest, probably a few things, but the BofA Travel Rewards Student card is nothing to shake a stick at. Even better—you can use your rewards to offset your international travel expenses.

While the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ) comes with a smaller cash bonus than its big brother, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, the earning potential leaves the competition in the dust. And, it comes with no annual fee as well.

Rewards: Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (which excludes superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.

Other benefits and drawbacks: While not specifically a travel related card, the cash back earned with can help you offset the cost of your international travel. It also offers travel accident insurance at no cost when your travel fare is charged to your card. You can redeem your rewards at online stores, PayPal and even apply them toward your statements to offset charges.

Methodology

Forbes compared dozens of options to find and rank the best cards for international travel. Factors considered include:

• Foreign transaction fees
• Annual fees
• Reward earning rates and redemption values
• Introductory APR offers on purchases and/or balance transfers
• Welcome bonuses
• Elite status benefits
• Other travel related benefits
• Travel protections like lost luggage or trip interruption
• Additional insurance or protection for rental cars

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on  How Forbes Advisor Rates Credit Cards .

Is a Debit Card or Credit Card Better for International Travel?

A credit card is considered the safer option, particularly when traveling abroad. Here’s why.

Your credit card offers protections not normally available with debit cards. Protections like travel cancellation or interruption, lost baggage, auto collision damage waiver and others are a fantastic set of ancillary benefits for you to take advantage of.

Additionally, generally come with zero liability and purchase protections that are directly designed to protect you against fraud. Should you have any issue with your credit card, the issuer will fight to recover its money back once you report any fraudulent activity. With a debit card, the onus is often on you to fight for your money once it’s gone from your account.

If you find yourself needing cash from an ATM, however, using a debit card will be the better option. Using a credit card at an ATM will result in a cash advance fee which can tack on up to an additional 5%. With a debit card, you’ll only be responsible for the fees your bank charges for using an ATM.

Pros and Cons of International Travel Credit Cards

• Foreign transaction fee waivers often come included
• Travel insurances such as baggage delay and trip interruption coverage
• Points or cash back earning worldwide
• Many offer international airport lounge access
• Many premium travel cards come with higher annual fees
• Some earning categories are U.S. specific
• Many require good credit to qualify

Things To Keep in Mind When Using a Credit Card Overseas

If there is one crucial thing you need to know when traveling internationally and using your credit card, it is that while your credit card may not charge you a foreign transaction fee, you may still incur other fees when running charges on your credit card while abroad.

Banks charge what is known as a dynamic currency conversion fee , but there is one very easy way to avoid paying it. When using your credit card to pay for purchases abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency.

Another important piece of information: As a best practice, first check with your bank and confirm whether it requires you to set up a travel notification. Not every bank does, but for those that do, you will want to proactively notify the institution of your travel plans to avoid having your credit card blocked while out of the country.

While using your credit card to maximize the amount of points you earn is an excellent plan, keep in mind that not every place outside of the U.S. accepts all credit cards. Bring some backup credit cards along, if possible, as well as a little foreign cash.

How To Choose a Travel Credit Card for International Travel

The key to choosing a travel credit card for your international travels is to figure out which one will get you the best value. If you have the chance to run most of your travel through one airline or hotel chain, getting a co-branded credit card may be the perfect choice for you. However, if your travel patterns require a bit more flexibility and you are happy to leverage transfer partners, then a flexible rewards credit card is the way to go. If you’re just starting to build your credit or are in school, there are a few options that are still rewarding.

Here are a factors to consider when selecting the best international travel credit card for you:

Think about whether the card earns any kind of rewards and whether there are any bonus categories. If you normally do not spend money on those categories, then perhaps that is not the right card for you.

Foreign Transaction Fee

Even if a rewards credit card offers fantastic earnings potential, it likely won’t make sense to use it for making purchases abroad if it carries a foreign transaction fee. For this reason, you’ll want to look for cards that offer the best combination of no foreign fees and strong earnings rates.

