Foreign Entry Requirements: Samoa to Syria

Samoa Non-citizen U.S. nationals who are resident in American Samoa must obtain visitor permits prior to all travel to Samoa. They are no longer permitted to travel to Samoa on certificates of identity except on a case-by-case basis. (U.S. law distinguishes between individuals who are citizens and those who are non-citizen nationals. The U.S. passport bio-page shows one's status as either a citizen or a non-citizen national.) Visitor permits to travel to Samoa can be applied for at the new Samoa Consulate General office in Pago Pago, American Samoa. The Samoa Consulate General address is P.O. Box 1313, Pago Pago, American Samoa, telephone (684) 633-5919, fax (684) 633-5929. A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for all Americans (both citizens and non-citizen nationals) to travel to Samoa. Visitor permits are not required for U.S. citizens (they are required for non-citizen U.S. nationals of American Samoa who reside in American Samoa only) seeking to stay in Samoa for up to 60 days. All visitors are required to pay a departure tax of 40 Tala (approximately 17.50 USD) upon leaving the country.

Further information about entry requirements and the departure tax may be obtained from the Samoa Mission to the United Nations at 800-2nd Avenue, Suite 400J, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 599-6196, fax (212) 599-0797, or email Samoa@un.int. Visit the Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations web site . For the most current visa information, visit the Samoa Immigration web site.

San Marino See Italy entry requirements

Sao Tome and Principe A passport and Sao Tome and Principe visa are required. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry. Visas must be obtained in advance, as airport visas are no longer available. Travelers can obtain visas and the latest information on entry requirements from the Permanent Mission of São Tomé and Príncipe to the UN, 400 Park Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022, telephone (212) 317-0533 or (917) 751-2742, fax (212) 317-0580 or (212) 239-2272. Travelers transiting through Gabon to São Tomé and Príncipe can also obtain visas and the latest information on entry requirements from the São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy to Gabon, B.P. 49, Libreville, Gabon, telephone (241) 72-15-27, fax (241) 72-15-28. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest São Toméan and Príncipian embassy or consulate.

Saudi Arabia See Saudi Arabia entry requirements

Senegal A passport is required. For U.S. passport holders, a visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. Current yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Senegal and meningitis vaccination is highly recommended if the traveler is arriving from or has recently traveled to an endemic area. Travelers unable to provide proof of vaccinations may be required to pay for and receive vaccinations at the Dakar airport. Travelers should obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 234-0540, and at the Senegal Tourism Authority. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate.

Serbia A passport is required for travel to Serbia . U.S. citizens with tourist, official, or diplomatic passports do not require a visa for entry and stay in Serbia for up to 90 days within a six-month period. It is not possible to apply for or obtain temporary residence permits outside of Serbia. U.S. citizens who wish to remain in Serbia for more than 90 days must obtain a temporary residence permit from the local police having jurisdiction over their place of residence in Serbia . With their residency application, applicants will need to provide a copy of their birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), obtained within 90 days before application, and a police report authenticated for use abroad from their state of residence in the U.S. or from the country where they permanently reside. All documents should have an "apostille" stamp certifying their authenticity.

For further information on entry requirements for Serbia, including information regarding requirements for residency and work permits, travelers may contact the Serbian Embassy in Washington, D.C. at telephone (202) 332-0333 or fax (202) 332-3933. The address of the Embassy is 2134 Kalorama Road, Washington, D.C. 20008. Alternatively, travelers may also contact the Consulate General in Chicago at telephone (312) 670-6707 or fax (312) 670-6787. The address of the Chicago Consulate is 201 East Ohio Street, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

U.S. citizen travelers who obtain a new U.S. passport while in Serbia and do not have a prior passport or other evidence of their entry (for example, in cases of a lost or stolen passport or a child born in Serbia) will not be allowed to depart the country without an exit visa obtained from the Ministry of Interior. Similarly, travelers who use a different country's passport to enter than to exit (for example, entering with a Serbian passport or Serbian "National ID Card" and attempting to exit with a U.S. passport) are likely to have difficulty exiting Serbia due to the lack of an entry stamp in their passport. Note that Montenegro and Kosovo have their own immigration requirements.

