Visa requirements for U.S. citizens vary depending on which country you plan on visiting. There are over 160 countries that allow U.S. citizens to come as tourists for a limited period of time without needing a visa in your passport. For any international travel, you will be required to have a valid passport.
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 are the requirements to be an US citizen?
citizenship requirements
- U.S. citizenship requirements. A lawful permanent resident is someone who is not a citizen but is allowed to live in the USA. ...
- Naturalization categories. You must be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or green card holder for at least 5 years. ...
- Dual citizenship. You do not have to give up your citizenship in the country of your origin in the USA. ...
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 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 type of visa does a U.S. citizen have?
There are two main categories of U.S. visas: Nonimmigrant visas – For travel to the United States on a temporary basis. Learn more. Immigrant visas – For travel to live permanently in the United States.
Why do U.S. citizens not need visa?
Additionally, Visa Waiver Programs in place with certain countries allow US citizens to travel without a visa. The following countries do not require that US citizens traveling for tourist purposes have a visa....North America and Central America.CountryLength of Stay without Tourist VisaPanama30 days8 more rows
Do all Australian citizens have a visa?
It is currently necessary to obtain a visa for Australian passport holders, before departure for around 110 countries around the world. This can be obtained in person from the nearest embassy or through an online electronic visa application.
What country needs visa for U.S. citizen?
Countries that U.S. passport holders need visas to enter include Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Turkey, and more, and others require e-visas to visit. If you want to see where you can travel without a visa, start by visiting the Henley & Partners Passport Index and selecting the country that your passport is from.
Which passport is the most powerful?
Japanese passportJapan for the fifth year running remains topped the list, as Japanese passport-holders can visit 193 destinations without a visa, two more destinations than last year's report. Singapore and South Korea tied for second place, both with access to 192 countries.
How many countries can US citizens visit without a visa?
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).
Do Australians need a visa for USA?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa, if certain requirements are met.
Do Australian citizens need visa for UK?
As non-visa nationals, Australians can normally seek entry as a Visitor on arrival in the UK without needing to apply for a visa in advance.
Which country need visa for Australian citizen?
Visa requirementsCountryVisa requirementAllowed stayIndiae-VisaUp to 90 daysIndonesiaVisa not required30 daysIraneVisa30 daysIraqVisa on arrival60 Days92 more rows
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to Europe?
American citizens are currently granted entry into Europe without a visa. For this reason, they do not need to check visa requirements. This only applies to short-term trips, so if US nationals decide to move to Europe permanently, they need to obtain the relevant visa first.
What is difference between visa and passport?
The purpose of a passport is to identify the holder of the document. For Indians, the navy blue ordinary passport needs to be renewed every 10 years. WHAT IS A VISA? A visa is an official permission that a certain country needs to grant a passport holder of another country before their visit to the former country.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for Dubai?
U.S. citizens are subject to all UAE immigration laws. Passport Validity: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry is required to enter the UAE. Personal travel of 30 days or less: A U.S. citizen with a regular passport may obtain a no fee visitor visa upon arrival.
Why Americans can travel everywhere?
Having a U.S. passport is an extreme privilege, allowing us to travel to many countries around the world visa-free. In fact, Henley Passport Index, a company tracking passport rankings, reveals the US passport is the sixth most powerful in the world, giving Americans access to 184 countries visa-free.
Does a US citizen need a visa to go to Japan?
A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Will Americans need a visa for Europe?
American citizens are currently granted entry into Europe without a visa. For this reason, they do not need to check visa requirements. This only applies to short-term trips, so if US nationals decide to move to Europe permanently, they need to obtain the relevant visa first.
Do US citizens need a visa for UK?
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to the United Kingdom for a stay up to 6 months. A valid U.S. Passport is required.
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)
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 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.
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 are not allowed to enter Schengen?
Luxembourg – Admission to Schengen Area refused from noon 17 March until April 30, except residents, family members of EU citizens, medical personnel, and people responsible for transport of goods. Macau – Admission refused. Malaysia – Admission refused for nonresidents. Quarantine required for residents.
How to get a Brazilian visa?