Annual fees for premium travel cards can be steep, but these credit cards also tend to come loaded with benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits and fee credits for trusted traveler programs. If you don’t think these types of benefits would be of value to you, though, opt for travel credit cards that charge lower annual fees or none at all.

A generous welcome bonus can help you choose one card over another one when they offer similar benefits. But make sure to go after the higher bonuses only if you can meet the minimum spending requirement without overextending your budget.

You’ll also want to have a use for those points in mind. Otherwise, you may end up choosing the wrong card and be stuck with points you have no use for.

How to Maximize Card Benefits for International Travel

No travel credit card is likely to pack absolutely every benefit you would like. Having more than one card opens the door to collecting more of those benefits and squeezing the most value out of your credit cards.

Some cards get you access to lounges, others offer some travel credits when using their booking portal and others allow you to earn high earnings rates on everyday purchases. It’s unlikely that one card will offer all of these features, but using two or more cards in tandem may allow you to hit everything you want.

Having said that, keep in mind that having multiple credit cards potentially means paying multiple hefty annual fees as well. Before you apply for another credit card, make sure that you can make its additional benefits work for you often enough to outweigh any extra cost.

Find the Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024

Find the best travel credit card for your travel needs.

Bottom Line

The optimal credit card for international travel should at the very least incur no foreign transaction fees, but ideally it will come with the ability to earn rewards along with travel protections. Fortunately, there’s an entire market geared for travelers of all levels. And, we’ve compiled them and simplified a list just for you.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best credit cards for international travel.

There is no such thing as “the” best credit card for international travel. But you can shop around for the best credit card for international travel for you, based on your travel patterns, spending habits and your specific wants and needs. At a minimum, you would want your credit card not to incur any foreign transaction fee when used abroad which could save you money on every transaction.

How to alert credit cards about international travel?

Each bank has different ways of setting up a travel notification to prevent your card from being blocked when used abroad. For many banks, all you have to do is call the number on the back of your credit card and talk to a representative to let them know what countries you will be visiting and the dates you will be abroad. Other banks allow you to set these travel notifications on their online banking, and there are some banks that don’t even require you to let them know.

Which international travel credit cards have sign up bonuses?

Many credit cards for international travel come with welcome bonuses and several of them are significantly large. However, don’t allow yourself to be enticed by the largest bonuses without first considering whether you will be able to take advantage of those points for your future travels.

Which transfer partners are best for credit cards with international travel?

The best transfer partners on your international travel credit card will be those you can take advantage of on your future travels abroad. Examples of major airlines that fly to many international destinations include American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Airlines while domestic carriers such as Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways offer few international routes.

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*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.

International Students: How to Maintain Visa Status

Once at a U.S. university, international students should take steps to maintain their F-1 or J-1 visa status.

How to Maintain Student Visa Status

Getty Images

It's important that international students adhere to local laws and university rules.

Key Takeaways:

• Careful planning is needed to maintain student visa status.
• Students must be aware of local laws, college rules and travel requirements.
• International student services offices provide critical support for visa holders.

For international students, the decision to attend a U.S. university takes careful planning and preparation, including the steps required to obtain a student visa . But understanding what is required after receiving a student visa is also crucial to ensure uninterrupted study.

"It’s good to have an overall, general understanding of the visa process. When students arrive on campus, there is going to be a lot of information given to them. It can get overwhelming to absorb all this information in such a short period of time," says Adam Wu, former director of international admissions at the University of La Verne in California and current associate director of international school partnerships at Match, a reverse admissions platform.

Here are some things prospective international students should be aware of and plan to do to maintain visa status once at a U.S. university.

Keep a Full-Time Credit Load

Experts recommend that students on an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa plan to take a full course of study.

"Each institution determines minimum full-time enrollment requirements. This is what is also known as a full course load requirement for international students," says Roopa Rawjee, executive director for international engagement at  Illinois State University .

For example, F-1 and J-1 undergraduate students must take at least 12 credits each quarter and graduate students must take at least 10 credits each quarter to maintain full-time status at the  University of Washington , according to the school's website.

