Visa Requirements for Americans
Do you need a visa, an electronic travel authorization or nothing at all? This page gives American citizens traveling on a regular US passport a quick answer for each destination we cover: the visa rule, the passport rule, what to do before you fly and a link to the official source. The details come from the US State Department's country pages, which draw on local authorities, and we use the destination's own government site where the State Department page is silent. Rules can change at any time, so confirm with the official source and your airline before you book.
Last checked: 28 October 2026. The State Department does not date the entry section of each country page, so each card shows the day we checked its source. Blue labels mean no tourist visa is needed, amber means an electronic travel authorization is required and rose means a visa is required.
This is a guide, not official advice. Entry rules change often and the border officer has the final say, so please check the official government source linked on each card, and your airline, before you book or travel.
Three Kinds of Entry Rules
Visa-free. You can enter without applying in advance, usually for a limited stay such as 90 days.
Electronic travel authorization. An online approval linked to your passport, such as the UK ETA. It is not a visa, but you need it before you travel.
Visa or e-visa. Permission to enter that you apply for first, often online as an e-visa and, for a few destinations, on arrival at certain entry points.
Europe
France
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The State Department recommends having 6 months of validity.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. You need proof of funds and a return plane ticket. France does not recognize the 12-page US emergency passport for entry, so you could be refused boarding with one.
Official source: US State Department · Our France guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Germany
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The State Department recommends having 6 months of validity.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. You need proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
Official source: US State Department · Our Germany guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Greece
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The State Department recommends having 6 months of validity.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. Be ready to show proof of enough funds, which credit cards can cover, and a return ticket or other proof that you will leave Greece.
Official source: US State Department · Our Greece guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Ireland
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days for tourism or business, with no visa.
Passport: must be valid when you arrive. Ireland sets no minimum validity for US citizens, but the State Department recommends one that is valid for your whole stay.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for. Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area, so show your passport even if you arrive from a Schengen country. Irish border officers have turned away many US citizens who could not explain their travel plans, so carry proof of funds and a return ticket.
Official source: US State Department · Our Ireland guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Italy
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The State Department recommends having 6 months of validity.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. Italy strictly enforces the passport rule: an expired passport, or one that was ever reported lost or stolen, can mean being refused entry and sent home. You also need proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
Official source: US State Department · Our Italy guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Portugal
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The State Department recommends having 6 months of validity.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. If you come in from another EU country without passing an airport or border check, you must declare your entry to the Portuguese police within 3 working days, unless you stay in a hotel or similar accommodation.
Official source: US State Department · Our Portugal guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Spain
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The limit covers all Schengen countries together.
Passport: valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The State Department recommends having 6 months of validity.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for yet. ETIAS is planned but not open, and the Entry/Exit System records your fingerprints and photo at the border. You need a visa for study or athletic programs, and some US students and athletes have been held at Spanish airports without one. You also need proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
Official source: US State Department · Our Spain guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
United Kingdom
ETA needed before you travel
How long: no visa for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short study of up to 6 months, but you must hold an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel.
Passport: valid for the whole length of your stay.
Before you fly: apply for the ETA through the official UK government channels before you travel. Dual US-UK citizens cannot get an ETA on a US passport and must enter the UK on a valid UK passport.
Official source: US State Department · Our United Kingdom guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Asia
Indonesia
Visa required: e-visa or on arrival
Visa: US citizens need a visa. You can apply and pay for an e-visa online on the official Indonesian e-visa site within 90 days before you arrive, or buy a visa on arrival at the airport, where lines can be long.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive, with blank pages for the visa and entry stamps.
Before you fly: the e-visa needs a booked return flight. Complete the free All Indonesia arrival card online within 72 hours of arrival and save the QR code. Bali charges a separate tourist levy, and overstaying or using the wrong visa type can bring daily fines, detention or deportation.
Official source: US State Department · Our Indonesia guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Japan
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days for tourism or business with no visa. You cannot work, and you cannot switch to another visa type while you are in Japan.
