travel to a foreign country visa

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

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

795 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Tourist visa requirements for popular countries in africa, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in the americas, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in asia-pacific, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in europe, tourist visa requirements for popular countries in the middle east, final thoughts.

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U.S. citizens are in luck! The U.S. passport is ranked the 11th most powerful in the world , giving visa-free access to 186 countries as of 2018.

Sure, it’s slipped a bit in the last couple of years — but it’s still one of the best passports you can have.

Regardless of whether a country has visa-free access, requirements still need to be met if you travel abroad. We recommend confirming with the relevant embassy before making any travel plans.

Although each country has different requirements, here are some general rules:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended departure date from the country you’re traveling to. Don’t leave it too late to renew your passport .
• Consider a new passport when you have accumulated a lot of stamps. Although most countries only require 1 blank page , many require 2 blank pages  (and some even need 3).
• You may be asked for proof of onward travel , which is not a problem if you have a return ticket. If you plan on country-hopping, you must have proof of your travel plans. You may be refused boarding to your planned destination if you cannot adequately demonstrate to immigration officers that you plan on leaving their country. If you’re unsure when you plan on going, you can buy a refundable onward flight and re-book later.
• Some countries require that you have adequate medical insurance to cover your stay. Regardless of whether it is mandatory, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Check out our guide to travel insurance to find the best one for you.
• It is rare, but you may be asked for proof of funds and will need to satisfy immigration so that you can support your travels. This can catch you off guard, and trying to log in to your bank account on airport Wi-Fi can be a bit frantic. To be prepared, ensure you have a copy of a bank statement or a screenshot on your phone.

Below, we have listed the specific visa requirements for over 100 of the most popular countries. Note that these details relate to tourist travel only .

In addition to these requirements, you must possess a fully valid passport (rather than an emergency or U.S. passport card). Unless otherwise stated, tourist visa prices and departure taxes are in USD.

Before we begin, remember to also check for vaccinations you may need before setting off, as many countries require one.

Below is information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular African countries as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Africa is a mixed bag for tourist visa requirements, with half of the prominent safari destinations requiring visas and the others not. Be sure to apply in advance where possible to avoid any panic or stress at the airport.

Algeria Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($160)

Stay permitted: 90 days maximum at each entry

• You will need a visa in advance unless you are part of an organized excursion from a cruise ship, in which case you can obtain a visa on arrival.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 1 page per stamp . You may experience some difficulties if you have an Israeli stamp.
• You can apply for a visa in person or via mail at the embassy in Washington, D.C., if you are there (or nearby in North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia). If you are based anywhere else, you must apply at the New York consulate.
• Visa applications take at least a week, and you will be required to submit 2 forms, 2 passport photos, and proof of travel. You may also need to provide evidence of travel insurance.
• More information can be found on the Algerian Embassy website.

Botswana Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: No

Stay permitted: 90 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and you can stay in Botswana for 90 days within a 12-month period without a visa. Your passport should have 3 or more unused pages, 1 blank page per entry.
• Yellow fever vaccinations are not required to enter Botswana.
• More information can be found here .

Côte d’Ivoire Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (~$77)

Stay permitted: 24 to 36 months with multiple re-entries

• You will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months and has 1 blank page.
• You can apply for a visa in advance at the embassy in Washington, D.C., or apply for an e-visa at the airport (but this must be requested in advance).
• Applications take 2 to 3 days for your passport to be returned to you, and you will need to submit 2 application forms, 2 passport photos, proof of air travel, and a hotel reservation.
• A copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required for travel.
• More information on applying for a visa can be found on the embassy website .

Egypt Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($25 single entry, $60 multiple entry)

Stay permitted: 30 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 1 blank page.
• You can apply for an e-visa prior to travel and are advised to do so at least 7 days before departure.
• Single-entry visas cost $25, or you can pay $60 for a multiple-entry visa.
• You will need to have a printout of your e-visa and travel itinerary.
• Tourists entering Egypt via the Taba border from Israel may get a 14-day no-fee visa for travel in the Sinai Peninsula or the 30-day visa as above for more comprehensive travel within Egypt.

Kenya Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($51)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages.
• You will need proof of yellow fever immunization, or you may be denied entry.
• Single-entry visas are currently available at the airport but be aware there are plans to phase this out in favor of an e-visa system . (E-visa is mandatory before boarding the flight; learn more at https://kenyaembassydc.org/evisa/ )
• An e-visa takes 2 business days to process, and you will need to take a printed copy with you when you travel to Kenya.
• Two categories of single-entry visits are available. Category 2 Single Entry Visa is valid for travel within 3 months of the issue date. Category 3 Single Entry Visa is valid for travel within 1 month of the issue date. Both allow a stay of up to 90 days in Kenya, which can be extended for a further 90 days at immigration headquarters in Nairobi for a maximum stay of 6 months.

Lesotho Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months (6 months to be safe) and have 1 page per entry stamp.
• Tourists can stay for 30 days and can extend for an additional 30 days — 5 extensions are permitted for a total stay of 180 days.

Mauritius Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 60 days

• You will need a valid passport with 1 blank page.
• You will need to provide proof of onward or return travel. You may also be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds (at least $100 per night for the duration of your stay).
• See the Embassy of Mauritius website for up-to-date information.

Morocco Tourist Visa Requirements

• You’ll need a passport valid for 6 months, and 1 full page is required for an entry stamp.
• Ensure that your passport is stamped when entering Morocco and isn’t damaged, as this may cause issues on departure.
• It is forbidden to export Moroccan currency.
• For more information, see the Moroccan Embassy website.

Mozambique Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: No for those traveling to the country and not residing with a citizen or resident of Mozambique (i.e., those staying at a hotel, guest house, or lodge). Yes for anyone visiting a citizen or resident of Mozambique.

• You will need a passport valid for 6 months with at least 3 blank pages for a visa and stamps.
• Proof of round-trip flight and hotel reservation.
• Visas are available on arrival ($50) for all nationalities and require an accommodation reservation, an onward plane ticket, and a valid passport with 3 empty pages and 6 months validity.
• All passport data pages, visa application forms, and documents must be scanned in one PDF file per applicant (except 2 passport-size photos, money order, and prepaid return label and envelope). It needs to be emailed to the Consulate.
• Processing time takes place once the pre-approval from Immigration in Mozambique and the physical documents/requirements are received. This may be 3 to 10 business days.
• Submit 2 passport-size photographs (passport photos must be in color and with a white background).
• Include a self-addressed envelope or a pre-paid air bill with a tracking number (preferably FedEx) unless the application is brought to the Embassy in person.
• Payment must be only by money order in U.S. dollars, and  payable to the Embassy of Mozambique .

Namibia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You’ll need a passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 3 blank pages.
• Immigration officials in Namibia have been known to give shorter stays, so check your entry stamp and the validity of your stay to be safe.
• See more details at the Embassy of Namibia online.

Nigeria Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 1 blank page.
• Nigeria does have a visa-on-arrival program, but tourists will not be eligible.
• You will need to complete a visa application form and have confirmation of your online payment. In addition to the visa fee of $160, there is a charge of ~$41 with each application, and you will need the receipt. Important Note : Selected visa may include an additional fee of $65 for biometric capture.
• You’ll also need a letter of invitation from a host willing to accept responsibility for you and a copy of their passport.
• A copy of your return flights and hotel reservation is required.
• You must provide proof that you have had polio and yellow fever vaccinations.
• All of the above must be taken to an interview at the Washington, D.C. embassy or the Atlanta consulate.
• More information can be found on the Nigerian Embassy website.

Senegal Tourist Visa Requirements

• Senegal introduced visa exemptions for U.S. citizens in 2015.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have 1 page per stamp.
• Yellow fever vaccinations are not a requirement but are recommended.
• Visit the Embassy of Senegal online for more details.

South Africa Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after your return date and have 2 consecutive empty visa pages per entry (not including endorsement pages).
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if you have passed through a yellow fever country in the last 10 days.
• If you want to extend your stay past 90 days, you will need to apply for a temporary residence visa rather than another tourist visa.
• The Department of Home Affairs for South Africa has more information.

Tanzania Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($100)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months with 1 blank page.
• The multiple-entry visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months. The maximum stay duration for each visit is 90 days. Applications take 10 days and require a completed form, 2 passport photos, and your flight itinerary.
• Appointments are not required at the embassy in Washington, D.C. The embassy has expedited visa application services such as 3-day, next-day, and same-day for additional fees.
• Note that volunteering is prohibited on a tourist visa even if you have paid for the opportunity.
• Visit the Embassy of Tanzania website for more information.

Tunisia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page per stamp.
• U.S. citizens with Arabic names or those born in the Middle East may experience delays when arriving in Tunisia.
• Importing and exporting Tunisian currency is prohibited, and you must declare currency above approximately $3,500.

Uganda Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($50)

• You will need a valid passport for at least 6 months with 1 at least page free for entry stamp.
• Visas are not available on arrival; you will need to apply for an e-visa at least 2 weeks before you arrive.
• To apply, you’ll need a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, and a copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• If you are traveling around, it may be less time-consuming and more cost-effective to get an East Africa Tourist visa for $100, which gives you 90 days of multiple-entry access to Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

Zimbabwe Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($30)

• You will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages.
• Tourist visas cannot be acquired through the embassy in Washington, D.C., but you can apply online through the Zimbabwe eVisa website , at the airports, or at other border points of entry.
• In addition to the 30-day single-entry visa, there is also an option for a 45-day/double-entry visa that costs $45 or a 12-month/multiple-entry visa for $160.
• Due to the cash liquidity crisis in Zimbabwe, it is highly recommended that you bring sufficient cash for your travels and prepay expenses such as hotels where possible.

