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Travel Visa Information: Types, Requirements, and How to Apply

Travel Visa Pages in a U.S. Passport with Entry Stamps for Multiple Countries

A travel visa is an official document that allows you to request entry into another country but doesn't guarantee admission. A border agent will make that determination. Visa rules vary by destination and purpose of travel, and arriving without the correct one can mean denied entry, costly delays, or last-minute rebooking.

This page will guide you through what a travel visa is, when you need one, and how to check the requirements so you can travel with confidence.

Need a passport fast? Visit iVisa.com.

What is a Visa?

A visa is a travel document that can serve multiple purposes such as:

  • Defining the purpose of your travel as a foreign national
  • Certifying how long you are legally allowed to remain in the host country
  • Attesting that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your visit
  • Identifying the business associates and/or permanent residents who may be hosting or supporting you during your stay

There are many foreign countries where no visa is required to visit. Some countries that do require an entry visa issue it upon the visitor's arrival. Most countries require you to apply for a travel visa in advance.

Each travel visa process has its own application, required documents, and wait times. So, if a visa is required, you will want to start the visa application process as soon as possible to avoid delays to your travel plans.

Passport vs. Visa

A passport is issued by your home government and serves as proof of your citizenship and identity anywhere in the world.

A visa, by contrast, is issued by the government of the country you wish to visit and is valid only for entry to that country. You need a passport first to even apply for most visas.

Travel Visa, eVisa, ETA and other Entry Documents

Not all travel documents are issued the same way. Here are the most common types and the most popular examples:

  • Entry Visa (traditional): A sticker or stamp placed in your passport by a consulate before departure.
  • eVisa (Electronic Visa): An electronic approval you apply for online. It is usually linked to your passport number and may also include a PDF confirmation you print out and carry with you.
  • ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): A streamlined form of eVisa, often used by countries like Australia or the UK. ETAs are quick to apply for but still mandatory before boarding.
  • Other Entry Documents (Digital Forms): Mandatory pre-arrival registration forms that are not visas but are required for entry.

Always confirm whether your destination requires a visa in advance, allows an eVisa, or issues ETAs. The format matters for check-in at the airport and entry at the border.

Types of Visas

Your visa requirements will vary depending on your destination country and the visa type you need.

Tourist, Business & More

The most common short-term categories are tourist visas and business visas. A tourist visa covers vacations, sightseeing, social events, and visiting family or friends, and it does not allow employment or business activities. Many tourist visas allow stays of about 90 days from arrival. A business visa permits activities like meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations without taking up formal employment; validity and permitted stay vary by country and trip purpose.

Other common categories include work visas (generally tied to a specific employer and often requiring a confirmed job offer), student visas (usually valid only for the length of the academic program and often requiring proof of funds), and transit visas (short-duration permissions intended solely for passing through a country, frequently without leaving the international transit area).

Getting the right visa for your stated purpose matters. Using the wrong category or violating visa terms can lead to denied entry, removal, or future application problems.

Single vs. Multiple Entry Visa

A single-entry visa allows one entry into a country-once you depart, it cannot be reused. A multiple-entry visa lets you exit and reenter during its validity period, which is helpful for regional trips or frequent cross-border travel. Many countries limit the days per stay on each entry (often 30-90 days) even when the visa remains valid longer overall.

Depending on the destination, you may need to justify the need for multiple entries and sometimes complete a separate application with additional documents. Multiple-entry visas are not intended to circumvent residency or long-stay rules; they simply facilitate lawful short visits that require coming and going.

When Should I Get a Visa?

Travelers often ask whether it is better to obtain a visa before departure or wait and get one on arrival. The answer depends on the country's rules and your risk tolerance:

  • Before Departure: Applying in advance at an embassy, consulate, or official eVisa portal is the safest option. You will know before boarding that your paperwork is in order, and many airlines will not let you check in without proof of a valid visa if one is required.
  • On Arrival: Some countries issue visas at the airport or land border. While convenient, this can mean long lines, unexpected fees, or even being denied entry if you don't meet requirements on the spot. Visa on arrival is best only if the destination explicitly allows it for U.S. citizens and you have flexibility.
  • eVisa as a Middle Ground: Many destinations now offer electronic visas. These combine the security of advance approval with the convenience of an online application, avoiding embassy visits and airport delays.

