Do I Need a Visa? U.S. Citizens Must for These Countries

U.S. passport holders enjoy the convenience of visiting numerous countries—including Canada, Mexico, France, Italy, Belize, and Iceland—without the need for a visa. However, there are several popular international destinations that do require U.S. travelers to obtain tourist visas prior to entry. Here’s what you should know about some of the commonly visited countries that require visas for U.S. citizens upon arrival.

Australia

Before venturing to Australia, U.S. passport holders are required to obtain an electronic authorization from the Australian government called the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). You can apply for the ETA online, but it must be completed at least 24 hours before your departure. As of April 2022, you can use the AustralianETA app, which is an official product of the Australian government. This electronic tourist visa is valid for one year and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each. The fee for the ETA is $150 Australian (approximately US$100).

Bhutan

Bhutan, known as the Kingdom of Happiness, is a realm of majestic mountain temples and breathtaking vistas, where the government assesses the well-being of its citizens using a Gross National Happiness index. Most visitors must secure visas and follow strict travel guidelines. As per the U.S. State Department, Bhutan's Department of Tourism imposes a fee of $100 per person per night for sustainable development (or $50 for children aged 6 to 12). All travelers are required to obtain a Bhutanese visa for entry and exit. The visa application can be submitted online for a fee of $40, with processing taking up to five days. Airline tickets cannot be purchased for Bhutan without prior visa approval.

Bolivia

While U.S. passport holders can obtain visas on arrival at the Bolivian border, the extensive documentation required can complicate the process. Therefore, it is often advisable to apply for a Bolivian tourist visa online or at a consulate in advance. To enter Bolivia, U.S. citizens must present a completed application form, a passport-sized photo, proof of hotel reservations (or a letter of invitation for private stays), evidence of sufficient funds and return tickets, a photocopy of their passport (which must be valid for at least six months), and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Additionally, there is a fee of $160, payable in cash at the border. With this visa, travelers may stay in Bolivia for up to 30 days at a time but cannot exceed 90 days within a calendar year.

Brazil

Beginning April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens will be required to obtain an e-visa to travel to Brazil, regardless of whether the purpose is business or leisure. Since June 2019, Americans have enjoyed visa-free access to South America’s largest nation for stays of less than 90 days. However, due to the U.S. not reciprocating this arrangement for Brazilian nationals, Brazil is reinstating its visa requirement. Details about the application process are not yet available, but according to the U.S. State Department, the visa fee will be $81, valid for 10 years.

China

It's no surprise that U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for travel to China. Historically, the application process was notoriously cumbersome, but as of January 2024, the Chinese government has made some simplifications for U.S. travelers. Visitors no longer need to submit a round-trip ticket, proof of hotel bookings, an itinerary, or an invitation letter, according to the latest requirements. However, applicants must still go through the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in the United States for a tourist visa (L-visa). Required documents include a passport with at least two blank visa pages and a validity of over six months, a COVA Visa Form, proof of U.S. residency (like a utility bill), and a declaration of residency in the USA. The standard cost for a multiple-entry visa to China is $140.

Cuba

Cuba is perhaps the least surprising country on this list, given its complex history regarding travel regulations with the United States. However, U.S. passport holders can indeed visit this Caribbean nation, provided they meet certain entry requirements. One of the key steps is applying for a Cuban Tourist Card (also known as a Cuban visa). These cards can be purchased online and allow visitors to stay on the island for a maximum of 30 days. They remain valid for 180 days after purchase, so you must travel within six months of obtaining the card. Fees for the Tourist Card range from $20 to $85, depending on where you buy it; many airlines offer it bundled with the ticket price.

Egypt

U.S. travelers planning to visit Egypt can now easily apply for an e-Visa through the country’s electronic visa portal. To qualify for the visa, travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months, a travel itinerary, and proof of hotel reservations. Once approved, travelers need to print their e-Visa and present it to Egyptian customs upon arrival. Fees vary from $25 for a single-entry visa to $60 for a multiple-entry visa.

India

India's visa application process is subject to frequent changes, so the Indian embassy in Washington, D.C. recommends travelers check its website for the latest updates before their trip. Currently, U.S. citizens can apply online for an electronic travel authorization, known as an “e-Visa,” up to 4 days before arrival, but not more than 30 days in advance. The e-Visa costs $10 for visits from April to June, or $25 for visits from July to March, both valid for 30 days. There’s also a one-year visa available for $40 and a five-year visa for $80. Travelers should have a printed copy at customs, along with proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay in India.

Kenya

As of January 1, 2024, travelers can enter Kenya for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, they must obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Applications can be made online at https://evisas.travel/kenya, where a one-time fee of $69 is required, in addition to a government fee of $38. The eTA takes three business days to process.

Vietnam

U.S. citizens planning to visit Vietnam can apply for an e-Visa online. This e-Visa, valid for stays of up to 30 days, involves paying two fees: a “visa letter service fee” during the application process and a “stamping fee” upon arrival in Vietnam. The total cost varies based on travel duration and other factors—more details can be found here. It's important to remember that Vietnam's online visa approval is only for air travelers arriving at one of the international airports in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang; those arriving by land or sea must obtain a visa through a Vietnamese embassy.

View the complete list of countries requiring tourist visas for U.S. citizens, including Nepal and Tanzania.

This article was originally published online in 2015 and was last updated in September 2024 to reflect current information. Reporting for this story included contributions from Meagan Drillinger.