Visa requirements for United States citizens

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Visa requirements for United States citizens are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states that are imposed on citizens of the United States. As of 2026, holders of a United States passport may travel to 179 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival. The United States passport ranks[Note 1] 10th in terms of travel freedom, according to the Henley Passport Index.[1] It is also ranked 8th by the Global Passport Power Rank.[2]

Visa requirements map

Visa requirements for United States citizens holding ordinary passports
  United States and its territories
  Freedom of Movement
  Visa not required / ETA[Note 2]
  Visa available both on arrival or online
  Visa on arrival
  eVisa
  Visa required
  Travel restricted (either by local law or US regulations) or admission refused

Visa requirements

General visa requirements of sovereign countries towards United States citizens:

More information Country / Region, Allowed stay ...
Country / Region Visa requirement Allowed stay Notes (excluding departure fees) Reciprocity
Afghanistan eVisa[3][4][5][6] 30 days No
Albania Visa not required[12] 1 year
  • One must leave for 90 days to reset the visa-free period.
 No
Algeria Visa required[13]
  • Application for a tourist visa to Algeria must be accompanied by a certificate of accommodation.[citation needed]
  • Persons may be denied entry if entering with a passport containing visas or stamps issued by Israel.[citation needed][14]
  • Application for a tourist visa to Algeria must be accompanied either by a certificate of accommodation.
  • Persons may be denied entry if entering with a passport containing visas or stamps issued by Israel.
  • Visitors on tours organized to some southern regions by an approved travel agency may obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days.[15][16]
 Yes
Andorra Visa not required[17] 3 months[18][19] Yes
Angola Visa not required[20][21] 30 days
  • 30 days per trip, but no more than 90 days within any 1 calendar year for tourism purposes only.[22]
  • Visitors must have a return/onward ticket and a hotel reservation confirmation.[23]
  • An International Certificate of Vaccination is required.
 No
Antigua and Barbuda Visa not required[24] 6 months[25]
  • Stringent application of rules regarding proof of sufficient funds, return ticket and accommodation.[citation needed]
 No
Argentina Visa not required[26] 90 days
  • Extendable up to 180 days.
  • Argentina requires a mandatory travellers to have a health insurance prior to the arrival as July 2025.[27]
 No
Armenia Visa not required[28][29] 180 days No
Australia Electronic Travel Authority[30][31] 90 days
  • eTA fee is AUD$20[32]
  • 90 days on each visit in 12-month period if granted.
  • May enter using SmartGate.[33]
 Yes
Austria Visa not required[34] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
  • Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for stays of longer than 90 days obtainable after arrival under certain conditions.[citation needed]
 Yes
Azerbaijan eVisa[35][36] 30 days
  • Visitors departing from New York can obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival in Baku, however no airline currently operates this route. Visa can be obtained on arrival in certain emergency situations.[37]
  • If staying in Azerbaijan for more than ten days, visitors must register at the State Migration Service within three days of arrival.[38][39]
  • Applicants of Armenian ancestry or with Armenian visas in their passport may be denied a visa.[40]
  • Travellers with a visa or evidence of travel to the now-defunct Republic of Artsakh (stamps) are permanently denied entry.[41]
 No
The Bahamas Visa not required[42][43] 8 months
  • Passport card or enhanced drivers license valid for sea travel.[citation needed]
 No
Bahrain eVisa / Visa on arrival[44][45] 14 days[46] No
Bangladesh Visa on arrival[47][48] 30 days[49]
  • Visa on arrival is available at Dhaka, Chittagong, and Sylhet international airports, pre arrival visa required if arriving by sea or by land border crossing.[citation needed]
  • No visa required for Bangladeshi Americans and their spouse and children with a copy of a former Bangladeshi passport, a Dual Nationality Certificate, NVR, a Bangladeshi NID, or a digital birth registration certificate.[50]
  • The VOA fee is 50 USD, excluding processing fees.[51]
 No
Barbados Visa not required[52][53] 6 months[54] No
Belarus eVisa[55][56][57] 30 days
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Belarus due to the Belarusian authorities’ arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the risk of detention, the continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the potential of civil unrest, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus. U.S. citizens in Belarus are advised to depart immediately.[58]
 No
Belgium Visa not required[59] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area[60]
  • Residence permit (Titre de séjour/Verblijfstitel/Aufenthaltstitel) obtainable after arrival for stays longer than 90 days under certain conditions.[citation needed]
 Yes
Belize Visa not required[61] 180 days[62]
  • Mandatory Car Disinfection at border. If one fails to do so, they will be sent back to go through this procedure. A fee does apply.[63]
 No
Benin eVisa[64][65] 30 days
  • International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis required.[66]
  • Three types of electronic visa are offered: the e-Visa valid for 30 days for a single entry (50 EUR), the e-Visa valid for 30 days for several (multiple) entries (75 EUR), and the e-Visa valid for 90 days to make several (multiple) entries (100 EUR).[67]
 No
Bhutan eVisa[68][69] 90 days
  • The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of 200 USD per person, per night for almost all visitors to Bhutan. Additionally, if payment is made in US dollars from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2027, the SDF is 100 USD.[70]
  • Tour guide required for all travelers except in city of Thimpu and Paro. Even in these cities, tourists are not permitted to enter any tourist attraction without a guide. They are only allowed to walk and shop around these cities without a guide.[citation needed]
 No
Bolivia Visa not required[71][72] 90 days No
Bosnia and Herzegovina Visa not required[73][74] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 6-month period.
 No
Botswana Visa not required[75][76] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 1-year period.[77]
 No
Brazil eVisa[78][79] 90 days
  • Brazilian authorities have announced that United States citizens will require a visa beginning April 10, 2025. United States citizens will be able to obtain visas online.[80]
 No
Brunei Visa not required[81][82] 90 days Yes
Bulgaria Visa not required[83][84] 90 days No
Burkina Faso Admission refused[86][87] Yes
Burundi Online Visa / Visa on arrival[92][93] 1 month No
Cambodia eVisa / Visa on arrival[95][96][97][98] 30 days
  • Visa is also obtainable online.
 No
Cameroon eVisa[99][100][101] No
Canada Visa not required[103][104] 6 months
  • Anyone with a criminal record (including misdemeanors or alcohol-related driving offenses in the US) may not be able to enter Canada without first obtaining an approval for rehabilitation[105] or a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).[106]
  • Passport Card, NEXUS card, or enhanced drivers license valid for land and sea travel.[107]
  • United States citizens and permanent residents are exempt from obtaining Canada ETA.[107]
 Yes
Cape Verde Visa not required (EASE)[108] 30 days
  • Must register online at least five days prior to arrival.[109]
  • Visitors must pay the Airport Security Fee (TSA) before visiting. The cost is 3,400 CVE (approx. 31EUR) and can be paid via the online platform (EASE).
 No
Central African Republic Visa required[110][111] Yes
Chad Visa Issuance Suspended[114][115][116]
  • On June 5, 2025, Chad suspended visa issuances to U.S. citizens in response to Donald Trump's travel ban; visas issued on or prior to June 5, 2025 will still be honored until their expiration.[116]
  • Dual-citizens of Chad can still travel to Chad but can only travel with a valid Chad passport.
  • Passengers with an entry authorisation issued by the authorities of Chad can obtain a visa on arrival.
  • International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis required only if arriving from a high risk country as defined by the WHO.[117]
  • Registration within 72 hours is mandatory prior to arrival.[118]
 Yes
Chile Visa not required[119] 90 days[120][121] Yes
China

