So much of our lifestyle is predicated on something like spinning a globe, making a phone call and flying halfway around the world on impressively short notice — say tomorrow (Socotra anyone?).
Typically, this is totally fine and stopping in Amsterdam for ::ahem:: poffertjes and ducking into Hong Kong for dim sum (on the same trip no less) is fairly normal experience, particularly if you hold an American, Canadian or EU passport. We’re generally welcome unannounced in a LOT of countries.
But, there are a few that may trip you up — you globetrotter! So I compiled a list of countries that may be on your radar, but require somewhere between a little (visit a website, enter credit card details while standing at the check in desk) to a ton of preparation and immigration formalities before you go. Some even require you to part with your passport for a few days, if that concept is even conceivable to you. 🙂
<<Apologies for being dormant for the last few weeks, it took a while to research all this. — But you know me 🙂 Researchy is how I roll>>
First, here’s a quick access table (not comprehensive, but countries more likely to be visited) For US Passport Holders – bookmark for future reference
| Country | Level of Difficulty | Fees | Waiting/Approval Period | Validity | Notes / Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia (No Tourist Visas)* | 5) Good Luck 🙂 | 2000 Saudi Riyal (~$533) | Likely a while | Single Entry - 6 month | New Visa Rules |
| Bolivia (Tourist Visa) | 4) Hard | $160 payable by CC before you go | 5 business days (in person at the LA consulate) | 10 years (90 days per year) | Visa requirements How To Guide |
| Brazil (Tourist Visa) | 4) Hard | $160-180 | Several days to process (4-6 typically) | 10 years | Generally pretty straightforward - Flyertalk Thread State Dept |
| China (Tourist Visa - greater than 72 hours)** | 4) Hard | $140 | 2-4 business days | 10 years | Chinese Embassy |
| Pakistan (Tourist Visa) | 4) Hard | $199 w/ Credit Card | 4-6 weeks | 6 months | Pakistan Embassy |
| Russia (Tourist Visa) | 4) Hard | Fees Single entry - $90, Double entry - $144 and Multiple entry $270 | 4-20 days (expediting <3 days possible but expensive - 2x fees) | 3 years | Need a letter of invitation from host or tourist agency Russian Embassy State Dept |
| Cuba (US DoT license / Visa on Arrival) | 3) Medium | $50 + health insurance (at airport) | Visa On arrival | State Dept Treasury Dept |
|
| Bhutan (Tourist Daily Fee + Visa On Arrival) | 3) Medium | $40 | On arrival | Generally has to be arranged through a tour operator - $200-250 per day (includes food and lodging) +$30-40/day for duo and solo travelers State Dept |
|
| Paraguay (Visa on Arrival) | 2) Easy (Expensive) | $160 USD (due to reciprocity) payable cash only | 90 days | Paraguay VOA | |
| Bangladesh (Visa on Arrival) | 2) Easy (Expensive) | $160 | 30 days | Bangladesh eVisa | |
| Fiji (No Visa) | 1) Easy | $20 USD | |||
| Mexico (No Visa) | 1) Easy | ~$25 | |||
| Vietnam (eVisa - Online) | 1) Easy | $25 (single entry) $50 (double entry) + VoA agency fees | Typically 2-3 days | 1 or 3 months (same price) | Generally have to go through a tour agency to get a letter of invitation - so expect a service fee (~$20) and a few days to secure the pdf |
| Australia (eVisa - Online) | 1) Easy | $20 | <1 day | Must be physically outside Australia Australian eVisa |
|
| Egypt (No Visa) | 1) Easy | $25 USD | |||
| Philippines (No Visa) | 1) Easy | PHP 750 (~$17) | |||
| Costa Rica (No Visa) | 1) Easy | $29 payable by CC | |||
| South Africa (No Visa) | 1) Easy | Must have 6 months validity and two passport pages empty | |||
| Cambodia (Visa on Arrival) | 1) Easy | $35 | 1 month | Cambodia Visa FAQ | |
| Sri Lanka (eVisa - Online) | 1) Easy | $20 | ~10 minutes | 30 days | Sri Lanka eVisa |
| Turkey (eVisa - Online) | 1) Easy | $20 | eVisa granted in a few minutes | Typically 90 days | Turkish eVisa |
| United Kingdom (No Visa) | 1) Easy | Originating from a UK airport, especially in a premium cabin is expensive | |||
| India (eVisa - Online) | 1) Easy | $60 | Have to register a few days in advance (roughly 24 hours to approve) | 30 days | Indian eVisa |
*An invitation from business, religious or government entity is required.
** You can visit China for less than 72 hrs, but you must be in transit to 3rd region/country (HK/Taiwan/Macau count) and transit through a specific set of airports – no land border crossings
Ok, a few notes:
- I tried to assess a subjective Easy (just show up, pay a fee) to Hard (go to an embassy or consulate, hand over passport, and wait several days) so you can quickly see if you can just show up.
- The fees and policies fluctuate frequently based on changing political whims, so I included embassy and application URLs when possible. Don’t treat these as gospel. Always check with the US Department of State and that countries Embassy/Consulate pages for the most accurate information.
- Most countries also have a dizzying array of visa options. I tried to pick the most logical visa (in most cases “tourist”) that you’d likely be applying for.
- The fees do not include using a visa service. (Because you’re a big kid, right?) These services, plus expediting fees will cost extra.
- This is mostly designed as a handy guide so you’re not denied boarding at check-in because of visa issues. (Airlines DO check rigorously. Don’t be caught unawares.)
General Advice
Beyond the table above, here are a few general notes for your garden variety globetrotter:
