Travel Destinations: Passport-Ready Trips

If you're wondering where your US passport can take you, you're in luck! As of 2024, US citizens can travel to a number of countries without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with an eVisa.

Visa-Free Travel

US passport holders can travel to 150 countries without a visa, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, the British Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can get a visa on arrival in 33 countries, including Bangladesh, Egypt, and Laos.

eVisa

An eVisa can be obtained for travel to 20 countries, including Australia, India, and Turkey.

However, US passport holders are not allowed to enter North Korea and will need to apply for a visa to visit 20 other countries, including the Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and Sudan.

Visa-free travel

US citizens can visit a large number of countries without needing a visa. A US passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing visa-free travel to 189 countries. This includes US territories such as the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

For US citizens, some other visa-free countries include:

• Canada (when crossing the border by road or sea)
• Mexico (when travelling by road or on a closed-loop cruise)
• Italy
• France
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Costa Rica
• The Dominican Republic
• The United Kingdom
• Spain
• Greece
• Brazil
• Jamaica
• Australia

Some countries, such as Italy and France, will soon require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) for US citizens, an electronic travel authorization.

It is important to note that while a visa may not be required, a valid passport or other form of identification is generally still needed for travel.

eVisa

An eVisa is an online platform that eliminates the need for physical paperwork, allowing governments to efficiently manage visa applications while making the process hassle-free for applicants. The eVisa is usually processed within 24 hours, but this may take longer depending on the country. The validity period also varies depending on the country, but it is typically 30 days.

Many countries have adopted the eVisa system, and here is a list of some of them:

• Australia: Australia offers two types of eVisas: the eVisitor and the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). The eVisitor system is reserved for European Union citizens and a few other European countries, while the ETA is available to citizens of over 30 countries, including the US, Canada, and Japan.
• United States: The US uses the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for visitors under the Visa Waiver Program. This web-based travel permit system automates the authorization of travellers aiming for short stays in the country.
• India: India's Online Visa System has five categories: e-Tourist, e-Business, e-Conference, e-Medical, and e-Medical Attendant. The e-Visa submission involves an online application, uploading passport page scans, and paying the visa fee online.
• Brazil: Brazil launched its eVisa pilot program for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Applicants are required to complete an online immigration documentation process, which includes providing relevant details and necessary document scans.
• Vietnam: As part of its modern visa policy, Vietnam offers e-Visas to tourists from 80 countries. Applicants must fill out an online form, attach the required documents, and pay a non-refundable fee.
• Saudi Arabia: In 2019, Saudi Arabia launched its Tourist e-Visa, simplifying the visa process for tourists. Travellers are required to fill out an online form, provide personal details, and make an online payment.

It is important to note that the application process for an eVisa may vary depending on the country and your nationality. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website of the relevant embassy or consulate for specific requirements and instructions.

Visa on arrival

A visa on arrival is a type of visa issued at the entry point of a country, which can include airports, land checkpoints, or seaports. This means that travellers do not need to apply for a visa before travelling, allowing for smoother travel. However, travellers must fulfil the requirements set by the host country to be eligible for a visa on arrival.

• Nepal
• Maldives
• Indonesia
• Sri Lanka
• Vietnam
• Jordan
• Bahrain
• Ethiopia
• Madagascar
• Marshall Islands
• Thailand
• Tanzania
• Samoa
• Tuvalu
• Zimbabwe
• Rwanda
• Bolivia
• Marshall Islands
• St. Lucia
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Seychelles
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Myanmar
• Fiji
• The Maldives
• Sri Lanka
• Seychelles
• Bolivia
• Indonesia
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Mauritania
• Nigeria
• Niue Island
• Qatar
• The Republic of Marshall Islands
• Réunion Island
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Tunisia
• Tuvalu
• Zimbabwe

Please note that visa requirements can change, so it is important to check the official government website of your destination country for the most up-to-date information.

Countries with visa requirements

As of 2024, holders of US passports can travel to 150 countries without a visa, obtain an eVisa for 20 countries, and must apply for a visa to enter 20 countries. Here is a list of countries that require a visa for US citizens:

• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Sudan

The Henley Passport Index ranks the US passport 8th in terms of travel freedom.

Countries US passport holders are not allowed to enter

US passport holders are not permitted entry to the following countries:

• North Korea: The US government restricts all travel to North Korea for US citizens due to safety concerns. This order was issued after the death of Otto Warmbier, an American college student who was arrested while visiting North Korea and later returned to the US in a coma.
• Cuba: Americans are prohibited from travelling to Cuba unless they are working with a licensed operator for specific purposes, such as family visits, journalism, or humanitarian projects.
• Central African Republic: This country requires a visa for US citizens to enter.
• Republic of the Congo: US citizens need a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo.
• Sudan: US travellers must secure a visa before planning a trip to Sudan.

It is important to check the latest official government advice before planning any international travel as entry requirements may change.

Frequently asked questions