Important: Processing times recently changed for both routine and expedited passport applications.

Foreign Entry Requirements: Samoa to Syria

Samoa | San Marino | Sao Tome and Principe | Saudi Arabia | Scotland | Senegal | Serbia | Seychelles | Sierra Leone | Singapore | Slovak Republic | Slovenia | Solomon Islands | Somalia | South Africa | South Sudan | Spain | Sri Lanka | St. Kitts & Nevis | St. Lucia | San Marino | St. Vincent & the Grenadines | Sudan | Suriname | Swaziland | Sweden | Switzerland and Liechtenstein | Syria
For a list of entry requirements for other countries, click here.

Samoa FlagSamoa 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.) 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 can be reached my mail at 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 90 days. All visitors are required to pay a departure tax which is usually included in airfares.

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. Visit the the Permanent Mission of Samoa to the United Nations web site.

San Marino FlagSan Marino See Italy entry requirements

Sao Tome and Principe FlagSao Tome and Principe American citizens will need a passport with 6 months remaining validity and one blank page to visit Sao Tome and Principe. No visa is required when visiting Sao Tome for a period of up to 15 days. You must also present proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Sao Tome and Principe does not currently maintain an embassy in the United States. Travelers transiting Gabon can obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe in Gabon, B.P. 49, Libreville, Gabon, telephone +(241)-72-15-27, fax +(241)-72-15-28. For all other inquiries, please contact Sao Tome and Principe's Permanent Mission to the United Nations at 400 Park Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10022, +1-(212) 317 0644.

Saudi Arabia FlagSaudi Arabia See Saudi Arabia entry requirements

SenegalSenegal Visitors to Senegal must have a valid passport and a current yellow fever vaccine. Senegalese officials also recommend that travelers obtain a meningitis vaccine if they have been in an affected area. Vaccines are available at the airport in Dakar if visitors did not have them prior to arrival, but this method of vaccination is not recommended.

Travelers must pre-enroll and pay for their visas (about USD $67) online or at the Senegalese Embassy in Washington, D.C or Consulate in New York City. After these have been done, travelers may be able to retrieve their visas upon arrival at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Airport in Dakar as long as they have proof and proper documents. Visas may also be obtained upon arrival in major posts along the Senegalese border but there's no guarantee of availability in all land border crossings.

Contact the Embassy of Senegal for the most current information about entry requirements. The Embassy is located at 2112 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington DC 20008. Telephone number: (202) 234-0540.

Serbia Entry Requirements

Seychelles FlagSeychelles Visitors must have a valid passport in order to enter the Seychelles. Immigration officials will also ask travelers to provide an onward or return ticket, proof of funds for their visit, and the address of their accommodations in the Seychelles. Upon arrival, visitors will receive a one-month entry visa. Those who plan to stay longer may extend this visa for up to one year. The Seychelles charges a departure tax (payable in USD), which travelers must pay when they leave unless the charge has been included in the price of their airfare.

For additional information or inquiries, consult the Permanent Mission of the Seychelles to the United Nations. The Mission is located at 800 2nd Ave Suite 400C, New York, NY 10017, tel: (212) 972-1785.

Sierra Leone FlagSierra Leone Visitors to Sierra Leone must have a passport valid for 6 months, a visa, and proof of yellow fever vaccination. Visas should be obtained in advance to avoid delays upon arrival. For the most current information about entry requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Sierra Leone, located at 1701 19th St NW, Washington DC 20009, tel: (202) 939-9261. Travelers may also consult the Sierra Leonean Mission to the United Nations in New York, NY or the Sierra Leonean High Commission in London, England.

Singapore FlagSingapore A passport valid for 6 months beyond your departure from Singapore 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. The passport also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps. 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.

Slovakia FlagSlovakia Slovakia is a party to the Schengen Agreement. Under this agreement, U.S. citizens may enter and remain in any Schengen country for up to 90 days without having to apply for a visa, as long as the purpose of their visit is tourism or business. Travelers must have a passport with at least three months of validity (six months recommended) beyond the length of their stay in the Schengen zone.

