As a holder of an American passport, you might be accustomed to hassle-free international travel. However, you may be surprised to discover that there are still several nations where Americans face some requirements before entering.
As of February, over 15 countries require U.S. citizens to secure either a tourist visa or an electronic travel authorization prior to their visit.
This list does not include countries for which the U.S. Department of State has issued Level 4 travel advisories, nor does it cover destinations that are currently not issuing visas to Americans or those not frequently highlighted by Flying Frugal.
Here’s what you need to know:
United Kingdom
Type: Electronic Travel Authorization. While technically not a visa, the ETA mirrors the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization program. Since January, it’s mandatory for all Americans visiting the U.K.
Application method: Online via the U.K. government’s app.
Validity: Permitting multiple visits for up to six months within a two-year span.
Cost: $13.
Processing time: Up to three business days.
More info: here.
Australia
Type: Australian Electronic Travel Authority.
Application method: Through the Australian ETA app or online on the official Australian government website.
Validity: Allowing stays of up to three months within a 12-month period.
Cost: $12.56.
Processing time: Within one business day.
Pakistan
Type: Visa required prior to arrival.
Application method: Through the Pakistani government’s official website.
Validity: Allowing multiple visits for a period of 90 days.
Cost: N/A.
Processing time: One business day.
More info: here and here.
Bhutan
Type: Bhutanese visa.
Application method: Online via a local tour operator or through the Bhutanese government website.
Validity: Valid for the scheduled travel period; don’t book your flights until you receive visa clearance.
Cost: $40 plus a Sustainable Development Fee of $200 per night.
Processing time: Up to five business days.
More info: here.
Bolivia
Type: Bolivia Tourist Visa.
Application method: Online through the Bolivian Consulate. Residents of specific states can apply in person at the consulate in Washington, D.C., while others can apply in New York, Miami, Houston, or Los Angeles, or purchase a visa at any land or air border, according to the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia.
Validity: Valid for visits up to 30 days within a total of 90 days in one year.
Cost: $160.
Processing time: N/A.
Brazil
Type: Brazil eVisa, available from April 10 for U.S. citizens.
Application method: Online via the Brazilian government-approved website.
Validity: Valid for travel up to 90 days within one year.
Cost: $80.90.
Processing time: Five business days.
China
Type: China Tourist Visa.
Application method: First apply online through China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then proceed to a Chinese embassy or consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, or Washington, D.C.
Validity: Permitting visits of up to 30 days within a 90-day period.
Cost: $140.
Processing time: Four business days.
Egypt
Type: Egypt e-Visa.
Application method: Online via the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.
Validity: Valid for visits within 30 days over a 90-day period.
Cost: $25 for a single entry and $60 for multiple entries.
Processing time: Two to seven business days.
India
Type: Indian e-Visa.
Application method: Complete the application online through the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
Validity: Valid for visits of up to 30 days across one year.
Cost: Ranges from $10 to $25 based on the time of travel.
Processing time: 72 hours.
More info: here.
Ghana
Type: Ghanaian Visa.
Application method: Online through the Embassy of Ghana.
Validity: Valid for visits up to 30 days from the issuance date.
Cost: $60 for standard processing.
Processing time: 10-15 business days for standard processing.
Indonesia
Type: Visa on Arrival for Indonesia.
Application method: Online through Indonesian government resources.
Validity: Valid for travel up to 30 days.
Cost: $30.
Processing time: N/A.
More info: here.
Kenya
Type: Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Application method: Apply online through the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Validity: Valid for three months from issuance.
Cost: $34.
Processing time: Three business days.
Myanmar
Type: Myanmar Tourist eVisa.
Application method: Online through Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population.
Validity: Valid for travel of up to 28 days, within 90 days of issuance.
Cost: $50.
Processing time: Three business days.
More info: here.
New Zealand
Type: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Application method: Submit an application online through New Zealand Immigration.
Validity: Valid for travel of up to three months, for two years from issuance.
Cost: $10 via the NZeTA mobile app, $13 online.
Processing time: 72 hours.
Vietnam
Type: Vietnam Electronic Visa.
Application method: Online through the Vietnamese government platform.
Validity: Valid for travel starting from 90 days of issuance, for an extended stay of up to 30 days.
Cost: $25.
Processing time: Three business days.
Conclusion
Due to the ever-changing nature of processing timelines, fees, and application requirements, it’s advisable to verify the latest information on your desired country before making travel plans.
Additionally, consider bookmarking the State Department’s webpage for each country, as it contains essential information regarding visas, safety, and more. Also, enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is recommended. For further details, consult the U.S. Embassy linked to each travel destination.
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