Below, you’ll find information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular countries in the Americas  as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

The Americas are a great place for U.S. travelers, as very few countries in Central and South America require visas. Quite a few have departure taxes that should be included in your flight price, but it’s best to check with your airline.

Argentina Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a valid passport, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• Traveling on an expired or damaged passport will result in you being sent back at your own expense.

The Bahamas Tourist Visa Requirements

• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in the Bahamas, but you will need a valid passport, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• Proof of onward travel may be requested.
• More information can be found on the Bahamas Immigration website.

Brazil Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes

• You will need a passport valid for at least 1 month and must have 1 page for entry stamp.
• Brazil has consulates all over the U.S., but it is easier to apply for an eVisa . In addition to paying the $40 visa fee and the $4.24 service fee, you need to upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport.
• An eVisa application takes 5 business days.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 180 days

• You will need a valid passport with at least 1 blank page. If transiting Canada on your way to Europe, your passport should be valid for at least 3 months (though it’s best to have at least 6 months to be safe).
• Individuals with criminal records (including alcohol-related driving offenses) may experience difficulties entering Canada without obtaining approval of rehabilitation first. At least 5 years will need to have elapsed since your sentence (not your conviction), and you will need to complete an application in advance and pay either $200 or $1,000/Canadian dollars, depending on the criminal offense. Note : These applications can take over a year to process. Make sure you plan far enough in advance of your travel to Canada.
• More information can be found on Canada’s Immigration website .

Chile Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip and have at least 1 blank page.
• Upon arrival, you will be given a Tourist Card that allows 90 days in Chile. This can be extended for 90 days for $100 at the Chilean Immigration Office . Make sure you keep the Tourist Card safe, as losing this may cause issues when leaving Chile.

Colombia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your visit, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp unless enrolled in Migración Automática, a program for frequent travelers.
• You can stay in Colombia for 90 days and request an extension for up to 90 days from the Colombian immigration authority .
• If you travel from Brazil, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or Uganda, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate from at least 10 days before.

Costa Rica Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: Up to 180 days

• No visa is required for stays up to 180 days, but your passport must be valid when entering Costa Rica and have 1 page per entry stamp.
• You will need proof of onward travel and may be asked for proof of funds of more than $100 per day for the duration of your trip.
• There is an exit tax of $29, but this may be included in your airline ticket. You will need to check the terms with your airline.
• The currency restrictions for entry and exit is $10,000.
• Check with the Costa Rican Immigration Agency for more information.

Cuba Tourist Visa Requirements

• Travel to Cuba for tourism purposes is currently prohibited.
• Obtaining a license to travel to Cuba from the U.S. is possible under specific circumstances. There are 12 categories that include humanitarian projects, family visits, educational activities, and journalism.
• U.S. citizens will require a Tourist Card rather than a tourist visa, but the term is used interchangeably. To apply, your passport must be valid and have 2 blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
• The process and cost for applying for a Tourist Card can vary from airline to airline, so it’s best to check before purchasing a plane ticket.
• U.S. credit and debit cards generally do not work in Cuba, and it is advised that you bring enough cash for your trip. Amounts over $5,000 must be declared.
• For more details, see the Cuban Embassy website.

Dominican Republic Tourist Visa Requirements

• As a tourist, a visa is not required for stays less than 30 days, but you will be required to purchase a tourist card.
• A tourist card can be purchased online or obtained on arrival, costing $10.
• Your passport must be valid, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• Visit the Dominican Republic Embassy online for more details.

Ecuador Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for 6 months and have 1 page per stamp.
• No tourist visa is required for stays under 90 days in a 12-month period.
• Anything over $1,200 taken out of the country will be subject to a 5% tax.

El Salvador Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid and have at least 1 blank page.
• No visa is required, but you will need to pay $12 on arrival for a tourist card that allows you to stay for 90 days. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a multi-entry visa at the embassy in Washington, D.C., or one of the 18 Salvadoran consulates in the United States.
• Under the CA-4 agreement, U.S. citizens can freely move between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90 days and can apply for a 1-time extension in the country they are currently in.
• See the Embassy of El Salvador website for more information.

Guatemala Tourist Visa Requirements

• Under the CA-4 agreement, U.S. citizens can move freely between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90 days. They can apply for a 1-time extension in the country they are currently in.
• More visa and travel information can be found here .

Jamaica Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid at the time of entry and exit from Jamaica, and you need at least 1 blank page.
• Your departure tax should be included in the price of your flight or cruise ticket, but it is best to check.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Jamaica website.

Mexico Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a valid passport to travel to Mexico for up to 180 days; those with a U.S. passport card may be denied entry.
• You will need 1 page per stamp in your passport.
• The Embassy of Mexico website has more information.

Nicaragua Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay in Nicaragua and have 1 page per stamp.
• No visa is required, but you must purchase a tourist card at the airport, which costs $10.
• Under the CA-4 agreement, U.S. citizens can travel freely between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua for 90 days and apply for a 1-time extension in the country they are currently in.
• You may be asked for proof of funds and proof of onward travel.
• There is a $42 departure tax, but this should be included in your airline ticket.
• More information can be found on the Nicaraguan Immigration Website .

Panama Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months past the entry date and have 1 page per stamp.
• You will need proof of onward or return travel and may be asked to prove that you have at least $500 either in cash, credit card, bank statement, or traveler’s checks.
• Visit the Embassy of Panama online for more information.

Paraguay Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page requested for an entry stamp.
• The visa is for 90 day visits
• There is a $40 departure tax, which should be included in your airfare. Please check with your airline.
• Visit the Embassy of Paraguay website for more information.

Peru Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 30 to 183 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• No visa is required for entry into Peru, but you will be given an approved length of stay at the point of entry. Although the maximum stay permitted is 183 days, it can vary between 30 to 183 days (90 days is the norm). Speak to border officials at entry and ensure you adhere to the exit date given.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Peru website.

Puerto Rico Tourist Visa Requirements

• As a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a visa or passport to visit Puerto Rico.
• You only need one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. Although not necessary, it is still recommended that you take your passport.

Uruguay Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid on entry, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• There is a $44 departure fee on departure, which is usually included in your airfare.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Uruguay website.

Below, you’ll find information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular countries in the Asia-Pacific region as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Countries in this part of the world have a mix of visa requirements, but thankfully, many are visa-free or have simple e-visa systems. It’s still best to check for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements to avoid any travel stress.

Australia Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (~$13)

• Your passport must be valid at entry, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• A visa (ETA) is required, which can be applied for online at the Electronic Travel Authority website.
• An ETA allows you to visit Australia as a tourist for a maximum of 90 days for each visit. The ETA also allows you to enter as many times as you need within a 12-month period (or the expiration of your passport if it happens before the 12 months).
• The ETA fee is $20 AUD, which is approximately $13 USD.
• You may be asked to provide proof of funds and evidence of return travel.

China Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($185)

Stay permitted: 30 days (may vary)

• As a tourist, you must apply for an L-category visa and may be entitled to a 10-year multi-entry visa. Other options include single-entry and multiple-entry over 6 and 12 months, and all cost $185. There is no option to get a visa on arrival.
• Apply online for your visa. However, a visa appointment may be required by the Chinese embassy/consulate ( click here to schedule an appointment ). Your application ID will be needed to book an appointment.
• You may be asked to provide a travel itinerary showing return travel plans and hotel reservations.
• For more information, see the Chinese Embassy website.

Hong Kong SAR, China Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 1 month after your intended stay, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• It is possible to extend your stay for longer than 90 days.
• For more information, see the Immigration Department for Hong Kong .

India Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (from $25)

Stay permitted: 30 days up to 5 years

• Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in India and have 2 blank pages.
• You will need proof of onward or return travel and may need proof of funds to support your travels.
• You can apply for a 30-day visa online using the Indian e-Visa system , which allows double access for that period. This must be done at least 4 days prior to travel.
• e-Tourist Visa – 30 days e-visa $25
• e-Tourist Visa – 1 year e-visa $40
• e-Tourist Visa – 5 year e-visa $80
• Look for Payment Gateway Card transactions (Debit or Credit Card): 2.5% of the applicable e-visa fee. Paypal: 3.5% 
• Travelers should note that Indian visa requirements can change without notice and are not always well publicized.
• U.S. citizens of Pakistani descent can expect additional delays of considerable length and should apply for a visa well in advance.

Indonesia Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 30 days; can be extended for 30 days

• You will need a passport valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date and 2 blank visa pages required for entry stamp. Indonesia doesn’t accept the 12-page U.S. emergency passport for entry.
• As a U.S. citizen, you can get a visa on arrival that costs $35 for 30 days of travel, but this visa can be extended another 30 days for $35.
• An Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) can be used for tourism, government officials’ visits, business meetings, merchandise purchasing visits, and transit.
• For more details see the Indonesian Immigration  website.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens are visa-exempt, and there are no fees. Multiple entry 1- to 5-year visas are also available and cost $44.
• The Embassy of Japan website has more information on travel and visas in Japan.