Visa required[122]

This entry is about formal laws. Wikivoyage logo A China visa travel guide from Wikivoyage is available for more practical guidance.

  • 24-hour visa-free transit to a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), is available at most international airports, without leaving the airport.[125]
    • Travellers who need to leave the airport may obtain a temporary entry permit from immigration.[125]
  • May apply for a port visa (Visa on Arrival) if travelling for an urgent, qualified reason. Prior clearance for port visa is highly recommended or may be denied boarding by airlines.[127]
  • Visas for U.S. citizens are valid for up to 10 years.
  • U.S. citizens arriving via cruise ports as part of tour groups are visa exempt for stays of up to 15 days.[citation needed]
 Yes
Colombia Visa not required[128][129] 90 days
  • Extendable up to 180-days stay within a one-year period[130]
  • Colombian-born U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens traveling with children may face special exit requirements.[citation needed]
 No
Comoros Visa on arrival[131][132] 45 days No
Republic of the Congo Visa required[133] Yes
Democratic Republic of the Congo eVisa[134][135] 7 days No
Costa Rica Visa not required[136][137] 90 days
  • 90 Days out of any 12-month period.
 No
Côte d'Ivoire eVisa[138][139] 3 months No
Croatia Visa not required[141][142] 90 days Yes
Cuba eVisa[144][145] 90 days
  • Tourist travel is prohibited under U.S. law for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and others subject to U.S. jurisdiction.[146] Under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, all persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are not permitted to travel to Cuba unless licensed to engage in travel-related transactions. In addition to specific licenses granted by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), there are 12 "general licenses" that people can choose to travel on without being required to notify OFAC,[note 1] and the broad and self-reported nature of these licenses means travel is in practice subject to few restrictions.[150][151]
  • Cuba requires travelers to purchase a tourist card prior to arrival, which can be obtained from the airline or a Cuban diplomatic mission. Tourist cards are valid for one entry and a 30-day stay, which can be extended once by 90 days at a hotel or immigration office in Cuba.[152][151]
  • Cuba requires travelers to have health insurance valid in Cuba, which can be purchased from the airline.[146]
 No
Cyprus Visa not required[153][154] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period.[155]
 No
Czech Republic Visa not required[156] 90 days Yes
Denmark Visa not required[158] 90 days
  • U.S. citizens can enter Denmark for up to 90 days out of any 180 day period, regardless of time spent in other Schengen countries prior to entry into Denmark.[159]
 Yes
Djibouti eVisa[160][161] 90 days No
Dominica Visa not required[162][163] 6 months No
Dominican Republic Visa not required[164][165] 30 days No
Ecuador Visa not required[166] 90 days
  • Extendable for another 90 days, per year[167]
 No
Egypt eVisa / Visa on arrival[168][169] 30 days No
El Salvador Visa not required[171][172] 180 days No
Equatorial Guinea eVisa[175][176] No
Eritrea Visa required[178] Yes
Estonia Visa not required[179] 90 days Yes
Eswatini Visa not required[181] 30 days
  • Extendable up to 60 days.[182]
 No
Ethiopia eVisa / Visa on arrival[183][184] 90 days No
Fiji Visa not required[187] 4 months[188] No
Finland Visa not required[189][190] 90 days Yes
France Visa not required[192][193] 90 days Yes
Gabon Visa Issuance Suspended [198][199] 90 days Yes
Gambia Visa on arrival[202][203] 30 days No
Georgia Visa not required[204] 1 year No
Germany Visa not required[205] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area[206]
  • Residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for stays of longer than 90 days obtainable after arrival under certain conditions.[citation needed]
  • Germany requires that all passports be signed.[citation needed]
 Yes
Ghana eVisa[207][208][209] Yes
Greece Visa not required[211][212] 90 days Yes
Grenada Visa not required[214][215] 3 months No
Guatemala Visa not required[216][217] 90 days No
Guinea eVisa[218][219] 90 days No
Guinea-Bissau Visa on arrival[221] 90 days No
Guyana Visa not required[222] 30 days No
Haiti Visa not required[223][224] 3 months No
Honduras Visa not required[228] 3 months No
Hungary Visa not required[229][230] 90 days Yes
Iceland Visa not required[232] 90 days Yes
India eVisa[234][235] 30 days
  • e-Visa holders must arrive via 32 designated airports[Note 3] or 5 designated seaports.[Note 4][236]
  • An Indian e-Tourist Visa may only be obtained twice within 1 calendar year.[237]
  • Foreigners of Pakistani origin or who hold a Pakistani Passport are not eligible for an e-Visa. Foreigners who are not Pakistani nationals, but whose parents or grandparents (either paternal or maternal) were born in, or were permanent residents in Pakistan, are also not eligible for an e-Visa.[238]
  • American citizens are also eligible for a ten-year, multiple-entry tourist visa.[239]
  • American citizens of Pakistani heritage are not eligible for an eVisa nor are they eligible for a ten-year, multiple-entry tourist visa, and must apply for a regular visa.[citation needed]
 No
Indonesia e-VOA / Visa on arrival[240] 30 days[241]
  • Can be bought for IDR 500.000 (approx. US$35).
 No
Iran Visa required[242][243]
  • Iranian visas must be obtained from the Iranian Interests section of the Embassy of Pakistan, Washington, D.C. or an Iranian embassy in a third country.[citation needed]
  • Independent travelers must be accompanied by an authorized guide at all times.[citation needed]
  • Admission refused if passport contains stamps or visas issued by Israel.[citation needed]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Iran due to the risk of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention.[244]
 Yes
Iraq eVisa[245][246] 30 days
  • Authorities in Iraq have decided to remove the visa-on-arrival requirement for nationals of the European Union and several other countries, requiring them to now apply for an e-visa to enter Iraq through the official platform.[247][248]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Iraq for any reason due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government’s limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq.[249]
 No
Ireland Visa not required[250][251][252] 3 months
  • Residence permit for stays of longer than 90 days obtainable after arrival under certain conditions.[citation needed]
 Yes
Israel Electronic Travel Authorization[253][254] 90 days
  • ETA-IL fee is 25 NIS[255]
  • 90 days on each visit in 2-year period if granted.
  • Dual nationals of Israel and the United States who don't have an Israeli passport, including infants, may be required to obtain an Israeli passport in order to leave Israel.[256]
  • Entry prohibited for any person "who knowingly issues a public call for boycotting Israel".[257]
 Yes
Italy Visa not required[258] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area[259]
  • A bilateral agreement pre-dating the Schengen area may allow 90 days of stay in Italy regardless of days spent in other Schengen countries.[197]
 Yes
Jamaica Visa not required[260] 6 months
  • Departure tax collected by airline for all arrivals by air.[261]
 No
Japan Visa not required[262] 90 days
  • Persons who have been sentenced to 1 year or more of jail are not eligible for visa free travel to Japan. United States citizens are also eligible for a Japanese eVisa.[263]