Passport: valid for the entire time you stay in Japan. A passport you reported lost or stolen cannot be used, even if you find it later.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for. Have proof of a return or onward ticket and of how you will support yourself, and expect fingerprints and a photo on arrival. Visit Japan Web lets you complete arrival procedures ahead of time.
Official source: US State Department · Our Japan guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
South Korea
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days for tourism or business with no visa. A Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is required from 1 January 2027, and an exemption applies through 31 December 2026, so check the rule again if you travel after that.
Passport: valid when you enter. South Korea sets no specific expiration date requirement.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for during the exemption. Once the K-ETA applies, apply only through the official Korean government site. Exceeding your authorized stay can mean an exit ban, detention or fines.
Official source: US State Department · Our South Korea guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Thailand
No tourist visa for short stays
How long: most US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays. The State Department page says under 60 days, but other governments, including the UK and Canada, report a 30-day limit from 15 September 2026, so confirm the current limit with the Royal Thai Embassy before you book.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
Before you fly: register online before you arrive. Thai immigration officers or airline staff may ask for your onward or return ticket and proof of funds, and entering more than twice a year can lead to a refusal. Carry a copy of your passport photo page.
Official source: US State Department · Our Thailand guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Vietnam
Visa required: apply for an e-visa
Visa: US citizens need a visa. The quickest route is an e-visa from the official Government of Vietnam site, usually processed in 3 to 5 working days. Print it and bring it with your passport.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive, with at least 2 blank pages. You must enter and exit Vietnam on the same passport.
Before you fly: the entry and exit points on your e-visa must match the ones you chose, and errors can mean being refused entry. If you arrive by air, the State Department says to complete the online pre-arrival declaration no earlier than 3 days before you land, although some governments call it optional. Use only the official site to avoid scams.
Official source: US State Department · Our Vietnam guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
North America
Canada
No tourist visa needed
How long: no tourist visa for visits of less than 180 days. Longer visits generally need a visa.
Documents: a valid US passport, passport card or NEXUS card is accepted to enter. When you fly home from Canada, you need a passport book or another approved ID.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for, and US citizens do not need an eTA. Canada can refuse entry to people with certain criminal records, including driving under the influence convictions, so check before you go.
Official source: US State Department · Our Canada guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Costa Rica
No tourist visa for up to 180 days
How long: authorities may let you stay up to 180 days without a visa, but this is not guaranteed. Overstaying can bring a fine, delays, deportation and a future entry ban.
Passport: valid for the whole length of your stay. Immigration may deny entry if your passport is damaged.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for. Have a return ticket or proof of onward travel ready. You need proof of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from certain countries in South America or Africa.
Official source: US State Department · Our Costa Rica guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Mexico
No tourist visa needed
How long: no visa for tourism. Immigration officials decide how long you can stay, up to 180 days, and your passport is stamped with your entry date.
Passport: you need a passport book to fly to Mexico. A passport card cannot be used to board a plane, although it works for some land and sea entries.
Before you fly: Mexican airports issue a digital entry permit (FMMD) when you arrive, and you may be sent through a self-service E-Gate that prints a QR-code receipt. If you enter by land, apply for the FMM entry permit online or at an immigration office, unless you stay within 12 miles (20 km) of the border for 6 days or less.
Official source: US State Department · Our Mexico guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
South America
Argentina
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: up to 90 days for tourism. Argentina defines a tourist stay as up to 3 months, which you can extend once by a similar period at a migration office.
Passport: valid for the whole length of your stay. Airlines may ask for more, so check their rules before you fly.
Before you fly: the State Department page lists no entry rules for adult travelers, so confirm the current rules with the Embassy of Argentina in the United States before you book. Staying past your authorized period means paying an exit fee.
Official source: Argentina migration office · Our Argentina guide
Argentina migration office page checked 28 October 2026.
Brazil
Visa required: apply for an eVisa
Visa: US citizens need a tourist eVisa before they fly. You apply online through the official Brazil eVisa portal, and the approved eVisa is emailed to you as a PDF.
Passport: apply with the same US passport you will travel on. Brazil asks for at least 6 months of validity after you arrive, so renew first if yours is close to expiring.
