U.S. citizens are one of the most fortunate when it comes to traveling. There are many places U.S. citizens can travel to with just a U.S. passport, but unfortunately, U.S. citizens need a visa for certain countries.
In this post, I'll cover all the countries that require a visa for US citizens and general visa requirements for US citizens.
What Are The Countries That Require A Visa For U.S. Citizens?
As mentioned above, American citizens can travel to many countries without a visa. Let's take a look at the countries, but it's not true with all the countries. The following is a list of countries that require a visa for U.S. citizens:
Travel To Australia From The US
To travel to Australia, you must apply for an Australia Tourist Visa. This visa is also known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The Australian Tourist Visa allows you to visit Australia for 3 months at a time and is valid for 12 months. The great thing about this is that you don't have to apply for the visa through an Australian Embassy; you can apply online.
Australian Tourist Visa Entry Requirements For U.S. Citizens
The conditions and eligibility requirements for visas can vary based on the type of visa. Most U.S. citizens are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization as long as they hold a valid passport.
Processing Time For The Electronic Travel Authorization
Generally speaking, the processing period for an Australian tourist visa in the Tourist Stream might range from 48 hours to more than a month.
However, the most popular type of tourist visa, the Tourist ETA, has a substantially reduced projected waiting time because it processes much more quickly.
You can apply for and receive an ETA e-visa just a few days before your intended visit. The entire process is entirely secure and paperless, and shortly after the visa is issued, it will be electronically linked to your passport.
To minimize risk, I advise applying for your Touristic ETA Visa at least a few weeks before departure. But don't panic; you can track progress with an ETA.
Australian Tourist Visa Fees
To get your Australian Tourist Visa, you must pay an application charge when applying for a visa, plus all costs related to the visa release. The total Australia tourist visa cost can vary based on the type of visa and when you apply. You must pay the visa fee online with a credit card or debit card.
While there are no Australia tourist visa fees associated with the ETA, there is an online service charge of USD 14.22.
Have a look at Australia Tourist Visa: Subclass 600 Visitors Visa Requirements and Application and Australia ETA Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization): The 601 Visa For US CItizens for more information on this visa.
Travel To Bolivia From The US
In order to travel to Bolivia, you must apply for a Bolivia Tourist Visa, also known as a Visitor Visa. You're only allowed to stay for 30 days per trip and a total of 90 days per year with a Bolivia Visitor Visa. Upon arrival, you can pay the USD 160 fee for a Bolivian visiting visa in US dollars or local currencies.
Visitors must provide documentation of a round-trip ticket or proof of their intended departure from Bolivia. You must apply for your Bolivia Tourist Visa at a Bolivian Embassy or consulate, and you can apply for an extension through the Direccion General de Migración (National Migration Service), which has offices in most major cities.
Bolivia Tourist Visa Processing Time
The visa processing times differ. The Tourist Visa can take 3-5 weeks or as little as 15 business days. You'll receive a Visa On Arrival after immigration officers allow you entry into Bolivia.
Bolivia Tourist Visa Costs
The cost of a Bolivian Tourist Visa depends on your nationality. You may be able to receive a visa free of charge if you apply before your trip at an Embassy or Consulate. However, if you apply on arrival, you must pay a fee of around USD 160.
This is an estimate, and the price is subject to change based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and changes in immigration rules.
Travel To China From The US
Unfortunately, there's no visa-free agreement between China and the U.S. This means that American citizens must apply for a China Tourist Visa before traveling to China. Immigration officials calculate the number of days you can stay when you arrive. You must apply for your China Tourist Visa at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
There's a chance that you need to attend a consular interview.
China Tourist Visa Processing Time
Generally speaking, you can pick up your visa 4 business days after your visa application.
China Tourist Visa Fees
For a single-entry visa, the visa cost is USD 140. If you apply for a visa with two entries, you must pay a visa fee of USD 140. For a multiple entry Chinese Tourist Visa of 6 months, the visa fee is USD 140. Lastly, if you apply for a multiple entry Chinese Tourist Visa for 12 months or more, the visa fee is USD 140.
Travel To Egypt From The US
U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter and travel to Egypt. However, you can get a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa online through Atlys. A multiple entry visa is also obtainable for 60 USD. If you enter Egypt through Israel, you must obtain a visa ahead of your estimated time of arrival (eta). You can get an Egypt Tourist Visa Online.
Egypt Tourist Visa Processing Time
When officials receive your application, it takes about 10 business days to process. However, applying for the Egypt eVisa takes 5 business days. Therefore, I recommend applying for your Egypt eVisa 7 days before you travel.