 Yes
Jordan eVisa / Visa on arrival[264][265] No
Kazakhstan Visa not required[268] 30 days
  • Visa free was granted in 2014 under the unilateral visa waiver for countries with high investment in the Kazakhstan economy.[citation needed]
 No
Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation[269][270][271] 90 days
  • Applications can be submitted up to 90 days prior to travel and must be submitted at least 3 days in advance.
  • eTA fee is 32.50 USD.
  • Proof of reservation at the hotel where visitors plan to stay is required (if staying with friends, an invitation letter is also acceptable).
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from endemic countries.
 No
Kiribati Visa not required[272][273] 90 days No
North Korea Travel restricted by U.S. government[274][275][276][277]/Admission refused for U.S. citizens with foreign nationality[278]
  • U.S. passports holders must obtain a special passport validation from the U.S. federal government before travel. Such validations are only ever issued if travel is in the interests of US national security.[277]
  • United States citizens require a visa when traveling to North Korea; as there is no North Korean diplomatic mission in the United States, US citizens must obtain a visa from a diplomatic mission in a third country.[citation needed]
  • U.S. secretary of state Rex Tillerson authorized a ban on American travel to North Korea that went into effect in August 2017, following the death of Otto Warmbier, a US student who was detained in North Korea and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster.[citation needed]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit North Korea for any reason due to the continuing serious risk of arrest, long-term detention, and the threat of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals.[279]
 Yes
South Korea Visa not required[280][281] 90 days
  • From September 2021, travelers require the Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA). The validity period is 3 years from the date of approval.[282][283]
  • The government of the Republic of Korea announced that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2026, a K-ETA is not required for 27 countries citizens visiting Korea for 90 days or less for business or tourism.[284][285]
 Yes
Kuwait eVisa / Visa on arrival[286][287] 3 months No
Kyrgyzstan Visa not required[289] 30 days
  • 30 days within any 60-day period.
 No
Laos eVisa / Visa on arrival[290][291] 30 days No
Latvia Visa not required[293] 180 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.[294]
  • A bilateral agreement pre-dating the Schengen area allows an additional 90 days of stay in Latvia (to a total of 180) regardless of days spent in other Schengen countries.[citation needed]
 Yes
Lebanon Free visa on arrival[295] 30 days
  • Extendable for 2 additional months.[citation needed]
  • Visa waiver granted if there is no Israeli visa or seal and traveler has a telephone number, an address in Lebanon, and a non refundable return or circle trip ticket.[citation needed]
  • Pagers and handheld radios prohibited from boarding flights in Lebanon to protect aviation safety.[citation needed]
  • The US government advises its citizens not to visit Lebanon due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, unexploded landmines, and the risk of armed conflict.[296]
 No
Lesotho Visa not required[297] 14 days
  • Extendable up to 180 days.[298]
 No
Liberia Visa required[299]
  • All persons entering Liberia are required to have a valid Certificate of Immunization (Yellow Book).[300]
  • 3-year Multiple Entry Visa is the only option.[301]
 Yes
Libya eVisa[302][303] 30 days
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Libya due to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict. U.S. citizens who are in Libya are urged to depart as soon as possible via commercial means if possible.[304]
  • Independent travel is not permitted, and visitors must organize their visit through a tour guide. A tourist police escort is required at all times.[305]
  • An eVisa will not be granted without a sponsor or tour agency.[306]
  • A security letter issued by the Libyan Immigration Authorities may also be required.[307]
  • Holders of passports containing an Israeli stamp or visa will be refused entry in Libya.
 No
Liechtenstein Visa not required[308] 90 days Yes
Lithuania Visa not required[310][311] 90 days Yes
Luxembourg Visa not required[313][314] 90 days Yes
Madagascar eVisa / Visa on arrival[316][317] 90 days
  • For stays of 61 to 90 days, the visa fee is 59 USD.
 No
Malawi eVisa / Visa on arrival[318][319][320] 30 days No
Malaysia Visa not required[321][322] 3 months
  • Immigration offenses, such as visa overstaying, are punishable by caning.[323]
 No
Maldives Free visa on arrival[324][325] 30 days No
Mali Admission refused[326][327] Yes
Malta Visa not required[331][332] 90 days Yes
Marshall Islands Freedom of Movement[334] Unlimited
  • Section 112 of the Immigration Act 2006 provides that a person who is not a citizen of the Republic may enter only if they hold a visa or are exempt from the requirement to hold a visa.[334]
  • Section 113 of the Immigration Act 2006 exempts citizens of the United States, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia from the requirement to hold a visa to enter the Republic.[334]
  • Exempt persons remain subject to immigration clearance procedures upon arrival and departure and may be refused entry if ineligible for an entry permit under section 114.[334]
 Yes
Mauritania eVisa[335][336] 30 days No
Mauritius Visa not required[337] 90 days[338] No
Mexico Visa not required[339] 180 days
  • Visitors must obtain a Multiple Immigration Form. There is no charge for a tourist FMM for stays of less than 7 days when entering by land. For visitors staying more than 7 days and entering by land, it will cost 687 Mexican pesos or around US$40. The FMM is required for all visitors entering via air, regardless of length of stay, and the cost is included in the traveler's airfare and remitted by the airline.[340]
  • Passport card or enhanced drivers license is valid for land and sea travel.[citation needed]
  • Exit stamp required if one entered using paper FMM (All land POEs)[citation needed]
  • A person is in Mexico illegally if they did not get a FMM at the border (even if using the 7 day FMM fee exemption via land) or eFMM[citation needed]
  • Mandatory car disinfection at Mexico's southern borders (Guatemala and Belize)[citation needed]
 No
Federated States of Micronesia Freedom of Movement[341] Unlimited
  • Under Part 8 of the Federated States of Micronesia Immigration Regulations, a U.S. citizen entering the FSM to visit or remain is not required to obtain an entry permit, but must complete Form 5004 upon arrival.[341]
  • U.S. citizens entering the FSM have the right to reside, work and do business in the FSM without additional immigration-related documents or procedures, and are not required to register their presence in the FSM.[341]
 Yes
Moldova Visa not required[342][343] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period.[343]
  • If entering Moldova through Transnistria, visitors should register their arrival with Moldovan authorities within three days.[343]
 No
Monaco Visa not required[344][345] 90 days Yes
Mongolia Visa not required[346] 90 days
  • Registration required after 30 days.[347]
 No
Montenegro Visa not required[348] 90 days
  • Registration with the local police within 24 hours of arrival is mandatory.[349]
 No
Morocco Visa not required[350] 3 months[351] No
