Traveling with an American passport is often a seamless experience, allowing for spontaneous trips and exciting adventures. However, several nations necessitate additional steps for entry, including obtaining a tourist visa or electronic travel authorization before you embark on your journey. As of May 2025, there are at least 15 countries where American citizens will need to navigate these requirements. Here’s an overview of what to expect when planning your visits to these destinations.
United Kingdom
Type: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). While not a traditional visa, the ETA functions similarly to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization used by the U.S. All American travelers must secure one before entering the U.K.
How to apply: You can apply online or use the mobile app.
Length of time: The authorization is good for multiple visits of up to six months over a two-year period.
Cost: Approximately 16 British pounds (around $22).
Processing time: Typically within three business days.
Australia
Type: Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This online visa is essential for anyone planning to visit Australia.
How to apply: Application can be completed via the ETA app or the Australian government’s official site.
Length of time: The ETA permits unlimited stays up to three months within a one-year timeframe.
Cost: Approximately 20 Australian dollars (around $13).
Processing time: Usually within one business day.
Pakistan
Type: Visa required prior to arrival. This can be crucial for entry into the country.
How to apply: Applications can be submitted online via the Pakistani government’s website.
Length of time: Valid for multiple entries over a 90-day period.
Cost: Not applicable.
Processing time: Generally, one business day.
Bhutan
Type: Bhutanese Visa. Travelers must secure this visa to gain entry.
How to apply: Applications are processed online through the Bhutanese government’s portal.
Length of time: The visa is valid for the duration of your scheduled travel; please note that flight tickets cannot be purchased until your visa is approved.
Cost: A one-time fee of $40 plus a Sustainable Development Fee of $100 per day for adults ($50 per day for children ages 6 to 11; free for children under 6).
Processing time: Up to five business days.
Bolivia
Type: Bolivian Tourist Visa. Important for any American planning to visit.
How to apply: Applications can be submitted in person at a Bolivian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S., or at the land or air border.
Length of time: Valid for up to 30 days in each visit, with a maximum of 90 days within a year.
Cost: $160.
Processing time: Not specified.
Brazil
Type: Brazilian eVisa, recently required as of April 2025.
How to apply: Applications must be submitted online through the Brazilian government’s authorized portal.
Length of time: Valid for travel up to 90 days in a year.
Cost: Approximately $80.90.
Processing time: Generally up to five business days.
China
Type: Chinese Tourist Visa. A necessary document for American visitors.
How to apply: Start by submitting your application online through the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then visit a local embassy or consulate in major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York.
Length of time: Generally valid for visits of up to 60 days within a three-month period.
Cost: $140.
Processing time: About four business days.
Egypt
Type: Egyptian eVisa. An efficient way to secure entry into Egypt.
How to apply: Available online or upon arrival at Egyptian airports.
Length of time: Valid for visits of up to 30 days in a 90-day window.
Cost: $25 for single-entry, $60 for multiple entries.
Processing time: Typically between two to seven business days.
India
Type: Indian eVisa. This facilitates travel to one of the world’s most vibrant destinations.
How to apply: Applications must be submitted online through the Indian Bureau of Immigration.
Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days throughout one year.
Cost: Ranges from $10 to $80, based on the time of travel and visa validity.
Processing time: Generally takes around 72 hours.
Ghana
Type: Ghanaian Visa. Essential for American travelers looking to visit.
How to apply: Applications can be submitted online to the Embassy of Ghana.
Length of time: Valid for single visits of up to 30 days or multiple entries over an extended period.
Cost: $60 for a single-entry visa, $100 for multiple entries.
Processing time: 15 to 20 business days after receipt of the hard-copy application.
Indonesia
Type: Visa on arrival in Indonesia. Ideal for spontaneous travel plans.
How to apply: Provided at certain international airports if your passport meets specific criteria, including validity for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
Length of time: Valid for a single trip of up to 30 days within a 90-day period.
Cost: Approximately 500,000 Indonesian rupiahs (around $30).
Processing time: Not specified.
Kenya
Type: Kenyan Electronic Travel Authorization. A must-have for entry into Kenya.
How to apply: Applications are processed online through the Directorate of Immigration Services.
Length of time: Valid for 90 days from the issuance date.
Cost: $30.
Processing time: Typically three business days.
Myanmar
Type: Myanmar Tourist eVisa. A key document for American travelers.
How to apply: Submit applications online through Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration and Population.
Length of time: Valid for travel up to 28 days within 90 days of issuance.
Cost: $50.
Processing time: Around three business days.
New Zealand
Type: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Important for easing travel to New Zealand.
How to apply: Applications can be submitted online or via a mobile app.
Length of time: Valid for up to three months over two years.
Cost: 17 New Zealand dollars ($10) via the app or 23 New Zealand dollars ($14) online. Also, an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy is required for 100 New Zealand dollars ($59).
Processing time: Generally within 72 hours.
Vietnam
Type: Vietnamese electronic visa. Convenient for entering Vietnam.
How to apply: Applications must be submitted online through the Vietnamese government portal.
Length of time: Valid for single or multiple entries within 90 days of issuance.
Cost: $25 for a single entry, $50 for multiple entries.
Processing time: Around three business days.
Conclusion
As you navigate your travel plans, it’s crucial to remain aware of visa requirements, processing times, and fees, which can change frequently. Always verify the most current information for your destination prior to travel. Be mindful of passport validity as many countries stipulate at least six months of valid passport time. For further security and updates, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and consult the U.S. Department of State for pertinent details regarding visas and travel advisories.
