In this article, we’ll explore US passport visa free countries in 2023 as well as the true strength of US passports in terms of mobility.
This page also goes over the countries US residents can visit with a visa on arrival or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Visa Free Countries for US Passport Holders
Albania | Grenada | Norway |
Andorra | Guatemala | Palau |
Angola | Guyana | Palestine |
Antigua and Barbuda | Haiti | Panama |
Argentina | Honduras | Paraguay |
Armenia | Hong Kong | Peru |
Austria | Hungary | Philippines |
Bahamas | Iceland | Poland |
Barbados | Ireland | Portugal |
Belgium | Israel | Romania |
Belize | Italy | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | Jamaica | Saint Lucia |
Botswana | Japan | San Marino |
Brazil | Kazakhstan | Sao Tome and Principe |
Brunei | Kiribati | Senegal |
Bulgaria | Kosovo | Serbia |
Canada | Kyrgyzstan | Seychelles |
Cabo Verde | Latvia | Singapore |
Central African Republic | Lesotho | Slovakia |
Chile | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
Colombia | Lithuania | South Africa |
Costa Rica | Luxembourg | South Korea |
Croatia | Macao | Spain |
Cyprus | Malaysia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Czech Republic | Malta | Sweden |
Denmark | Marshall Islands | Switzerland |
Dominica | Mauritius | Taiwan |
Dominican Republic | Mexico | Tajikistan |
Ecuador | Micronesia | Thailand |
El Salvador | Moldova | Trinidad and Tobago |
Estonia | Monaco | Tunisia |
Eswatini | Mongolia | Ukraine |
Fiji | Montenegro | United Arab Emirates |
Finland | Morocco | United Kingdom |
France | Mozambique | Uruguay |
Gabon | Namibia | Vanuatu |
Georgia | Netherlands | Vatican |
Germany | Nicaragua | Zambia |
Greece | North Macedonia |
Visa on Arrival Countries for US Passport Holders
Bahrain | Jordan | Samoa |
Bangladesh | Kuwait | Saudi Arabia |
Bolivia | Lao | Sierra Leone |
Burkina Faso | Lebanon | Solomon Islands |
Burundi | Madagascar | Somalia |
Cambodia | Malawi | Tanzania |
Comoros | Maldives | Timor-Leste |
Egypt | Mauritania | Togo |
Ethiopia | Nepal | Tonga |
Gambia | Oman | Tuvalu |
Guinea-Bissau | Qatar | Turkey |
Indonesia | Rwanda | Zimbabwe |
Iraq |
Countries That Require an eVisa for US Passport Holders
Australia | Equatorial Guinea | Pakistan |
Azerbaijan | Guinea | Papua New Guinea |
Benin | India | South Sudan |
Bhutan | Kenya | Sri Lanka |
Cameroon | Myanmar | Uganda |
Congo (the Democratic Republic of the) | New Zealand | Uzbekistan |
Côte d'Ivoire | Nigeria | Vietnam |
Djibouti |
Countries with Visa Requirements for US Passport Holders
Algeria | Iran | Sudan |
Belarus | Liberia | Suriname |
Chad | Libya | Syria |
China | Mali | Turkmenistan |
Congo | Nauru | Venezuela |
Cuba | Niger | Yemen |
Eritrea | North Korea | Afghanistan |
Ghana | Russia |
Overview of the US Passport
According to the Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index, the US passport has the second strongest passport in 2023 for its travel, investor, and relocation advantages. The Global Citizen Solutions Global Passport Index is a new way to uncover a passport’s attractiveness, using mobility as an indicator, while also incorporating investment opportunities and quality of life factors. According to the results of this research, the US has the second most powerful passport in the world when taking into account the three individual indicators: Enhanced Mobility Index (17th place), Investment Index (3rd place), and the Quality of Life Index (39th place).
The balance of performing well in each category pushes the USA to the second position. In the first place is Germany. Passport visa free countries with travel benefits for US citizens comprise 173 countries or territories. Note that after staying longer, some of them impose tougher requirements, usually lasting 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. Additionally, US citizens traveling for business or study may be required to get a business or student visa.
You can see more about the USA Passport on our US country page here.
With a US passport, you have a high level of travel freedom, meaning you are able to travel to many countries and territories worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Japan, and Singapore.