Mozambique Electronic Travel Authorization[352][353] 30 days
  • Visitors must register their ETA on the e-Visa platform at least 48 hours before travel and pay a processing fee of 48 USD.
 No
Myanmar eVisa[354][355] 28 days No
Namibia eVisa / Visa on arrival[357][358] 3 months[359]
  • Beginning April 1st, 2025, US citizens will have to obtain a visa for Namibia. US citizens will be issued with visas on arrival upon payment of a designated fee.[360]
  • Can be obtained online or on arrival for a fee of N$1,600 (approximately €82 / US$88).[361]
 No
Nauru Visa required[362]
  • Visas are issued with validity of 30 days.[363]
  • Visa can be obtained in the Nauruan Press Office at the United Nations.[citation needed]
 Yes
  Nepal Online Visa / Visa on arrival[364] 90 days[365] No
Netherlands Visa not required[367] 90 days Yes
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority[370] 3 months[371][372]
  • eTA fee is NZD$17 requested via mobile app or NZD$23 requested via online plus an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD$100 must be paid. IVL not required for American Samoan citizens.[373][374]
  • 3 months on each visit in 2-year period if granted.
  • May enter using eGate.[375]
  • Holders of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa may be granted a New Zealand Resident Visa on arrival permitting indefinite stay (pursuant to the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement).
  • Strict enforcement of food import laws, fines of NZD400 for not declaring food.
 Yes
Nicaragua Visa not required[376] 90 days No
Niger Admission refused[378][379][380]
  • Holders of a pre-approved confirmation from the National Police may obtain a visa on arrival (flyer visa) upon arrival at Niamey. The passport will be compounded for 1 working day and the traveler is required to appear at the Director General of Immigration the next working day to register and collect their passport.
  • International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis required.[381]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to travel to Niger due to crime, unrest, terrorism, health, and kidnapping.[382]
  • Niger has suspended issuance of visas to U.S. citizens and openly barred Americans from entering.[380]
 Yes
Nigeria eVisa[383][384] 30 days
  • Business eVisas-on-arrival available for "Frequently Traveled Business Persons of International Reputes" or "Executives of Multi-national Companies", as well as for government officials[385]
  • International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis required if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
 No
North Macedonia Visa not required[386] 90 days
  • Registration with the local police within 24 hours of arrival is mandatory.[387]
 No
Norway Visa not required[388][389] 90 days
  • 3 months within a 6-month period, regardless of previous time spent in other Schengen countries, but including time spent in other Nordic countries.[390][391]
 Yes
Oman Visa not required / eVisa[392][393] 14 days / 30 days
  • Visa exemption valid for 14 days, e-Visa for 30 days.[394]
  • Holders of a visa or entrance stamp of the Emirate of Dubai that is valid for at least 21 days are visa exempt.[citation needed]
  • Holders of a visa for Qatar that is valid for travel to Oman and valid for at least one month are visa exempt when arriving directly from Qatar.[citation needed]
 No
Pakistan eVisa[395][396] 3 months No
Palau Visa not required[397] 1 year
  • No visa is required for stays of one year or less.[397]
  • Passport must have six months' validity beyond arrival and at least one blank page available for stamp.[397]
  • Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa; cholera vaccination is required if arriving from certain countries experiencing outbreaks.[397]
  • Amounts of US$10,000 or more must be declared on entry and exit.[397]
 Yes
Panama Visa not required[398] 180 days
  • Denial of entry or transit to any person who has a criminal conviction.[399]
 No
Papua New Guinea eVisa[400][401] 60 days
  • Extendable for 30 days[402]
 No
Paraguay Visa not required[403] 90 days No
Peru Visa not required[404] 90 days No
Philippines Visa not required[405][406] 30 days
  • Naturalized US citizens who have ever held Philippine nationality (current or formerly) allowed to stay for up to one year as a balikbayan. This extends to their spouse and children of any age traveling with the dual-citizen/former Filipino, and present proof of association such as their marriage or birth certificate.[407]
 No
Poland Visa not required[408] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
  • Dual nationals must use their Polish passport.[409]
  • A bilateral agreement pre-dating the Schengen area allows a stay in Poland regardless of days spent in other Schengen countries.[410]
 Yes
Portugal Visa not required[411][412][413] 90 days Yes
Qatar Visa not required[414][415] 90 days
  • Effective October 1, 2024, eligible US citizens will be granted 90 days visa free travel to the State Of Qatar[416]
  • Visa issued upon arrival for no cost. There is a QAR 76 entry fee, valid for 90 days.[417]
  • Persons with unpaid fines are prohibited from departing Qatar.[418]
 Yes
Romania Visa not required[419][420] 90 days No
Russia Visa required[422]
  • 72-hour visa-free transit for international cruise ship/ferry passengers only if travelling with an organized tour and accompanied at all times by a tour operator.[citation needed]
  • Registration required after 7 business days.[423]
  • Russia signed the "Shared Values Visa" law on August 19, 2024, aimed at simplifying the residence permits for citizens of countries that do not conform to Russia's traditional spirit and values. This means that one can obtain a three-month temporary residency without passing the exam. The focus of this law is to simplify the residence permit for foreign citizens with traditional Russian spirit and values. As long as they comply with Russian values, foreign citizens do not need to prove their knowledge of Russian language, Russian history, or Russian law (without examination), and can obtain a temporary residence permit for three months. By simplifying the process, more people can be attracted to settle in Russia, and these foreign citizens must come from countries that oppose Russian values. This list applies to 47 regions, including United States.
  • American citizens may receive multiple-entry visas valid for three years.[424]
  • Residents of Alaska who are members of the indigenous population do not require a visa to visit Chukotka Autonomous Okrug if they have relatives (blood relatives, members of the same tribe, native people who have similar language and cultural heritage) in Chukotka. Individuals must be invited by a relative in Chukotka and must leave Chukotka within 90 days. Entry points are in Anadyr, Provideniya, Lavrentiya and Uelen.[425]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Russia for any reason for the following reasons:
    • Danger associated with the continuing war between Russia and Ukraine.
    • The risk of harassment or wrongful detention by Russian security officials.
    • The arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
    • The possibility of terrorism.
  • US citizens in Russia are advised to leave immediately.[426]
 Yes
Rwanda eVisa / Visa on arrival[427][428] 30 days No
Saint Kitts and Nevis Electronic Travel Authorisation[429][430][431] 3 months No
Saint Lucia Visa not required[433][434] 6 weeks No
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Visa not required[435] 6 months[436] No
Samoa Entry permit on arrival[437] 90 days No
