4 Countries Where U.S Citizens Need Visas

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Updated December 31, 2023

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Living in another country for a long period of time generally requires a residency visa no matter where you go. However, U.S. citizens can travel as short-term tourists to many countries—Canada, Mexico, and the European Union (EU) countries, among them—without needing a visa.

A number of other countries do require that you get a tourist visa before you leave the U.S, such as China, India, Russia, and Vietnam. Previously Americans who wanted to spend time in the country of Brazil needed to apply for a visa, but as of June 2019, a valid passport is enough to enter the country as a tourist.

Key Takeaways

Always check a country's embassy website to find out if you need a visa to travel there.
U.S citizens do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong but do need one if they plan to visit mainland China from Hong Kong.
Some countries, like Russia, for example, have very complicated visa systems.
Requirements for visas may change over time, but you can find a list of countries that require them via the U.S. State Department's website.

China

Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit China? Yes. U.S. citizens planning to visit 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:China's mainland must apply for an entry visa through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General.

Do You Need a Visa to Go to Hong Kong?

With a U.S. passport, citizens do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong, but travelers who plan to visit China's mainland while in the region will need a visa to travel from Hong Kong to China. Visitors must apply approximately one month before their trip; they will not be granted a visa at the port of entry. A single entry vꦇis༺a is $140.

Important

If you are planning a vacation abroad and you are in doubt as to whether you need a visa or not, always check with your destination's embassy to verify what documents you need to gain entry.

India

Any U.S. citizen traveling to India must have a travel visa. Visitors with visas may stay up to five years total from the day they enter. Anyone needing to apply for a visa must do so through the government. Requirements for an Indian visa change frequently, often without notice should get the latest information from the application website. A tourist visa for U.S. citizens comes with a fee that is determined by what type of visa and how long of a stay.

Russia

According to the U.S. Embassy website, Russia has a very strict and complicated visa system regarding foreign nationals e💟ntering the country. Not only must American citizens have a visa to enter the country, but if it expires before they leave, th♐ey may be stranded in the country for up to 20 days.

There are many nuances to obtaining a Russian visa, including needing a Russian sponsor, which could be a travel company, relative, friend, hotel, or university. There are also places in Russia where Americans are not permitted to go. It is best to book travel through a known travel company that can grant sponsorship and help you navigate the visa system. The cost for Russian visas changes often as well, but as of the end of 2023, is $185 plus processing fees.

Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of the most popular Asian countries for U.S. tourists. Besides a visa, U.S. citizens must have more than six months of validity remaining on their passport. A traveler may obtain a visa in person at the Embassy of Viet Nam,🥀 ꧙by mail, or online.

An alternative is a written approval letter gotten through a travel agency prior to departure for Vietnam that allows travelers to get a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Be wary of unscrupulous travel co💎mpanies, which have been ch🦋arging very high fees for these visas.

The Embassy of Viet Nam also states travelers that Vietnam has both a visa fee and a visa-processing fee. For current fees, email the through its website.

The Bottom Line

No matter where you're traveling, be sure to research the country's visa requirements and give yourself plenty of time to get your pa♔pers in order before your trip begins. You can find updated country information on the .

Article Sources

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Henley and Partners. "." Select "My Passport: United States" and "Visa-free access."
Henley and Partners. "." Select "My Passport: United States" and "Visa required."
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Brazil. "."
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America. "."
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "."
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "."
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "."
Government of India. "."
Government of India. "."
Government of India. "."
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia. "."
Embassy of Russia in the USA. "."
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "."
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. "." Select "Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements."
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in United States of America. "."

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