Brazil visas must be obtained well in advance of departure from a Brazilian Consulate. They are issued as a sticker placed onto a page of your valid passport. Brazil maintains 10 consulates in the US, including the Embassy in Washington, DC, and you must apply at the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state of residence. Processing times for Brazilian visas can be very lengthy at some consulates, so plan ahead! The assistance of a visa service is recommended for the most efficient processing. Once issued, your Brazil tourist or business visit visa will be valid for multiple entries over a 10 year period. You can continue to use your valid Brazil visa even after the passport it is in has expired!
Where is Vietnam's embassy?
Vietnam visas must be acquired before you depart for Vietnam. Vietnam has an Embassy in Washington, DC and Consulates in Houston, New York, and San Francisco. All of them will accept applications from all US residents, regardless of where you live.
How long is an ETA valid in Australia?
They are valid for tourist or business visits of up to 90 days. You can apply for your ETA online, or with the assistance of your travel agent or a visa service.
Do I need a visa to go to Bali?
Vacationing in Bali? You’ll need a visa. Visas are available on arrival at international airports in Indonesia, or you can apply in advance at an Indonesian Consulate in the US. You’ll need to apply at the consulate that has authority over your state of residence, and every consulate has a slightly different visa application.
Does China require a visa?
Like Brazil, China requires that travelers must apply for their visa at the correct Chinese Consulate based on their state of residence. US citizens traveling for tourism or business are usually issued multiple-entry visas valid for 10 years.
Which countries have complicated visa systems?
Some countries, like Russia, for example, have very complicated visa systems.
Can Americans travel to Russia?
There are also places in Russia where Americans are not permitted to go. It is best to book travel through a known travel company that can grant sponsorship and help you navigate the visa system. The cost for Russian visas changes often as well, but as of Jan. 1, 2021, starts at $40 plus processing fees.
Do you need a visa to travel to Brazil?
Previously Americans who wanted to spend time in the country of Brazil needed to apply for a visa, but as of June 2019, a valid passport is enough to enter the country as a tourist.
What Are the Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens?
Visa requirements for U.S. citizens vary depending on which country you plan on visiting. There are over 160 countries that allow U.S. citizens to come as tourists for a limited period of time without needing a visa in your passport. For any international travel, you will be required to have a valid passport.
What Exactly Is a Visa?
A travel visa is a document that shows you are allowed to enter a country that is not your own. It allows you to enter for a specific amount of time and to do a specific thing, such as tour, study, or work. Unless they are part of a waiver program, the U.S. government requires visitors from other countries to get a visa before visiting the U.S.
How long can you stay in Australia?
citizens must acquire an electronic visa called an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before traveling to Australia. It allows you to stay for up to 90 days. Azerbaijan: A visa will be issued on arrival for $40. You will need a passport photo, and the maximum stay is 30 days.
How long does it take to get a visa to visit Cyprus?
Cyprus (90 days) — No visa is required to visit the southern part of the island, but tourists will need one to enter the northern part. Czech Republic (90 days) Denmark (90 days) — This includes the Faroe Islands & Greenland.
How long does it take to get a visa for Cuba?
Chile (90 days) Colombia (90 days) Costa Rica (90 days) Cook Islands (31 days) Cote d’Ivoire (90 days) Croatia (90 days) Cuba — A visa is not required, but a tourist card needs to be purchased at an airline or travel agency for $25 before you travel.
How long do you have to stay in France to get a visa?
France (three months) — If you plan to stay in the country for longer than three months , you need to apply for a visa before entering France. The same rules also apply to Monaco.
Which country requires a visa before traveling?
Cameroon: You must obtain your visa before traveling. Cape Verde: You may apply for a visa upon arrival at one of the country’s four international airports (Nelson Mandela/Praia, Cesaria Evora/Mindelo, Amilcar Cabral/Sal, and Aristides Pereira/Boa Vista), but it is better to get the visa in advance if possible.
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.
What is a visa?
A visa is an official document that allows the bearer to legally enter a foreign country. The visa is usually stamped or glued into the bearer’s passport. There are several different types of visas, each of which afford the bearer different rights in the host country.
What is a travel visa?
