United States passport holders can travel visa-free to these countries

U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya.
U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya.
U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya.
U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 120 countries without a visa, including Thailand. So, plan your stress-free trip that includes seeing Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya.
U.S. passport holders can travel to more than 100 destinations without a tourist visa, but some popular vacation spots require them. We explain the different types of visas and how to apply.
Everything to know about tourist visas—and where you can go without one
Avid travelers are always dreaming about the next trip, whether it's an idyllic family vacation in the Caribbean, a romantic couples trip to Paris, or an immersive culinary tour in Japan. A stress-free journey is always in the forefront of every traveler's mind when planning a trip. If you own a U.S. passport, your ease of travel increases.
According to the Passport Index, a U.S. passport currently ranks eighth in the world in terms of mobility. U.S. passport holders can currently travel to more than 120 destinations without a visa, whereas the remaining destinations require some form of visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
However, several important questions remain for some travelers, such as: What's the difference between a visa and an eTA? How much do visas cost? What are the countries that U.S. passport holders can visit without a visa?
To bring some clarity to the visa confusion, we pulled together answers to a list of important questions to provide you with everything you need to know about traveling with or without a visa, as well as a few travel ideas to inspire your next trip.
How can I find out if I need a visa?
E-visas tend to be broader in scope and length of stay, such as travel for business purposes. They may also require more information on the application, including a digital photo.
In contrast, eTAs are primarily for short tourist stays and take less time to process—sometimes as little as a few minutes. They also tend to cost less.
However, both need to be presented when boarding a plane and at immigration or border control.
What do I need to apply for a visa or an eTA?
Most eTAs and some visas require more than personal details, such as name, home address, and passport number. Travelers may have to provide additional details such as their dates of travel and the name and address of the hotel where they are staying during their trip.
Passport photos may also be required, so have both digital and paper copies on hand. Other visa applications may ask for copies of hotel and flight bookings and even proof of funds, such as a bank statement. Also, it's a pretty common query, but don't be surprised if visa applications and/or border control officials ask if you have a criminal record.
How much do tourist visas and eTAs cost?
Tourist visas and eTAs vary widely in cost. Some can cost as little as $10, whereas visas that require lengthy application processes can cost more than $100. Brazil's new e-visa, for instance, will cost $80.90.
Also, beware of commercial visa sites, because they usually charge more than the actual fee. Whenever possible, use your destination's e-visa or eTA portal. Application and processing fees are usually non-refundable.
How long can I stay on a tourist visa or eTA?
Tourist visas and eTAs can be issued for single or multiple entries for as little as a week or two and as long as 180 days. If you plan to move between countries, make sure you have a multiple-entry visa.
How soon before traveling should I apply for a visa or eTA?
While eTAs and e-visas can often be processed in days if not hours, it's wise to apply as soon as possible—even prior to booking flights and hotels.
However, sometimes countries do not allow you to apply until close to the departure date. For example, to get Indonesia's visitor visa, you can start to apply for it 14 days before your departure date.
Tourist visas that require you to send your passport should be done months in advance to factor in the processing time.
Do I need a visa or eTA to go to Europe?
In March, the European Union announced that it is further delaying the implementation of its version of an eTA, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS. So, travelers heading to Europe don't have to worry yet.
The new rollout date, which will apply to the 29 members of the Schengen Area and Cyprus, will be in the last quarter of 2026.
Similarly, the EU's introduction of its new Entry/Exist System, or EES, has been delayed until October 2025. No action is required before your departure to an EU country.
(Related: Everything you need to know about EES, the new EU visa scheme.)
Do I need a visa to visit the UK, Australia, and New Zealand?
The United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand are three of the eight countries that require U.S. nationals to have an eTA before traveling.
The eTA for the U.K. is valid for multiple entries two years after purchase and costs £10 ($13), whereas the Australian eTA costs $20 AUD and is valid for stays of up to 3 months within one year.
The New Zealand eTA only costs $17 NZD, but visitors are now charged a tourist levy of $100 on arrival. Both costs are valid for multiple entries for up to two years.
Where can I go without a visa or eTA?
Americans with U.S. passports can travel to more than 120 destinations without any form of visa or eTA. They can travel to the nation's top two destinations, neighboring countries Canada and Mexico, without a visa. Most South American and Caribbean countries also do not require visas or eTAs.
Two of the Best of World 2025 destinations in Asia are visa-free, including perennial favorite Japan. While there, skip the tourist swarms of Kyoto and head instead to the historic garden city of Kanazawa.
Thailand is another popular destination. In Bangkok, visit the newly restored 17th-century temple Wat Chaiwatthanaram. The attraction's emphasis on conservation is even more relevant now after the March 28 earthquake in the region.
While most countries in Africa require a tourist visa, some incredible destinations do not. If you're looking for a culinary adventure, travelers can retrace Antoni Porowski and Issa Rae's journey in Senegal documented in the first season of No Place Like Home. Sample the national dish of ceebu jën, a combination of fish, vegetables, and rice that received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2021.
Abu Dhabi is one of the few visa-free destinations in the Middle East. It's something to think about if you're planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates, specifically the capital city to visit its new Saadiyat Cultural District.
What other requirements need to be considered for international travel?
Even if your destination does not require a visa, you may need to meet other necessary requirements. Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least three months and usually up to six months after your entry date into your desired destination. Renewing your passport can take up to 4-6 weeks, not counting mailing time, according to the U.S. State Department. (There are options to expedite the process.)
Other possible requirements for entry include:
Proof of an outbound or return flight
Proof of residence, such as a hotel or relative's address
As many as four blank passport pages (if your passport does not have enough pages, you cannot add more; you'll have to renew it)
Vaccination records, particularly yellow fever (consult the Center for Disease Control's destination list for all recommended and required vaccines)
Proof of funds (bank statement) or a certain amount of money on hand
Green card holders should carry their legal passports as well, as some countries will require it upon entry. More information on reentering the United States can be found here.
The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other outlets. Sara Murphy is a freelance writer based outside of Asheville, North Carolina who has written for, and other outlets.