Travelers who enter Serbia with more than the equivalent of 10,000 euros in cash are required to declare all currency upon entry and must obtain from customs officials a declaration that must be presented at departure. Failure to comply may result in the confiscation of all funds.

Registration with Local Authorities: Visitors staying in private accommodations must register with the police station responsible for the area in which they are staying within 24 hours of arrival. Failure to comply may result in a fine, incarceration, and/or expulsion. Persons who fail to register may face difficulties in departing the country. Visitors staying in hotels or tourist facilities are automatically registered with the police by the hotel. Additional information about visa requirements and the obligation of foreigners to register their location is available from the Government of Serbia website.

Seychelles A valid passport, onward/return ticket, the local address where the visitor will stay, and proof of sufficient funds are required. A one-month entry visa may be obtained upon arrival and may be extended for a period of up to one year. There is an airport departure tax of approximately $40, which must be paid in U.S. dollars. This charge is typically included in the cost of an airline ticket. Travelers should contact the Permanent Mission of the Seychelles to the United Nations, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017; telephone number (212) 972-1785, for the most current visa information.

Sierra Leone A passport and visa are required. Visitors are strongly encouraged to obtain visas in advance of travel to Sierra Leone. Visitors to Sierra Leone are required to show International Certificates of Vaccination (yellow card) upon arrival at the airport with a record of vaccination against yellow fever. The Embassy of Sierra Leone is located at 1701 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009; telephone (202) 939-9261. Information may also be obtained from the Sierra Leonean Mission to the United Nations, 245 East 49th St., New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 688-1656; and from the website of the Sierra Leonean High Commission in London. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Sierra Leonean embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of Sierra Leone’s website for the most current visa information.

Singapore A valid passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa if their visit is for business or social purposes, and their stay is for 90 days or less. Travelers to the region should note that Singapore and some neighboring countries do not allow Americans to enter with fewer than six months of validity remaining on their passport. Female U.S. citizens who are pregnant when they apply to enter Singapore for a social visit are no longer required to make prior application through the nearest Singapore overseas mission or to provide documentation from a U.S. embassy concerning the nationality the child will acquire at birth. Specific information about entry requirements for Singapore may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore at 3501 International Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 537-3100. Visit the Embassy of Singapore’s web site at http://www.mfa.gov.sg/washington/ for the most current visa information.

Slovak Republic The Slovak Republic is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter the Slovak Republic for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet. All foreigners seeking entry into the Slovak Republic must carry proof of a medical insurance policy contracted for payment of all costs for hospitalization and medical treatment in the Slovak Republic. Border police have the right to request evidence of finances sufficient to pay for the proposed stay in the Slovak Republic in the amount of $50 per person per day. Current information can be found on the Slovak Embassy’s web site at http://www.mzv.sk/washington.

>All persons in the Slovak Republic over the age of 15 must carry official identification at all times. American citizens staying overnight in the Slovak Republic must register with the local Border and Aliens Police within three working days. Persons staying at hotels are registered automatically. Visit the Slovak Ministry of the Interior’s web site at http://www.minv.sk/ for the most current information.

>Persons wishing to remain in the Slovak Republic longer than 90 days or arriving for purposes other than tourism or business travel may apply for temporary residency and/or work permits shortly after arrival in the Slovak Republic. However, it is strongly recommended that such persons review the requirements and begin preparing their applications prior to travel, as many documents required of U.S. citizens are more easily obtained in the United States. For example, U.S. citizens must submit a certificate not older than 90 days showing the result of a fingerprint records check by the FBI. As authorities in the Slovak Republic cannot take fingerprints for this purpose, it is extremely difficult to obtain this certificate after arrival in the Slovak Republic. In addition, the Slovak Republic requires all documents (birth certificates, etc) intended for official use in the Slovak Republic to be authenticated (e.g. to have an apostille).