Before you fly: processing can take up to 10 business days, and the portal advises applying about two months before you travel. Print your eVisa and keep a copy for boarding and arrival, and avoid buying non-refundable tickets until it is approved.
Official source: Brazil eVisa portal · Our Brazil guide
Brazil eVisa portal page checked 28 October 2026.
Colombia
No tourist visa for up to 90 days
How long: no tourist visa for stays of 90 days or less, or up to 180 days in total per calendar year. You can request one 90-day extension from Migración Colombia before your first 90 days end.
Passport: you must show a valid US passport to enter and leave Colombia.
Before you fly: complete the free Check-Mig form online 72 hours before your flight to or from Colombia. You may be refused entry without a return ticket. Dual US-Colombian citizens should enter and leave on their Colombian passport.
Official source: US State Department · Our Colombia guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Peru
No tourist visa needed
How long: no tourist visa. Peruvian border officials decide your approved length of stay when you enter, and overstays bring fines that you must pay before you leave.
Passport: valid for at least 6 months after the day you enter, or you will be denied entry.
Before you fly: there is nothing to apply for, but make sure officials record your entry. An entry record, such as a passport stamp, is required even at remote land crossings, and without one you may be unable to leave until it is sorted out, which can take weeks. Avoid unofficial crossings.
Official source: US State Department · Our Peru guide
US State Department page checked 28 October 2026.
Oceania
Australia
ETA needed before you travel
How long: you need a visa or an approved Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before you arrive. For tourism or business trips of less than 90 days, you can get an ETA.
Passport: a valid US passport. If it has a chip and you are 16 or older, you can use SmartGate, Australia's automated entry system, at airports.
Before you fly: apply for the ETA through the official Australian ETA app, which charges a small fee. Airlines and many US travel agents can also apply for you. If you overstay an ETA or any visa, even by a few days, you can be detained, deported and banned from returning.
Official source: US State Department · Our Australia guide
US State Department page checked 31 October 2026.
New Zealand
NZeTA needed before you travel
How long: US citizens can visit without a visa for up to 3 months at a time, but you must get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.
Passport: a valid US passport. Canadian and UK advice says to have at least 3 months of validity beyond the day you leave, and Tourism New Zealand says 6 months, so check with your airline.
Before you fly: apply for the NZeTA on Immigration New Zealand's website or app. It charges a fee plus a visitor levy and is valid for 2 years. Officers can ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds, and everyone completes the free New Zealand Traveller Declaration. The State Department page does not cover these rules, so this card follows Immigration New Zealand.
Official source: Immigration New Zealand · Our New Zealand guide
Immigration New Zealand page checked 1 November 2026.
Four Checks Before You Book
Passport validity. Countries count it in different ways: from the day you leave, from the day you arrive, or for your whole stay. Your airline can also be stricter than the country, so check both.
Onward ticket and proof of funds. In many of these countries, border officers may ask to see a return or onward ticket and proof that you can pay for your stay. Keep both easy to show.
A second passport. If you are also a citizen of another country, the rules can change. Dual US-UK citizens cannot get a UK ETA and must enter the United Kingdom on a UK passport, and dual US-Colombian citizens should enter and leave Colombia on their Colombian passport. Vietnam requires you to enter and exit on the same passport, and Brazil asks you to apply for the eVisa with the passport you will travel on.
Official websites only. Fake visa and travel-authorization sites exist, and some unofficial agents charge extra fees. Apply only through the official government site linked from the State Department page, and never hand your passport to someone offering visa services.
How We Keep This Page Current
We check each country against the US State Department's country pages and, where those pages are silent or unclear, the destination's official immigration or e-visa sites and other governments' advice. We show the date we last checked. This is general information for US citizens on a regular US passport, not legal or immigration advice. Diplomatic, official and other passport types can have different rules. If this page ever differs from an official source, trust the official source, and please tell us so we can fix it.
Keep Planning
Once your entry papers are sorted, browse our country travel guides or pick a day-by-day plan from our trip itineraries. New to planning? Start with How to Plan a Better Trip.