Egypt Tourist Visa Cost
The visa fees or visa costs for an Egypt single entry Tourist Visa is USD 25. If you apply for an Egypt multiple entry Tourist visas, the visa fee is USD 60.
There is a USD 2 administrative fee along with the visa fee.
Travel To India From The US
Before you travel to India from the USA, you must apply for an India Tourist Visa, also known as the e-Tourist Visa. This e-Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days, 1 year or 5 years. It all depends on the type you choose during your visa application. You can apply for your e-Tourist Visa online.
India Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an e-Tourist Visa for India is 72 hours or more. Officials will let you know through the email you provide during the application process.
India Tourist Visa Fees
The 30-day e-Visa for tourism costs USD 25. If you apply for the one-year e-Tourist Visa, the visa fee is USD 40. Lastly, if you apply for a five-year e-Tourist Visa for India, the visa fee is USD 80.
See India Visa For US Citizens: India Visa Requirements, OCI Card, And India Visa Types for more information on this visa.
Travel To Indonesia From The US
U.S. passport holders who want to travel to Indonesia must have a valid passport. The good news is that you can get a visa on arrival, meaning you don't have to apply for a visa before traveling to Indonesia. The Visa On Arrival for Indonesia is valid for 30 days, and you can extend the visa once for an additional 30 days.
Indonesia Visa On Arrival Processing Time
There is no official processing time for the Indonesia Visa On Arrival because you get your visa at the immigration office at your airport. Officials give you your visa while you stand there.
Indonesia Visa On Arrival Costs
The Indonesia Visa On Arrival fee or cost is USD 35.
US citizens can now apply for their VOA online before their arrival.
Travel To Iran From The US
You must apply for an Iran Tourist Visa; otherwise, you can't enter Iran. Unfortunately, you can't get a Visa On Arrival in Iran. Instead, you must apply for a visa through the Iranian Interests Section at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC.
Iran Tourist Visa Processing Time
It takes a while to get your Iran Tourist Visa. First, you must apply for the Iran Visa Code (online or via an agency). It takes 1-3 months for US citizens to get their Iran Visa Code.
Then, you must apply for your Iran visa at the Embassy, which can take a few days to two weeks, depending on your nationality or you can apply for the Iran evisa online.
Iran Tourist Visa Fees
The Iran Tourist eVisa fee is USD 80. Because the visa fees change so much, I recommend checking the visa fee before you apply.
Travel To Kenya From The US
You must apply for a Kenya Tourist Visa before you travel to Kenya.
You can apply for a standard single-entry tourist visa or an East Africa Tourist Visa. The single-entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. You can apply for both of these visas online.
Kenya Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing times for the East Africa Tourist Visa vary slightly between the countries. For Kenya, it takes 1 business day. Uganda takes 3 business days. Lastly, Rwanda takes 3 business days. The processing time for a single-entry Tourist Visa for Kenya is between 2-5 business days.
Kenya Tourist Visa Costs
The East Africa Tourist Visa Costs USD 100. The single entry Tourist Visa for Kenya costs USD 51. In addition, all evisa applications attract a 1 USD service charge and charge a card handling fee.
Travel To Libya From The US
US citizens need to apply for a Tourist Visa to enter Libya, however, at the moment Libya is not issuing tourist visas. Libya has issued a level 4: Do not Travel - this is due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.
If a person is sponsored by a company in Libya they can still get a business visa.
Libya Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing of your application usually takes 48 hours, but it can take as long as 10 business days.
Libya Tourist Visa Costs
There is no visa fee for a Libya Tourist visa.
Travel To Myanmar From The U.S.
Citizens must apply for a Tourist Visa to travel to and enter Myanmar. You can apply for this visa online (eVisa) or at a Myanmar Embassy or Consulate. The Myanmar Tourist Visa for U.S. citizens is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, and you can stay for 28 days. The Tourist Visa is also just a single entry visa, which means you can only enter Myanmar once.
Myanmar Tourist Visa Processing Time
After you submit your visa application, you can expect your visa within 3 business days. Officials will let you know through the email you provide during your Myanmar Tourist Visa application process.
Myanmar Tourist Visa Fees
The Myanmar Tourist Visa fee is USD 50. However, these costs are subject to change, so I recommend you check the visa costs before applying.
Travel To Qatar From The US
A Visa On Arrival is available for U.S. citizens in Qatar. You can get this visa at the immigration office once you arrive in Qatar. The Qatar Visa On Arrival is valid for 30 days, and you can choose between a multiple entry visa or a single entry visas. The Qatar Visa On Arrival is extendable for another 30 days. They stamp the visa on your valid passport at your point of entry.
Qatar Visa On Arrival Processing Time
There's no estimated processing time because you receive it at the airport. However, it may take a couple of hours or even minutes if they aren't busy.
