Because not all countries require a Visa for United States citizens to visit, the concept is a difficult one — especially for first-time travelers.
Many European countries only require a passport, and not a Visa, for U.S. citizens to visit. But if you plan a trip to one of the countries that does require a Visa, you have to jump through quite a few more hoops to visit — and it could cost you. This is because to apply for a Visa, you generally have to go to the country’s consulate, many times in either Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York City.
Some countries aren’t as strict, and you can apply online or at the airport. It’s important to research the rules of that country before purchasing your ticket.
Europe’s new visa rules: Why it could double the cost of your trip
So which countries require a Visa for United States citizens? According to Passport Info, some of the more popular ones are:
Australia
Brazil
China
India
Indonesia
Kenya
Russia
Vietnam
To research these countries’ Visa rules, visit this page.
Here are the additional countries that require a Visa for visit by U.S. citizens.
Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Benin
Bolivia
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central Africa Republic
Chad
Congo Republic (Brazzaville)
Cote d’Ivoire
Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Myanmar
Nepal
Niger
Nigeria
Oman
Papua New Guinea
Pakistan
Qatar
Rwanda
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Uganda
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe