
All travelers entering the United States from all other countries need a passport upon arrival (regardless of their country of citizenship). Permanent residents and foreign nationals may also need a U.S. visa . You must apply for a visa before you start your trip.
What countries require visa for US citizens?
Popular Destinations Which Require Visas for US Citizens
- Australia. US citizens must acquire an electronic visa called an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) before traveling to Australia.
- Brazil. Brazil visas must be obtained well in advance of departure from a Brazilian Consulate. ...
- China. ...
- India. ...
- Indonesia. ...
- Kenya. ...
- Myanmar. ...
- Russia. ...
- Vietnam. ...
What documents are required for US visa?
US Visa Requirements
- Form DS-160. If you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa you should complete the online application form DS-160.
- Previous USA visas. ...
- Invitation letter. ...
- Travel itinerary. ...
- Sponsorship documents. ...
- Property Documents. ...
- Family Documents. ...
- Letter from a physician. ...
What countries can you visit without a visa?
Countries that belong to this agreement include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Barbados
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- jamaica
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
What are the requirements for an US visa?
- Application form, either the DS-160 form (for non-immigrant visas) or the DS-260 form (for immigrant visas)
- A passport that is six months valid beyond your planned date of departure from the United States
- Two photographs that meet the U.S. visa photograph requirements
- Valid payment method for a visa fee to schedule an interview

What countries need a visa to enter the US?
Visa requirementsCountryVisa requirementAllowed stayArmeniaVisa not required180 daysAustraliaElectronic Travel Authorization90 daysAustriaVisa not required90 daysAzerbaijaneVisa / Visa on arrival30 days78 more rows
Which country do not need visa for USA?
Where Can Americans Travel Without a Visa?AlbaniaGermanyNamibiaAmerican SamoaGibraltarNetherlandsAndorraGreeceNew ZealandAnguillaGreenlandNicaraguaAntigua and BarbudaGrenadaNorthern Mariana Islands42 more rows
Which passport is the strongest in the world?
JapanJapan has the world's most powerful passport - providing hassle-free entry to 193 countries. Just one country short, Singapore and South Korea are tied in second place, according to the latest Henley Passport Index from Henley & Partners, an immigration consultancy.
Do European citizens need a visa for USA?
In most cases, applying for a USA visa is not required. British and Irish citizens, as well as most Europeans, can make use of an ESTA. Applying for an ESTA saves money, time and effort compared to a visa application for the USA.
How many countries are visa free for U.S. passport?
185 countriesWhere can U.S. passport holders travel visa-free? As of October 1, 2021, US citizens can travel visa-free to 185 countries and territories (though a few require a visa on arrival).
How can I go to America for free?
Here is my guide of how to travel the USA for free without mooching:Gear Up with Some Necessities. ... Go Human Powered. ... Dumpster Dive for Food. ... Forage for Food. ... Water. ... Live Naturally- Personal Hygiene. ... Electricity. ... Travel with a Purpose Greater than Yourself.More items...•
Do Canadians need visa for USA?
Canadians typically do not require visas to enter the United States, although there are some exceptions. Citizens of certain other countries also do not require entry visas to visit the United States. For more information, please visit the Visa Waiver section of the State Department website.
What is the visa for a non-US citizen?
Some of the most commonly requested visas are: Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. Fiancé (e) visa to marry your U.S. citizen fiancé (e), and live, in the U.S.
What is an immigration visa?
Immigrant visa for permanent residency Permanent Residency: the U.S. immigration status that allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States.
How long does a passport last in the US?
The documents you need and whether your passport needs to be valid for six months after your travel dates depend on the country you are arriving from and your citizenship or status. Open All +.
When do you pay for an immigrant visa?
The best time to pay the fee is after you pick up your immigrant visa from the U.S. consulate, before you leave for the United States. When you receive your immigrant visa, you’ll get a sealed packet of documents to give officials at the U.S. port of entry.
How many people get green cards a year?