Slovenia Slovenia is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Slovenia for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see the Schengen fact sheet . A valid passport is required. Slovene authorities may confiscate passports with signs of damage, such as missing pages, as suspicious documents, potentially causing travel delays. American citizens entering and exiting Slovenia by personal vehicle are required to have a valid U.S. and International Driver’s License (see our information on Road Safety ); otherwise they may be refused entry into the country and/or fined.

All non-EU citizens staying longer than 3 days in Slovenia must register with the local police within 3 days of arrival and inform the office about any change in their address. Registration of foreign visitors staying in hotels or accommodations rented through an accommodation company is done automatically by the hotelier or accommodation company, but visitors staying with family members must register themselves. Registration is available 24 hours a day at police stations and is free of charge. Failure to register can result in a significant fine of up to 400 euros.

Note: Although European Union regulations require that non-EU visitors obtain a stamp in their passport upon initial entry to a Schengen country, many borders are not staffed with officers carrying out this function. If an American citizen wishes to ensure that his or her entry is properly documented, it may be necessary to request a stamp at an official point of entry. Under local law, travelers without a stamp in their passport may be questioned and asked to document the length of their stay in Schengen countries at the time of departure or at any other point during their visit, and could face possible fines or other repercussions if unable to do so.

Americans are permitted to stay up to 90 days within any six-month period. For further information on entry requirements for Slovenia, travelers may contact the Embassy of Slovenia at 2410 California Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 386-6610; the Consulate General of Slovenia in New York City, tel. (2l2) 370-3006; or the Consulate General in Cleveland, Ohio, tel. (216) 589-9220. Visit the Embassy of Slovenia’s web site for the most current visa information. Visit the website of Slovenia’s national tourist office for additional tourist information.

Solomon Islands U.S. passport holders do not require visas to enter the Solomon Islands. Passports, onward/return tickets and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay are required. Visitors may be denied boarding at check-in if documents are not in order. Visitor permits are granted upon arrival at Henderson International Airport in Honiara. Visitors may enter any number of times provided the total period in the Solomon Islands does not exceed 90 days in a 12-month period. Persons arriving on one-way airline tickets must have documentation stating their business, for example, a work permit if taking up employment in the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands’ government strictly enforces immigration laws, and travelers may face fines and other penalties if they remain in the country beyond the authorized period of stay.

Persons arriving on yachts should visit the nearest immigration office to complete arrival forms for issuance of visitors' permits or e-mail the Immigration Director, Mason Fugui.

Travelers who plan to arrive in the Solomon Islands by plane but who plan to depart on a yacht should apply for a visitor’s permit before their arrival in the Solomon Islands, to the Director of Immigration (via fax to the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara at 677-27429). The application should state the traveler’s arrival date, vessel name and registration details, vessel’s arrival date, approximate time traveler will spend in the Solomon Islands, and it should request entry on a one-way (arrival only) airline ticket. The Director will issue a permit to be presented at airline check-in. If the traveler does not have this permit, she/he may be denied boarding. Please allow at least 4 weeks for the permit to be issued.

For more information about entry requirements, travelers may contact the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations at 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017-4709; Tel: (212) 599-6192 or 6193 or visit the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations web site. Travelers who anticipate the possibility of transiting or visiting Australia are advised to obtain an visa for Australia before leaving the United States. Airlines and many travel agents in the United States are also able to issue ETAs.

Somalia A passport is required for travel to Somaliland and Puntland. Both regions require a visa and issue their own at their respective ports of entry. For travel to other parts of Somalia, including Mogadishu, a passport is required; however, there is no established governing authority capable of issuing a universally recognized visa. Air and seaports are under the control of local authorities that make varying determinations of what is required of travelers who attempt to use these ports of entry.