In addition, due to Europe’s prominence as a vacation destination, US citizens do not require a tourist visa to visit any of the 27 EU countries. Other countries in Europe, such as the United Kingdom, Andorra, Serbia, Montenegro, Iceland, and others, are free to enter as well.
A Closer Look - Popular Visa Free Countries
While Europeans dream of traveling across North America’s 50 states, Americans are just as interested in visiting Europe. Those with an American passport can enjoy visa free travel to the following countries in Europe without the need for a short-term Schengen visa:
List of countries - No short-term Schengen visa is required | |
Austria | Liechtenstein |
Belgium | Lithuania |
Czech Republic | Luxembourg |
Denmark | Malta |
Estonia | Netherlands |
Finland | Norway |
France | Poland |
Germany | Portugal |
Greece | Slovakia |
Hungary | Slovenia |
Iceland | Spain |
Italy | Sweden |
Latvia | Switzerland |
Visa Requirements for US Citizens and Residents Visiting Europe
US citizens:
Visa exempt travel for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area (26 European countries).
Starting November 2024, an ETIAS travel authorization will be required.
Required documents: Valid passport, proof of financial means, and proof of onward travel.
US Residents of other nationalities:
Visa requirements depend on nationality.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can travel visa free for up to 90 days.
Citizens of non-VWP countries need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
Traveling to the UK from the USA:
US citizens: Visa free travel for up to six months.
Green Card holders: Visa requirements vary by nationality.
Please note that these are just general guidelines, and there may be specific requirements for your individual situation. It is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information.
Frequently Asked Questions About US Passport Visa Exempt Countries
What Is the US passport ranking?
According to the Global Passport Index, the US passport took the 2nd position in 2023 for its potential, including three individual indicators: Enhanced Mobility Index (17th place), Investment Index (3rd place), and the Quality of Life Index (39th place).
Do I need a US passport to travel overseas?
Yes, you need your passport to travel overseas. Passports are required for exiting and entering the United States, as well as all other countries. When traveling abroad, everyone must have identification for proper safety.
How many countries can a US citizen visit without a visa?
The US is one of the most powerful passports in the world, with a high level of travel freedom, giving access to 173 countries without a visa. For example, the list of American passport visa free countries in Europe includes all 27 nations of the Schengen Zone, plus the UK.
What countries do not accept the US passport?
The USA passport is recognized by all countries in the world, and while the majority of nations accept US passports for entry, there are a few exceptions and limitations. Some foreign countries that have restrictions on holders of US passports are North Korea, Iran, Syria, Yemen, and Libya. It is difficult for US citizens to be granted a visa to travel to these countries.
For North Korea, a US citizen is also required to obtain a special passport validation from the United States government.
Meanwhile, the US federal government has imposed travel restrictions or bans on certain countries to safeguard its citizens. These restrictions may stem from various factors, including ongoing conflicts, the wrongful detention of US citizens, or potential threats to US citizens in the foreign nation.
How strong is the US passport?
The US occupies the second position in the Global Citizen Solutions passport ranking.
Can US citizens travel to Europe without a visa?
Citizens of the US can travel without a visa to the European countries within the Schengen Zone, which includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and many others.
This access is granted under the visa waiver agreement, which allows US citizens to travel to participating countries for short-term visits (usually under 90 days) without obtaining a visa in advance. However, note that this applies to the Schengen Zone and European Union countries specifically; not all European countries are part of these agreements.
Is USA to UK visa exempt?
US citizens can enter the UK for tourism or business purposes without the need to apply for a visa, as long as their stay does not exceed six months. However, for any other purposes or longer stays, American citizens must apply for the relevant visas.
Do US citizens need a visa for Paris?
No. A US passport provides visa free access to France for up to 90 days a year.
American passport holders can enjoy travel visa free to 173 countries worldwide, meaning they can enter without a visa, with visa on arrival or, in some cases, by filling out an electronic visa or electronic travel authorization. Because of the visa waiver policy agreed between the US and the European Union, American citizens can enjoy visa exempt travel to all 27 countries in the Schengen area.
Do US citizens need a visa to Dubai?
No. With a US passport, you can enter the United Arab Emirates and stay visa free for up to 30 days.
Do Americans need a visa for Canada?
US citizens can enter Canada as temporary visitors under the visa waiver agreement. They must present a valid US passport at the Canadian border and will usually be granted entry for up to six months.
