Practical guide · Verified April 2026

Visa Requirements: What You Need for 40 Popular Destinations

Q: I hold two passports. Which do I use?

Use whichever gives you the easier entry to that specific destination. You don't have to be consistent. Some travellers with dual US/EU or US/Canadian citizenship use the EU/Canadian passport for most global travel (easier visa profile) and the US passport only when the destination is US-adjacent. Never show both passports at the same immigration counter — one at a time.

Q: What happens if I overstay?

Depends on the country and length. Under 7 days overstay in most Western-friendly countries: small fine (USD 50-500), no ban. 7-30 days: larger fine, possible multi-year ban on re-entry. 30+ days: serious problem, often arrest on exit plus 5-10 year ban. Don't overstay; plan exits carefully or formally extend.

Q: Schengen 90-in-180 — how exactly does it work?

You can be in the Schengen zone for a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day window. The clock counts calendar days in the zone, not consecutive ones. A trip across multiple Schengen countries counts as one trip. The Schengen Calculator (at ec.europa.eu) calculates your remaining days.

Q: Are e-visas delivered instantly?

Usually no — most e-visa systems advertise '24-48 hour processing' but routinely take 3-5 business days. Some (India, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia) can take up to 10 days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure for routine cases; do not assume same-day service.

Visa requirements for 40 popular destinations. Applies to US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia passports. Verified April 2026.

Visa policy is the single most changeable element of travel planning — rules shift year-to-year based on bilateral agreements, political events, and pandemic-era policies that are still partially unwound. This guide covers 40 popular travel destinations, noting which passports can enter visa-free, which can get a visa-on-arrival, which need an e-visa (processable online 3-10 days before travel), and which require an embassy visit. The assessments cover the five major Western passport groups (US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, Australia/NZ). For precise current rules, always verify against the destination country's embassy website in the week before booking — rules have shifted materially since 2023 for several destinations.

Country

Visa requirement

Detail

USA

ESTA for most Western passports

Visa-free for 40+ countries via the Visa Waiver Program, but an ESTA ($21) must be applied for online 72+ hours before travel. Approval typically 24-48 hours but can take longer. Valid 2 years (or passport expiry). Business + tourism up to 90 days. First-time ESTA applicants should apply 2 weeks ahead.

United Kingdom

ETA from 2025

UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA, £10) in 2024-2025 for previously visa-exempt nationals. Applies to US, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, and others. Apply online 72+ hours before travel. Valid 2 years. Tourism + business up to 6 months.

Schengen Area (EU + associates)

ETIAS from mid-2026

From mid-2026, visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) will need ETIAS (€7, online, valid 3 years). Until then: no authorisation required for stays under 90 days in any 180-day period. Schengen covers 27 countries; once in, no border controls until you exit the zone.

Canada

eTA for visa-exempt

Most Western passports are visa-exempt but require Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, CAD 7) for flying in. Apply online, takes minutes, valid 5 years. Not required for US citizens entering by land. Tourism + business up to 6 months.

Australia

ETA (Electronic Travel Authority)

Most Western passports apply for ETA online (AUD 20) — valid 12 months, multiple entries, up to 3 months per stay. Processing usually instantaneous. Different from the eVisitor for British and some EU passports (free, same terms).

New Zealand

NZeTA required

NZeTA (NZD 17 + IVL tax NZD 35) for visa-waiver nationals. Apply online 72+ hours before travel. Valid 2 years. Tourism + business up to 3 months. US, UK, EU, Canadian passports are all visa-waiver.

Japan

Visa-free for most Western passports

Visa-free for up to 90 days — US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, and most others. No online pre-authorisation required (as of April 2026). Business + tourism. Free extensions at immigration offices occasionally possible.

China

Visa required (with 72/144h transit exemption)

Pre-arranged visa required for most passports — apply via Chinese visa application center 3-4 weeks ahead. 72-hour and 144-hour transit-without-visa programmes exempt specific airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) for connecting flights. China introduced a 15-day visa-free pilot for some Western passports in late 2024; check current scope.

Hong Kong

Visa-free for most Western passports

Visa-free for 90 days (UK, EU) or 30 days (US, Canada, Australia) for most Western passports. Separate from mainland China rules; a visit to HK does not cover a mainland trip.

South Korea

K-ETA required

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization, KRW 10,000) — apply online 72+ hours before travel. Valid 3 years. Tourism + business up to 90 days. Not required for short-term transit; required for regular entry.