Travelers may obtain the latest information on visas as well as any additional details regarding entry requirements from the Permanent Representative of the Somali Republic to the United Nations, telephone (212) 688-9410/5046; fax (212) 759-0651, located at 425 East 61st Street, Suite 702, New York, NY 10021. Persons outside the United States may attempt to contact the nearest Somali embassy or consulate. All such establishments, where they exist, are affiliated with the TFG, whose authority is not established throughout Somalia.

South Africa PLEASE NOTE: The U.S. Department of State recommends that the passports of all travelers to South Africa contain at least two completely blank (unstamped) visa pages each time entry is sought. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages (as many as four) at the back of the passport. While South African statutes require only one completely blank visa page, this rule has been applied inconsistently by South African immigration officials. In addition, any trip to a neighboring country would necessitate another blank page upon return. Travelers lacking adequate blank pages in the passport may be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and returned to their point of origin at the traveler’s expense. South African authorities have denied diplomatic missions access to assist in these cases. As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from the passport.

Visitors to South Africa for tourism, short business meetings, or those in transit do not require visas for stays of up to 90 days. In the event a traveler overstays that period without a permit issued by the South African Department of Home Affairs, he or she may be subject to a fine of up to 3,000 rand (approximately 300 US dollars). All others, including academics, students on educational trips, and volunteers, may need visas. Americans who intend to work in South Africa must apply for work permits before arrival; otherwise they risk being refused admission and returned to their point of origin. It is strongly suggested that all travelers check the latest requirements with the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate before traveling.

Travelers entering South Africa from countries where yellow fever is endemic are often required to present their yellow World Health Organization (WHO) vaccination record or other proof of inoculation. If they are unable to do so, they must be inoculated at the airport in order to be permitted entry. Visit the Embassy of South Africa website for the most current visa information.

Spain Spain is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen Fact Sheet.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

For further information concerning entry requirements for Spain, travelers should contact the Embassy of Spain at 2375 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 452-0100, or the nearest Spanish Consulate in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, or San Juan. Additional information can be found on the Spanish government web site. Additional information may be obtained from the Tourist Office of Spain in New York at (212) 265-8822.

For further information on entry requirements to Andorra, travelers should contact the Andorran Mission to the UN, 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th floor, New York, NY 10018, telephone (212) 750-8064 or online at http://www.andorra.ad. Visit the Embassy of Spain and Andorra web sites for the most current visa information.

Sri Lanka A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required. A no-cost landing visa, valid for 30 days, will be granted only to tourists at the time of entry into Sri Lanka. Business travelers are required to have a visa prior to arrival.

Individuals traveling to Sri Lanka for purposes other than tourism (e.g., religious work, volunteering or working) must obtain an entry visa from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before their arrival in Sri Lanka. Foreigners entering Sri Lanka on a landing/tourist visa cannot convert their visa to a non-tourist one, and risk deportation if they engage in activities other than tourism without the appropriate visa.

Visitors staying more than 30 days for any purpose must obtain a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo and pay the relevant visa fees. Travelers must have yellow fever and cholera immunizations if they are arriving from an infected area. Sri Lankan law requires all foreign guests in private households to register in person at the nearest local police station. Individuals who stay in private households without registering may be temporarily detained for questioning. This requirement does not apply to individuals staying in hotels or guesthouses.
Specific inquiries should be addressed to the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, 2148 Wyoming Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 483-4025, fax (202) 232-7181, contact by e-mail;; the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Los Angeles at 3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1405, Los Angeles, CA 90010, telephone (213) 387-0210; or the UN Mission in New York City, telephone (212) 986-7040. There are several honorary Sri Lankan consuls general and consuls in the United States. Visit the Embassy of Sri Lanka website for the most current visa information.

There are no specific HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to and foreign residents of Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lankan law does allow immigration officials to refer visitors and foreign residents to a physician for examination if a public health risk is suspected. In practice this is a rare occurrence, but travelers should be aware that Sri Lankan law allows for the denial of entry to any foreigner who, upon referral from an immigration officer, is certified by a physician as posing a public health risk. Travelers who refuse a medical examination under these circumstances may be refused entry. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Sri Lanka before traveling.