Qatar Visa On Arrival Costs
There is no visa fee for the Qatar Visa On Arrival. It's Completely free.
Travel To Russia From The US
U.S. citizens must apply for a Russia Tourist Visa before traveling to and entering Russia. You can apply for a 3-year multiple entry Tourist Visa or a 3-year single entry Tourist Visa. You must apply for a Russian Tourist Visa through a Russian Embassy or Consulate.
Russia Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Russian Tourist Visa may vary, but the estimated processing time is about 20 business days.
Russia Tourist Visa Fees
The Russian Tourist Visa costs USD 160, which doesn't include the administrative fees or letter of invitation letter fee.
Travel To Sri Lanka From The US
You must apply for a Sri Lanka online visa (eVisa), also known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You can also extend this visa.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Sri Lanka Tourist is 3-20 days after you submit your application.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Fees
The visa fee for the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa is 35 USD. However, these costs are subject to change, so I recommend you check the visa fees before applying.
Travel To Sudan From The US
You must apply for a Sudan Tourist Visa before you travel to Sudan. You can apply for this visa at a Sudan Embassy or Consulate. The single entry Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months, and you can stay for 90 days.
Sudan Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Sudan Tourist Visa is usually 4-6 weeks. The Embassy will notify you when you can go and get your visa.
Sudan Tourist Visa Costs
You must pay a consular fee of USD 154 and a service fee of USD 79. Therefore, the total cost for the Sudan Tourist Visa is USD 233.
Travel To Syria From The US
Great news! You can now get a Syria Tourist Visa again. U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Syria. You can apply for a Syria Tourist Visa at a Syria Embassy or online. The Syria Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Syria Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing times for this tourist visa are lengthy. As Syria just started to reopen, the application process takes longer. The processing time for the Syria Tourist Visa is about 3 months.
Syria Tourist Visa Fees
The Syria Tourist Visa fee is USD 160. However, these costs are subject to change, so I recommend checking the visa fees before you apply.
Travel To Turkey From The US
You must apply for a Turkey Tourist Visa before entering or traveling to Turkey. In addition, you can apply for a Turkey eVisa or at a Turkish Embassy or Consulate. The Turkey eVisa is valid for 30 days. It is also possible that you can apply for a multiple entry visa.
Turkey Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the Turkey Tourist eVisa is speedy because it's an online application. The standard processing time for the Turkey eVisa is 24 hours.
Turkey Tourist Visa Fees
When you apply for a Turkey Tourist Visa online, you'll also see the cost of the visa. The visa fee for U.S. citizens is USD 50.
Travel To Vietnam From The US
Before you travel to Vietnam, you must apply for a Vietnam Tourist Visa. The Vietnam Tourist Visa is valid for 15-30 days. Fortunately, citizens of the United States are eligible to apply for a Vietnam electronic visa. Americans are also eligible for a visa on arrival. In addition, you can apply to extend your Vietnam Tourist Visa.
Vietnam Tourist Visa Processing Time
The Processing time for the Vietnam Tourist visa is 3 business days, however the visa on arrival happens at the immigration desk at the airport and can range from minutes to hours waiting time.
Vietnam Tourist Visa Fees
A Vietnam Visa costs USD 25. The Visa on Arrival also cost USD 25. However, these costs are subject to change, so I recommend you check the visa fees before applying.
Travel To Yemen From The US
You must obtain a Yemen Tourist Visa at a Yemeni Embassy or Consulate. The Yemen Tourist Visa is valid for 30 days. As if now the Yemen Tourist Visa issuance is suspended, I'll update this post as soon as they lift the suspension.
Yemen Tourist Visa Processing Time
You'll receive your visa after approval from the immigration authorities of the Republic of Yemen. The average processing time for the visa is two weeks.
What Are The Visa Requirements for US Citizens?
Lastly, I'll discuss the general visa requirements for US citizens to obtain a Tourist Visa. You'll need the following travel documents for your Tourist Visa application:
A valid passport.
At least two blank pages in your valid passport.
Flight itinerary.
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements).
Hotel itinerary.
Travel insurance.
Two passport-size photos.
A completed application form.
These are just the general required documents. You might need to give any other relevant travel documents depending on the country you are applying for.
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What Countries Can US Citizens Visit Without A Visa?
As I mentioned earlier, U.S. citizens can travel to many places without a visa. Let's take a look at the different countries that don't require a visa for US citizens:
Albania, Andorra, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bosnia, Brazil and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, European Union, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hungary, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City, and many more countries.
All Done!
This covers all the countries that require a visa for US citizens, countries that don't require a visa for US citizens, as well as the general visa requirements for US citizens. Will you try Atlys for your next visa application?