Kazakhstan Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for 3 months from entry and have 1 blank page.
• No visa is required for stays up to 30 days.
• See the Kazakhstan Embassy website for more information.

Kyrgyzstan Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and have 1 full page available.
• A stay of up to 60 days is permitted visa-free but stays longer than 60 days will require a visa application at the Kyrgyzstan Embassy .

Lao PDR (Laos) Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date and have 2 blank pages (endorsement pages are not considered blank).
• You can get a visa on arrival at all international airports and must fill out a visa form, have 2 passport photos, and pay the visa fee in cash (payable in USD).
• You can extend your 30-day visa to 90 days by visiting the Department of Immigration in Vientiane.

Macao SAR, China Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• It is possible to extend your stay for longer than 30 days.
• For more information, see here .

Malaysia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival, and at least 1 blank page is required for an entry stamp.
• A visa is not required for U.S. citizens, and you will be granted a Short-Term Social Visit Pass. Tourists can apply for a 60-day extension at the Malaysian Immigration Department.
• For more information, visit the Embassy of Malaysia .

Myanmar (Burma) Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 28 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• You will need to apply for a visa prior to travel; this can be done online by getting an eVisa .
• For your eVisa application, you must upload a copy of your passport and a color passport photo. The $50 fee can be paid by credit card, and applications normally take 3 business days.

New Zealand Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months past your date of arrival, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• You are entitled to a 3-month stay in New Zealand as part of the visa waiver program. You may be asked on entry to provide passwords to electronic devices by a border officer. Failure to comply can lead to a fine.
• New Zealand has very strict biosecurity, and you should declare (or think twice about carrying)  items such as honey, fruit, seeds, or plants.
• For more information, see the New Zealand Embassy website.

Philippines Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will be given a free 30-day entry visa upon arrival, with a valid passport, sufficient space for an entry stamp, and proof of onward or return travel.
• The 30-day visa can be extended at the Bureau of Immigration .

Singapore Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from leaving Singapore, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• For more information, see the Singapore Embassy website.

South Korea Tourist Visa Requirements

• For a visa-free stay of 90 days, your passport must be valid at the time of entry and should have 1 page per stamp.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Korea website.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (Online: $50, Port or Entry: $60)

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your departure date, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• You must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority , have proof of onward travel, and may be asked for proof of funds. You can get a 30-day double-entry ETA at your port of entry, but it is highly recommended that you do it online beforehand.
• The 30-day ETA may be extended up to 6 months via the Department of Immigration .

Thailand Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past your date of arrival and 1 page per stamp.
• You may be asked for proof of onward or return travel.
• Visa requirements have been known to change without notice, so it’s best to check with the Thai Embassy for the latest information.

Uzbekistan Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($20)

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the allowed period of stay, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens can apply for an E-visa, which takes 3 business days to process (not including the day E-visa , which takes 3 business days to process (not including the day you apply).
• You should note that immigration laws and regulations for Uzbekistan are known to be enforced at the discretion of border control officers. While the information provided above and from the Uzbek government may be correct, the arrival situation may differ.
• Uzbekistan has recently implemented a 5-day free-transit visa that is free for U.S. citizens. You should have an onward confirmed flight ticket for your next destination. You can find more information on this page from the Embassy of Uzbekistan .

Vietnam Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($25 Single Entry, $50 Multiple Entry)

• You must have at least 6 months validity left on your passport and 1 visa page is required for an entry stamp.
• You can apply for a single-entry 30-day visa online via Vietnam’s E-visa system . Applications take 3 business days to process. Taking a print-out of your approved E-visa with you would be best when you travel.
• For more information, see the Vietnam Embassy website.

Below is information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular European countries as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

Europe is one of the most accessible continents for U.S. citizens to travel to, predominantly because of The Schengen Agreement, which includes 26 countries that have abolished their internal borders to facilitate free movement.

This allows U.S. citizens 90 days of visa-free travel within those 26 countries during a 180-day period. Most E.U. countries are party to the agreement, but some are not — and some non-E.U. countries are. See below for more information on each country.

Albania Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: 365 days

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your visit, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens can stay up to 1 year without a visa or residence permit.
• You may be asked for confirmation of accommodation, a return ticket, and proof of the financial means to support yourself (currently set at 30 euros per day).
• For more information, see the Albanian Embassy website.

Andorra Tourist Visa Requirements

• Andorra is landlocked and has no airport, so access must be through either France or Spain.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days — but check the visa requirements for France or Spain, as you will pass through one of them first.
• Your passport must be valid for 6 months; entry stamp available upon request.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Andorra website.

Austria Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within 180 days.
• Austria is part of the  Schengen Agreement ; more information on European travel can be found here .
• Longer stays require a visa, and more information can be found on the Austrian Embassy website.

Azerbaijan Tourist Visa Requirements

• An E-visa is available prior to travel and takes 3 business days to process.
• The embassy website states that a 30-day visa is available on arrival for $20, but we still recommend applying for an E-visa before you travel to be safe.

Belgium Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after departure and have 2 blank pages. The 12-page emergency U.S. passport is not valid for visa-free entry into Belgium.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days within 6 months.
• Belgium is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on European travel here .
• See the Belgium Embassy website for more details.

Bulgaria Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure and 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps.
• You can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within 6 months.
• You may be asked to provide proof of medical insurance on entry.
• See the Bulgarian Embassy website for more details.

Croatia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• Please see the Croatian Embassy website for more details.

Cyprus Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 2 pages for entry stamp.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days.
• You may be asked for proof of return travel and proof of funds.
• For more information, see the Cyprus Embassy website.

Czech Republic Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have 2 blank pages.
• No visa is required for stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• You may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to support your visit.
• The Czech Republic is part of the Schengen Agreement; learn more about travel in Europe here .
• See the Czech Republic Embassy website for more information.

Denmark Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Denmark is part of the  Schengen Agreement .
• The Danish Embassy website has more information on visa requirements.

Estonia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have 1 page per entry stamp.
• Estonia is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on European travel here .
• See the Estonian Embassy website for more information.

Finland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 2 pages per stamp.
• Finland is part of the Schengen Agreement, and more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• See the Finnish Embassy website for more details.

France Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have at least 1 blank page for stamps. The 12-page emergency U.S. passport is not valid for visa-free entry into France.
• You may be asked to show proof of funds and a return travel ticket.
• France is part of the Schengen Agreement, and travelers can find more information here .
• See the French Embassy website for more details.

Georgia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You must have a valid passport at entry, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• U.S. citizens can stay in Georgia without a visa for 365 days.
• The Embassy of Georgia website has more information.

Germany Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have 2 blank pages.
• Germany is part of the Schengen Agreement; see this website for more information on European travel.
• More information can be found on the German Embassy website.

Greece Tourist Visa Requirements

• You may be asked for proof of funds and a return travel ticket.
• Greece is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on travel in Europe here .
• See the Embassy of Greece website for more visa information.

Hot Tip: Since no Visa is required, Greece makes an excellent vacation destination. Explore our guide on how to fly to Greece using points and miles to start planning. 

Hungary Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended ) after your departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Hungary is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• See the Hungarian Embassy website for more details.

Iceland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) after your departure, and 2 pages are required for an entry stamp.
• Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on European travel here .
• See the Icelandic Immigration website for more information.

Ireland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least 1 blank page.
• It has been reported that many U.S. tourists are being refused entry to Ireland for being unable to demonstrate the purpose of their trip. It is advised that you have proof of sufficient funds to support your trip, hotel reservations, and proof of onward travel.
• See the Embassy of Ireland website for more visa details.

Italy Tourist Visa Requirements

• Italy is part of the Schengen Agreement, and more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• The Embassy of Italy website has more information.

Latvia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Latvia is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• See the Latvian Embassy website for more information.

Lithuania Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Lithuania is part of the Schengen Agreement; you can find more information on travel in Europe here .
• See the Embassy of Lithuania website for more details.

Malta Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• Malta is part of the Schengen Agreement; visitors can find more information on European travel here .
• The Malta Embassy website has more visa information.

Montenegro Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay and have 1 page required for entry stamp.
• You must register within the first 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, they will register you automatically; otherwise, you must visit a police station or official tourist center to register.
• See the Embassy of Montenegro website for more information.

Netherlands Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have 2 pages required for entry stamp. The 12-page emergency U.S. passport is not accepted for visa-free entry into the Netherlands.
• The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on European travel can be found here .
• See the Netherlands Embassy website for more information.

Norway Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 2 blank pages.
• Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, and you can find more information on travel in Europe here .
• The Norwegian Embassy website has more details.

Poland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 (6 months recommended) months after your departure and have at least 1 blank page.
• Poland is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on travel in Europe here .
• The Embassy of Poland website has more visa details.

Portugal Tourist Visa Requirements

• Portugal is part of the Schengen Agreement. More information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• The Embassy of Portugal website has more details.

Romania Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from Romania and have 1 page per stamp.
• You are permitted a 90-day stay within a 180-day period. If you leave spending less than 90 days and return within the same 180-day period, your next length of stay will be the remaining days from your previous 90-day visit (it does not grant you another full 90 days).
• For more information, visit the Romanian Embassy website.

