While U.S. passport holders can visit 186 countries either without a visa or by obtaining one upon arrival, there are still some destinations where you’ll need to go the extra mile. Visa requirements differ for each country, depending on agreements, security, and tourism rules. Let’s take a look at the 13 places that require this important extra document to let you roam those beautiful destinations freely.
Australia
U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to visit. This allows them to stay for up to 90 days for fun or business. The ETA is good for one year, and they can enter Australia many times during that year. It’s linked to their passport.
Brazil
From April 10, 2025, U.S. travelers will need a visa to visit Brazil. Make sure your passport is valid when you arrive and has one empty page for the entry stamp. No shots are required, but check the health advisory before your trip. If you bring over 10,000 BR, you are required to report it to Customs.
China
The most common one is the Tourist Visa, which lets you see places like the Great Wall. To get the visa, you need a U.S. passport that is still valid for at least six more months. The visa allows you to visit China many times, and each visit can last 30 to 90 days.
Egypt
If you want to visit Egypt, your passport must be valid for at least six months and have one blank page. You will need a tourist visa to go. You can bring in or take out less than $10,000. For short visits, eVisa can be obtained. This can also be used for tourism, business, and medical purposes up to 90 days.
Bolivia
To visit Bolivia, U.S. citizens need a visa. You can get this visa at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. or buy it when you arrive in Bolivia. The visa lets you stay for 30 days per visit and up to 90 days a year, and it costs $160 USD.
India
There are different types of visas for India: the e-Tourist Visa for sightseeing, the e-Business Visa for work, and the e-Medical Visa for medical treatment. To apply, fill out an online form, submit your passport and a current photo, and pay the visa fee. Regular processing usually takes 4 days.
Indonesia
U.S. travelers can stay in Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days for some reason. You need an eVisa (eVoA) for longer stays or other reasons. In such instances, fill out the online form, pay the fee, and get your eVisa by email. Print it out and bring it with your passport.
Kenya
Remember to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you go. This is a new requirement instead of a visa. To get your ETA, just fill out the online form, check your details, and pay the fee. You’ll get your ETA by email, so print it out and take it with your passport when you travel.
Myanmar
To visit Myanmar, U.S. citizens need an eVisa. Simply fill out an online form and pay the fee. You’ll receive your visa by email. Make sure to enter through Yangon, Mandalay, or Nay Pyi Taw airports. Apply early to avoid delays and ensure a smooth trip.
New Zealand
Americans need an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to visit New Zealand. This permit is good for two years and can take up to three days to get. Even if you only stop at Auckland Airport on your way to another place, you need this permit.
Qatar
For tourism, you can get a Visa Waiver or Hayya Card when you arrive at the airport—no need to apply ahead of time. For business or other reasons, get a visa from the Qatar embassy before you go. There are no COVID-19 tests or quarantine rules currently.
Sri Lanka
To visit this country, you don’t have to go to the embassy; you can get this ETA online through iVisa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. Fill out an easy online form and pick how fast you want the ETA: Standard (1 day, $55), Rush (3 hours, $85), or Super Rush (30 minutes).
Vietnam
To make it easy, apply online for a Visa Approval Letter before you travel. When you get to Vietnam, show your approval letter, passport, and photo, and pay the visa fee to get your visa. Your passport should be valid for six months after you arrive.