St. Kitts & Nevis The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires all travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. When traveling by air, U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport. When traveling by sea, as of June 1, 2009, all U.S. travelers must have a U.S. passport or U.S. passport card. We strongly encourage all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport or passport card well in advance of anticipated travel. American citizens can visit travel.state.gov or call 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778) for information on how to apply for their passports.

>Visitors may be asked to present an onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover the cost of their visit. Stays of up to three months are granted at immigration. Anyone requiring an extension must apply to the Ministry of National Security. There is an airport departure tax and environmental levy charged when leaving the country. Visit the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis web site for the most current visa information.

St. Lucia All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter the United States. This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service, on June 1, 2009. Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea may present government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization). Starting June 1, 2009, all travelers must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States. While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for entry into the United States, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements. Contact the Embassy of St. Lucia at tel.: (202) 364-6792/95, fax: (202) 364-6723, or visit the Government of St. Lucia web site for the most current visa information.

St. Vincent & the Grenadines For information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 3216 New Mexico Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, telephone (202) 364-6730, or the consulate in New York.

All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter the United States. This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service, on June 1, 2009. Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea may present government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization). Starting June 1, 2009, all travelers must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States. While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for entry into the United States, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.

Suriname A passport, valid Suriname visa and, if traveling by air, return ticket are required for travel to Suriname. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Suriname. A business visa requires a letter from the sponsoring company detailing the reason for the visit. A n airport departure charge and a terminal fee are normally included in the price of airfare. Travelers arriving from Guyana, French Guiana and Brazil are required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 460, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 244-7488/7592, or the Consulate of Suriname in Miami, 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 325, Miami, Fl 33126, telephone (305) 265-4655/4918. Visit the Embassy ofSuriname web site for the most current visa information.

Important information for foreigners who have the intention of staying longer than three months:
As of October 1, 2008, persons who intend to stay longer than three months must apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay (MVK) before traveling to Suriname. The above implies that foreigners (with the exception of foreigners of Surinamese origin) who have traveled to Suriname on a tourist or business visa will not be able to apply for residence during their stay in Suriname.

HIV/AIDS restrictions. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Suriname. For further information, please visit the Embassy of Suriname website for the most current information.

Swaziland A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourists and business travelers arriving in Swaziland for short visits (less than 60 days) on standard U.S. passports. Most travelers visiting Swaziland enter through South Africa.

PLEASE NOTE: All travelers traveling to South Africa are strongly encouraged to have several unstamped visa pages left in their passports. South Africa requires two unstamped visa pages, excluding amendment pages, to enter the country. Visitors who do not have enough free visa pages in their passport risk being denied entry and returned to the U.S. at their own expense.

For the most current information on Swaziland’s visa requirements, contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland, 1712 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009; phone (202) 234-5002.

Sweden Sweden is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Sweden for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen Fact Sheet. Contact the Swedish Embassy at 901 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007, tel: (202) 467-2600 (mailing address 2900 K Street NW, Washington, DC), or the Swedish Consulate General in New York at (212) 583-2550 for the most current visa information. Sweden 's Migration Board (Migrationsverket) also provides visa information.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein Switzerland is a party to the Schengen agreement. As such, U.S. citizens may enter Switzerland for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries, please see our Schengen fact sheet .

Liechtenstein is not a party to the Schengen agreement. A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days.

For more information on entry requirements for both countries, travelers may contact the Embassy of Switzerland at 2900 Cathedral Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 745-7900, or the nearest Swiss Consulate General in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco. Visit the Embassy of Switzerland’s web site at http://www.swissemb.org for the most current visa information.

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IMPORTANT: The foreign entry requirements listed here were obtained from foreign embassies or consulates. This information is subject to change. Verify the data with the consular officials of the countries you plan to visit well in advance. For further information, see our embassy list.