Russia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your departure from Russia and have 2 pages per stamp.
• There is no provision for a visa on arrival, and you must arrive and depart Russia on the exact dates provided on your visa.
• You must start applying for a Russian visa online , but this is only the first step. You still need to print off this completed application and submit a physical copy to a consular department of the Russian Federation.
• You can apply for a single-entry visa that is valid for 90 days . There is also an option for a multiple-entry 3-year visa that allows stays of up to 180 days and costs $185 (For U.S. citizens. For citizens of other countries, refer to visa fees ).
• Processing time is estimated to be 4 to 20 business days, so apply for a visa well in advance.
• See the Russian Embassy for more information on visa requirements.

Slovakia Tourist Visa Requirements

• You may be asked to provide proof of funds and a medical insurance policy.
• If you do not stay in a hotel (which will register you automatically), it is your responsibility to register with local police within 3 working days of your arrival.
• Slovakia is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information here .
• See the Slovakian Embassy website for more details.

Slovenia Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) after your departure, and 1 page is required for an entry stamp.
• Slovenia is part of the Schengen Agreement, and more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• For more information, see the Slovenian Embassy website.

Spain Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months (6 months recommended) after your departure and have 1 page per stamp.
• Spain is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information here .
• For more information see the Embassy of Spain website.

Sweden Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your departure and have space for entry and exit stamps.
• Sweden is part of the Schengen Agreement; more information on travel in Europe can be found here .
• For more information, visit the Swedish Embassy online.

Hot Tip: Dreaming of traveling to Sweden? Fly to Sweden, all on points and miles . 

Switzerland Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure and have 1 blank page.
• Switzerland is part of the Schengen Agreement; find more information on travel in Europe here .
• Visit the Embassy of Switzerland for more information.

Ukraine Tourist Visa Requirements

• You must have a passport valid upon entry and exit, and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• A visa is not required for stays less than 90 days within a 180-day period.
• You may be asked for proof of medical insurance and sufficient funds.
• See the Embassy of Ukraine website for more information.

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Requirements

• Must be valid for the duration of your stay, and valid for a further 6 months if you plan to move on to another country. You will also need at least 1 blank page.
• See the U.K. Visa and Immigration website for more information.

Below you’ll find information on whether you need a visa when traveling to these popular Middle Eastern countries as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Some visa requirements and regulations for Middle Eastern countries such as Israel and Saudi Arabia are tricky, so it’s best to check the embassy websites for the most up-to-date information.

Bahrain Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (~$32)

• Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months and 1 page per entry stamp.
• You can apply for a 30-day  eVisa online prior to travel or get a 30-day visa on arrival. The visa costs 12 Bahrain Dinar (approximately $32), and for online applications, there is an additional 4 BD fee (approximately $11).
• For more information on visa requirements visit the Embassy of Bahrain .

Iran Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($80)

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months, and 1 page is required for the entry stamp.
• Before considering any travel to Iran, read the travel advisory .
• As there is no Iranian Embassy, you must apply for a visa through the Iranian interest section of the Pakistani Embassy . The process can take 4 to 6 weeks, but it is advised to allow 8 weeks to be safe.
• Multiple sources state that you can only get authorization for a visa if you apply through an organized tour.

Israel Tourist Visa Requirements

• It is recommended that you have at least 6 months validity left on your passport. Usually, your passport will not be stamped, but you should still have at least 1 blank page.
• Israel has a visa exemption policy in place for U.S. citizens and permits stays of up to 90 days.
• There are complex entry and exit criteria concerning Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. See the following guidance regarding travel in the region and the Israeli Embassy website for more information.

Jordan Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($56)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page is required for entry stamp.
• Jordan issues visas on arrival for U.S. citizens that permit a stay of 30 days. You can also apply for the visa beforehand, which takes 5 business days. Double-entry and multi-entry visas are also available from the Embassy.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Jordan website.

Lebanon Tourist Visa Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of entry, have 1 page for an entry stamp, and must not have any Israeli stamps or visas.
• U.S. citizens can get a free 30-day visa on arrival, which can be extended to 3 months through the General Security office .
• The Embassy of Lebanon has more information on visa requirements.

Oman Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes ($130/$52/$13)

Stay permitted: 30 days (U.S. citizens are visa exempt for 14 days )

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page per entry stamp.
• You can apply for an E-visa in advance
• U.S. citizens are eligible for a 1-year multi-entry visa that allows stays of up to 30 days at a time. There is also the option of a single-entry 30-day stay and a single-entry 10-day stay visa. The 1-year multiple-entry visa costs 50 Omani Rials (~ $130), the 30-day single-entry visa costs 20 Omani Rials (~ $52), and the 10-day single-entry visa costs 5 Omani Rials (~ $13). Find more information on pricing for each type of visa here .

Qatar Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months with a minimum of 2 blank pages.
• On arrival, U.S. citizens are entitled to visa-free entry for a period of 30 days at any MOI service center or airport immigration office. The 3-day visa waiver entitles you to multiple entries during that period.
• For more information, see the Government of Qatar website.

Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa Requirements

Visa required: Yes (eVisa: $142; VOA: $80)

• You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and 1 page required for entry stamp.
• U.S. Nationals are eligible for an eVisa , which costs ~$142 (including application fee and medical insurance fee), granting multiple entries for 1 year from the issue date. In each entry, you can stay up to 90 days.
• You also have the option of a Visa on Arrival, which costs $80 (only Visa fee). This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days. The number of entries permitted depends on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The multiple-entry visa is valid for a year from the issue date.
• Find more details on the Visit Saudi website.

Syria Tourist Visa Requirements

Stay permitted: n/a

• A valid passport and visa are required to travel to Syria. The passport should have 1 page available for an entry stamp.
• However, as of March 2014, Syria suspended its embassy and consular services, making obtaining a visa problematic.

Turkey Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will require a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your date of entry and has 1 page for entry and exit stamps.
• You can apply for an e-Visa online that entitles you to a stay of 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Applications should be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
• U.S. citizens traveling to Turkey on cruise ships are entitled to a visa-free stay of 72 hours.
• For more information, see the Embassy of Turkey website.

United Arab Emirates and Dubai Tourist Visa Requirements

• You will require a passport valid for 6 months beyond your entry date and 1 page required for entry stamp. Those who have a 12-page emergency passport are often denied entry to Dubai.
• If you are exiting by land, you must pay a 35 UAE Dirham departure fee (approximately $10 USD) in local currency only.
• See the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates website for more information.

U.S. citizens are fortunate to have a widely accepted passport that grants visa-free access to many countries.

Always check with your destination country’s embassy for the latest visa requirements to avoid any disastrous travel visa situations. Finally, check for any travel advisories before you make travel arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the u.s. passport the most powerful passport.

The U.S. passport is ranked the 11th most powerful in the world , giving visa-free access to 186 countries as of 2018.

Do I need a visa for Europe?

This depends on which country or countries you’re planning to visit on the continent. Refer to our guide above to see specific requirements for many popular countries in the region.

Can I visit Cuba?

Currently, travel to Cuba as a tourist is not permitted. However, it is possible to receive a license for traveling to Cuba under certain conditions. Refer to the Cuba entry above for more information.

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Currently, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Japan. But, be sure to check the country’s entry requirements before departing as this can change.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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

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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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Travel Visa Information: Types, Requirements, and How to Apply

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

A travel visa, also called an entry visa, allows you to enter into a foreign country for a specified amount of time. A travel visa is not the same as a passport. While you will need a valid passport to travel internationally, it is only one of the travel documents required to enter a foreign country. If a valid visa is a requirement, trying to enter a country without one will result in denied entry.

Table of Contents

What is a visa, different visa types and requirements.

• Multiple Entry Visas

How to Get a Travel Visa

What if i need a travel visa fast.

• Do I Need a Travel Visa?
• Popular Destinations That Require a Travel Visa

More Travel Visa Destinations

A visa is a travel document that can serve multiple purposes such as:

• Defining the purpose of your travel as a foreign national
• Certifying how long you are legally allowed to remain in the host country
• Attesting that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your visit
• Identifying the business associates and/or permanent residents who may be hosting or supporting you during your stay

There are many foreign countries where no visa is required to visit. Some countries that do require an entry visa issue it upon the visitor's arrival. Most countries require you to apply for a travel visa in advance.

Each travel visa process has its own application, required documents, and wait times. So, if a visa is required, you will want to start the visa application process as soon as possible to avoid delays to your travel plans.

Your visa requirements will vary depending on your destination country and the visa type you need. The most common types of nonimmigrant visas are:

• Tourism - This visa is for individuals who want to visit a country for vacations, sightseeing, social events, visiting family, or visiting friends. It does not allow the holder to work or engage in any business activities in the host country.

Most tourist visas are valid for 90 days from the date of arrival.

• Business - This visa allows foreign nationals to engage in business-related activities in the host country. This could include attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. However, it does not permit the holder to accept formal employment.

The length of the business visa will usually vary depending on the type of business activity it is granted for.

• Work - This visa is issued to foreign nationals who have been granted permission to work in the host country. The individual must usually have a job offer from a company in the host country. As such, the visa is often tied to that specific employer.

Work visas can be issued for short stays or multiple years depending on the host country's laws and the nature of the applicant's employment.

• Study - A student visa allows foreign nationals to study at an educational institution in the host country. The individual must usually have an offer of a place at the institution and may need to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.

Study visas are usually issued only for the specific duration of the student's educational program.

• Transit - A transit visa allows a foreign national to pass through the host country on their way to another destination.

Transit visas are special cases and, as such, are typically only valid for a short period and do not permit the holder to leave the transit area of the airport or other transportation hub.

Getting the right visa for your intended travel is very important. Failing to comply with the terms of your visa can and will result in deportation back to your home country.