Travel visas allow the bearer to enter a foreign country for touristic and leisure purposes only and stay for a predetermined amount of time. These visas do not entitle the holder to work or engage in any business activities in the host country.
What is a student visa?
A student visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows the bearer to enrol at a postsecondary educational institution in the host country. High school foreign exchange students must typically obtain a visa for temporary residence.
How to apply for a travel visa?
Using your preferred search engine, find the official government immigration website of the country you intend to visit. Once you’ve found and read all the information, including the visa application requirements, fill out the required travel visa application form. You may be able to send in the form electronically or you may be required to send it by mail. If your destination requires visa on arrival, then you don’t need to worry about applying for a travel visa beforehand. In this case, once you get to your destination you may be required to fill out a visa form and pay any applicable fees. Double check the requirements with the relevant website or consulate as you may need to bring a passport-sized photo as well.
Why do countries have visa restrictions?
Countries have visa restrictions in order to check and control the flow of visitors in and out of the country and to prevent illegal immigration and other criminal activities. Forcing travellers to apply for a visa allows the authorities to vet potential visitors. For example, individuals may attempt to travel to a country with better economic ...
How long does it take to get a visa for Canada?
For example, visa applications from Russia to visit Canada take approximately 8 days to process, while Canadians looking to travel to India are advised to submit visa applications at least 15 days in advance.
How much does it cost to get a visa?
For example, visa application fees for visas to the U.S. start at US$160.
What is an A visa?
A visas are issued to representatives of a foreign government traveling to the United States to engage in official activities for that government. A visas are granted to foreign government ambassadors, ministers, diplomats, as well as other foreign government officials or employees traveling on official business (A-1 visa). Certain foreign officials require an A visa regardless of the purpose of their trip. The A visa is also granted to immediate family members of such foreign government officials, defined as "the principal applicant's spouse and unmarried sons and daughters of any age who are not members of some other household and who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien" (A-2 Visa) and which "may also include close relatives of the principal alien or spouse who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption who are not members of some other household; who will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien; and who are recognized as dependents by the sending government (A-3 Visa).
What is the visa policy of the United States?
The visa policy of the United States consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in the United States. Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the U.S. diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries.
How much does an ESTA visa cost?
ESTA has an application fee of $ 4, and if approved, an additional fee of $10 is charged.
What is the presumption of a nonimmigrant visa?
The presumption in the law is that every nonimmigrant visa applicant (except certain employment-related applicants, who are exempt) is an intending immigrant unless otherwise proven. Therefore, applicants for most nonimmigrant visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
How many S visas can a witness get?
S visas are nonimmigrant visas issued to individuals who have assisted law enforcement as a witness or informant. There is a limit of 200 S visas a year. A law enforcement agency can then submit an application for resident alien status, i.e. a green card on behalf of the witness or informant once the individual has completed the terms and conditions of his or her S visa.
How many countries are included in the Visa Waiver Program?
As of 2021, 39 countries have been selected by the U.S. government for inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Their nationals do not need a U.S. visa for short stays, but they are required to obtain an electronic authorization (ESTA) for arrivals by air or sea. Visitors may stay for up to 90 days in the United States, which also includes time spent in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the islands in the Caribbean if the arrival was through the United States.
What is the adjusted refusal rate for a B visa?
The Adjusted Refusal Rate is based on the refusal rate of B visa applications. B visas are adjudicated based on applicant interviews; the interviews generally last between 60 and 90 seconds. Due to time constraints, adjudicators profile applicants. Certain demographics, such as young adults who are single and unemployed, almost never receive visas, unless they articulate a compelling reason. Adjudicators are evaluated on how fast they carry out interviews, not the quality of adjudication decisions. The validity of B visa decisions is not evaluated.
Which countries do not allow Israeli passports?
Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen do not allow entry to people with passport stamps from Israel or whose passports have either a used or an unused Israeli visa, or where there is evidence of previous travel to Israel such as entry or exit stamps from neighbouring border posts in transit countries such as Jordan and Egypt.
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.
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.
How long does a Bermuda passport last?
Bermuda requires passports to be valid for at least 45 days upon entry. Countries that require a passport validity of at least one month beyond the date of intended departure include Eritrea, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Macau, the Maldives and South Africa.