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Teen goes viral after bringing 200 tortillas on Texas flight

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Time Business News

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• Time Business News

Why Renting a Car in Multan with a Driver is Your Smartest Move

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They should prioritize your safety and comfort. Drivers should be well-dressed, courteous, punctual, and non-intrusive. They should prioritize your safety and comfort. Transparency: A good company provides clear, all-inclusive pricing with no hidden charges. Imagine what your day could look like: 9:00 AM: Your driver picks you up from your hotel in a cool, clean sedan. First stop: the magnificent Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam . The driver drops you at the gate, finds a secure place to wait, and tells you to take your time. Your driver picks you up from your hotel in a cool, clean sedan. First stop: the magnificent . The driver drops you at the gate, finds a secure place to wait, and tells you to take your time. 11:00 AM: After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, you're ready for the next stop. A short, air-conditioned drive takes you to the adjacent Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya . After soaking in the spiritual ambiance, you're ready for the next stop. A short, air-conditioned drive takes you to the adjacent . 1:00 PM: You're getting hungry. You ask your driver for a recommendation for authentic Multani food. He takes you to a popular local spot you'd never have found on your own for some delicious chicken Sajji. You're getting hungry. You ask your driver for a recommendation for authentic Multani food. He takes you to a popular local spot you'd never have found on your own for some delicious chicken Sajji. 2:30 PM: It's time for some shopping. Your driver navigates the chaotic traffic and drops you at the entrance of the Hussain Agahi Bazaar . He points you towards the best shops for blue pottery and handicrafts. It's time for some shopping. Your driver navigates the chaotic traffic and drops you at the entrance of the . He points you towards the best shops for blue pottery and handicrafts. 4:30 PM: Laden with shopping bags, you emerge from the bazaar. Your driver is waiting exactly where he said he would be. He loads your purchases into the trunk, and you sink into the cool car, relieved to be out of the heat and crowds. Laden with shopping bags, you emerge from the bazaar. Your driver is waiting exactly where he said he would be. He loads your purchases into the trunk, and you sink into the cool car, relieved to be out of the heat and crowds. 5:00 PM: On the way back, you remember you need to buy some world-famous Multani Sohan Halwa. Your driver knows just the place—an old, renowned shop, not a commercial factory. This entire day is effortless, efficient, and rich with authentic experiences, all because you had a local expert handling the logistics. Conclusion: The Smartest Investment for Your Multan Trip To rent a car in Multan with a driver is to invest in your comfort, safety, and the overall quality of your experience. It frees you from the stress of navigation, parking, and the unforgiving climate, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the profound history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of the City of Saints. It turns a potentially challenging trip into a memorable adventure, leaving you with nothing but fond memories of this incredible Pakistani jewel. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Business Insider

09-06-2025

• Business Insider

I've been to over 90 countries. I'll never travel somewhere new before asking these 8 questions.