Singapore

Visa-free for 30-90 days

Most Western passports enter visa-free. Stay length varies by passport: UK 90 days, US 90 days, EU 30-90 days. SG Arrival Card (free, online) must be submitted within 3 days of arrival — a digital immigration form, not a visa.

Thailand

30 days visa-free

Most Western passports get 30 days visa-free on arrival (60 days from July 2024 for US + most others). Extensions possible at immigration offices for 1,900 baht. E-visa available for longer stays.

Vietnam

E-visa required (most passports)

E-visa (USD 25) for 30 or 90 days, process 3-5 working days. Apply via the government site (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) — avoid third-party 'expedited' sites. Visa-free for UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and others for 45 days.

Cambodia

Visa-on-arrival or e-visa

Visa-on-arrival (USD 30) at Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville airports + major land borders. E-visa (USD 36) processable online 3 days ahead. Valid 30 days, extensions possible.

Indonesia

Visa-on-arrival or visa-free (revised 2024)

Visa-on-arrival (IDR 500,000 / $35) for 30 days, extendable. Some passports (US, UK, Australia, Canada, most EU) now have 30-day visa-free via e-visa (online, IDR 0). Rules were revised mid-2024 — confirm current status.

Malaysia

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, Australia, Canada, most EU. Passport valid 6+ months from entry. No online form required. Standard tourism + business use.

Philippines

Visa-free for 30 days

Visa-free for 30 days for most Western passports (US, UK, Australia, Canada, EU). Onward flight + valid passport required. Extensions possible at Bureau of Immigration offices for PHP 3,000.

India

E-visa required

E-visa (USD 40-80 depending on length: 30 days, 1 year, 5 years) — apply via indianvisaonline.gov.in 3-5 days ahead. Visa-on-arrival discontinued for most nationalities. Separate visa required for Pakistan-adjacent states.

Sri Lanka

ETA required

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization, USD 50-60) — apply online 3+ days ahead. Valid 30 days from entry. Extensions at Department of Immigration for LKR 15,000.

Nepal

Visa-on-arrival or pre-arranged

Visa-on-arrival (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30, USD 125 for 90) at Kathmandu airport + major land crossings. Bring USD cash (exact). E-visa via the Nepalese embassy network.

UAE

Visa-free for most Western passports

Visa-free for 30-90 days depending on passport (UK 30, US 30, Canada 30, EU 90, Australia 30). Valid for tourism + business. Passport validity 6 months from entry. No advance form required.

Saudi Arabia

E-visa available

E-visa (SAR 535 / ~$143) for most Western passports — apply online 3-5 days ahead. Valid 1 year, multiple entry, max 90 days per visit. Tourism visa launched 2019 and has been gradually liberalised.

Jordan

Visa-on-arrival (included in Jordan Pass)

Visa-on-arrival at all major entries (JOD 40). The Jordan Pass (JOD 70-80) includes the visa + access to Petra and 40+ attractions — pays for itself on day 1 for most visitors.

Israel

Visa-free for most Western passports

Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ. Israel has introduced electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL) from January 2025 for some nationalities; check current status. Entry stamp formerly issued on a separate paper (to protect onward travel to Arab states); now digital.

Turkey

E-visa (most) or visa-free

E-visa (USD 50-60) for US, Canada, Australia. Visa-free for EU, UK, Japan, and most others for up to 90 days. Apply at evisa.gov.tr 3+ days before travel.

Egypt

Visa-on-arrival or e-visa

Visa-on-arrival (USD 25) at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Luxor airports. E-visa (USD 25) processable online. Valid 30 days, extensible at passport offices. Sinai-only visa (for Dahab, Sharm El-Sheikh) available free for 15 days.

Morocco

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and most Western passports. Extension possible at préfectures after 90 days. Border officials occasionally ask for onward travel proof.

South Africa

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU (most), Canada, Australia, NZ. Stamp issued at border. Extensions possible via Department of Home Affairs. Passport validity 30+ days beyond trip + 2 blank pages required.

Kenya

e-Visa required

Kenya introduced 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (eTA, USD 30) replacing the former visa system in January 2024. Apply via etakenya.go.ke 5+ days ahead. Valid 90 days single entry.

Tanzania

Visa-on-arrival or e-visa

Visa-on-arrival (USD 50) at Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar airports. E-visa (USD 50) at immigration.go.tz. Valid 90 days, single or multiple entry.

