U.S. passport holders can enjoy visa-free travel to many parts of the world. The privilege of visa-free travel means U.S. passport holders can make international trips with minimal documentation.
Visa-free entry is generally granted for short tourist and business trips. Americans can avoid long visa applications and can enjoy more spontaneous travel.
An electronic travel authorization is required to visit some countries without a visa. This includes most European countries from 2026.
Get full lists of the countries Americans can visit visa-free and an overview of the documentation required on this page.
European Countries U.S. Citizens Can Visit Visa-Free
The European countries Americans can travel to visa-free can be divided into 2 groups:
- ETIAS countries
- Other European countries
Most European countries are in category 1. Americans need ETIAS to visit any of these countries. More information about ETIAS below.
ETIAS Countries for Visa-Free Travel From the U.S.
U.S. passport holders can travel to the following countries without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. From 2026, you must hold an ETIAS to travel visa-free.
*In the process of joining the Schengen Area, ETIAS applies.
Americans need ETIAS for visa-free travel in Europe
ETIAS is a new requirement for visa-exempt third-country nationals, including Americans. Travelers from the United States need to apply for ETIAS before visiting Schengen countries.
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization, similar to the United States ESTA. It prescreens visa-free travelers before they arrive in the Schengen Area. The system enhances security and improves border management.
From 2026, visa-free visitors from the United States must have a valid ETIAS linked to their passport.
Other European countries U.S. Citizens Can Visit Without a Visa
ETIAS does not apply to all European countries. Americans can visit these European countries visa-free for the time specified:
| Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|
| Albania | 90 days |
| Andorra | 90 days |
| Armenia | 180 days |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 90 days |
| Georgia | 365 days |
| Kosovo | 90 days |
| Moldova | 90 days |
| Montenegro | 90 days |
| North Macedonia | 90 days |
| Serbia | 90 days |
| Ukraine | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | 6 months |
U.S. passport holders should check which documents they need to travel to these countries and passport validity requirements.
Each of these European countries has its own visa policy and entry conditions.
Non-European Visa-Free Countries for U.S. Citizens
It’s not just Europe that U.S. citizens can go to without a visa. United States passport holders can enjoy visa-free entry to countries worldwide.
Below is a list of visa-free countries for U.S. passport holders, organized by region. The maximum visa-free stay is also indicated.
| Region | Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|---|
| Africa | Angola | 3 months |
| Botswana | 90 days | |
| Cape Verde | 30 days | |
| Central African Republic | 180 days | |
| Eswatini | 30 days | |
| Lesotho | 14 days | |
| Mauritius | 90 days | |
| Morocco | 3 months | |
| Mozambique | 30 days | |
| Namibia | 3 months | |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | 15 days | |
| Senegal | 6 months | |
| South Africa | 90 days | |
| Tunisia | 90 days | |
| Zambia | 30 days |
| Region | Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | Brunei | 90 days |
| Israel | 90 days | |
| Japan | 90 days | |
| Kazakhstan | 30 days | |
| Kyrgyzstan | 60 days | |
| Malaysia | 3 months | |
| Mongolia | 90 days | |
| Oman | 14 days | |
| Philippines | 30 days | |
| Qatar | 30 days | |
| Singapore | 90 days | |
| South Korea | 90 days | |
| Taiwan | 90 days | |
| Tajikistan | 30 days | |
| Thailand | 30 days | |
| United Arab Emirates | 30 days |
| Region | Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Canada | 6 months |
| Mexico | 180 days |
| Region | Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|---|
| Central America and the Caribbean | Antigua and Barbuda | 6 months |
| Bahamas | 8 months | |
| Barbados | 6 months | |
| Belize | 180 days | |
| Costa Rica | 90 days | |
| Dominica | 6 months | |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days | |
| El Salvador | 3 months | |
| Grenada | 3 months | |
| Guatemala | 90 days | |
| Haiti | 3 months | |
| Honduras | 3 months | |
| Jamaica | 6 months | |
| Nicaragua | 90 days | |
| Panama | 180 days | |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | 3 months | |
| Saint Lucia | 6 weeks | |
| Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | 6 months | |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 90 days |
| Region | Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|---|
| South America | Argentina | 90 days |
| Brazil | 90 days | |
| Chile | 90 days | |
| Colombia | 90 days | |
| Ecuador | 90 days | |
| Guyana | 90 days | |
| Paraguay | 90 days | |
| Peru | 90 days | |
| Suriname | 90 days | |
| Uruguay | 90 days |
| Region | Country | Visa-Free Days |
|---|---|---|
| Oceania | Australia | 90 days |
| Fiji | 4 months | |
| Kiribati | 90 days | |
| New Zealand* | 3 months | |
| Palau | 1 year | |
| Samoa | 60 days | |
| Vanuatu | 30 days |
* Electronic Travel Authority required
Documents for Visa-Free Travel From the U.S.
Each country has different document requirements for visa-free travel. You must check exactly what you need for the countries you’re visiting.
Documents for visa-free travel from the U.S. may include:
- A valid U.S. valid for at least 6 months
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
- Confirmation of accommodation
- Travel insurance (recommended, and mandatory for entry to some countries)
An entry permit such as an electronic travel authorization may also be required. ETAs are usually available online.
Visa-free policies and required documents are subject to change. Check you have the latest information for your destination.
FAQs About Visa-Free Countries for U.S. Citizens
What does visa-free travel mean for U.S. passport holders?
Visa-free travel allows U.S. passport holders to enter a country without needing a pre-arranged visa.
Visa-free travelers may be granted entry for tourism, business, or transit purposes for a set period, typically ranging from 30 to 180 days, depending on the country's regulations.
How do I know if a country is visa-free for U.S. citizens?
You can look at the table above for lists of visa-free countries for U.S. passport holders. Before traveling, you should also check the information from the embassy or consulate you wish to visit. Entry regulations are subject to change.
Will I need any other authorization for visa-free travel?
Electronic authorizations are required for U.S. citizens to travel to some visa-free countries. Americans will need ETIAS to travel to Europe from 2026, this includes top destinations such as Italy, France, and Spain.
New Zealand has a mandatory Electronic Travel Authority for U.S. passport holders.
Are there any restrictions on visa-free travel for U.S. citizens?
Yes, visa-free travel is generally for short stays only, and the duration varies by country.
Activities are also limited to tourism, business meetings, or transit. Work, study, or long-term stays typically require a visa.
What documents do I need for visa-free travel as a U.S. citizen?
For visa-free travel, you must have a valid U.S. passport, usually with at least 6 months' validity remaining. You may also need proof of sufficient funds, return or onward travel tickets, and accommodation.
Some countries may have additional entry requirements, so it's important to check before your trip.
