where do you need a visa to travel

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. ...

Full Answer

Do I need a visa to travel to the USA?

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to the USA? The United States is one of the world’s most-visited countries. While some people enjoy visa-free travel to the United States, most of the world’s population requires a visa before traveling to the United States. Many western countries and developed nations are part of the Visa Waiver Program.

What do you need to know about US visas?

U.S. Visas. 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.

Which countries do not need a visa to enter the US?

There are two countries in the world that do not require a visa or ESTA to visit the United States: Canada and Bermuda. Three additional countries – Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands – also have a unique agreement with the United States allowing visa-free travel.

What does it mean to enter the US with a visa?

Entering the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

What country do you need a visa to visit?

A number of other countries do require that you get a tourist visa before you leave the U.S, such as China, India, Russia, and Vietnam. 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 countries can you travel without visa?

Where Can Americans Travel Without a Visa?AlbaniaGermanyNamibiaFalkland IslandsMexicoTurkish Republic of Northern CyprusFaroe IslandsMicronesiaTurks and Caicos IslandsFijiMoldovaUkraineFinlandMonacoUnited Kingdom42 more rows

Do I need a visa to travel?

(Note: U.S. citizens don't need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

How long you can stay without a visa. You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply: you're staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. you're visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.

Who does not need visa to USA?

As of 2021, nationals of 40 countries and territories are eligible for visa-free entry into the United States under the VWP:Andorra.Australia.Austria.Belgium.Brunei.Chile.Croatia.Czech Republic.More items...

Is a visa required 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.

Do I need a visa to visit Japan?

All foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan must obtain a visa before entering the country, except for those with re-entry permit. In principle, visas are issued to those with "special exceptional circumstances" (only single entry visa is issued).

Do you need visa for Mexico?

Visas. If you're visiting Mexico as a tourist you don't need a visa, but you'll need to complete an immigration form and have this with you when you enter and leave Mexico.

Is Japan visa-free?

As visa-free entry to Japan is currently suspended, all foreign nationals need a visa to enter the country. Japan has now introduced an eVisa for citizens of the US and Canada. This simplifies the application process to acquire the Japan visa for tourism or business.

Is Dubai visa-free?

Travelers holding a passport from your country can obtain a visa on arrival, free of charge for a maximum stay of 30 days the UAE.

What is free visa in Qatar?

Visa-free entry. Nationals of eligible countries do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver upon arrival to Qatar, by presenting a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

Is South Korea visa-free?

According to the South Korean visa policy, visa-free travel is now only possible with a K-ETA (see above). The K-ETA can be obtained in minutes through a simple online application and is valid for 2 years from approval. It allows multiple entries to South Korea during its validity.

How much does an ETIAS cost in 2021?

Called an ETIAS, the authorization will cost about $8 and is similar to SEPTA, the travel authorization that the United States currently requires of European nationals. Here are all the Schengen nations that will require an ETIAS as of 2021.

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.

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.

Who is Shannon McMahon?

SmarterTravel’s Shannon McMahon is a former news reporter who writes about all things travel. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

What is a visa required?

Visa required. Visa required means that prior to travel, you must apply for a visa. This may require filling out forms, providing documents, and paying fees. It must be completed and approved prior to departure.

What does "free visa on arrival" mean?

Free visa-on-arrival means that you must obtain a visa in order to enter the destination country, but it can be obtained upon arrival, and is provided free of charge.

How long does it take to get an evisa?

This eVisa is a simplified online visa application requiring submission of relevant personal information and according payment. It is usually issued within 3 days.

What does "visa free" mean?

Visa-free means that you can travel to the destination country without the need for a travel visa. In such a case only a valid passport is required for entry and exit purposes.

Is an evisa required at immigration checkpoint?

Online submission of personal information and payment is still required, and applicants may be subject to further questionnaires and interviews. Once approved, the eVisa is required at immigration checkpoint for verification.

Which countries allow visa free travel?

Three additional countries – Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands – also have a unique agreement with the United States allowing visa-free travel. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda can freely travel (temporarily) to the United States without requiring a non-immigrant visa or ESTA.

Do you need a visa to visit Bermuda?

Citizens of Canada, Bermuda, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau Do Not Need a Visa or ESTA. There are two countries in the world that do not require a visa or ESTA to visit the United States: Canada and Bermuda.

Can you get an ESTA if you have a criminal record?

If you have a criminal record or if there is any other reason to deny your entry to the United States, then your ESTA may be rejected. In other cases, your ESTA may be approved today, only for you to get rejected at the port of entry into America. Getting an ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States.

Can Canadians travel to the US without a passport?

Canadian Citizens: Canadians can enter and stay in the United States visa-free. Some Canadians do not even require a passport. If you’re part of the NEXUS program or have an Enhanced Driver’s License, then you may be able to enter America without a passport. SENTRI enrollment cards and FAST cards can also be used in lieu of a passport (if entering by land or sea). Canadians can remain in the United States for up to six months.

How often do you update your biographical information on a Chinese passport?

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first. This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

What happens after a visa interview?

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.

What is a visa for a foreigner?

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.

What does 999 days mean?

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 long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).

What happens if you fail to leave the US on time?

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Where to schedule a visa interview?

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

How long does it take to get an ESTA approval?

ESTA requires that you register specific information online, such as your name, address and passport info. You will receive one of three responses: Authorization Approved (this usually comes within minutes; most applicants can expect to receive this response), Authorization Pending (you'll need to check the status within the next 72 hours) or Travel Not Authorized. The latter option means you will need to apply for a visa.

How long is a visa waiver valid for?

Register online with the Department of Homeland Security at least 72 hours before your arrival. Once your ESTA is approved, it is valid for two years. The fee is payable online and costs $14.

How long does it take to get a Canadian visa?

Wait times for interviews vary, but afterwards, barring problems, visa issuance takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

How long is a tourist visa good for?

A visitor's visa is good for multiple entries over one or five years , and it specifically prohibits the visitor from taking paid employment in the USA. The validity period depends on what country you are from. The actual length of time you'll be allowed to stay in the USA is determined by US immigration at the port of entry.

How long does a passport last in the USA?

Your passport must be valid for the entirety of your intended stay in the USA, and sometimes six months longer, depending on your country of citizenship. You'll need a recent photo (2 inches by 2 inches), and you must pay a nonrefundable $160 processing fee, plus in a few cases an additional visa-issuance reciprocity fee.

What do you need to get a US visa?

Visa applicants are required to show documents of financial stability (or evidence that a US resident will provide financial support), a round-trip or onward ticket and "binding obligations" that will ensure their return home, such as family ties, a home or a job . Because of these requirements, those planning to travel through other countries before arriving in the USA are generally better off applying for a US tourist visa while they're still in their home country, rather than while on the road.

What do you need to register at the airport when flying to the US?

Upon arrival, all international visitors must register with the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Biometric Identity Management program , which entails having your fingerprints scanned and a digital photo taken.

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)

What is a biometric chip?

A United States passport with biometric chip. Visa requirements for United States citizens and non-citizen nationals are administrative entry restrictions by the authorities of other states placed on citizens of the United States. holders of a United States passport could travel to 187 countries and territories without a travel visa, ...

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 is iris scanning?

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

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 .

What is an ABTC card?

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