There are situations where F-1 students may drop below a full course load, such as due to serious illness or academic difficulties, but experts suggest students first notify their international student services (ISS) office. Students may also drop below a full course load if they are part-time commuter students attending school 75 miles from the U.S. border, per government regulations .

Experts recommend getting authorization first from a school’s ISS office to ensure their status is unaffected and doesn’t cause any issues within the SEVIS system. SEVIS refers to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is used by the U.S. government to maintain information on international students.

Don't Violate U.S. Laws or University Codes of Student Conduct

Experts say international students must adhere to local laws and university rules.

"International students are held to the same expectations as all university students when it comes to following the institution's code of conduct as well as state and federal laws," Rawjee says.

Experts say students may be in violation of their visa status if they violate the school’s code of conduct. 

“If a student is expelled from the university or otherwise unable to enroll in classes, the student would not be eligible to maintain F-1 status. We would terminate the SEVIS record and the student would need to depart the U.S. while the conduct issue is resolved,” says Uttiyo Raychaudhuri, vice provost for internationalization at the  University of Denver  in Colorado.

Wu says the consequences for violations may vary, "but the most severe infractions can result in university expulsion, which puts an international student's legal status in the U.S. in jeopardy."

Understand Travel Requirements  

International students planning to travel inside the U.S. should prepare to let friends and family know of their travel plans, Wu says, and have copies of reservations handy.

"Students should carry copies of their immigration documents such as the I-20 and passport with them," he says. Form I-20 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, an important form used throughout an international student's studies in the U.S.

Wu suggests students have a photo of these documents on their mobile phone and leave a copy with a friend in case they need someone at home to get the original documents while traveling.

International Students: Beware of Scams

Anayat Durrani July 14, 2021

International students who plan to travel outside the U.S. and then return to resume their studies must obtain a travel signature on their I-20 if they're on the F-1 visa, or Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, if they're on the J-1 visa, Rawjee says.

Wu says students shouldn't forget to get their travel authorizations signed. "I have lost count of the number of panicked phone calls I've received from students the evening before they are set to travel internationally," he says.

There’s another critical requirement for students to remember. Michelle Streeter-Ferrari, director of the international education center at  Wright State University  in Ohio says “they need to be in status to be able to return.”

Keep Your Passport Valid and U.S. Address Current

While studying at a U.S. university, international students must make sure their passport hasn't expired and keep their contact information current.

"They should make sure that their passport is valid for a minimum of six months at all times," Rawjee says.

And when moving to a new residence, students are required to notify their school of any change of address.

Students with a J-1 visa have to report to the sponsor or sponsor designee within 10 calendar days of any changes to their current U.S. address or legal name, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS.

F-1 students must complete a Form AR-11, Alien's Change of Address Card, notifying USCIS of any address changes within 10 days.

Some universities also require international students to report any change in contact information (such as a new email address or phone number) to the school's ISS office within 10 days.

Be Aware of the Grace Period After Graduation

When international students complete their studies, they should be mindful of the number of days they can remain in the U.S.

"The federal regulations allow a grace period of 30 days for J-1 students and 60 days for F-1 students. This grace period is earned after successful completion of the program of study," Rawjee says.

F-1 students can extend this period by taking part in post-completion optional practical training , or OPT. This program allows eligible students on an F-1 visa to work full or part time for up to 12 months before or after graduation. Post-graduation OPT is the more popular option, which authorizes students to stay in the U.S. until 60 days after their employment ends, according to USCIS.

F-1 students who obtain certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees can apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, per USCIS. Students can participate in postgraduate practical training only if they apply by the appropriate deadline and their application is accepted by USCIS, experts say.

"As some rules and regulations do require some amount of lead time, it's important that students make their plans with ample time to prepare," Wu says. "Unfortunately, the excuse of 'I didn't know' or 'Nobody told me' does not always go over well with immigration authorities." 

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International travel isn't just back — it's much stronger than it was before the pandemic: Visa

Posted: June 26, 2024 | Last updated: June 26, 2024

Prateek Sanghi, senior vice president and head of Visa's consulting and analytics business in Asia-Pacific, names the destinations in the region that are leading the recovery.