About a million people a year receive Green Cards, designating them as new permanent residents of the United States. Many of those people arrive in the U.S. through an immigrant visa.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Find out what visa type is appropriate for you
The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Visa Appointment Wait Time
A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.
How many countries require a visa for an American citizen?
Currently, there are 41 countries that require American citizens get a visa stamped in a valid passport in order to enter them. Most of these are located in either Africa or the Middle East although there are a few Asian and South American countries on the list.
Which countries require visas?
Some of the most popular destinations where visas are required include China, Egypt, India, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. Nearly a third of the countries on the list issue visas upon arrival. Even so, travelers are encouraged to obtain visas prior to departure for the following reasons:
Which countries require a written approval before they issue visas?
Countries on the list with an asterick issue visas upon arrival. Vietnam requires a written approval before they will issue the visa at a port of entry. Afghanistan. Algeria.
How long does it take to get a visa?
Some locations can take as long as an hour or more to issue the visa and, oftentime, under great scrutiny.
How long can a US citizen stay in the US without a visa?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of 38 countries to travel to the US for purposes of business and tourism and reside for up to 90 days in the nation, without the need to apply for a visa. These countries include: These 38 countries also permit US nationals to visit them for up to 90 days without a visa, ...
How many international travelers visited the US in 2018?
Approximately 79.62 million international travelers entered the US in 2018, says data published by Statista. An incredibly diverse nation, America has something to offer for every type of tourist, from an endless number of museums to national parks, entertainment centers and bustling metropolitans. No wonder this nation is such a popular holiday ...
Why the Visa Waiver Program?
The main reason for the VWP is economic benefits. In 2014, about 20 million travelers set foot on American soil under the VWP and invested a massive $84 billion on goods and services.
What is an ESTA visa?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) determine s the eligibility of an individual to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. This application collects biographic information and the answers to the eligibility questions only. Authorization through the ESTA does not guarantee that an individual will be permitted entry into the US. This decision is taken by the US Customs and Border Protection officers.
Which countries require a passport?
Other countries, such as Japan, Ireland and the United Kingdom, require a passport valid throughout the period of the intended stay.
How long is a visa not required for?
Visa not required for 15 days for traveling as part of a tourist group (2 or more people)
How many pages are needed for a passport?
Many countries require a minimum number of blank pages to be available in the passport being presented, typically one or two pages . Endorsement pages, which often appear after the visa pages, are not counted as being available.
What states require a PAP?
PAP/RAP required. Protected Area Permit (PAP) required for whole states of Nagaland and Sikkim and parts of states Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) required for all of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and parts of Sikkim.
How long is a Bermuda passport valid?
Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry .
Which countries deny entry to non-citizens?
Some countries, including Australia, Canada, Fiji, New Zealand and the United States, routinely deny entry to non-citizens who have a criminal record while others impose restrictions depending on the type of conviction and the length of the sentence.
Which country has the most diplomatic missions?
The United States has the most diplomatic missions of any country in the world. See also List of diplomatic missions of the United States and List of diplomatic missions in the United States . The Department of State regularly publishes travel warnings or travel alerts.
Which countries require visas for Americans?
The list of countries that require visas for Americans includes some travel hotspots, for example Australia, Brazil, Cuba, and China.
How to get a tourist visa?
For short-term travel, there are a few primary ways to acquire a tourist visa. The simplest route is simply getting one upon arrival by paying a fee at the airport —this occurs in most visa-requiring places that are popular for travel, and is known as “visa on arrival.”. Some nations, however, may require or encourage you to secure one ...
Do you need a visa to travel to Australia?
Terms and conditions vary; some may need to be acquired online. Some countries may simply recommend purchasing one beforehand in case the airport is busy—Australia, for example, may offer visas at your departure airport, but it’s wise (and may be necessary depending on the time of year you’re visiting) to get yours beforehand. Starred nations offer eTA or eVisas, which means you’ll get electronic approval rather than a physical visa to put in your passport—at least until you arrive. Check specific Entry Requirements for your destination on the State Department’s website for more details.
