Everything to know about tourist visas—and where you can go without one

Avid travelers are always dreaming about the next trip, whether it’s an idyllic family vacation in the Caribbean, a romantic couples trip to Paris, or an immersive culinary tour in Japan. A stress-free journey is always in the forefront of every traveler’s mind when planning a trip.  If you own a U.S. passport, your ease of travel increases.   

According to the Passport Index, a U.S. passport currently ranks eighth in the world in terms of mobility. U.S. passport holders can currently travel to more than 120 destinations without a visa, whereas the remaining destinations require some form of visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

However, several important questions remain for some travelers, such as: What’s the difference between a visa and an eTA? How much do visas cost? What are the countries that U.S. passport holders can visit without a visa? 

To bring some clarity to the visa confusion, we pulled together answers to a list of important questions to provide you with everything you need to know about traveling with or without a visa, as well as a few travel ideas to inspire your next trip.

How can I find out if I need a visa?

E-visas tend to be broader in scope and length of stay, such as travel for business purposes. They may also require more information on the application, including a digital photo.

In contrast, eTAs are primarily for short tourist stays and take less time to process—sometimes as little as a few minutes. They also tend to cost less.  

However, both need to be presented when boarding a plane and at immigration or border control.

What do I need to apply for a visa or an eTA?

Most eTAs and some visas require more than personal details, such as name, home address, and passport number. Travelers may have to provide additional details such as their dates of travel and the name and address of the hotel where they are staying during their trip. 

Passport photos may also be required, so have both digital and paper copies on hand. Other visa applications may ask for copies of hotel and flight bookings and even proof of funds, such as a bank statement. Also, it’s a pretty common query, but don’t be surprised if visa applications and/or border control officials ask if you have a criminal record.

How much do tourist visas and eTAs cost?

Tourist visas and eTAs vary widely in cost. Some can cost as little as $10, whereas visas that require lengthy application processes can cost more than $100. Brazil’s new e-visa, for instance, will cost $80.90.

Also, beware of commercial visa sites, because they usually charge more than the actual fee. Whenever possible, use your destination’s e-visa or eTA portal. Application and processing fees are usually non-refundable.

How long can I stay on a tourist visa or eTA?

Tourist visas and eTAs can be issued for single or multiple entries for as little as a week or two and as long as 180 days. If you plan to move between countries, make sure you have a multiple-entry visa.

How soon before traveling should I apply for a visa or eTA?

While eTAs and e-visas can often be processed in days if not hours, it’s wise to apply as soon as possible—even prior to booking flights and hotels. 

However, sometimes countries do not allow you to apply until close to the departure date. For example, to get Indonesia’s visitor visa, you can start to apply for it 14 days before your departure date.

Tourist visas that require you to send your passport should be done months in advance to factor in the processing time.  

Do I need a visa or eTA to go to Europe?

In March, the European Union announced that it is further delaying the implementation of its version of an eTA, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. So, travelers heading to Europe don’t have to worry yet.

The new rollout date, which will apply to the 29 members of the Schengen Area and Cyprus, will be in the last quarter of 2026. 

Similarly, the EU’s introduction of its new Entry/Exist System, or EES, has been delayed until October 2025. No action is required before your departure to an EU country. 

(Related: Everything you need to know about EES, the new EU visa scheme.)

Do I need a visa to visit the UK, Australia, and New Zealand?

The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are three of the eight countries that require U.S. nationals to have an eTA before traveling. 

The eTA for the U.K. is valid for multiple entries two years after purchase and costs £10 ($13), whereas the Australian eTA costs $20 AUD and is valid for stays of up to 3 months within one year. 

The New Zealand eTA only costs $17 NZD, but visitors are now charged a tourist levy of $100 on arrival. Both costs are valid for multiple entries for up to two years.

Where can I go without a visa or eTA?

Americans with U.S. passports can travel to more than 120 destinations without any form of visa or eTA. They can travel to the nation’s top two destinations, neighboring countries Canada and Mexico, without a visa. Most South American and Caribbean countries also do not require visas or eTAs.

Two of the Best of World 2025 destinations in Asia are visa-free, including perennial favorite Japan. While there, skip the tourist swarms of Kyoto and head instead to the historic garden city of Kanazawa.  

Thailand is another popular destination. In Bangkok, visit the newly restored 17th-century temple Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The attraction’s emphasis on conservation is even more relevant now after the March 28 earthquake in the region.

While most countries in Africa require a tourist visa, some incredible destinations do not. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, travelers can retrace Antoni Porowski and Issa Rae’s journey in Senegal documented in the first season of No Place Like Home. Sample the national dish of ceebu jën, a combination of fish, vegetables, and rice that received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2021.

Abu Dhabi is one of the few visa-free destinations in the Middle East. It's something to think about if you're planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates, specifically the capital city to visit its new Saadiyat Cultural District.

What other requirements need to be considered for international travel?

Even if your destination does not require a visa, you may need to meet other necessary requirements. Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least three months and usually up to six months after your entry date into your desired destination. Renewing your passport can take up to 4-6 weeks, not counting mailing time, according to the U.S. State Department. (There are options to expedite the process.)

Other possible requirements for entry include:

• Proof of an outbound or return flight 
• Proof of residence, such as a hotel or relative’s address
• As many as four blank passport pages (if your passport does not have enough pages, you cannot add more; you’ll have to renew it)
• Vaccination records, particularly yellow fever (consult the Center for Disease Control’s destination list for all recommended and required vaccines)
• Proof of funds (bank statement) or a certain amount of money on hand

Green card holders should carry their legal passports as well, as some countries will require it upon entry. More information on reentering the United States can be found here.