For U.S. passport holders accustomed to relatively unrestricted international travel, several destinations now require advance planning in the form of visas or electronic travel authorizations (ETAs). As of early 2026, at least 20 countries mandate these documents for American citizens, excluding those with U.S. State Department Level 4 travel advisories and destinations that are temporarily suspending visa issuance. This shift reflects a global trend toward tighter border controls and a move away from visa-free access for many nationalities.
Why this matters: The increasing visa requirements add complexity and cost to international travel. Delays in processing, unexpected fees, and the potential for denied entry are real risks. Travelers must now research requirements well in advance to avoid disruptions, and this trend may continue as geopolitical factors and security concerns evolve.
Key Destinations & Requirements
Here’s a breakdown of countries where American travelers need visas or ETAs, as of January 2026. Prices are approximate and subject to change.
- Australia: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). $13 USD, processed within 1 business day. Unlimited stays up to 3 months within 12 months.
- Bhutan: Tourist visa with a $40 fee plus a daily Sustainable Development Fee ($100/adult, $50/child). Processing takes up to 5 business days.
- Brazil: eVisa. $80.90 USD, processing up to 5 business days. Valid for 90 days within 1 year.
- China: Tourist visa. $140 USD, processing 4 business days. Requires application at a consulate. (Transits under 10 days are now visa-free.)
- Egypt: eVisa. $25-$60 USD, processing 2-7 business days. Valid for up to 30 days.
- India: eVisa. $10-$80 USD, processing 72 hours. Valid for up to 30 days.
- Ghana: Visa. $60-$100 USD, processing 15-20 business days.
- Indonesia: Visa on arrival. $30 USD. Requires a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining.
- Kenya: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). $30 USD, processing 3 business days.
- Maldives: Visa on arrival (free), but proof of onward travel is mandatory.
- Namibia: Visa. $90-$180 USD, processing 3 business days.
- New Zealand: ETA. $10-$58 USD (including levy), processing 72 hours. Valid for 3 months from issuance.
- Seychelles: Travel Authorisation. $13 USD, processing 1 day.
- Sri Lanka: ETA. $50 USD, processing 3 days.
- Tanzania: Visa. $100 USD, processing up to 10 business days. Single entry visas are unavailable for Americans.
- United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). $22 USD, processing up to 3 business days.
- Vietnam: eVisa. $25-$50 USD, processing 3 business days.
- Zambia & Zimbabwe: KAZA UniVisa. $50 USD cash (preferred) or card. Allows access to both countries and Botswana day trips.
Important Reminders
Processing times and fees are subject to change, so always verify requirements with the relevant embassy or government website before traveling. Passports must generally be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
To stay informed: Bookmark the U.S. State Department’s country-specific pages for visa, safety, and enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
The bottom line: International travel is becoming more regulated. American travelers must proactively research visa requirements and renew passports well in advance to avoid disruptions. Staying informed and prepared is now essential for smooth global journeys.