What are the public toilets like? When I first started traveling, I quickly learned that there is no one right way to use the toilet. Many Americans take the "porcelain throne" for granted, but in some parts of the world, it's common to squat over a hole in the ground. I've also visited countries where it's customary to pay an attendant a nominal amount for a square or two of toilet paper. In some countries' restrooms, you won't find toilet paper at all — but instead, a bidet or bucket of water to wipe yourself clean. To prepare for any and all bathroom situations, I try to bring a roll of toilet paper and plenty of hand sanitizer on every international trip. Can I brush my teeth with tap water? Many Americans, myself included, are used to turning on the tap and having fresh, clean water to drink and brush their teeth. However, this isn't the case everywhere. My travel experiences have taught me that nothing will ruin a trip faster than gastrointestinal distress from unsafe drinking water. Now, before I travel, I always check the US Department of State website to see if I'll need to stick to bottled water. If the country's tap water isn't safe to drink, I'll attach my toothbrush to a bottle with a rubber band. This helps me remember not to rinse my toothbrush under the tap — a mistake that's easy to make in the early morning. Do I need to apply for a visa ahead of time? If you have an American passport (like I do), you can visit some countries worldwide without being granted permission. However, there are many exceptions. Countries like India, Cambodia, and China require Americans to apply for a visa before visiting; and as of this year, Americans and Canadians need an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter the UK. To visit some countries, you'll have to go to a consulate and apply in person. For others, you can apply virtually. If you don't have the right type of visa, you might not be allowed to board your plane — or you might even be turned away at the border. As a frequent traveler, I always check whether I need a visa to travel as soon as I book a trip. Most countries' embassies will have this information on their websites. How can I get cell service without paying a fortune? When I'm traveling, I'm always terrified of being left without cellular service — but I also want to avoid pricy roaming fees and daily charges. To save money, I usually use a service like Airalo or Holafly to purchase an eSIM card when I travel out of the country. That way, I can access a local carrier and control costs. This method has worked for me all around the world. With an eSIM, I can still access my primary number's voicemail and text messages as long as I'm connected to WiFi. How will I charge my devices? Speaking of phones, you'll want to make sure you can actually charge your devices. Outlets are different all around the world, and I've learned the hard way that even adapters labeled as "universal" usually aren't. A quick online search will tell you which kind of adapter you need to stay powered up. Preparing ahead is important here — although airports usually sell adapters, they tend to be more expensive than ones you can order online. Do I need to get any vaccines, or prepare for any potential illnesses? I am up-to-date on all of the standard vaccines in the United States. However, several diseases that are largely under control in the US pose a significant threat abroad. My years of travel have taught me to always check and see if I need any additional vaccines before a trip. In preparation for trips abroad, I've taken live typhoid pills and been vaccinated against yellow fever. For other trips, I've taken pills to prevent malaria. At my doctor's recommendation, I've even packed antibiotics to bring to countries where they might not be readily available. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website to see which vaccines and medications are recommended for your destination. Once you know what you need, your local pharmacy may be able to order the recommended vaccines for you, or your primary care physician might be able to call in a prescription. Will my credit cards work? Many Americans are used to paying for just about anything they need with the swipe of a card — or even a phone if they use Apple Pay. However, some countries are still largely cash-based societies. If that's the case where you are traveling, always come prepared with an ATM card — and make sure your bank account has enough cash. Finally, keep your budget in mind. If you don't have a credit card specifically designed for travel, remember you may be hit with expensive foreign transaction fees for every purchase. Are there any unusual laws I need to know about? Through my travels, I've come across a lot of unexpected laws. For example, some countries in the Caribbean ban civilians from wearing camouflage. In France, you're not allowed to buy or even wear counterfeit clothing, including purses. Moreover, some countries have restrictions on the type of medications you can bring in, even if they were legally prescribed in your home country. It's important to me to respect local customs and stay on the right side of the law — so I always do a quick online search to see if there are any rules I need to know about before I travel.