19 popular destinations you need a visa or ETA to travel to with an American passport
As of January 2026, this updated guide explains which destinations require U.S. passport holders to obtain visas or electronic travel authorizations before arrival, detailing types, costs and processing times for destinations including [[Australia]], [[China]], [[United Kingdom]], [[India]] and popular tourist spots such as [[Maldives]] and the KAZA UniVisa covering [[Zambia]] and [[Zimbabwe]]. It highlights differences between eVisas, ETAs and visas on arrival, notes typical fees and timelines, and reminds travelers about common entry rules like six months' passport validity, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program enrollment and consulting U.S. State Department pages. The article emphasizes checking official government sites for changes, and offers practical tips for planning and ensuring documents and onward-travel proof are in order before departure. It notes special fees in destinations like [[Bhutan]] and recommends flexible itineraries while awaiting approvals.