Mexico

Visa-free for 180 days

Visa-free for 180 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ. Tourist card (FMM, MXN 640) issued at entry, required for stays over 7 days. Free for under-7-days stays.

Costa Rica

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for most Western passports. Passport validity 1 day beyond trip. Onward travel proof sometimes requested at entry. Extensions via Migración offices.

Panama

Visa-free for 90-180 days

Visa-free for 90 days (most Western) to 180 days (some EU). Tourist card issued at airport ($0-10). Yellow-fever certificate required for entries from specific Latin American countries.

Argentina

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ. Extensions possible via Migraciones for ARS equivalent of $75. Reciprocity fee abolished for most passports in 2016.

Brazil

e-Visa required (US + AU + CA from 2024)

Brazil reintroduced visa requirements for US, Canada, Australia passports in April 2025 — e-visa (USD 80-90) via official government site, valid 10 years. UK + EU visa-exempt for 90 days. The reintroduction remains a friction point for US + CA travellers.

Peru

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ. Stamp issued at border. Extensions possible via Migraciones.

Colombia

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for most Western passports. Extensions possible for another 90 days via Migración. Passport validity 3 months beyond trip.

Chile

Visa-free for 90 days

Visa-free for 90 days for most Western passports. Passport valid 6+ months. Past reciprocity fees abolished for all Western passports including US and Australia by 2021.

Cuba

Tourist card required (US complex)

Tourist card (CUP 25 / ~$25) for most Western passports; easily purchased at departure airport. US citizens have complex rules under Treasury OFAC regulations — tourism technically prohibited, but 12 'general license' categories (Support for the Cuban People, etc.) cover most legitimate visits. Consult current Treasury guidance.

Russia

Visa required (complex)

Pre-arranged visa required for most Western passports. E-visa available for 4 Russian regions (not Moscow/St Petersburg). Given current geopolitical situation (post-February 2022), most Western governments advise against tourist travel to Russia; travel insurance coverage severely limited.

Iceland

Schengen (see above)

Part of Schengen — same rules as continental EU. ETIAS authorisation from mid-2026 for visa-exempt travellers. Airline won't check passport between Iceland and mainland Schengen; destination-country border may check on arrival.

Additional notes

When rules change

Visa policy changes happen more frequently than most travellers realise — the UK's ETA, Kenya's eTA (2024), Brazil reintroducing visas (2025), and China's 15-day visa-free pilot (2024) all post-date many pre-existing travel guides. Always check the destination embassy website in the week before booking.

Passport validity

Most destinations require 6 months of passport validity remaining at entry, regardless of your actual length of stay. Exceptions exist (Japan: 1 day beyond trip). Renew your passport 8+ months before any long-term planning if you're within the 6-month window. Airlines enforce passport-validity rules at check-in and will deny boarding.

Multiple-entry flexibility

If you plan to exit and re-enter a destination (e.g. Thailand → Cambodia → Thailand in a SE Asia loop), verify that your visa or entry stamp allows multiple entries. Visa-on-arrival stamps are often single-entry; e-visas are often multiple-entry. Triple-check before planning overland excursions.

Biometric data + interviews

US visa applicants need biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and often a consular interview. Schengen visa applicants (for non-visa-exempt passports) need biometric data. Process is 4-6 weeks for routine; emergencies can be expedited. Budget 3-4 months before departure for complex visa processes.

Transit rules

Most 'transit without visa' programmes apply only if you don't leave the international terminal or if you're transiting under a short (typically 24-hour) window. Airport stops that require visa for terminal-exit include LAX (US) and several Chinese airports.

— FAQ

Visa Requirements: What You Need for 40 Popular Destinations: common questions

What's the safest general visa-planning strategy?

Start 6-8 weeks before departure: check current rules on embassy sites, apply for any required e-visas/ETAs 2-3 weeks ahead (not last-minute), confirm passport validity. For visa-on-arrival countries, bring exact USD cash in denominations of $20s and $50s — some immigration counters reject damaged bills or don't break $100s.

I hold two passports. Which do I use?

What happens if I overstay?

Schengen 90-in-180 — how exactly does it work?

Are e-visas delivered instantly?

Flag a correction: If anything on this page is out of date or incorrect, email corrections@destination.com. We correct publicly with a dated note — see /corrections.