Whenever possible, secure your visa before departure to reduce the risk of problems at boarding or the border. Confirm the latest rules with the destination's consulate or official website.

How to Get a Travel Visa

If a travel visa is one of the foreign entry requirements for the places you plan to visit, you need to obtain it from the appropriate embassy or consulate office. Most foreign consular representatives are located in major cities in the United States such as New York, Houston, and Los Angeles. There are also a large number of embassies in Washington, DC. Some countries allow you to submit a visa application by mail, others require a personal appearance, and some even require a visa interview.

If you choose to apply by mail, be sure to account for processing time. Just like applying for a new passport, there can be a lengthy wait time before you receive approval for your visa application. Once processed, your travel document and supporting documents will be mailed to you.

Many countries now offer an online visa application. The amount of processing time involved with getting a visa online will depend on the destination country's visa requirements and the efficiency of their systems and bureaucracies. At best, you may receive an evisa instantly. At a minimum, you will eliminate the wait time associated with mailing your application and materials or delivering them in person to an embassy or consulate.

As soon as you receive your travel visa, check for mistakes. Errors can cause problems at ports of entry and should be corrected before you travel. Attempting to use a visa that contains errors could result in being turned away at your port of entry.

What If I Need a Travel Visa Fast?

U.S. passport and foreign travel visa expediting services are helpful if you need to get your visa fast or if you do not have time or the means to submit the application yourself. You can request expedited service online and let the expeditor deliver the application to the embassy or consulate for a reasonable fee.

One reputable visa expediting service that we highly recommend is iVisa. They are experienced visa expeditors with tens of thousands of strong, positive ratings on TrustPilot. If you need a visa quickly, or you just need some extra support through the visa application process, iVisa can help ensure you get the proper visa for your trip and get it as soon as possible.

If you are in a rush, the tool below can help you determine your specific visa needs as well as get you started on the application process.

So, Do I Need a Travel Visa?

Again, not everyone will need a visa for every destination country. A passport valid for the duration of your trip may be sufficient for visa-free travel to many countries. Some countries require a passport valid for up to six months but still do not require passport holders to obtain any type of visitor visa.

Below is a directory of some of the most popular travel destinations and their visa requirements. For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list, so it is best practice to reach out to the consulate or embassy of your destination country to be sure you comply with their most up-to-date travel document requirements.

Need a passport fast? Visit iVisa.com.

For country-specific travel visa information, click on the appropriate link below.

Popular Destinations That Require an Entry Document

Africa

Key Details for Africa Visa Requirements

  • Passport Validity: Most African countries require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival and have at least one or two blank pages for visas/stamps.
  • Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
Country Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? Notes
AlgeriaYesVisa required in advance
AngolaNoVisa-free up to 30 days
BeninYesE-visa available
BotswanaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
Burkina FasoYesE-visa or visa on arrival available
BurundiYesVisa on arrival
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)NoVisa-free up to 30 days for tourists
CameroonYesVisa required in advance
Central African RepublicYesVisa required
ChadYesVisa required
ComorosYesVisa on arrival available
Republic of CongoYesVisa required
Democratic Republic of CongoYesVisa required
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)YesVisa required
DjiboutiYesvisa on arrival available
EgyptYesVisa on arrival or e-visa
Equatorial GuineaYesVisa required
EritreaYesVisa required
Eswatini (Swaziland)NoVisa-free for up to 30 days
EthiopiaYesE-visa
GabonYesE-visa available
The GambiaYesVisa required
GhanaYesVisa required
GuineaYesVisa required
Guinea-BissauYesVisa on arrival
KenyaYeseTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required
LesothoNoVisa-free up to 180 days
LiberiaYesVisa required
LibyaYesVisa required; U.S. government warns against travel
MadagascarYesVisa on arrival available
MalawiNoVisa-free up to 30 days
MaliYesVisa required
MauritaniaYese-visa confirmation presented at airport
MauritiusNoVisa-free for up to 60 days
MoroccoNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
MozambiqueNoVisa-free up to 90 days
NamibiaNoVisa on arrival available, prior online application required
NigerYesVisa required
NigeriaYesVisa required
RwandaYesVisa on arrival
São Tomé and PríncipeNoVisa-free up to 15 days
SenegalNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
SeychellesYesETA required, obtain in advance
Sierra LeoneYesVisa on arrival
SomaliaYesVisa on arrival
South AfricaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
South SudanYesE-visa required
SudanYesVisa required
TanzaniaYesVisa on arrival or e-visa (US citizens require Multiple Entry E-visa)
TogoYesVisa on arrival or e-visa
TunisiaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
UgandaYesE-visa
ZambiaNoVisa-free up to 90 days
ZimbabweYesVisa on arrival
Asia