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In a recent statement, NIA representatives acknowledged that this is a large and complex infrastructure project, and the next critical weeks of construction activities will be crucial in determining the final timeline. While the a … Read more

In a recent statement, NIA representatives acknowledged that this is a large and complex infrastructure project, and the next critical weeks of construction activities will be crucial in determining the final timeline. While the airport authority did not specify the exact reasons for the delay, sources familiar with the project suggest that challenges in procuring certain raw materials amid global supply chain disruptions may be a contributing factor. Read less

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Update on Change to U.S. Travel Policy Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for nonimmigrant travel

Worldwide Visa Operations: Update

Employment-Based Fourth Preference (EB-4) Announcement

Suspension of Visa Services in Sudan

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Easing the Nonimmigrant Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates

On June 18, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced actions to more efficiently facilitate employment-based nonimmigrant visas for those who have graduated from college in the United States and have a job offer.

This initiative will allow certain individuals to more quickly receive nonimmigrant work visas if they are deemed eligible. 

As part of this initiative, the Department will clarify existing guidance to consular officers related to when they should consider recommending that DHS grant a waiver of ineligibility, where applicable. 

Q: What will these process clarifications mean for current NIV ineligibility waiver processing steps?

These clarifications will describe when consular officers should consider recommending that the Department of Homeland Security waive ineligibility for these applicants on an expedited basis, in conjunction with visa applications overseas.  However, the processing steps will remain the same. 

Waiver requests are adjudicated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office. 

For additional information related to visa ineligibility waivers, please visit our website: Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws (state.gov) .

Q: How can an individual apply for a petition-based nonimmigrant work visa?

Before an applicant can apply for an H-1B or other temporary worker visa, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must generally first approve a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129 .  For more information about the petition process, see Working in the U.S. and Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers on the USCIS website.  Once USCIS approves the petition, it will send the prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797.  

Individuals may apply for a nonimmigrant visa after USCIS has approved the petition. There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how applicants complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where they apply. Please visit the embassy or consulate website for instructions on how to apply.

Individuals will need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and schedule an appointment for their visa interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Q: If an applicant needs a visa ineligibility waiver, how can they request one as part of a standard interview? 

Applicants who are denied a visa will generally be notified by the consular officer of the basis for the ineligibility, and whether they are eligible for a waiver of their ineligibility.  

If an applicant is ineligible for a visa based on certain grounds of inadmissibility in Section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, they may be eligible for a waiver.

Waiver requests are adjudicated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Admissibility Review Office, based on a recommendation from the Department of State. 

For additional information related to visa ineligibility waivers, please visit our website: Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws (state.gov)

For questions related to waiver approvals, we refer you to the Department of Homeland Security. 

Q:  How long are current interview appointment wait times for employment-based nonimmigrant visas at overseas posts?

Currently, interview wait times for H-1B visas are minimal at most of our overseas posts.

Please visit our website to check the current interview appointment wait times for employment-based visas at our overseas posts: U.S. Visas (state.gov)

Q: How will forthcoming edits to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) clarify existing guidance to consular officers?

Upcoming FAM updates will clarify when consular officers should recommend that DHS grant a waiver of the applicant’s ineligibility, consistent with the waiver process that is already available under existing law to individuals seeking nonimmigrant visas, and consistent with Department regulations that describe the types of cases in which consular officers should consider recommending a waiver of ineligibility.  It is not conferring any new benefits and is not limited to DACA recipients.

These updates will also encourage consular officers to consider recommending expedited review of waiver requests in conjunction with certain nonimmigrant visa applications overseas, consistent with existing Department regulations and guidance.

This will result in certain individuals to potentially more quickly receive work visas if DHS approves a waiver of ineligibility.   

While leaving the United States to apply for a visa is not without risks, this policy will clarify when consular officers should consider recommending waivers, so that individuals and employers can make informed decisions and streamline the process so that those who qualify can get to work quickly.  

Q:  When will the guidance be issued?

Updated guidance for consular officers will be issued within the next 30 days.

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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