Multiple Entry Visa

In some cases, a visa applicant may need to enter, leave, and reenter a foreign country. Since most visas are only valid for a single entry, this means foreign nationals would need to reapply for a new visa before each visit. When you consider the wait times associated with getting travel documents, this can be very inconvenient.

Depending on the entry requirements of the country you plan to visit, you may be eligible for a multiple-entry visa that will allow you to reenter the country more than once. In most cases, you will need to provide evidence that you need a multi-entry visa. Some countries require you to complete a separate application and provide additional documents to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Once issued, multiple entry visas can typically be used without any limit on how many times you leave and re-enter the country. That said, most countries limit the duration of each stay. Typically, this can be anywhere from 30 days to up to three months (90 days).

The reason for these limits is to prevent visa holders from overstaying their welcome on a nonimmigrant visa. A multiple-entry visa is not intended to be a way of circumventing the rules set by a nation's immigration services for permanent residence.

If a travel visa is one of the foreign entry requirements for the places you plan to visit, you need to obtain it from the appropriate embassy or consulate office. Most foreign consular representatives are located in major cities in the United States such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. There are also a large number of embassies in Washington, DC. Some countries allow you to submit a visa application by mail, others require a personal appearance, and some even require a visa interview.

If you choose to apply by mail, be sure to account for processing time. Just like applying for a new passport, there can be a lengthy wait time before you receive approval for your visa application. Once processed, your travel document and supporting documents will be mailed to you.

Many countries now offer an online visa application. The amount of processing time involved with getting a visa online will depend on the destination country's visa requirements and the efficiency of their systems and bureaucracies. At best, you may receive an evisa instantly. At a minimum, you will eliminate the wait time associated with mailing your application and materials or delivering them in person to an embassy or consulate.

As soon as you receive your travel visa, check for mistakes. Errors can cause problems at ports of entry and should be corrected before you travel. Attempting to use a visa that contains errors could result in being turned away at your port of entry.

U.S. passport and foreign travel visa expediting services are helpful if you need to get your visa fast or if you do not have time or the means to submit the application yourself. You can request expedited service online and let the expeditor deliver the application to the embassy or consulate for a reasonable fee.

One reputable visa expediting service that we highly recommend is iVisa . They are experienced visa expeditors with tens of thousands of strong, positive ratings on TrustPilot . If you need a visa quickly, or you just need some extra support through the visa application process, iVisa can help ensure you get the proper visa for your trip and get it as soon as possible.

If you are in a rush, the tool below can help you determine your specific visa needs as well as get you started on the application process

So, Do I Need a Travel Visa?

Again, not everyone will need a visa for every destination country. A passport valid for the duration of your trip may be sufficient for visa-free travel to many countries. Some countries require a passport valid for up to six months but still do not require passport holders to obtain any type of visitor visa.

Below is a directory of some of the most popular travel destinations and their visa requirements. For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, so it is best practice to reach out to the consulate or embassy of your destination country to be sure you comply with their most up-to-date travel document requirements.

For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S.

Updated Date: April 21, 2022

Since January 22, 2022, DHS has required non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States via land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request.  On April 21, 2022, DHS announced that it would extend these requirements. In determining whether and when to rescind this order, DHS anticipates that it will take account of whether the vaccination requirement for non-U.S. air travelers remains in place.

These requirements apply to non-U.S. individuals who are traveling for essential or non-essential reasons. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, or U.S. nationals.

Effective November 8, 2021, new air travel requirements applied to many noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily. These travelers are also required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. All air travelers, including U.S. persons, must test negative for COVID-19 prior to departure. Limited exceptions apply. See  CDC guidance  for more details regarding air travel requirements.

Below is more information about what to know before you go, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about cross-border travel.

Entering the U.S. Through a Land Port of Entry or Ferry Terminal

Q. what are the requirements for travelers entering the united states through land poes.

A:  Before embarking on a trip to the United States, non-U.S. travelers should be prepared for the following:

• Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the  CDC  website.
• During border inspection, verbally attest to their COVID-19 vaccination status. 
• Bring a  Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative  compliant border crossing document, such as a valid passport (and visa if required), Trusted Traveler Program card, a Department of State-issued Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced Tribal Card when entering the country. Travelers (including U.S. citizens) should be prepared to present the WHTI-compliant document and any other documents requested by the CBP officer.

 Q. What are the requirements to enter the United States for children under the age of 18 who can't be vaccinated?

A:  Children under 18 years of age are excepted from the vaccination requirement at land and ferry POEs.

Q: Which vaccines/combination of vaccines will be accepted?

A:  Per CDC guidelines, all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the World Health Organization (WHO), will be accepted.

Accepted Vaccines:

• More details are available in CDC guidance  here .
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your dose of an accepted single-dose COVID-19 vaccine;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after your second dose of an accepted 2-dose series;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received the full series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine (not placebo) in a clinical trial;
• 2 weeks (14 days) after you received 2 doses of any “mix-and-match” combination of accepted COVID-19 vaccines administered at least 17 days apart.

Q. Is the United States requiring travelers to have a booster dose to be considered fully vaccinated for border entry purposes?

A:  No. The CDC guidance for “full vaccination” can be found here.

Q: Do U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land POEs and ferry terminals?

A:  No. Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs). Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation.

Q: Is pre- or at-arrival COVID testing required to enter the United States via land POEs or ferry terminals?

A: No, there is no COVID testing requirement to enter the United States via land POE or ferry terminals. In this respect, the requirement for entering by a land POE or ferry terminal differs from arrival via air, where there is a requirement to have a negative test result before departure.

Processing Changes Announced on January 22, 2022 

Q: new changes were recently announced. what changed on january 22.

A:  Since January 22, 2022, non-citizens who are not U.S. nationals or Lawful Permanent Residents have been required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States at land ports of entry and ferry terminals, whether for essential or nonessential purposes. Previously, DHS required that non-U.S. persons be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the United States for nonessential purposes.  Effective January 22, all non-U.S. individuals, to include essential travelers, must be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request. DHS announced an extension of this policy on April 21, 2022.

Q: Who is affected by the changes announced on January 22?

A: This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. It applies to other noncitizens, such as a citizen of Mexico, Canada, or any other country seeking to enter the United States through a land port of entry or ferry terminal.

Q: Do U.S. citizens need proof of vaccination to return to the United States via land port of entry or ferry terminals?

A: Vaccination requirements do not apply to U.S. Citizens, U.S. nationals or U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. Travelers that exhibit signs or symptoms of illness will be referred to CDC for additional medical evaluation. 

Q: What is essential travel?

A:  Under the prior policy, there was an exception from temporary travel restrictions for “essential travel.” Essential travel included travel to attend educational institutions, travel to work in the United States, travel for emergency response and public health purposes, and travel for lawful cross-border trade (e.g., commercial truckers). Under current policy, there is no exception for essential travel.

Q: Will there be any exemptions? 

A: While most non-U.S. individuals seeking to enter the United States will need to be vaccinated, there is a narrow list of exemptions consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order in the air travel context.

• Certain categories of individuals on diplomatic or official foreign government travel as specified in the CDC Order
• Children under 18 years of age;
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order;   
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order;
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security;
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order; and
• Individuals whose entry would be in the U.S. national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Q: What documentation will be required to show vaccination status?

A:  Non-U.S. individuals are required to be prepared to attest to vaccination status and present proof of vaccination to a CBP officer upon request regardless of the purpose of travel.

The current documentation requirement remains the same and is available on the CDC website . Documentation requirements for entry at land ports of entry and ferry terminals mirror those for entry by air.

Q: What happens if someone doesn’t have proof of vaccine status?

A: If non-U.S. individuals cannot present proof of vaccination upon request, they will not be admitted into the United States and will either be subject to removal or be allowed to withdraw their application for entry.

Q: Will incoming travelers be required to present COVID-19 test results?

A: There is no COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers at land border ports of entry, including ferry terminals.

Q: What does this mean for those who can't be vaccinated, either due to age or other health considerations? 

A: See CDC guidance for additional information on this topic. Note that the vaccine requirement does not apply to children under 18 years of age.

Q: Does this requirement apply to amateur and professional athletes?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions.

Q: Are commercial truckers required to be vaccinated?

A: Yes, unless they qualify for one of the narrow CDC exemptions. These requirements also apply to bus drivers as well as rail and ferry operators.

Q. Do you expect border wait times to increase?

A:  As travelers navigate these new travel requirements, wait times may increase. Travelers should account for the possibility of longer than normal wait times and lines at U.S. land border crossings when planning their trip and are kindly encouraged to exercise patience.

To help reduce wait times and long lines, travelers can take advantage of innovative technology, such as facial biometrics and the CBP OneTM mobile application, which serves as a single portal for individuals to access CBP mobile applications and services.

Q: How is Customs and Border Protection staffing the ports of entry? 

A: CBP’s current staffing levels at ports of entry throughout the United States are commensurate with pre-pandemic levels. CBP has continued to hire and train new employees throughout the pandemic. CBP expects some travelers to be non-compliant with the proof of vaccination requirements, which may at times lead to an increase in border wait times. Although trade and travel facilitation remain a priority, we cannot compromise national security, which is our primary mission. CBP Office of Field Operations will continue to dedicate its finite resources to the processing of arriving traffic with emphasis on trade facilitation to ensure economic recovery.