Key Details for Asia Visa Requirements

  • Passport Validity and Blank Pages: Most Asian countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have one or more blank visa pages.
  • Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
Country Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? Notes
AfghanistanYesVisa required; avoid travel due to conflict
ArmeniaYesVisa-free up to 90 days
AzerbaijanYesE-visa available
BahrainYesE-visa or visa on arrival
BangladeshYesVisa required, obtain in advance
BhutanYesVisa now available through their Department of Immigration website
BruneiNoElectronic arrival card registration required
CambodiaYesVisa on arrival or e-visa
China (mainland)YesTourist Visa (L) / Business Visa (M) required in advance
CyprusNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
GeorgiaNoVisa-free for up to 365 days
IndiaYesTourist E-visa / Medical E-visa available
IndonesiaYese-VOA (e-Visa on Arrival) required
IranYesVisa required; strict entry rules
IraqYese-visa available
IsraelNoETA required as of January 2025
JapanNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
JordanYesVisa on arrival or e-visa
KazakhstanNoVisa-free for up to 30 days
KuwaitYesvisa on arrival
KyrgyzstanNoVisa-free for up to 60 days
LaosYesVisa on arrival or e-visa
LebanonYesVisa on arrival for up to 1 month
MalaysiaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
MaldivesNoVisa-free with 30-day visa on arrival
MongoliaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
Myanmar (Burma)YesE-visa available
NepalYesVisa on arrival
North KoreaYesVisa required; U.S. travel prohibited
OmanYesE-visa and visa on arrival available
PakistanYesE-visa required
Palestine (West Bank, Gaza)VariesEntry governed by Israeli policy
PhilippinesNoVisa-free for up to 30 days
QatarNovisa on arrival
Saudi ArabiaYesE-visa available for tourism
SingaporeNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
South KoreaNoVisa-free up to 90 days; K-ETA exempt until 12/31/2025
Sri LankaYesETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required
SyriaYesVisa required; travel not advised
TaiwanNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
TajikistanYesVisa-free up to 30 days for tourists
ThailandNoVisa-free for up to 60 days, pre-arrival registration required
Timor-Leste (East Timor)YesVisa on arrival for up to 30 days
TurkeyNoVisa-free up to 90 days
TurkmenistanYesVisa required in advance
United Arab EmiratesYesNo-fee visa for up to 30 days
UzbekistanYese-visa available
VietnamYesE-visa required
YemenYesVisa required; travel not advised
Europe

Key Details for Europe Visa Requirements Table

  • Schengen Zone Covers Most of Europe: U.S. citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
  • ETIAS Authorization Coming Soon: Starting in mid-2025, U.S. travelers must apply for ETIAS before entering Schengen countries.
  • Passport Validity: Most European countries require your passport to be valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond your departure date from Europe.
  • Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
Country Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? Notes
AlbaniaNoVisa-free for up to 1 year
AndorraNoVisa-free; entry via France or Spain (Schengen rules apply)
ArmeniaYesVisa-free up to 180 days
AustriaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
BelarusYesVisa-free up to 30 days
BelgiumNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
Bosnia and HerzegovinaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
BulgariaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
CroatiaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
CyprusNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
Czech RepublicNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
DenmarkNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
EstoniaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
FinlandNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
FranceNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
GeorgiaNoVisa-free for up to 365 days
GermanyNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
GreeceNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
HungaryNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
IcelandNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
IrelandNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
ItalyNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
KosovoNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
LatviaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
LiechtensteinNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
LithuaniaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
LuxembourgNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
MaltaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
MoldovaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
MonacoNoVisa-free; entry via France (Schengen rules apply)
MontenegroNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
NetherlandsNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
North MacedoniaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
NorwayNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
PolandNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
PortugalNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
RomaniaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
RussiaYesVisa required in advance
San MarinoNoVisa-free; entry via Italy (Schengen rules apply)
SerbiaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
SlovakiaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
SloveniaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
SpainNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
SwedenNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
SwitzerlandNoVisa-free for up to 90 days in Schengen area
TurkeyNoVisa-free up to 90 days
UkraineNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
United KingdomYesETA required
Vatican CityNoVisa-free; entry via Italy (Schengen rules apply)
North America & Territories