San Marino Visa not required[438] Yes
São Tomé and Príncipe Visa not required[439] 15 days No
Saudi Arabia eVisa / Visa on arrival[441][442] 90 days
  • Access to Mecca and Medina are restricted to Muslims only and non-Muslims are denied entry.[citation needed]
  • Import of alcohol strictly prohibited.[citation needed]
 No
Senegal Visa not required[443] 90 days No
Serbia Visa not required[445] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period.[446]
 No
Seychelles Electronic Border System[447][448] 3 months
  • Application can be submitted up to 30 days before travel.
  • Visitors must upload a reservation confirmation(s) for each visitor's location of stay in Seychelles.
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if coming from endemic countries.
  • Payment of the fee (EUR 10) by credit or debit card.
  • Valid for one journey only and it expires once exit the country.
 No
Sierra Leone eVisa / Visa on arrival[449][450] 3 months / 30 days No
Singapore Visa not required[452] 90 days[453] Yes
Slovakia Visa not required[454][455] 90 days Yes
Slovenia Visa not required[457][458] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
  • Registration with the local police required within 72 hours of arrival.[459]
 Yes
Solomon Islands Free Visitor's permit on arrival[460] 3 months No
Somalia eVisa[462][463] 30 days
  • All visitors must have an approved Electronic Visa (eTAS) before the start of their journey.[464]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Somalia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services.[465]
 No
South Africa Visa not required[466] 90 days
  • Holders of passports without 2 blank pages may be denied entry.[citation needed]
 No
South Sudan eVisa[467][468] No
Spain Visa not required[470] 90 days Yes
Sri Lanka ETA / Visa on arrival[472][473] 30 days No
Sudan Visa required[474][475]
  • If arriving from a country of high yellow fever risk and stayed for more than 12 hours, then Yellow Fever vaccine required.[citation needed]
  • Exit visa required.[citation needed]
  • Registration within 3 days mandatory.[476]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Sudan due to armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.
  • Khartoum International Airport is currently closed, making it very difficult for Americans to leave the country.[477]
 Yes
Suriname Visa not required[478][479] 90 days
  • An entrance fee of USD 50 or EUR 50 must be paid online prior to arrival.[480]
  • Multiple entry e-Visa is also available.[481]
 No
Sweden Visa not required[482][483] 90 days Yes
 Switzerland Visa not required[485] 90 days Yes
Syria eVisa / Visa on arrival[487][488][489] 30 days
  • The eVisa portal is currently suspended.
  • Persons with passports bearing Israeli visas or entry/exit stamps are denied entry.[490]
  • Visa not required for foreign citizens with proof of Syrian origin, such as an identification card or passport.[citation needed]
  • Dual-citizen males ages 17–42 need military service book.[citation needed]
  • If not forgiven by the military, dual-citizens may apply for a visit visa once a year through the embassy.[citation needed]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Syria for any reason due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, hostage taking, crime, and armed conflict.[491]
 No
Taiwan[492][493] Visa not required 90 days
  • Persons importing pork to Taiwan can be fined up to 1 million NT if caught.[citation needed]
 Yes
Tajikistan Visa not required / eVisa[494][495] 30 days / 60 days No
Tanzania eVisa / Visa on arrival[497][498] 90 days No
Thailand Visa not required[499] 60 days
  • Visa waiver program rules:
  1. One can enter for 60 days per visa exempt stay.[citation needed]
  2. One can enter an unlimited number of times via air.[citation needed]
  3. Maximum of two entries if entering by sea or land. Else, one need hard visa.[citation needed]
  4. Overstayers will be banned and fined upon departure depending on length of overstay.[citation needed]
  • All passengers must complete the Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which is available starting 3 days before arrival.[500]
 No
Timor-Leste Visa on arrival[501] 30 days
  • For arrivals by air only[502]
 No
Togo eVisa[503][504] 15 days[505] No
Tonga Free visa on arrival[506] 31 days
  • Visas issued upon arrival at no charge to the passenger. Valid for 31 days.[citation needed]
 No
Trinidad and Tobago Visa not required[507] 90 days[508] No
Tunisia Visa not required[509] 90 days[510] No
Turkey Visa not required[511][512] 90 days No
Turkmenistan Visa required[514]
  • 10-day visa on arrival if holding a letter of invitation provided by a company registered in Turkmenistan with a prior approval from the Foreign Ministry. Visitors can apply to extend their stay for an additional 10 days.[515]
  • When transiting between two non-bordering countries, visitors can obtain a Turkmenistan transit visa for a five-day stay. This must be applied for in advance at the Turkmenistan Embassy. Visitors must also submit copies of the visas for the country of entry into Turkmenistan and the country of departure from Turkmenistan. Visa fee is 20 USD.[516][517]
 Yes
Tuvalu Visa on arrival[518] 1 month
  • Extendable up to 3 months.[519]
 No
Uganda eVisa[520][521] 3 months No
Ukraine Visa not required[523] 90 days No
United Arab Emirates Visa not required[526][527] 90 days No
United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation[528][529] 6 months[530] Yes
Uruguay Visa not required[533] 90 days[534] No
Uzbekistan Visa not required[535][536] 30 days
  • 5-day visa-free transit at the international airports if holding a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country.[537]
  • Registration within 3 days is mandatory.[538]
  • Starting January 1, 2026, all U.S. citizens will be able to enter Uzbekistan visa-free and stay for up to 30 days.[539]
 No
Vanuatu Visa not required[540] 30 days
  • Extendable up to 120 days.[541]
 No
Vatican City Visa not required[542] N/A
  • Open borders but de facto follows Italian visa policy.
  • No foreign accommodations, residency restricted to Vatican citizens only.[543]
  • Even though no hotels exist in the Vatican, there is no limit to how many times a person may enter the country in a year.[citation needed]
 No
Venezuela eVisa[544][545]
  • Introduction of Electronic Visa System for Tourist and Business Travelers.[546][547]
 Yes
Vietnam eVisa[548][549]
  • e-Visa is valid up to the exit date stated on application with a maximum length of 90 days, single and multiple entry options.[549]
  • Phú Quốc visa exemption for up to 30 days.[550]
 No
Yemen Visa required[551][552]
  • Exit visa required for stays over 30 days.[553]
  • Passengers can transit without visa with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination.
  • Passengers can transit without visa with a confirmed onward ticket for a flight to a third country within 24 hours. They must stay in the international transit area of the airport and have documents required for the next destination.
  • Separately, Yemen introduced an e-Visa system for visitors who meet certain eligibility requirements (group travel of 10 or more people, business trips, and transit etc.).[554]
  • The U.S. government advises its citizens not to visit Yemen due to terrorism, civil unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines.[555]
 Yes
Zambia Visa not required[556] 30 days No
Zimbabwe eVisa / Visa on arrival[557][558] 1 month No
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Territories or administrative subdivisions with different visa policies

