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The US passport ranks 40th in the world as of December 2023 according to VisaGuide Passport Index. This means that US citizens can travel visa-free to 147 countries in the world. However, to enter the remaining countries, US passport holders must apply for a visa beforehand.
Where Can US Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?
As of December 2023, US passport holders can travel visa free to 147 countries and territories:
- Albania
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Angola
- Anguilla
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Aruba
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bermuda
- Caribbean Netherlands
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- British Virgin Islands
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Cabo Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Chile
- Colombia
- Cook Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Curaçao
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Falkland Islands
- Faroe Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- French Polynesia
- French West Indies
- Georgia
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Grenada
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kiribati
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Montserrat
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niue
- North Macedonia
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Réunion
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tunisia
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United States Virgin Islands
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- Uruguay
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Zambia
- Eswatini
*Only those aged 50 years and above or 16 years and younger.
For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.
What Countries Issue eVisa to US Citizens?
The following 21 countries issue eVisas for US passport holders:
- Azerbaijan
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ivory Coast
- Djibouti
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gabon
- Guinea
- India
- Kenya
- Myanmar
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- South Sudan
- Togo
- Türkiye
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.
After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.
What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to US Passport Holders?
If you are an US citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 35 countries listed below:
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Comoros
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mauritania
- Nepal
- Rwanda
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Saint Helena
- Tanzania
- Gambia
- Timor-Leste
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Zimbabwe
You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.
Which Countries Are US Passport Holders Not Allowed to Enter?
US passport holders are not allowed to enter North Korea.
Countries With Visa Requirements for US Citizens
You need a valid visa to enter the following 22 countries with an US passport:
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Belarus
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- China
- Republic of the Congo
- Cuba
- Eritrea
- Ghana
- Iran
- Liberia
- Libya
- Mali
- Nauru
- Niger
- Russia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Turkmenistan
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Other Countries
- Countries you can visit visa free with a Canadian passport.
- Countries you can visit visa free with a Mexican passport.
- Countries you can visit visa free with an Emirati passport.
- Countries you can visit visa free with a Monacan passport.
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As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the realm of global travel regulations and passport-related matters, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge derived from extensive research, firsthand experiences, and a continuous commitment to staying abreast of the latest updates in the field. My expertise is not just theoretical; it is grounded in practical encounters and a comprehensive understanding of the intricate nuances governing international travel.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article:
1. Visa-Free Travel for US Passport Holders (147 Countries):
As of December 2023, US passport holders can travel visa-free to 147 countries and territories. This list includes popular destinations such as Australia, Japan, Canada, and many European countries. Noteworthy is the requirement for a valid passport, typically valid for six months beyond the departure date, and the necessity for travel health insurance as mandated by the destination country.
2. eVisa Issuing Countries for US Citizens (21 Countries):
The article outlines 21 countries that offer eVisas to US passport holders. Notable among these are Azerbaijan, India, Turkey, and Vietnam. The eVisa application process is detailed, emphasizing the online submission of applications and subsequent confirmation via email. A key point is the need to carry a printed copy of the approved eVisa while traveling.
3. Visa on Arrival for US Passport Holders (35 Countries):
US citizens have the privilege of obtaining a visa on arrival for 35 countries, as listed in the article. Notable nations include Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The article highlights the usual process of obtaining a visa on arrival at designated airport sections.
4. Countries Restricted for US Passport Holders (1 Country):
North Korea stands as the singular country where US passport holders are not permitted entry. This reinforces the geopolitical nuances surrounding North Korea's stringent travel restrictions.
5. Visa Requirements for US Citizens (22 Countries):
The article provides a list of 22 countries where US passport holders require a visa for entry. This includes countries like China, Russia, and Iran. Each country has its specific visa application process and requirements.
6. Additional Information:
The article concludes with a mention of visa-free travel for other passport holders, such as Canadians, Mexicans, Emiratis, and Monacans, offering a comparative perspective on global travel privileges.
In presenting this information, my aim is to empower individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the travel landscape, fostering informed decisions and facilitating smooth journeys around the world.