Key Details for North America Visa Requirements

  • Most Countries Are Visa-Free for U.S. Tourists: Nearly all countries and territories in North America offer visa-free entry to U.S. citizens for 30 to 180 days.
  • Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
Country / Territory Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? Notes
Antigua and BarbudaNoVisa-free for up to 6 months
ArubaYesED Card required
The BahamasNoVisa-free for up to 8 months
BarbadosNoVisa-free for up to 6 months
BelizeNoVisa-free for up to 30 days
CanadaNoVisa-free for up to 180 days
Costa RicaNoVisa-free for up to 180 days
CubaYesTourist card required; U.S. travel restrictions apply
DominicaNoVisa-free for up to 6 months
Dominican RepublicNoVisa-free up to 30 days
El SalvadorNoVisa-free for up to 90 days; tourist card fee on arrival
GrenadaNoVisa-free for up to 3 months
GuatemalaNoElectronic Immigration Form to be completed upon entry/exit
HaitiNoVisa-free for up to 90 days; tourist fee on arrival
HondurasNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
JamaicaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days; C5-Form required
MexicoNoVisa-free, but FMM (tourist card) required, valid up to 180 days
NicaraguaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days; tourist card on arrival
PanamaNoVisa-free for up to 180 days
Saint Kitts and NevisNoVisa-free for up to 3 months
Saint LuciaNoVisa-free for up to 6 weeks
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesNoVisa-free for up to 180 days
Trinidad and TobagoNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
Puerto RicoNoU.S. territory - no visa or passport required for U.S. citizens
U.S. Virgin IslandsNoU.S. territory - no visa or passport required for U.S. citizens
GuamNoU.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens
Northern Mariana IslandsNoU.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens
American SamoaYesU.S. territory - entry permit required from local authorities
Oceania

Key Details for Oceania Visa Requirements

  • Australia and New Zealand Require Pre-Approval: U.S. travelers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before visiting.
  • Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
Country / Territory Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? Notes
AustraliaYeseVisitor or ETA required
FijiNoVisa-free for up to 4 months
KiribatiNoVisa-free for up to 30 days
Marshall IslandsNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
Micronesia (FSM)NoVisa-free for unlimited stay
NauruYesAdvance visa required
New ZealandYesNZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) required
PalauNoVisa-free for up to 1 year
Papua New GuineaYesE-visa available
SamoaYesEntry permit on arrival for up to 90 days
Solomon IslandsYesVisa on arrival
TongaYesVisa on arrival for up to 31 days
TuvaluYesVisa on arrival
VanuatuNoVisa-free for up to 30 days
American SamoaYesU.S. territory - entry permit required from local authorities
GuamNoU.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens
Northern Mariana IslandsNoU.S. territory - no visa required for U.S. citizens
South America

Key Details for South America Visa Requirements

  • Most South American Countries Are Visa-Free for U.S. Citizens: The vast majority of South American countries allow U.S. citizens to enter without a visa for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
  • Get a Visa Fast: If you're required to have a travel visa and need to get it quickly, visit iVisa.com.
Country Visa Required for U.S. Citizens? Notes
ArgentinaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
BoliviaYesVisa required; available on arrival or in advance (approx. $160)
BrazilYesevisa required (as of April 2025)
ChileNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
ColombiaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
EcuadorNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
GuyanaNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
ParaguayNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
PeruNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
SurinameYese-visa required
UruguayNoVisa-free for up to 90 days
VenezuelaYesVisa required in advance from Venezuelan consulate

Travel Visa FAQs

Have questions about travel visas? These are the questions readers ask most often. Each answer reflects current common practices and practical tips for U.S. travelers.

