There are many countries that U.S. passport holders have the privilege of visiting without a prior visa, but that number has decreased in recent years. According to the 2025 Henry Passport Index, the United States currently has the 12th most powerful passport, allowing its citizens to visit 180 countries without first obtaining a visa. With the world’s most powerful passport, Singaporeans can visit 192 fascinating countries without having to get a visa first, which isn’t too bad.
Some countries offer electronic travel authorization. Electronic travel authorizations are similar to e-visas, but allow for shorter and easier applications, such as regular e-visas and visas on arrival. Others still need to go to an embassy or visa processing center.
Here’s what you need to know about some countries that require U.S. citizens to obtain a visa or electronic travel authorization in advance.
Australia
Travelers with a US passport must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before heading to Australia. All applications are made through the government’s Australian ETA app. This visa is valid for 12 months and allows you to stay in Australia for 3 months at a time. ETAs are usually issued quickly, but don’t wait until the last minute. ETA requests must be submitted at least 24 hours before the flight.
Related: This Australian city should be at the top of your travel list for 2025. Here’s why this city should be yours.
Brazil
- Visa price: $80.90
- Where to get it: Brazil e-visa
- Time required: 5 business days
As of April 10, 2025, U.S. citizens will need an electronic visa to visit Brazil. Since June 2019, U.S. citizens have been able to visit South America’s largest country visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. However, when the United States did not comply and waive visa requirements for Brazilian citizens, Brazil reinstated its own visa requirements. Visas are processed by VFS. Although e-visas are usually approved within five business days, VFS recommends applying at least two months before travel.
China
Obtaining a visa for China has become a little easier since the Chinese government slightly simplified the process for US travelers in January 2024. You no longer need to submit round-trip tickets, hotel reservations, itineraries, invitations, etc. What’s even better is that you can start your application online, but you will need to visit a Chinese embassy or consulate to complete the visa process, including tourist visas (L visas). Requirements include a passport with at least two blank visa pages and at least six months of validity remaining. Chinese tourist visas are usually processed in 4 business days. You can get your visa within 3 business days by paying a $25 fee.
Cuba
- Visa price: $50
- Where to get it: Cuba e-visa
- Time required: 5 business days
Visiting Cuba has become much easier with a new e-visa that comes into effect on July 1, 2025 and replaces the country’s tourist card. Valid for a single entry to Cuba for a maximum stay of 90 days. Payments are made by mailing a money order to the Cuban Embassy in Washington, DC, but all forms (including money order information) are completed online. Although the e-visa site shows both checks and money orders as options, please note that checks are only available to agents. Individual travelers must pay by postal order. Cuban e-visas are usually approved within 5 business days.
egypt
- Visa price: $25 (single entry); $65 (multiple entries valid for 180 days)
- Where to get it: egypt e-visa
- Time required: Within 7 business days
US travelers can get a visa on arrival in Egypt and save money a lot The country’s e-visa system will shorten your stay (but won’t give you a fun sticker in your passport). You can choose between a single-entry visa or a six-month, multi-entry visa, and most travelers obtain their Egypt e-visa within seven business days. You must print your e-visa before traveling and present it at immigration.
Related: How to see the wonders of the world without the crowds
India
- Visa price: $10 (30 days, for visits from April to June); $25 (for 30 days, for visits from July to March). $40 (multiple entries for 1 year); $80 (multiple entries for 5 years)
- Where to get it: india e-visa
- Time required: up to 4 business days
Traveling to India has become easier for many people, including American citizens who can apply for an e-visa. Travelers must apply at least four business days before arriving in India and at least 30 days before travel.
Related: A cafe with a sense of mission that you must visit, 10 minutes from the Taj Mahal
kenya
As of January 1, 2024, Kenya has introduced an easy and efficient Electronic Travel Authorization Authority. It can take up to three business days to obtain a Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). If you need it right away, there will be a $100 fee. This ETA is valid for 90 days from the date of approval, so please apply at least 3 months in advance. The ETA is valid for 90 days and is valid for a single entry into Kenya. exclude If you leave to visit most EAC partner countries (Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Tanzania, or Uganda), you can then re-enter Kenya on the same ETA. Please note that if you are arriving in Kenya from a country where yellow fever is endemic, but not from the United States, you will need to bring proof of vaccination.
England
The UK will introduce electronic travel authorization in mid-2023, and US citizens will require electronic travel authorization from January 2025. The process is very easy and it’s all done in the app. Most people get their ETA within one business day and it is valid for two years or until the passport expires.
Vietnam
- Visa price: $25 (single entry); $50 (multiple entries)
- Where to get it: vietnam e-visa
- Time required: Within 5 business days
With the launch of our user-friendly site in November 2024, it has become much easier for US citizens to obtain an e-visa to Vietnam. This visa can be used to enter Vietnam at all international airports, border crossings and ports. You can apply for a Vietnam e-Visa up to one year in advance. The visa is valid for 90 days.
Do I need a visa to Europe?
The European Union has plans to introduce its own Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETIAS). As of this writing, U.S. citizens traveling to Europe must not necessary You must apply for an ETIAS by late 2026.
See CIBT visa Complete list of countries that require tourist visas for US citizens.
This article was originally published online in 2015 and was last updated on October 13, 2025. Meagan Drillinger and Nick Rowlands contributed reporting to this article.