Q: What happens if a vaccinated individual is traveling with an unvaccinated individual?  

A:  The unvaccinated individual (if 18 or over) would not be eligible for admission.

Q: If I am traveling for an essential reason but am not vaccinated can I still enter?

A:  No, if you are a non-U.S. individual. The policy announced on January 22, 2022 applies to both essential and non-essential travel by non-U.S. individual travelers. Since January 22, DHS has required that all inbound non-U.S. individuals crossing U.S. land or ferry POEs – whether for essential or non-essential reasons – be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide related proof of vaccination upon request.

Q: Are sea crew members on vessels required to have a COVID vaccine to disembark?

A:  Sea crew members traveling pursuant to a C-1 or D nonimmigrant visa are not excepted from COVID-19 vaccine requirements at the land border. This is a difference from the international air transportation context.

Entering the U.S. via Air Travel

Q: what are the covid vaccination requirements for air passengers to the united states  .

A:  According to CDC requirements [www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html | Link no longer valid], most noncitizens who are visiting the United States temporarily must be fully vaccinated prior to boarding a flight to the United States. These travelers are required to show proof of vaccination. A list of covered individuals is available on the CDC website.  

Q: What are the COVID testing requirements for air passengers to the United States?  

A:  Effective Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. ET, CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for U.S.-bound air travelers.

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International Travel as a Permanent Resident

In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department of State’s website .

If seeking to enter the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will need to present a valid, unexpired “Green Card” (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). When arriving at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your permanent resident card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, and determine if you can enter the United States. For information pertaining to entry into the United States, see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage .

Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. If it is determined, however, that you did not intend to make the United States your permanent home, you will be found to have abandoned your permanent resident status. A general guide used is whether you have been absent from the United States for more than a year. Abandonment may be found to occur in trips of less than a year where it is believed you did not intend to make the United States your permanent residence. While brief trips abroad generally are not problematic, the officer may consider criteria such as whether your intention was to visit abroad only temporarily, whether you maintained U.S. family and community ties, maintained U.S employment, filed U.S. income taxes as a resident, or otherwise established your intention to return to the United States as your permanent home. Other factors that may be considered include whether you maintained a U.S. mailing address, kept U.S. bank accounts and a valid U.S. driver’s license, own property or run a business in the United States, or any other evidence that supports the temporary nature of your absence.

If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131 . Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that it does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible; however, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For more information, see the Travel Documents page.

If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure from the United States will have expired. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An SB-1 applicant will be required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and will need a medical exam. There is an exception to this process for the spouse or child of either a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad on official orders. For more information on obtaining a returning resident visa, see the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas .

Additionally, absences from the United States of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470. For more information, please see the Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements page.

If you lose your Green Card or reentry permit or it is stolen or destroyed while you are abroad, you may need to file a Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) . This carrier documentation will allow an airline or other transportation carrier to board a lawful permanent resident bound for the United States without the carrier being penalized. For more information, please see the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) page.

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Can felony convictions hinder trump’s international travel here’s what we know.

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In this June 9, 2018, file photo, then-President Donald Trump speaks with world leaders during the G7 Leaders Summit in Quebec, Canada. (German Federal Government via AP)

Former President Donald Trump’s recent conviction on felony charges raised a host of other questions. 

Can Trump still run for president? Yes, he can . Can he vote in Florida? It’s likely .

But the answer to another question isn’t as clear: How will Trump’s felony conviction affect his ability to travel internationally? Social media users claimed there were dozens of countries that Trump can no longer enter because of his conviction.

Many countries have rules barring people convicted of felonies from entering. However, those rules vary widely and many leave room for exemptions. If Trump is again elected president and visits a country on official business, he would likely be granted entry, but it’s not guaranteed, experts said.

A Manhattan jury on May 30 found Trump guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to cover up a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Trump is scheduled to be sentenced July 11. Judge Juan Merchan has the power to impose travel restrictions at that time, limiting Trump’s travel outside the U.S.  

Many countries singled out in the social media posts about Trump limit entry for foreigners who have been convicted of felonies. Factors considered in whether to grant entry include the type of crime, when it occurred and the sentence length.

For example, Australia’s visitor travel requirements stipulate that "you must not have any criminal convictions for which the sentences total 12 months or more, whether or not you have served the sentences." Because Trump hasn’t been sentenced, it’s unclear whether whatever sentence he receives would fall into this category. Many legal experts have said they doubt Trump will be sentenced to prison. 

Israel and the United Kingdom also can bar people convicted of felonies from visiting. The U.K. restrictions factor in the sentence length and conviction timing.

It’s unclear whether Trump's felony conviction will affect his ability to travel to Trump International Golf Links in Scotland, which is part of the United Kingdom. When asked about how a potential visit from Trump may be handled, the U.K.'s Home Office said it does not comment on individual cases.

Harold Hongju Koh, a Yale University international law professor, said Trump’s travel to other countries as a former, and potentially future, head of state "would depend on how that country chooses to administer its entry laws."

Even sitting heads of state, he said, don’t have "an affirmative right that entitles" them to enter a country, although Trump would have diplomatic immunity in other countries if he’s reelected.

"China, where President Xi Jinping has broad executive authority, could decide to admit him between now and November as a former U.S. president who also could be a future U.S. president," Koh said. "But that would be based on a discretionary act of the Chinese executive under Chinese law, not on any general rule of international law."

Evelyn Cruz, an Arizona State University law professor who directs the university’s immigration clinic, said all countries have admission rules and it’s possible Trump might need a waiver for any country he seeks to visit.

"Whether he needs to apply ahead or at the entry point will depend on the country’s policies," Cruz said. If Trump were to be reelected in November, "he would be traveling under the head of state diplomatic immunity, and therefore, the countries would let him in."

She noted the U.S. has a similar diplomatic policy and has let in people accused or convicted of war crimes to attend United Nations gatherings.

Diplomatic immunity holds that certain government officials are not subject to jurisdiction of local courts and other authorities for their official duties, a 2018 U.S. State Department guide said. In the U.S., a head of state automatically qualifies for an A1 visa , regardless of the visit’s purpose. 

Similar travel questions arose when former President George W. Bush ran for president in 2000. One news report said he was granted special permission to enter Canada because he acknowledged a 1976 misdemeanor DUI charge, for which he had pleaded guilty and paid a fine. A Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson told PolitiFact the agency doesn’t comment on individual cases.

To examine the travel challenges Trump might face, we also examined how the U.S.’ northern and southern neighbors handle convicted felons entering their countries.

Under Canadian law , a visitor with a criminal conviction can be barred from entering the country, a U.S. State Department webpage said .

Mario Bellissimo, a Canadian immigration lawyer, said Trump could be denied entry because of his conviction.

"He is inadmissible to Canada and would be eligible (to apply for a certificate of) rehabilitation five years after the completion of any sentence," Bellissimo said.

For certificates of rehabilitation, an immigration officer decides whether a foreign national poses a risk of reoffending, taking into account factors related to the crime and what the offender has done since to show he or she is not a risk, Bellissimo said.

However, there are exceptions to these procedures, Bellissimo said. Section 24 of  Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act affords immigration officers the leeway to grant a temporary resident permit.

"Someone like a former president or a Republican (presidential) nominee that might be coming here for official duties or official business, that would be a very strong factor that would weigh in his favor for entry to Canada," he said.

Luke Reimer, a Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson, said admission to Canada is decided case by case based on the information available at the time of entry about whether travelers meet entry requirements.

He said several factors determine whether a person can enter, including criminal history.

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act lists multiple reasons a person can be found inadmissible to Canada, including being convicted outside Canada of a crime that would be an indictable offense in Canada. Trump’s conviction on falsifying business records is also a crime in Canada .

Mexican law also allows immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry if they were charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere, the U.S. State Department said on its website . 

A frequently asked questions page from the Mexican Consulate in Miami about forms visitors to Mexico must fill out notes that a person with a criminal record could be denied entry for serious crimes. 

"There is no way to know about your case before you travel," the page said, recommending that travelers contact authorities in their own country to find out if they have shared information with other countries.

An Embassy of Mexico in Canada webpage about visiting Mexico with a criminal record says people could be denied entry for serious crimes. The crimes listed include "tax fraud and comparable crimes."

PolitiFact Staff Researcher Caryn Baird, Staff Writers Loreben Tuquero, Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu and Sara Swann and Contributing Writer Sofia Ahmed contributed to this report.