This section is organized into clear categories so you can find answers fast: basics, who needs a visa, applying, validity and entry limits, passport and visa logistics, special cases, and helpful links. Click a question below to reveal the answer.

Basics

What is a travel visa?

A travel visa is authorization from a foreign government that allows a traveler to present themselves for entry for a specific purpose and time. An immigration officer still decides entry on arrival.

Is a visa the same as a passport?

No. A passport is issued by your home government and proves identity and citizenship for international travel. A visa is issued by the country you plan to visit and is valid only for that destination.

Why do countries require visas?

Visas help governments control entry, enforce immigration laws, and protect security by screening travelers before arrival.

What types of visas are there?

Tourist and business visas are common. Many countries also issue student, work, transit, and immigrant visas, each with different requirements and conditions of stay.

Do I Need a Visa?

Do I need a visa to visit my destination?

Requirements vary by country and purpose of travel. Start with the resources on this page, then confirm with the destination's embassy or consulate:

Can I get a visa on arrival or apply online (eVisa)?

Some countries offer visas on arrival, others use eVisas, and some require an in-person application. Many travelers prefer eVisas to avoid airport delays. See the eVisa guide and confirm rules before booking.

Applying

How do I apply for a travel visa?

Apply through the destination's embassy or consulate, the official eVisa portal, or use a reputable visa expediter. Typical items include a valid passport, photo, completed application, travel plans, and proof of funds or accommodation. See the Embassy directory and eVisa guide.

What documents are usually required?

Most consulates ask for a valid passport with enough remaining validity and blank pages, a completed application, a recent photo, travel itinerary, lodging details or invitation, and proof of funds. Some destinations require travel insurance or extra letters for business, study, or family visits.

For minors, extra documents may be needed such as consent letters or custody orders. See Unaccompanied Minor travel and the Child Passport guide.

How much does a visa cost and how long does it take?

Fees and processing times vary by country and visa type. Costs can range from modest to several hundred dollars. Processing may take days to weeks. Confirm current fees and timing with the destination's embassy or consulate.

What if I need a visa quickly?

Consider an eVisa or a trusted visa expediter. Start here: How to get a visa fast.

Validity, Extensions, and Issues

How long can I stay on a visa?

Length of stay depends on the visa type and the country. Many tourist visas allow 30 to 90 days per entry. Multiple-entry visas often limit the days per visit even if overall validity is longer. Check your visa label and your entry stamp.

What is the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry visa?

A single-entry visa lets you enter once. A multiple-entry visa allows exit and reentry during the validity period, though each stay may still have a day limit.

Can I extend my stay?

Some countries allow extensions through local immigration offices if you apply before the authorized stay ends. Policies, fees, and timing vary and approval is not guaranteed.

What happens if I overstay?

Overstays can lead to fines, removal, future entry bans, or problems in later visa applications. Depart before your authorized stay expires or secure an approved extension in advance.

Passport and Visa Logistics

My old passport has a valid visa. What happens when I get a new passport?

Some countries allow travel with the new passport plus the old passport that contains the still-valid visa. Others require a visa transfer. See Unexpired visas in an old passport and confirm with the destination's consulate before travel.

Does my passport need six months of validity?

Many countries expect six months of validity beyond the intended stay. Check the list here: Six-month validity rule. When in doubt, renew early.

Special Cases

Do children need visas?

Usually yes. Requirements are similar to adults, but minors may need extra documents such as consent letters or custody orders. See Unaccompanied Minor travel and the Child Passport guide.

Can I work or study on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not authorize employment or formal study. Apply for the correct visa category and confirm requirements with the embassy or consulate.

What should I do if my visa is denied?

Review the refusal reason, correct the issue or provide missing evidence, and reapply when eligible. In some cases a different visa class is more appropriate.

Helpful Links

Where can I find the official rules for my trip?

Essential Travel Resources for Your Next Adventure

About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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