There are many countries U.S. passport owners have the privilege of being able to visit without needing an advance visa, though this number has been decreasing in recent years. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the U.S. currently has the 12th-strongest passport, and its citizens can visit 180 countries without obtaining a visa beforehand. That’s not too shabby, although Singaporeans, holding the world’s most powerful passport, can visit a cool 192 countries without getting a visa ahead of time.
Some countries offer electronic travel authorizations—similar to e-visas but often with a shorter, simpler application—regular e-visas, and visas on arrival. Others still require a trip to the embassy or visa processing center.
Here’s what you need to know about a few of the countries requiring U.S. citizens to get a visa or electronic travel authorization ahead of time.
Australia
Before heading to Australia, travelers with U.S. passports must apply for an electronic travel authorization. All applications are done through the government’s AustralianETA app. This visa is valid for 12 months, and you can stay in Australia for three months at a time. ETAs are normally issued immediately, but do not wait until the last minute; your ETA application must be submitted, at the very latest, 24 hours before your flight.
Related: This Australian City Is Top of Our Travel List for 2025. Here’s Why It Should Be on Yours.
Brazil
- Visa price: $80.90
- Where to get it: Brazil e-visa
- How long it takes: Five business days
As of April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens need an e-visa to visit Brazil. Since June 2019, U.S. citizens had been able to visit South America’s largest country visa free, provided they stayed less than 90 days. But because the United States didn’t respond in kind and waive visa requirements for Brazilian nationals, Brazil has brought back its own visa mandate. The visa is processed by VFS; e-visas are normally approved within five business days, but VFS recommends applying at least two months before your trip.
China
Getting a visa for China has been a bit easier since January 2024, when the Chinese government slightly simplified the process for U.S. travelers. You no longer need to submit a round-trip ticket, proof of hotel reservation, itinerary, or invitation letter. Even better, you can start the application online, though you’ll still need to go to a Chinese embassy or consulate general to finish the process for any visa, including a tourist visa (L-visa). Requirements include a passport with at least two blank visa pages and a remaining validity of more than six months. Chinese tourist visas are normally processed in four business days; for a $25 fee, a visa can be ready in three business days.
Cuba
- Visa price: $50
- Where to get it: Cuba e-visa
- How long it takes: Five business days
Cuba has made it significantly easier to visit with a new e-visa, which went into effect on July 1, 2025 and replaced the country’s tourist cards. It’s valid for a single entry to Cuba with a stay of up to 90 days. Payment is made by mailing a money order to the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C., but all forms are filled out online (including the money order info). Note that the e-visa site shows both check and money order as options, but checks are only for agencies. Individual travelers must pay by money order. Your Cuban e-visa will normally be approved in five business days.
Egypt
- Visa price: $25 (single entry); $65 (multiple entry valid for 180 days)
- Where to get it: Egypt e-visa
- How long it takes: Less than seven business days
U.S. travelers can get a visa on arrival in Egypt, but you’ll save a lot of time by using the country’s e-visa system (although you won’t get a fun sticker in your passport). You can choose either a single entry visa or one valid for six months and multiple entries, and most travelers will have their Egypt e-visa in under a seven business days. Before your trip, be sure to print out your e-visa, which you’ll need to show at immigration.
Related: How to See the Wonders of the World Without the Crowds
India
- Visa price: $10 (30 days, for visits between April and June); $25 (30 days, for visits between July and March); $40 (one-year multiple entry); $80 (five-year multiple entry)
- Where to get it: India e-visa
- How long it takes: Up to four business days
Going to India is a now a breeze for U.S. citizens, among many others, who can apply for an e-visa. Travelers must apply at least four business days before arrival in India, but no more than 30 days before your trip.
Related: 10 Minutes from the Taj Mahal, a Must-Visit Café With a Mission
Kenya
As of January 1, 2024, Kenya has rolled out an easy and efficient electronic travel authority. It can take up to three business days to get your electronic travel authorization (ETA) for Kenya; if you need it right away, there’s a $100 fee. Apply no more than three months in advance, because this ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of approval. The ETA is valid for 90 days and a single entry to Kenya except if you leave to visit most EAC Partner States (Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda), in which case you can re-enter Kenya with the same ETA. Note that if you’re arriving to Kenya not from the U.S. but from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you must bring proof of vaccination.
United Kingdom
The UK rolled out its electronic travel authorization in mid 2023, and U.S. citizens have needed one since January 2025. The process is very simple, all done on an app; most people get their ETAs within one business day, and it’s then valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Vietnam
- Visa price: $25 (single entry); $50 (multiple entry)
- Where to get it: Vietnam e-visa
- How long it takes: Less than five business days
With the launch of a user-friendly site in November 2024, it’s now quite simple for U.S. citizens to get an e-visa to Vietnam. This visa can be used to enter Vietnam at all international airports, land border crossings, and ports. You can apply for a Vietnam e-visa up to one year in advance; visas are valid for 90 days.
Do I need a visa for Europe?
The European Union has plans to implement its own electronic travel authorization system (ETIAS). As of this writing, U.S. citizens traveling to Europe will not need to apply for an ETIAS before late 2026.
See CIBT Visa’s full list of countries requiring tourist visas from U.S. citizens.
This article originally appeared online in 2015 and was most recently updated on October 13, 2025, with current information. Meagan Drillinger and Nick Rowlands contributed to the reporting of this story.
