For most international trips, a key step while planning is making sure your passport is still valid. However, it’s also important to understand your destination’s specific visa requirements – and the steps required to obtain one. Here, a closer look at where you can go without a visa with a US passport, countries that do require a visa for US passport holders, and expert tips on navigating the process smoothly.
What is visa-free travel?
When countries allow certain passport holders, like U.S. citizens, to enter without a visa, it eliminates the time, hassle, paperwork, and fees involved in securing one, and can also speed up immigration and customs clearance. In short, travel to visa-free countries is almost always more convenient and less restrictive.
Visa-free travel also affects how a country’s passport ranks in global indexes. The more countries a passport allows visa-free entry to, the more powerful that passport is, as the term goes.
Where can US citizens travel without a visa?
US passport holders have plenty of choice when it comes to countries they can visit without a visa. According to Henley & Partners, a global investment consulting firm and leading authority on passport rankings and visa regulations, the current number of countries that US passport holders can visit visa-free is 186.
Many travel insurance providers, tourism organizations, and other entities also compile and update lists and other resources regarding visa-free travel.
The Department of State, meanwhile, offers a handy destination search tool that provides official visa requirements for US passport holders for countries all over the world. Simply search for your destination – Bhutan, for example – to bring up key information about visa requirements, processing times, fees, and more. For example, in Bhutan, a visa is required for US passport holders, and you can’t buy airline tickets to the country without visa clearance.
However, visa-free countries for the US are subject to change based on a number of factors, including visa agreements with other countries, entry requirements, and temporary travel restrictions. Government regimes – such as the US presidential administration that took office in 2025 – also can play a role.
What countries can a green card holder travel to without a visa?
US green card holders (also known as US lawful permanent residents, or LPRs in government parlance) are subject to different rules than US passport holders.
While US green card holders do not need a passport to enter the United States, they will most likely need a passport (from their home country, for example) to enter another country. Depending on the visa agreements of the passport they hold, they may not be able to take advantage of visa-free travel in the same way US passport holders can.
A good starting point if you are a US green card holder is the embassy of the foreign country you’ll be traveling to. You may be required to apply in person; online applications are not always possible. Beyond the application form, the required documents will likely include a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and travel insurance.
What countries issue a visa on arrival?
A handful of countries require what’s known as a visa on arrival (or VOA) for US passport holders, which are issued at the border upon arrival. In this case, it’s not necessary to apply beforehand. Countries that require them include Egypt, Jordan, Nepal, Kuwait, and Oman, according to the US Department of State website (though the agency does not provide a centralized official list of countries).
As with other visa-related issues, it’s strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the requirements beforehand so you’re not caught off guard upon arrival. Again, the Department of State’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool is a helpful resource.
Countries with visa requirements for US citizens
A few countries require visas for US passport holders. However, as with those that require VOAs, the Department of State does not provide a centralized official list of countries. Some notable inclusions are China, Bhutan, Cuba, India, Algeria, and Vietnam.
To check whether your destination requires a visa, confirm requirements via the Department of State, the country’s embassy, or other official government sources. And keep in mind that it may be issued digitally as an e-visa or as a paper document.
Travel to Europe: What to know about ETAs and ETIAS
There’s been plenty of recent buzz over new international entry requirements in the United Kingdom and Europe. While ETA and ETIAS authorization are different from a visa, travelers should familiarize themselves with requirements beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, which went into effect in January 2025, requires travelers to obtain an entry authorization ahead of time. In mainland Europe, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, including US passport holders, traveling to any of 30 European countries.
ETIAS is linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid for up to three years (or until the passport expires, whichever comes first). After significant delays, the program is scheduled to go into effect in May 2025.
5 visa-free countries you should visit in 2025
If you’re a US passport holder in the process of planning your next trip, here are my 5 favorite countries to travel to without a visa.
Bermuda
Famous for its dramatic pink-sand beaches, this charming island country beckons year-round with spectacular beaches, world-class golf, and upscale resorts. Bonus for US travelers: Bermuda is just a 90-minute flight from New York.
Where to stay: Grotto Bay Beach Resort or The Loren at Pink Beach
Iceland
While the Northern Lights made surprise appearances in many unexpected destinations in 2024, experiencing this spectacular phenomenon is even more stunning in the Land of Fire and Ice. By day, travelers can explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and relax in its world-famous hot springs.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Reykjavik or Hotel Ranga
Belgium
The “Be” of the Benelux region encompassing the Netherlands and Luxembourg is increasingly enticing for Europe-bound travelers. Antwerp, in particular, is a delightful second-city destination that offers an authentic experience and a fraction of the crowds in other European hubs.
Where to stay: Sapphire House Antwerp
Romania
Its capital, Bucharest, is gaining popularity on the tourist circuit. But this eastern European country’s spectacular natural landscapes – think alpine lakes and mountains laced with hiking trails – centuries-old villages, and striking castles beckon with plenty of incentive for an extended visit.
Where to stay: Mercure Bucharest City Center
Malaysia
With hundreds of miles of spectacular beaches, electric cities, and some of the world’s best street food, Malaysia is earning a reputation as a traveler hotspot beyond the backpacker set.
Where to stay: The Westin Kuala Lumpur
The foregoing article was last updated on the 6th of February 2025. It does not contain legal advice and is for informational purposes only. KAYAK does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, currency, or completeness of any of the information contained in this article and/or any of the content linked to within it. Always check the official government website of your departure and arrival destinations prior to travel for up-to-date information.