When entering Slovakia, travelers may need to produce proof of medical insurance that will cover them in the country, as well as proof of funds to support their stay in Slovakia. USD $50 per day is generally considered sufficient funds. Travelers must also register if they plan to stay overnight in Slovakia; hotels automatically register their guests, but all other must visit the local Border and Aliens Police.

Temporary residency permits or work permits are required for any visitors who plan to remain in Slovakia for more than 90 days. Visitors may not submit their applications until they are in Slovakia, but they are advised to begin compiling the paperwork before they leave home due to long waits for certain requirements. In particular, FBI fingerprint records and FBI criminal history records may take several months to arrive. Fingerprint records must not be older than 90 days. Most documents, except for the standard FBI background check, must be authenticated with an apostille and translated into Slovak. Slovakian authorities typically interpret residency requirements very strictly. They do not make exceptions for unusual circumstances, and may require visitors to leave the entire Schengen area as penalty for overstaying, or failing to obtain, a permit.

For the most current information about Slovakian entry requirements, consult the Embassy of Slovakia.

Slovenia FlagSlovenia Slovenia is one of a group of European countries to ratify the Schengen Agreement. U.S. citizens may enter Slovenia or any other Schengen country without a visa, and remain for tourism or business for up to 90 days. Travelers must have a valid passport in order to enter Slovenia, and the passport should be valid for at least three months (six months recommended) beyond the length of time each visitor plans to remain in the Schengen zone. Slovenian immigration may also ask to see an onward or return ticket, as well as proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in the country. U.S. citizens may want to visit an Slovenian official point of entry if the place where they cross the border is not equipped to provide their passport with an entry stamp. All non-European Union citizens should also register with a local police station within three days of entering Slovenia. Only those staying at hotels or other official accommodations are exempt, since these locations will automatically register their guests.

If you plan on staying in Slovenia for more than 90 days, you need a long-stay visa or a residency permit. Residency permits require FBI criminal records certificate less than three months old apostilled by the Department of State.

For the most current entry requirements for Slovenia, consult the Embassy of Slovenia, located at 2410 California St NW, Washington DC 20008, telephone: (212) 370-30006.

Solomon Islands FlagSolomon Islands U.S. passport holders must have proof of onward or return travel and proof of funds, but do not need a visa. Passports need to have at least 6 months validity. Travelers who do not have an onward ticket must have other documentation to show the purpose and duration of their visit. Without the proper documentation, visitors may not be allowed to board a plane to the Solomon Islands or enter the country. When visitors arrive at Henderson International Airport they are given visitor permits for 30 days, which may be used for repeated entries and exits up to a total visiting time of 90 days in 12 months. Fines or other consequences may result from overstaying you authorized period of stay in the Solomon Islands.

Persons arriving on yachts will need a visitor permit, available at the nearest immigration office to their port of entry. Travelers who travel to the Solomon Islands by air but who plan to depart on a yacht should contact the Director of Immigration (via fax to the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara at 677-27429) to apply for a permit before they travel. On the application, you must include the date you will arrive in the Solomon Island, the name and registration of your yacht, and the length of your stay. You must request a return airline ticket and present your permit when you check in with your airline.

Consult the Permanent Mission of Solomon Islands to the United Nations for the latest information about entry requirements. The Mission is located at 800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400L, New York, NY 10017-4709; telephone: (212) 599-6192 or 6193. Anyone traveling onward to Australia should have a visa or Electronic Travel Authority before leaving home.

Somalia FlagSomalia Visitors to Somalia must have valid passports and visas. Obtain before traveling or obtain a 60-day tourist visa upon arrival in Mogadishu for $60. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is not required but most most countries transited by airlines flying in and out of Somalia require proof of yellow fever vaccination

If you have questions about Somali visa regulations and entry requirements, contact the Permanent Representative of the Somali Republic to the United Nations at 425 E 61st St Suite 702, New York NY 10021, telephone: (212) 688-9410 or 5046.

South AfricaSouth Africa The U.S. Department of State recommends that the passports of all travelers to South Africa be valid for at least 30 days and contain at least two consecutive 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. Without sufficient blank pages, travelers may not be able to enter South Africa, and have to return to their previous location. South African authorities have denied diplomatic missions access to assist in these cases. Travelers should photocopy their passport and keep a copy separate from the original.

