Foreign Entry Requirements 2026

Foreign entry requirements are the passport, visa, health, customs, and travel rules you must meet and the document you must present to enter another country.

For U.S. citizens, these requirements can include a valid passport with minimum passport validity and blank visa pages, a visa or other entry document, proof of onward travel, vaccination records, or limits on how long you can stay.

Entry rules are set by each foreign government, not by the U.S. Department of State or your airline. Even if your U.S. passport is valid, you may be denied boarding or refused entry if you do not meet the destination's requirements.

Passport

A valid U.S. passport is the most important travel document for international travel. Most countries require a passport for entry, and U.S. citizens generally need one to return to the United States by air.

In limited situations where a passport is not required, U.S. citizens may still need proof of U.S. citizenship and valid proof of identity. Examples may include a certified birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or other accepted documents.

Even when another document is allowed, a valid U.S. passport is usually the safest and most widely accepted proof of identity and citizenship for international travel.

Before traveling, check how long your passport must be valid. Some countries require at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your travel dates, while others require 3 months of validity. If your passport expires too soon, renew it before you travel.

Also check for special entry rules for passports. Some countries may deny entry, refuse a visa, or ask additional questions based on prior travel, passport stamps, nationality, or other security-related factors.

Entry Visas, e-Visas & ETAs

A travel visa is official permission from a foreign government to request entry for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, study, work, or transit.

Some visas are placed inside your passport, while others are issued as an electronic visa or e-visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA).

It is your responsibility to get the correct visa or travel authorization before departure. You may need to apply through the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit, an official government visa portal, or an authorized visa service.

After your visa is issued, review it carefully. Make sure your name, passport number, dates, visa type, number of entries, and permitted length of stay are correct.

Visa processing times and fees vary by country, visa type, and application method. Many visa fees are nonrefundable, even if your application is denied or your plans change.

If you must mail your passport to apply for a visa, sign your passport first and make sure your contact information is included where appropriate. Use a trackable mailing service and do not mail your passport if you need it for another trip before the visa process is complete.

In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA or eVOA fast.

Entry Requirements by Country

Vaccinations

Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before entry, especially if you are arriving from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is a risk. This proof is recorded on an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, often called a yellow card.

Depending on your destination, you may also need malaria prevention medicine, routine vaccines, travel vaccines, or other health precautions. Requirements and recommendations can vary by country, region, season, length of stay, and the type of activities you plan to do.

Before traveling, review the latest health information for your destination and talk with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine clinic. You can also check the CDC Travelers' Health website or contact CDC-INFO at 800-232-4636.

AIDS/HIV Testing

Some countries have health-related entry or residence rules for long-term visitors, students, workers, or foreign residents. These rules may include medical exams or HIV testing as part of a visa, work permit, study permit, or residence application.

HIV-related travel restrictions are much less common for short-term tourists, but they still exist in some countries and can change without much notice. If you plan to stay abroad long term, work, study, or apply for residence, check the requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit before you travel.

Additional Fees

International airfare may include government taxes, customs fees, immigration fees, airport charges, and other required costs.

Some countries also charge arrival or departure fees, which may be included in your ticket price, paid online before travel, or collected at the airport or border.