Which countries are considered third countries?
Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan do count as third countries under the 24, 72 and 144-hours visa-free transit (TWOV) policies. 30-day visa free access is available for Hainan Province when arriving by air at Haikou or Sanya or by sea at designated sea ports.
Do countries have restrictions on foreigners?
Many countries have entry restrictions on foreigners that go beyond the common requirement of having either a valid visa or a visa exemption. Such restrictions may be health related or impose additional documentation requirements on certain classes of people for diplomatic or political purposes.
Does Australia require an ETA?
Some countries regard Australia's requirement for obtaining an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travel as being equivalent to offering visa-free travel when deciding whether to grant the same to Australians wishing to enter their territory. The United States, for example, offers their Visa Waiver Program to Australian passport-holders, and one of the conditions for joining this scheme is that "Governments provide reciprocal visa-free travel for U.S. citizens for 90 days for tourism or business purposes". However, the United States has required from January 2009 a similar ETA from citizens of Australia and some more countries. This system is not called a visa, but Electronic System for Travel Authorization, therefore the USA still allows visa-free travel for Australians. As of December 1998, Japan has also granted visa-free access to Australians. Other ETA eligible countries and territories including Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea (90 days) and Taiwan (90 days) also grant visa-free access to Australians while Brunei grants Australians a 30-day visa on arrival.
Who is exempt from Social Security?
The following classes of nonimmigrants and nonresident aliens are exempt from U.S. Social Security and Medicare taxes: A-visas. Employees of foreign governments, their families, and their servants are exempt on salaries paid to them in their official capacities as foreign government employees. Note: Employees, attendants, or domestic workers ...
Do foreigners pay Social Security taxes?
Wages paid to resident aliens employed within the United States by an American or foreign employer are subject to Social Security/Medicare taxes under the same rules that apply to U.S. citizens.
Does the F-1 exemption apply to nonimmigrants?
The exemption does not apply to nonimmigrants in F-1, J-1, M-1, or Q-1/Q-2 status who become resident aliens for tax purposes. G-visas. Employees of international organizations are exempt from Social Security/Medicare taxes on wages paid to them for services performed within the United States in their official capacity as employees ...
Overview
As of 25 February 2022, Holders of a United States passport could travel to 186 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival. The United States passport currently ranks 7th in terms of travel freedom (tied with the passports of Czech Republic, Greece, Malta, Norway, and the UK) according to the Henley Passport Index. United States Passport is ranked 3rd by the Global …
Passport card
The United States Passport Card can be used as an alternative to the passport booklet only when travelling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean islands at maritime ports-of-entry or land border crossings. The card is not valid for air travel whatsoever; if traveling by air, the passport book is required.
APEC Travel Business Card
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is meant to facilitate travel for U.S. citizens engaged in verified business in the APEC region.
The U.S. ABTC should enable access to a dedicated fast-track lane for expedited immigration processing at some participating foreign APEC member airports. U.S. APEC Business Travel Card holders may also use the Global Entry kiosks at participating airports upon their U.S. return. How…
Consular protection of U.S. citizens abroad
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.
Non-visa restrictions
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 valid or available.
Many African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Centr…
See also
• Visa policy of the United States
• United States passport
• Bureau of Consular Affairs
• United States Passport Card
Notes
1. ^ Using dense ranking.
2. ^
3. ^
4. ^
5. ^
External links
• Official U.S. Government database, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
What Are The Visa Requirements For U.S. Citizens?
What Exactly Is A Visa?
- Any U.S. citizen traveling to India must have a travel visa. Visitors with visas may stay up to 6 months total from the day they enter. Anyone needing to apply for a visa must do so on the Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) website. Requirements for an Indian visa change frequently, often without notice, so travelers should get the latest informati...
visa-free Countries For U.S. Citizens
Countries That Require Visas For U.S. Citizens
How Do I Get A Visa?
The Future of EU Visas For U.S. Citizens
- Visa requirements for U.S. citizens vary depending on which country you plan on visiting. There are over 160 countries that allow U.S. citizens to come as tourists for a limited period of time without needing a visa in your passport. For any international travel, you will be required to have a valid passport.