Visitors do not need visas to visit South Africa for short business meetings, transit, or tourism if they will be in the country for fewer than 90 days. Fines of up to 3,000 rand may result from overstaying the 90-day period. Travelers coming to South Africa for any other reason may need to obtain an advance visa.

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. Travelers should have their original Yellow Card, since copies may not be accepted. Travelers who did not leave the plane while transiting in a yellow fever country may still be required to have the vaccination in order to enter South Africa.

For the most current South Africa entry requirements, consult the Embassy of South Africa website.

Republic of South Sudan FlagSouth Sudan A passport valid for 6 months with at least 2 blank pages is required. U.S. citizens should have visas from the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan - airlines will not permit travelers to board planes to Juba without them. Visitors who will be in South Sudan for more than three days must register with the Ministry of the Interior after their arrival. Visitors who will also be traveling to Sudan must have a Sudanese visa prior to crossing the border.

Spain FlagSpain Spain has ratified the Schengen Agreement, so U.S. citizens do not need a visa if they want to stay in Spain for up to 90 days. Within those 90 days, U.S. citizens may also travel back and forth between Spain and other countries in the Schengen zone. Travelers must have a passport with at least three months of validity (6 months recommended) beyond their period of stay. When you enter the country, Spanish immigration officials will ask for an onward or return ticket, proof of funds for the duration of your stay, and a hotel reservation or invitation if you will be staying at a private residence. Jail and deportation may result from overstaying the 90 days, or overstaying a visa.

Applicants for Spanish residency, or anyone planning a visit of more than 90 days, must submit a criminal record check. Travelers can request this record check from their state of residence (with an apostille from the state authority) or from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (with an apostille from the State Department).

Minors traveling independently may need to carry documented permission from their absent parent or guardian.

Travelers entering Andorra from Spain or France do not need a visa for the first three months. Since Andorra is not party to the Schengen Agreement, travelers should make sure that they are allowed to leave the Schengen zone and return under the terms of their visit.

For more information about entry to Spain, consult the Embassy of Spain, located at 2375 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC 20037, tel: (202) 452-0100/(202) 728-2340. For Andorra information, contact the Embassy of the Principality of Andorra to the United States of America, 2 U.N. Plaza, 25th floor, New York, NY 10018.

Sri Lanka FlagSri Lanka U.S. citizens must have a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization in order to enter Sri Lanka. The online ETA application is available here. Travelers visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit are eligible for an ETA. In addition to the ETA or visa, visitors must have proof of funds and proof of onward or return travel. Sri Lanka does not require visas or ETAs from travelers who do not pass through Sri Lankan immigration, but simply transfer flights at the airport. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka.

Business visas or five-year multiple entry visas are available from the Embassy of Sri Lanka before travelers leave the United States. Travelers may also apply for visas from the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration once they are in the country. Visas are required for anyone visiting Sri Lanka in any capacity other than as a tourist. Visas cannot be changed once you are in the country, so you must be sure to apply for the correct visa before you arrive.

Visa extensions are required for anyone staying beyond the time permitted by their visa. In order to extend their visas, travelers must visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.

Travelers must have cholera and yellow fever vaccinations if they have visited areas affected by these diseases. Travelers must also have yellow fever inoculations if they have visited the following countries in the last nine days: Angola, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda.

Travelers may be referred to a physician if immigration officials suspect them of being a public health risk. There are no specific HIV/AIDS restrictions for visiting Sri Lanka.

Travelers should consult the Embassy of Sri Lanka for the most current information about Sri Lankan entry requirements. The embassy is located at 2148 Wyoming Ave NW, Washington DC 20008, tel: (202) 483-4025. Travelers may also consult the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Los Angeles or the UN Mission in New York City.

In a hurry? Apply online for expedited visa service

St. Kitts & Nevis FlagSt. Kitts & Nevis Visitors to St. Kitts and Nevis must have a passport valid for 6 months in order to enter the country and return to the United States. Air travel requires a passport book, while passport cards are sufficient for sea travel. In order to enter St. Kitts and Nevis, you may need to show proof of funds and an onward or return ticket. Visitors who are granted entry will be given permission to remain in the country for three months. Upon exiting the country, visitors must pay an environmental levy and departure tax. Consult the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis for the most current information about entry and travel requirements.