Our Sources

Government of Canada, Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Division 4: Inadmissibility , accessed May 31, 2024

Government of Canada, Criminal Code: Falsification of Books and Documents , accessed May 31, 2024

Government of Canada, Overcome criminal convictions , accessed May 31, 2024

Email interview, Luke Reimer, spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, May 31 and June 4, 2024

Phone interview, Mario Bellissimo, Canadian immigration lawyer, May 31, 2024

Email interview, Evelyn Cruz, Arizona State law professor and director of the university’s Immigration Clinic, May 31, 2024

U.S. State Department, Mexico International Travel Information , accessed June 3, 2024

U.S. State Department, Canada International Travel Information , accessed June 3, 2024

U.S. State Department, Diplomatic and Consular Immunity: Guidance for Law Enforcement and Judicial Authorities , Aug. 2018

U.S. State Department, Visas for Diplomats and Foreign Government Officials , accessed June 3, 2024

Embassy of Mexico in Canada, Travelling to Mexico with a criminal record , accessed June 3, 2024

Mexico Consulate in Miami, Frequent questions and answers , accessed June 3, 2024

Government of Mexico, Digital Multiple Migration Form (FMMd) , accessed May 2, 2023

Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, Electronic Travel Authority , accessed June 3, 2024

Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, Check visa details and conditions , accessed June 3, 2024

Israel Population and Immigration Authority, Reciprocal privileges for US citizens at border control , accessed June 3, 2024

Gov.UK, Immigration Rules Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation , accessed June 3, 2024

Gov.UK, Grounds for refusal: criminality (accessible) , accessed June 3, 2024

Seattle Times, Canada can bar door for DUI , Aug. 19, 2002

ABC News, DUI Stops Bush From Freely Entering Canada , Nov. 3, 2000

Brennan Center for Justice, How Could Trump’s New York Hush Money Trial End? , May 14, 2024

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Thailand opens doors: Two-month visa-free travel for Indian passport holders

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated : Jun 7, 2024, 23:24 IST

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Indian passport holders can now travel to Thailand for up to two months without a visa, as Thailand opens its doors to boost tourism from 93 countries amidst COVID-19 challenges.

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Estás ingresando al nuevo sitio web de U.S. Bank en español.

U.s. bank altitude ®  connect visa signature ® card, earn 50,000 bonus points. 1.

Just spend $2,000 in the first 120 days. That's a $500 value redeemable toward merchandise, gift cards, cash back 2 , travel and more. And your points never expire. $0 intro annual fee for the first year , $95 /year thereafter. Effective September 9, 2024, you will enjoy a $0 annual fee.*

Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.

Mobile Carrier Terms 3

5X points 4

on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center

4X points 4

on travel. And 4X points at gas stations and EV charging stations through September 8, 2024, after that 4X on your first $1,000 each quarter (wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores excluded)

2X points 4

on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024); 1X point on all other eligible purchases

Additional Benefits

No foreign transaction fees.

Enjoy no foreign transaction fees when making purchases outside the United States.

Redemption choices.

Redeem points for travel, merchandise, cash back 2 , charity and gift cards or redeem instantly for purchases with Real-Time Rewards.

Airport lounge access 5

Complimentary Priority Pass ™ Select membership gives you 4 free visits to over 1,500 airport VIP lounges and experiences worldwide.

TSA PreCheck ® or Global Entry® 6

Enjoy up to $100 in statement credits to reimburse your application fee once every four years.

Pay over time with a U.S. Bank ExtendPay ® Plan. 7

Receive a new cardmember $0* fee offer on ExtendPay Plans opened in the first 60 days after account opening. 7

ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock™ 8

Get tools to help keep you informed of threats that may affect your identity.

Travel benefits 9

Protection and assistance when traveling with Trip Cancelation/Interruption, Trip Delay Reimbursement and SmartDelay. Plus, stay connected in over 125 countries with complimentary GigSky global mobile data plans redeemable through 8/31/2024.

Visa Signature benefits

Special access to unforgettable experiences – from fine wine and food events, luxury hotels and premium car rental service to sporting events, shopping and more.

Rewards calculator

See how fast your points add up..

Enter your estimated monthly spend below and your potential points will be calculated automatically.

Calculated earnings are based on current earn rates and will change effective September 9, 2024

Awards and Accolades for Altitude Connect

Best Gas Rewards Credit Card

WalletHub’s 2023

Best International Travel Credit Card

Frequently asked questions

What credit score is needed to apply for the u.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® credit card.

U.S. Bank credit score requirements vary by product. In general, our credit card products are for established credit with a credit score in the good to excellent range.

How does the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card work?

You can earn 4X points on travel. And 4X points at gas stations and EV charging stations through September 8, 2024, after that 4X on your first $1,000 each quarter (wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores excluded), making it a great card to use on road trips. In addition, you can earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. You'll also earn 2X points on dining, streaming services and at grocery stores (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded effective September 9, 2024) and 1X point on all other eligible purchases. 4

How fast can I earn points on my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card?

Use our rewards calculator to see how fast your points can add up on the Altitude Connect Card.

How do I redeem the points I’ve earned on my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card?

Redeeming points is quick and easy. Choose any of the following:

• Visit the Rewards Center found in online banking at usbank.com .
• Log in to the U.S. Bank Mobile App, select your Altitude Connect account and choose Redeem or View my rewards .
• Call the 24-hour Rewards Center at 888-229-8864.

Do points expire on my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card?

Points never expire on your Altitude Connect Card.

Is my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card eligible for Shopping Deals?

Yes. Your Altitude Connect Card is eligible to use at Shopping Deals. Shopping Deals is the easiest way to earn additional points while shopping online at over 1,100 stores using your credit card.

How do I use Shopping Deals with my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card?

Once enrolled:

• Log in at usbank.com .
• Select Shopping Deals in the Rewards Center and start shopping.

By using Shopping Deals on your Altitude Connect Card, you will be able to earn more points by shopping online. Earn points on your credit card purchases and then earn additional points by shopping through the Shopping Deals site.

Is my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card eligible for Real-Time Rewards?

Yes. Your Altitude Connect Card is eligible for Real-Time Rewards after you register your card. With Real-Time Rewards, shop nearly anywhere and redeem points instantly for your purchases from your mobile device.

How do I use Real-Time Rewards on my U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card?

Once enrolled, redemption is quick and easy. Make a purchase and you’ll receive a text asking if you want to use points to redeem immediately. Reply “REDEEM” to complete the redemption. You must have enough points to cover the entire purchase to receive the text message to redeem. Your points will be deducted from your points balance and redeemed in the form of a credit to your monthly billing statement. See Program Rules for additional details.

What is U.S. Bank ExtendPay®?

U.S. Bank ExtendPay ® Plans provide a payment option that allows you to divide eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest* – just a fixed monthly fee.

How will I know if I am eligible for a U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan?

If your credit card account is eligible for a  U.S. Bank ExtendPay ® Plan, you’ll receive a notification via email, or you’ll see ExtendPay Plan options when viewing your card account details or eligible transactions online. The only purchases eligible for an ExtendPay Plan are those that were made within 60 days prior to signing up for ExtendPay, are over $100, and are less than your purchase balance when you sign up for ExtendPay.

ExtendPay Plan eligibility may change based on your credit card account activity.

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Use our comparison tool to compare benefits like rewards, APR and welcome offers for up to three cards.  

U.S. Bank may change APRs, fees and other account terms in the future based on your experience with U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law.

* The APR may vary, the current variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers is $ (based on your creditworthiness). The variable APR for Cash Advances is 29.99%. Cash Advance fee: 5% of each advance amount, $10 minimum. Convenience Check fee: 3% of each check amount, $5 minimum. Cash Equivalent fee: 5% of each cash amount, $10 minimum. Balance Transfer fee: 3% of each transfer amount, $5 minimum. There is a $1 minimum interest charge where interest is due. The annual fee is $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, after that $95. Effective September 9, 2024, the annual fee is $0. Foreign Transaction fee: 0% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars. 0% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency. U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Fees: A monthly fee not to exceed 1.6% of the original principal amount in a U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan or U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Loan. This fixed fee is disclosed upon enrollment and charged each month that you owe the applicable ExtendPay balance. ExtendPay Fees are calculated based upon the original principal amount, Purchase APR, and other factors. When you make a payment, the amount up to your Minimum Payment is applied first to the monthly payment obligation for ExtendPay Plans and ExtendPay Loans if any, and then to non-Fixed Payment Program balances in the order of the lowest to highest APR. Any amount over your Minimum Payment is applied to balances in the order of highest to lowest APR.

Net Purchases are Purchases minus credits and returns. Not all transactions are considered to be Purchases and eligible to earn Points, such as transactions posting as Convenience Checks; Balance Transfers; Advances (including ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, traveler's checks, money orders, foreign cash transactions, betting transactions, and lottery tickets); interest charges and fees; credit insurance premiums; and transactions to (i) fund certain prepaid card products, (ii) buy currency from the U.S. Mint, or (iii) buy cash convertible items. Upon approval, see your Cardmember Agreement for details. Purchases qualify for Points based on how merchants choose to classify their business and we reserve the right to determine which purchases qualify.

Account must be open and in good standing (not past due) on the closing date of the billing cycle to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Upon approval, please refer to your Cardmember Agreement or Rewards Program Rules in the online Rewards Center by logging into usbank.com for additional information.

One-time 50,000 bonus Points will be awarded if you are approved for a new U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card and eligible Net Purchases totaling $2,000 or more are made to your Account within 120 days after Account opening. Points are earned on eligible Net Purchases. Please allow 6-8 weeks for your bonus Points to be credited to your Account. Existing or previous U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature cardmembers are not eligible if you have received a new account bonus for this product in the last five years. Use of the Card is subject to terms and conditions of the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Cardmember Agreement, which is provided at Account opening and may be amended from time to time. This offer may not be combined with any other bonus offer.

Cash back is redeemed in the form of a statement credit or a deposit made to your U.S. Bank savings or checking account (2,500 Points minimum redemption). Effective September 9, 2024, minimum redemption for Cash back will be 3,125 Points which equals $25.

By clicking Apply, you authorize your wireless carrier to use or disclose information about your account and your wireless device, if available, to us or our service provider for the duration of your business relationship, solely to help us identify you or your wireless device and to prevent fraud. See our Privacy Policy for how we treat your data.

