Travel Visas: What They Are and Where Americans Need Them

Summary: Learn what visas are, why they matter, and which destinations require them for U.S. travelers. Always check official government sources for the latest updates, and consider travel protection for unexpected, covered events.

Most American travelers know they need a passport to travel internationally. But they’re likely much less sure about whether they need a visa.

A visa is an official document that authorizes a person to enter and stay in a foreign country for a specified period of time.

Most popular destinations for American tourists – Europe, Mexico, Japan, and the Caribbean – don’t require visas for stays of 90 days or less. However, longer stays – for students studying abroad, for instance – may require a visa.

The country information at travel.state.gov provides details about visa requirements for your destinations. In general, visa applications have to go through the embassies of the countries you’ll be visiting, have a time limit, and often require a fee. 

Sometimes countries let tourists stay for between3 and 30 days visa-free and then require a visa for longer stays.

While not comprehensive, here is a list of some countries where American citizens need a visa:

While not comprehensive, here is a list of some countries where American citizens need a visa:

Belize: Tourists can stay for 30 days in Belize without a visa. For longer stays, visitors must have their passport re-stamped and pay an additional fee. The Embassy of Belize to the United States website has details.

Bhutan: One of the world’s most restrictive countries for tourists. Visas are approved in the capital, Thimphu, and take a minimum of seven days to process. Tourists can’t book air travel to Bhutan without this visa clearance. Bhutan also charges a daily tourist tariff. Read the State Department’s rules on travel to Bhutan before considering a trip there.

China: American citizens need a visa to enter China, whether for business or tourism purposes. Visas can be obtained from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States. Multi-visit visas are available. U.S. citizens can enter visa‑free for short stays (typically up to 90 days). However, traveling onward into mainland China from Hong Kong or Macau does require a visa.

India: Travelers must either have a paper visa, valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa, good for 60 days. Entry rules can change; check with the Indian Embassy before planning travel to India. Make sure to double check the visa requirements as these can change without warning

Indonesia: American citizens need a visa to enter Indonesia, which can be obtained on arrival in Indonesia. The visa is good for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days. Non-tourism visas must be obtained from the Indonesian embassy.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia requires that all visitors obtain a visa from a Saudi embassy or consulate. Tourist visas generally only cover a 90-day stay.

Senegal: U.S. citizens may enter Senegal without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. For longer stays, a visa is required and must be obtained through the  Embassy of Senegal.  

South Korea: Visitors need a visa or a K-ETA – a Korean Electronic Travel Authorization.  Most U.S. passport holders traveling to South Korea for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days are eligible for visa‑free entry but may be required to obtain a K‑ETA online at the official K-ETA website. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa is required.

Sri Lanka: U.S. travelers planning to visit for 30 days or less may apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through Sri Lanka’s official system before arrival. If the stay exceeds 30 days, a visa extension is generally required.

Thailand: U.S. citizens may enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days when arriving by air. Entry by land or sea is limited to 30 days per visit, with a maximum of two entries per calendar year. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa must be obtained in advance from the The Royal Thai Embassy.

Turkey: Visas are not required for visits less than 90 days. For longer stays or other purposes, a visa is required. More information is available from Turkish embassies and consulates abroad or through Turkey’s official e-Visa application system.

United Arab Emirates: The UAE lets tourists stay 30 days without a visa. For longer stays, consult the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.

Vietnam: Vietnam has different visa categories, as described on the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. If you plan to work in Vietnam, you need a work permit before applying for your visa. Otherwise, check the Vietnamese embassy’s website for more details.

Visa requirements can change. Always confirm with official government sources before booking travel.

If your travels take you to a destination that requires a visa, it’s a good idea to take along a travel protection plan, to help cover medical or dental emergencies, travel delay, trip interruption, or other unexpected, covered events that can pop up when traveling. Get a quote today.

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