St. Lucia FlagSt. Lucia U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport that is valid for at least your stay in Saint Lucia. No visa is required if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can produce evidence of your ability to maintain yourself. All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to reenter the United States. This requirement was extended to sea travel, including ferry service. 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 FlagSt. Vincent and the Grenadines All U.S. citizens who leave the United States must have a passport (if traveling by air) or passport card (acceptable for sea travel) in order to return to the country. Closed loop cruises are exempt from this requirement, but cruise passengers are encouraged to have a passport in case they need to disembark due to an emergency.

Travelers may contact the Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the most current information about entry requirements. The embassy is located at 1627 K Street NW, Suite 1202, Washington, DC 20006, tel: (202) 234-6730.

Suriname FlagSuriname U.S. citizens must have a passport with at least six month of validity, visa, and an onward or return ticket in order to visit Suriname. Those visiting for tourism and business purposes must apply for Suriname E-Visa prior to travel.

An Authorization for Temporary Stay is necessary for any visitors who plan to stay in Suriname for more than three months. Suriname authorities say that travelers must apply for this authorization before they arrive in Suriname; therefore, travelers who are already in Suriname on a tourist or business visa will probably not be able to apply for residency in Suriname.

Suriname charges an airport departure tax and terminal fee, which is typically included in the price of airfare. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from Brazil, Guyana, or French Guiana.

Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname for more information about entry and residency requirements. The embassy is located at 4201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20008. They can be reached by telephone at(202) 629-4302. Suriname also has a consulate general in Miami, Florida.

SwazilandSwaziland (Eswatini) Visitors to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and two empty pages per entry. Those visiting for tourism or business purposes do not need visa, unless their visit will exceed 30 days. For more information about entry requirements, consult the Embassy of the Kingdom of Swaziland located at 1712 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington DC 20009. They can also be reached by telephone at (202) 234-5002.

Travelers who will be continuing to South Africa should have at least two unstamped visa pages in their passports - travelers without the necessary pages may be denied entry to South Africa. South Africa also requires that travelers staying in South Africa or transiting South Africa have proof of yellow fever vaccination when coming from a yellow fever area - even if they only transited in that area.

Sweden FlagSweden Sweden requires foreign visitors to have a passport with at least three months of validity (six months recommended) beyond the duration of their stay, as well as proof of funds and an onward or return ticket. Sweden is part of a group of European countries covered by the Schengen Agreement. Under this agreement, U.S. citizens may enter any Schengen area country and remain in the area for up to 90 days without a visa.

For more information about entry requirements, consult the Swedish Embassy. The embassy is located at 901 30th St NW, Washington DC 20007, and can be reached by telephone at (212) 583-2550. The Tourist Board of Sweden also has great information for those who will be visiting Sweden as tourists.

Switzerland and Liechtenstein FlagSwitzerland 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. U.S. citizens will need a passport with at least three months of validity (six months recommended) beyond the planned duration of their stay in Switzerland.

Liechtenstein is not a party to the Schengen agreement. A visa is not required for stays up to 90 days, and those who plan to stay longer must visit the police office in Buchs or the border control at Schaanwald for a passport stamp.

Consult with the Embassy of Switzerland for the most current information about entry requirements for wither Switzerland or Lichtenstein. The embassy is located at 2900 Cathedral Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008, and can be reached by telephone at (202) 745-7900. Switzerland has consulates general located in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.

Click here for list of popular tours in Switzerland

Syria FlagSyria
Click here for Syria entry requirements

In a hurry? Apply online for expedited visa service

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.

Follow Us!

This website is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

Travel Resources

Travel Visas for Any Country 24 to 48 Hour Passport Service 23 International Saving Tips
23 International Saving Tips

The Ultimate Jet Lag Survival Guide
Jet Lag Survival Guide

Top 10 Canadian Travel Tips
Canadian Travel Tips

This website is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.