Visa requirements for United States citizens for visits to various territories, disputed areas, partially recognized countries not mentioned in the list above, recognized administrative subdivisions that operate on different visa policies and restricted zones:

More information Visitor to, Allowed stay ...
Visitor to Visa requirement Allowed stay Notes (excluding departure fees)
Europe
Abkhazia Visa required[560]
  • Tourists from all countries (except Georgia) can visit Abkhazia for a period not exceeding 24 hours as part of an organized tourist group.
Åland Islands Visa not required[561] 3 months
Belarus - Brest and Grodno Visa not required
[may be outdated as of February 2022]		 10 days[562]
Crimea Visa required
[may be outdated as of February 2022]
  • Visa issued by Russia is required.[563]
Novorossiya Restricted area
[may be outdated as of February 2022]
  • Crossing from Ukraine requires visit purpose to be explained to Ukrainian passport control on exit and those who entered from Russia are not allowed to proceed further into Ukraine.[564]
Northern Cyprus Visa not required 3 months[565]
  • Under certain conditions, may be only thirty or sixty days[565]
Faroe Islands Visa not required[566]
Gibraltar Visa not required[567]
Guernsey Visa not required[568]
Isle of Man Visa not required[569]
Greece - Mount Athos Permit required 3 days
  • Females and non-Christians denied entry.
  • Non-Orthodox Christians may obtain a permit (diamonitirion) from the Mount Athos Pilgrims' Bureau in Thessaloniki authorizing a stay of up to 4 days, limited to 10 people per day.
  • Orthodox Christians may obtain a permit for a stay of up to 4 days, limited to 100 people per day.
  • Arrangements must be made in advance with monastic communities for accommodation. Persons may only stay in a monastery for one night.
  • A permit may be issued to persons for 4-365 days to stay at one specific monastery in limited conditions.
  • Orthodox clerics must also receive permission from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul
  • Visitors may only arrive by sea.
  • Certificate of Baptism required.
Kosovo Visa not required[570][571] 90 days
Norway - Jan Mayen Permit required[567] 24 hours
  • Permit issued by the local police required for stays less than 24 hours[572]
  • Permit issued by the Norwegian police required for stays of more than 24 hours.[573]
Jersey Visa not required[574]
Russia - Closed cities of Russia Special authorization required
South Ossetia Visa required
  • To enter South Ossetia, visitors must have a multiple-entry visa for Russia and register their stay with the Migration Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 days.[575][576]
Svalbard Visa not required[577] Unlimited
  • Anyone of any nationality may live and work freely in Svalbard per the Svalbard Treaty.
Transnistria Visa not required 45 days
  • Visitors must complete and obtain a temporary migration card at the border checkpoint. The maximum period of stay is 45 days, and it can be extended multiple times through this card.[578]
Africa
Eritrea outside Asmara Travel permit required
  • Travel Permit for Foreigners is required to travel outside of the capital.[579]
Ascension Island eVisa[580][581] 3 months
  • 3 months within any 1-year period.
Saint Helena Visa not required[582]
Tristan da Cunha Permission required
Mayotte Visa not required[584] 90 days
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Undefined
Somaliland Visa on arrival[585] 30 days
  • Obtainable on arrival or at the Somaliland Mission in Alexandria, VA.[586]
Réunion Visa not required[587] 90 days
Sudan outside Khartoum Travel permit required
  • All foreigners traveling more than 25 kilometers outside of Khartoum must obtain a travel permit.
Sudan - Darfur Travel permit required
  • Separate travel permit is required.[588]
Asia
British Indian Ocean Territory Special permit required
  • Special permit required.[589]
People's Republic of China - Hainan Visa not required[590] 30 days
Hong Kong Visa not required[591] 90 days
  • Visa required for holders of US diplomatic passports[592]
India Protected and restricted areas of India PAP/RAP required
Iraqi Kurdistan eVisa[599] 30 days
Kazakhstan Baikonur & Priozersk Special permission required
Iran - Kish Island Visa not required
Macau Visa not required[602] 30 days
  • Visa required for holders of US diplomatic passports
Malaysia - Sabah and Sarawak Visa not required
  • These states have their own immigration authorities and a passport is required to travel to them, but the same visa applies.[603]
Maldives outside Malé Permission required
  • Tourists are generally prohibited from visiting non-resort islands without the express permission of the Government of the Maldives.[604]
Palestine Visa not required[605]
Tajikistan - Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province OIVR permit required
People's Republic of China - Tibet Autonomous Region TTP required
  • Tibet Travel Permit required in addition to Chinese visa.[610]
Saudi Arabia - Mecca and Medina Special access required
  • Non-Muslims and those following the Ahmadiyya religious movement are strictly prohibited from entry.[611]
Turkmenistan - Closed cities of Turkmenistan Special permit required
Vietnam - Phú Quốc Visa not required 30 days[613]
Yemen outside Sanaa or Aden Special permission required
  • Special permission needed for travel outside Sanaa or Aden.[553]
Caribbean and North Atlantic
Anguilla Visa not required[614] 3 months
Aruba Visa not required[615][616] 30 days
Bermuda Visa not required[617] 6 months
Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) Visa not required 180 days
British Virgin Islands Visa not required 30 days
Cayman Islands Visa not required[618] 6 months
Colombia - San Andrés and Leticia Tourist Card on arrival
Curaçao Visa not required[620] 6 months
  • Maximum consecutive period of six months each calendar year.
France - French West Indies (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy) Visa not required 3 months
Greenland Visa not required[566]
Montserrat Visa not required 6 months
Puerto Rico Freedom of movement Unlimited
  • U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals may live and work freely in Puerto Rico.
  • Passport/EDL is not required for entry of U.S. Citizens.[621]
Sint Maarten Visa not required[622] 6 months
  • Maximum stay allowed is 6 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend.[623]
Turks and Caicos Islands Visa not required[624] 90 days
U.S. Virgin Islands Freedom of movement Unlimited
  • U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals may live and work freely in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Passport / EDL is not required for entry of U.S. Citizens.[621]
Oceania
American Samoa Visa not required 30 days
  • Those classed as Samoan under local law enjoy permanent residence
Australia - Ashmore and Cartier Islands Special authorisation required
  • Special authorisation required.[625]
Christmas Island Electronic Travel Authority 90 days
  • 90 days; Passports and visas are not required when travelling from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification must be produced for clearance through Customs and Immigration. Normal Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply when entry is made from outside Australia.
France - Clipperton Island Special permit required
  • Special permit required.[626]
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Electronic Travel Authority 90 days
  • 90 days; Passports and visas are not required when travelling from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification must be produced for clearance through Customs and Immigration. Normal Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply when entry is made from outside Australia.
Cook Islands Visa not required 31 days[627]
Fiji - Lau Province Special permission required
  • Special permission required.[188]
French Polynesia Visa not required[628] 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period.
Guam Freedom of movement Unlimited
  • U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals citizens may live and work freely in Guam.
  • Passport / EDL is required for entry. Under certain circumstances, a government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship may be used in lieu a passport on a case-by-case basis.[629][630][621]
Niue Visa not required 30 days[631]
New Caledonia Visa not required 90 days
  • 90 days within any 180-day period.[632]
Norfolk Island Electronic Travel Authority 30 days
  • 30 days; Visa is issued upon arrival for a visit of up to max stay of 120 days, for holders of a multiple entry Electronic Travel authority (ETA) issued by Australia, valid 30 days beyond the period of intended stay in Norfolk Island.[633]
  • From 1 July 2016 all movement between Norfolk Island and Australian mainland are considered as domestic movement, however all passenger are still required to carry passports or, for Australian citizens, some type of photographic identification and pass Customs and Immigration. Normal Australian Customs and Immigration procedures apply when entry is made from outside Australia. Passenger not carrying their passports are not eligible to purchase duty-free goods on Norfolk Island.[634]
Northern Mariana Islands Freedom of movement Unlimited
  • U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals citizens may live and work freely in the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Passport / EDL is not required for entry of U.S. Citizens.[621]
Pitcairn Islands Visa not required[635] 14 days
Tokelau Entry permit required[636]
South America
Argentina - Misiones Isla Apipé and Isla del Medio Visa not required 90 days
  • By being Argentine territories, the same visa policy applies.
Galápagos Pre-registration required 60 days
  • 60 days; Visitors must pre-register to receive a 20 USD Transit Control Card (TCT).[637]
France - French Guiana Visa not required[638] 3 months
South Atlantic and Antarctica
Falkland Islands Visa not required[639] 1 month
  • A visitor permit is normally issued as a stamp in the passport on arrival, The maximum validity period is 1 month.[640]
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Permit required
Antarctica Special permits required Special permits required for Bouvet Island, British Antarctic Territory, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Argentine Antarctica, Australia Australian Antarctic Territory, Antártica Chilena Province Chilean Antarctic Territory, Australia Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Norway Peter I Island, Norway Queen Maud Land, New Zealand Ross Dependency.[643][644][645][646][647][648][649][650][651][652][653][654]
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Pre-approved visas pick-up

