US Passport Visa-Free Countries 2024

A United States passport is a powerful document to have, ranking 8th in terms of travel freedom according to the 2024 Henley Passport Index. The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking of countries' passports according to the travel freedom they afford their holders.

Where can U.S. passport holders travel visa-free?

As of July 27, 2024, US citizens can travel visa-free to 186 countries and territories (though a few require a visa on arrival). Note, however, that some of these countries do implement stiffer requirements after the traveler has stayed a certain length of time—typically 30, 60, 90, or 180 days.

Perhaps most importantly, considering Europe's popularity as a vacation destination, US citizens do not need a tourist visa to enter any of the 27 countries of the European Union—or the United Kingdom, which recently left the EU.

Countries that still require a visa ... and possibly something more

In countries where visas are required, travelers must typically pay registration fees, departure taxes, and travel fees. For example, if a U.S. citizen wants to travel to Russia, a visa is required, can take up to three weeks to process, and costs $139. However, as of Sept 5, 2023, the US Dept of State has issued a warning for US citizens to avoid traveling to Russia due to its war with Ukraine and a highly unsafe situation for foreigners, especially US citizens.

Many countries require potential visitors to be fingerprinted and photographed.

In addition, some countries screen potential visitors based upon their previous destinations. In Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Kuwait and Sudan, anyone with Israeli entry or exit stamps on their passport may be denied entry into the country.

China also requires a travel visa for US citizens. The application must include travel dates, itinerary, and proof of onward travel out of China. The application must also be typed and have no handwritten corrections. Additionally, every visitor to China between the ages of 14 and 70 is fingerprinted upon arrival and departure.

Which country is off-limits to U.S. citizens?

US citizens are not permitted to travel to North Korea, with or without a visa. The travel ban took effect in 2017 after a United States student died after being released from a North Korean prison. Failure to adhere to the rules can result in criminal penalties and having one's passport revoked. To travel to North Korea, US passport holders need to obtain a special passport validation from the United States government.

Always double-check before departure

Before traveling, it is necessary to check the visa requirements of one's destination. It's also important to check any travel advisories a country might have, which are issued by the U.S. Department of State for unsafe countries.