However, there may be additional requirements depending on the nature and duration of the visit. For example, if you plan to work, study, or stay in Canada longer, you may need to apply for the appropriate visa or permit.
Which countries require electronic visas for US citizens?
Several countries require electronic visas (e-Visas) for US citizens. These e-Visas are typically applied for online and are required for both tourism and business travel.
What does visa free mean?
Visa free refers to the travel arrangement between countries wherein citizens of one country can enter another country for a specified period without the need to obtain a visa in advance. It allows individuals to visit a foreign country for tourism, business, or other purposes without the bureaucratic process of obtaining a visa.
It’s important to note that traveling visa free or visa free entry does not mean unrestricted entry. Travelers are still required to comply with the immigration rules and regulations of the destination country, including providing necessary identification documents, proving the purpose of the visit, and meeting other entry requirements such as proof of sufficient funds, return tickets, or travel insurance. In some cases, it may be necessary to fill out a travel authorization before traveling, such as the eTA in Canada or an electronic visa (e-Visa).
What are passport validity requirements?
Countries will have different policies when it comes to passport eligibility. For some, you will need a passport valid for a month or more after you arrive in your destination country, but others require a longer validity period.
Are any countries unsafe for American passport holders?
Yes, the US Department of State issues travel advisories for countries with high safety risks, ranging from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Caution) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel). Travelers should review these advisories from the Department of State before planning their trips to ensure informed decisions.
As a seasoned expert in international travel and passport regulations, I draw upon a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in navigating the intricacies of global mobility. I stay abreast of the latest developments in passport rankings, visa requirements, and travel regulations to provide accurate and up-to-date information.
Let's delve into the comprehensive guide on US passport visa-free countries in 2023 and the overall strength of the US passport in terms of mobility.
Visa-Free Countries for US Passport Holders: The list includes a diverse range of countries spanning multiple continents. Notable destinations like Albania, Norway, Argentina, Japan, and many others offer visa-free entry to US passport holders. This information is crucial for travelers seeking hassle-free access to various parts of the world.
Visa on Arrival and Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): The article outlines countries where US residents can obtain a visa on arrival or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Notable examples include Bahrain, Jordan, Bangladesh, and Kuwait, among others, providing options for convenient travel arrangements.
eVisa Requirements for US Passport Holders: Countries like Australia, India, and Vietnam require US passport holders to obtain an eVisa before traveling. Understanding these requirements is essential for planning trips to these destinations and ensuring a smooth entry process.
Visa Requirements for US Passport Holders: The article categorizes countries with strict visa requirements for US passport holders. Nations like China, Russia, and Iran fall into this category, necessitating thorough planning and adherence to specific visa application processes.
Overview of the US Passport Strength: The Global Passport Index is cited to emphasize the strength of the US passport in 2023. It ranks second globally, considering factors like Enhanced Mobility, Investment, and Quality of Life. Germany holds the top spot, reflecting the robust international standing of these passports.
Visa-Free Travel to Europe: US citizens enjoy visa-free travel to 27 EU countries, including popular destinations like France, Germany, and Italy. The article provides specific details about the Schengen Zone and European Union agreements, highlighting the seamless travel opportunities for American passport holders.
Visa Requirements for Traveling to the UK: US citizens can travel to the UK for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to six months. Green Card holders face varying visa requirements based on their nationality, underscoring the importance of understanding specific entry regulations.
FAQs About US Passport Visa Exempt Countries: The article addresses common queries, such as the US passport ranking, the number of countries accessible without a visa, and specific visa requirements for popular destinations like Paris and Dubai.
Electronic Visas (e-Visas) for US Citizens: Several countries require electronic visas for US citizens, emphasizing the need for travelers to be aware of online application processes for both tourism and business purposes.
Understanding "Visa-Free" Travel: The article clarifies the concept of "visa-free" travel, elucidating that while a visa may not be required in advance, travelers must adhere to destination countries' immigration rules and requirements.
Passport Validity Requirements: Information on passport validity requirements is included, emphasizing the importance of checking individual countries' policies to ensure compliance.
Safety Considerations: The article acknowledges that certain countries may pose safety risks for American passport holders, directing readers to the US Department of State's travel advisories for informed decision-making.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides a holistic view of US passport privileges, offering valuable insights for travelers planning international journeys in 2023.