Pre-approved visas can be picked up on arrival in the following countries instead of an embassy or consulate.

More information Pre-approvedvisas pick-up on arrival, Conditions ...
Pre-approved
visas pick-up
on arrival		Conditions
Bhutan[655] For a maximum stay of 15 days if the application was submitted at least 2+1⁄2 months before arrival and if the clearance was obtained.
Cameroon[656] Must hold approval from the General Delegate of Security.
Eritrea[657] Must have a sponsor who must submit an application at least 48 hours before arrival.
Liberia[658] Available only if arriving from a country without a diplomatic mission of Liberia and if a sponsor obtained an approval.
Nigeria[659] Holders of a visa application who have a Nigerian company taking responsibility for them.
Sudan[660] Holders of an entry permit issued by the Ministry of Interior.
Turkmenistan[661] Holders of an invitation letter from the local company that was approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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Passport Card and EDL

The United States passport card or a state-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL) can be used as an alternative to the passport booklet only when travelling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean Netherlands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Turks and Caico at maritime ports-of-entry or land border crossings.[662] Passport cards and EDLs are proof of U.S. citizenship, but they are not valid for international air travel; if traveling by air, a passport book is required.[663][664]

APEC Business Travel Card

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is meant to facilitate travel for U.S. citizens engaged in verified business in the APEC region.[665]

The U.S. ABTC should enable access to a dedicated fast-track lane for expedited immigration processing at some participating foreign APEC member airports.[666]

U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holders may also use the Global Entry kiosks at participating airports upon their U.S. return.[667]

As the U.S. is a transitional member of the ABTC scheme, however, the U.S. APEC Business Travel Card cannot be used in lieu of a visa to enter an APEC member country.[668] The program was initially set to expire on September 30, 2018, but the November 2017 signing of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2017 (S. 504) ensured it would permanently remain.[669]

Consular protection of U.S. citizens abroad

American diplomatic missions, including embassies (blue), interests sections, and other representations (light blue)

The United States has the second most diplomatic missions of any country in the world.[citation needed] See also List of diplomatic missions of the United States and List of diplomatic missions in the United States.

The Department of State regularly publishes travel warnings or travel alerts.