Points are earned on eligible Net Purchases. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Cardmembers will earn 1 Point for every $1 in Net Purchases. In addition, you will earn 4 Points (5 Points total) for every $1 on prepaid car and hotel reservations purchased in the online Altitude Rewards Center using your U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card. Prepaid car and hotel reservations in the Rewards Center are not classified as a travel category merchant transaction and are not eligible to receive the additional points for that category. You will earn 3 Points (4 Points total) for every $1 on travel category purchases (such as purchases made directly with airlines, hotels, car rentals, taxicabs, limousines, passenger trains and cruise line companies). You will earn 1 Point (2 Points total) for every $1 on restaurant, fast-food restaurant, bar and qualifying streaming subscription service purchases. Refer to Program Rules or usbank.com/AltitudeConnectBenefits for official list of qualifying streaming services merchants. IMPORTANT CHANGE : You will earn 3 Points (4 Points total) for every $1 on gas station and electric vehicle charging station purchases through September 8, 2024. Effective September 9, 2024 , you will earn 3 Points (4 Points total) for every $1 on your first $1,000 each quarter on gas station and electric vehicle charging station purchases, excluding purchases at wholesale clubs, discount stores/supercenters and grocery stores/supermarkets. You will earn 1 Point (2 Points total) for every $1 on grocery store and supermarket purchases. Effective September 9, 2024 , grocery store and supermarket purchases at discount stores/supercenters such as Target and Walmart and wholesale clubs will be excluded. Please allow 1-2 statement billing cycles for your bonus Points to appear on your credit card statement. Refer to the Rewards Center for full details.

Cardmembers who enroll in the Priority Pass Select program will receive access for 12 months to airport VIP lounges worldwide that participate in the Priority Pass Select program. Enrollment with no membership fee is limited to one Cardmember per Account (including authorized users). Lounge visit fees apply. Please view the Guide to Benefits (PDF) or visit the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Card Benefit site for eligibility details, to register, and for full terms and conditions. Cardmembers must accept the Priority Pass Select Conditions of Use which are located at: www.prioritypass.com/en/terms-of-use. One Cardmember per Account may be enrolled as the member in the Priority Pass Select program, and their first four visits are waived each Priority Pass Select membership year (not Cardmember year). Per person lounge visit fees will apply after free visits have been used. Lounge benefits, services and facilities differ by location and may only be available at an additional charge.

Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. You must complete either the Global Entry ® and/or TSA PreCheck ® application(s) and pay the application fee(s) with your U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card. For complete details on the TSA PreCheck ® program, including full terms and conditions, go to https://www.tsa.gov/precheck . The TSA PreCheck ® trademark is used with the permission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Please view the Guide to Benefits (PDF) for further card benefit details including full terms and conditions.

From time to time we may offer to you the benefit of our U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plans, which allow you to pay off balances in fixed monthly payments over time and still avoid paying interest charges on new Purchases. You may designate up to 50% of your credit card line ($100 minimum) in eligible credit card purchases and pay in monthly installments with just a small fixed monthly fee. Only Purchase balances are eligible for  ExtendPayPlans. Transactions identified as Advances or Balance Transfers (as defined in your Cardmember Agreement), and any interest or fees, including Annual Fee, do not apply. The only Purchases that will appear as "Eligible Purchases" in the enrollment process are Purchases that were made within 60 days prior to signing up for an ExtendPay Plan, are over $100, and are less than your Purchase balance when you sign up for an ExtendPay Plan. Any unpaid balance remaining on an ExtendPay Plan after the chosen pay-back period will be subject to the APR and minimum payment calculation for purchases outlined in the Cardmember Agreement.

No one can prevent all cybercrime or all identity theft.

Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please view the Guide to Benefits for further card benefit details including full terms and conditions. In order for coverage to apply for Trip Interruption/Cancellation and Trip Delay Reimbursement, you must use your Altitude Connect Card to secure transactions. To register your flight for SmartDelay, visit altitudeconnect.smartdelay.com . Please visit gigsky.com/visa-usb-ac to register for GigSky and for further details and full terms and conditions. GigSky benefit is redeemable through August 31, 2024.

The Contactless Symbol and Contactless Indicator are trademarks owned by and used with the permission of EMVCo, LLC.

The creditor and issuer of this card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc., and the card is available to United States residents only.

New ‘Grand Visa' Will Allow Tourists To Easily Visit These 6 Gulf Countries

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From underdeveloped arid landscapes with little to offer to the oil capital of the world (and fastest-growing development zone), Gulf countries draw in hundreds of millions of tourists every year, who flock to the likes of Dubai , Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for their opulent resorts and futuristic cityscapes .

Despite their popularity, there remains one major obstacle to tourists traveling in the area, and that is the different entry requirements and visa policies, which can vary from country to country, making multi-destination trips harder to plan compared to, say, Europe.

While the United Arab Emirates allow Americans to enter visa-free, Saudi Arabia requires them to apply for an eVisa, and that's only one example: despite being regional partners, the Gulf countries have never agreed on a common set of tourism policies .

By the end of the year, a new ‘grand visa' will allow tourists to country-hop around the Gulf with little to no bureaucracy, and it looks set to revolutionize travel across the Arab world:

New Unified Tourist Visa For The Gulf States

As confirmed by local news outlets , all six countries participating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will introduce a ‘unified' tourist visa by the end of 2024 , the countries in question being:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

While further details have not yet been divulged, the idea is that once it is launched, the tourist visa will be accepted in all destinations listed above, allowing its holder to enter any of them so long as it remains valid.

The purpose is to support and develop tourism across the entire Gulf , where a host of new destinations is launching in the next decade, including a resort zone in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, recently touted as the Middle Eastern Caribbean .

It is expected that, with more tourists coming and feeling encouraged to explore the Gulf beyond just Dubai, revenue will grow much faster, and the dreaded visa bureaucracy that still affects certain foreign nationals arriving in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain will be reduced.

How Do Gulf Countries Compare?

For instance, Saudi Arabia expects Americans to get an eVisa to the staggering tune of $117 per application; Bahrain's is more affordable, with prices starting from only $43, and Kuwait's is negligibly-cheap, at only $9.80, but it doesn't mean they're less bureaucratic .

eVisa applications typically involve filling out long, detailed forms, where you'll be asked for personal information, uploading passport-style photos, and answering a series of security questions.

While it's far simpler than a Consulate-handled visa process, it's a hassle nonetheless.

Americans enjoy visa-free entry to the UAE, Oman, or Qatar, but entry and stay regulations differ: landing in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any UAE hub grants them a 30-day stay, and the same goes for Qatar.

In Oman, however, they're issued a restrictive 14-day entry permit upon arrival, hardly enough time to see all it has to offer, from the ancient desert cities with origins lost to time, to the pristine Omani coastline, fringed by a turquoise Arabic Sea.

How Will The Unified Visa Work?

The new visa aims to get rid of all these discrepancies, and smoothen the travel experience across the territory.

It will also do away with the different entry and stay regulations, setting a minimum 30-day period for tourists to remain , a move that has drawn to comparisons to Europe's well-loved (yet at the same time fiercely criticized) Schengen Area.

In Europe, the Schengen Agreement has helped abolish border controls between signatory states.

This has reduced bureaucracy in the scope of intra-Europe travel, and has facilitated integration, and the free flow of good and people across the continent.

The only downside for tourists?

They are only allowed to stay in the territories of the member states for 90 days out of any 180-day period.

In other words, if you've spent a full 3 continuous months in France, you can't then travel onward to Italy, even though it's a different country, as both apply the Schengen acquis , and Italian authorities will refuse you entry as your 90 days are already up.

With 29 countries having joined Schengen, with two new additions this year in Bulgaria and Romania, you can see how it spells bad news for long-term travelers, who have less options to remain legally in Europe long-term every passing year.

Now, the Gulf countries are not exactly known as long-term travel destinations, but digital nomads and slow travelers who split their time between the six states have a good reason to be concerned about the curtailment of their time in the area.

After all, if we're talking a Schengen-style, 30-day long visa applicable to all Gulf countries, if you've spent a whole month in Dubai, you are no longer eligible to travel to a different country like Bahrain or Oman to renew your tourist visa.

So far, similarities between the grand Gulf visa and the Schengen Area have not been established.

We don't know whether the Gulf states are forming a single travel area without border checks traveling internally, either, though further unification seems to be the goal.

According to Riyadh spokesperson Yasser Hakim, introducing a unified visa is ‘just one step' in the long road to economic integration, with a euro-inspired ‘single currency' set to be the next move.

This would be a long-term plan .

Will Current Visa Policies Be Replaced?

What about the bilateral visa agreements signed between individual Gulf states and other countries?

You may be wondering whether Americans will still be eligible to travel visa-free to the UAE, for example, if a new Schengen-modeled tourist visa is being introduced, or whether this means the Gulf states are simply forming a borderless travel zone Americans will be able to enter visa-free.

Once again, more information is needed, and we don't have the answers to those questions yet , though we will be sure to report back as soon as we find out more.

While the official date of the unified isn't yet announced, current visa rules applying to foreign travelers based on their nationality continue to apply.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post New ‘Grand Visa’ Will Allow Tourists To Easily Visit These 6 Gulf Countries appeared first on Travel Off Path .

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A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2 or combined B1/B2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

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

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