When You Need a Travel Visa

In this mini guide to visas, we outline when you need one—and when you don’t. Plus, all the fees, forms, and formalities you may encounter on the way for select destinations. For more details, visit travel.state.gov.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina: Visitors must pay a $160 reciprocity fee online before arrival (embassyofargentina.us). Print the receipt and take it with you (it’s good for ten years).

Brazil: Visa required; $160.

Chile: U.S citizens can get a free 90-day permit upon arrival at Santiago International Airport.*

Nicaragua: Visa not required, but visitors must buy a $10 tourist card upon arrival.

Panama: none required; a $5 tourist fee is included with airfare.

EUROPE

Much of Mainland Europe: Visa not required; a valid passport is sufficient for stays of less than 90 days.

Belarus: Visa required; $160.

Russia: Visa required; $160.

Turkey: Visitors must complete an online form before arrival (evisa.gov.tr; $20).

ASIA

China: Visa required; $130. Visitors staying 72 hours or less (on a long layover to tour Shanghai, for example) don’t need a visa.

Indonesia: Visa available upon arrival at bali’s ngurah rai international airport; $25. Brace yourself for lines.

Maldives: Free visa on arrival.

Thailand: Not required for stays of up to 30 days.

Vietnam: Visa required; $100.

AFRICA

Kenya: Visa required; $50.

Tanzania: Visa required; $100

OCEANIA

Australia: Visitors must complete an online form before arrival (eta.immi.gov.au; $18).

New Zealand: Visa not required for stays under three months.