Non-visa restrictions

A United States passport with a biometric chip
This section is transcluded from Non-visa travel restrictions. (edit | history)

Blank passport pages

Many countries require a minimum number of blank pages to be available in the passport being presented, typically one or two pages.[670] Endorsement pages, which often appear after the visa pages, are not counted as being valid or available.

Vaccination

Main articles: Vaccination requirements for international travel and International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis
Cover of the new International Certificate of Vaccination issued by the Bureau of Quarantine in the Philippines since 2021

The African countries of Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and Togo, South Sudan and Uganda, along with French Guiana in South America, require all incoming passengers older than nine months to one year,[671] to have a current International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis.[672]

Some other countries require vaccination only if the passenger is coming from an infected area or has visited one recently or has transited for 12 hours in those countries: Algeria, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.[673][674]

Passport validity length

Very few countries, such as Paraguay, just require a valid passport on arrival.

However many countries and groupings now require only an identity card – especially from their neighbours. Other countries may have special bilateral arrangements that depart from the generality of their passport validity length policies to shorten the period of passport validity required for each other's citizens[675][676] or even accept passports that have already expired (but not been cancelled).[677]

Some countries, such as Japan,[678] Ireland and the United Kingdom,[679] require a passport valid throughout the period of the intended stay.

In the absence of specific bilateral agreements, countries requiring passports to be valid for at least 6 more months on arrival include Afghanistan, Algeria, Anguilla, Bahrain,[680] Bhutan, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Curaçao, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Fiji, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel,[681] Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru,[682] Philippines,[683] Qatar, Rwanda, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, Venezuela, and Vietnam.[684]

Countries requiring passports valid for at least 4 months on arrival include Micronesia and Zambia.

Countries requiring passports with a validity of at least 3 months beyond the date of intended departure include Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Honduras, Montenegro, Nauru, Moldova and New Zealand. Similarly, the EEA countries of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, all European Union countries (except Ireland) together with Switzerland also require 3 months validity beyond the date of the bearer's intended departure unless the bearer is an EEA or Swiss national.

Countries requiring passports valid for at least 3 months on arrival include Albania, North Macedonia, Panama, and Senegal.

Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry.

Countries that require a passport validity of at least one month beyond the date of intended departure include Eritrea, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Macau, the Maldives[685] and South Africa.

Maximum passport age

Countries of the Schengen area require non-EU passports to be less than 10 years old upon entry.[686]

Criminal record

Some countries, including Australia, Canada, Fiji, New Zealand and the United States,[687] routinely deny entry to non-citizens who have a criminal record, while others impose restrictions depending on the type of conviction and the length of the sentence.

Persona non grata

The government of a country can declare a diplomat persona non grata, banning them from entering the country or expelling them if they have already entered. In non-diplomatic use, the authorities of a country may also declare a foreigner persona non grata permanently or temporarily, usually because of unlawful activity.[688]

Israeli stamps

Kuwait,[689] Lebanon,[690] Libya,[691] and Yemen[692] do not allow entry to people with passport stamps from Israel or whose passports have either a used or an unused Israeli visa, or where there is evidence of previous travel to Israel such as entry or exit stamps from neighbouring border posts in transit countries such as Jordan and Egypt.

To circumvent this Arab League boycott of Israel, the Israeli immigration services have now mostly ceased to stamp foreign nationals' passports on either entry to or exit from Israel (unless the entry is for some work-related purposes). Since 15 January 2013, Israel no longer stamps foreign passports at Ben Gurion Airport. Passports are still (as of 22 June 2017) stamped at Erez when passing into and out of Gaza.[citation needed]

Iran refuses admission to holders of passports containing an Israeli visa or stamp that is less than 12 months old.

Biometrics

See also: Biometric identification by country

Several countries mandate that all travellers, or all foreign travellers, be fingerprinted on arrival and will refuse admission to or even arrest travellers who refuse to comply. In some countries, such as the United States, this may apply even to transit passengers who merely wish to change planes rather than go landside.[693]

Fingerprinting countries/regions include Afghanistan,[694][695] Argentina,[696] Brunei, Cambodia,[697] China,[698] Ethiopia,[699] Ghana, Guinea,[700] India, Japan,[701][702] Kenya (both fingerprints and a photo are taken),[703] Malaysia upon entry and departure,[704] Mongolia, Saudi Arabia,[705] the Schengen Area,[706] Singapore, South Korea,[707] Taiwan, Thailand,[708] Uganda,[709] the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

Many countries also require a photo be taken of people entering the country. The United States, which does not fully implement exit control formalities at its land frontiers (although long mandated by its own legislation),[710][711][712] intends to implement facial recognition for passengers departing from international airports to identify people who overstay their visa.[713]

Together with fingerprint and face recognition, iris scanning is one of three biometric identification technologies internationally standardised since 2006 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for use in e-passports[714] and the United Arab Emirates conducts iris scanning on visitors who need to apply for a visa.[715][716] The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to greatly increase the biometric data it collects at US borders.[717] In 2018, Singapore began trials of iris scanning at three land and maritime immigration checkpoints.[718][719]

Foreign travel statistics

This section is transcluded from United States passport. (edit | history)

These are the numbers of visits by U.S. nationals to various countries in 2015 (unless otherwise noted):

More information Destination, Number of visitors ...
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  1. [1]
    The general licenses are:[147]
    • Family visits
    • Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
    • Journalistic activity
    • Professional research and professional meetings
    • Educational activities
    • Religious activities
    • Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
    • Support for the Cuban people
    • Humanitarian projects
    • Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
    • Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
    • Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by U.S.-owned or -controlled foreign firms
    To use a general license, travelers are required only to attest to one on a form provided by the airline, and only when traveling on a flight directly from the U.S. They are expected to maintain a full-time schedule consistent with the terms of the general license, and to only make transactions related to this purpose. Airlines and travelers are required to maintain records of all Cuba-related transactions for at least five years.[148][149]
  2. [2]
    Data for 2016
  3. [3]
    Data for 2017
  4. [4]
    Data for 2014
  5. [5]
    Counting only guests in tourist accommodation establishments.
  6. [6]
    Data for 2013
  7. [7]
    Data for arrivals by air only.
  8. [8]
    Data for 2012
  9. [9]
    Excluding one-day visits
  10. [10]
    Data for 2010
  11. [11]
    Data for 2007
  12. [12]
    Data for 2009
  13. [13]
    Data for 2005
  14. [14]
    Data for 2019
  15. [15]
    Data for arrivals by air only.
  16. [16]
    Data for 2015

See also

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References

Notes

External links

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