If you're planning any international travel in 2024, you need a valid passport—and thankfully, current processing times are much quicker now (6–8 weeks) than they have been in recent months. But depending on where you're headed, you may also need to budget time and money for a tourist visa, as many countries require U.S. passport holders to apply ahead of time.
Note that if you're headed to Europe, you don't need to factor in tourist visas—yet. The European Union last year announced that Americans would need to receive "travel authorization" through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before arrival, potentially as soon as early 2024. While not technically a visa, the process does require filling out an application, paying a fee, and waiting up to four days for approval. However, the ETIAS launch has been pushed back until mid-2025.
Don't assume you can simply get on a plane and go. To be safe, always check the U.S. State Department's page for the country or countries you're planning to visit to learn more about entry requirements, including visas, as well as travel security advisories. Note that many visa applications require documentation, such as vaccine certificates, bank statements, and confirmed airline tickets.
Bolivia: Apply in person in advance at a Bolivian Consulate (tourist visas are available upon arrival at any land or air border). Visas are valid for a 30-day stay and up to 90 days per year. The fee for a visitor visa is $160. Processing takes up to 10 days for consular applications.
Brazil: Brazil will require visas for entry beginning April 10. You can apply online in advance. The fee is $80 with processing times of up to five days. Visas are valid for up to 90 days.
China: Fill out the Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA) form. You'll also need to go in person to a Chinese embassy or consulate. The fee for a visitor visa is $140, and processing takes four business days. Visas are valid for 30 days over a 90-day span.
Egypt:Apply online for an e-visa, which is valid for one entry and a 30-day stay. The fee is $25, and processing can take up to seven days. You can also obtain a visa upon arrival at an airport.
India:Apply online for an e-visa at least four days prior to travel if your stay is less than 60 days. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to apply in person at an Indian embassy or consulate. The fee varies (up to $25), and processing may take up to 72 hours.
Kenya:Apply for an e-visa in advance and allow three days for processing. Visas are valid for three months from the date they are issued. The fee is $34.
New Zealand: Apply in advance for travel authorization (not technically a visa) online through the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. This is valid for three months within two years of issuance. The fee is approximately $10, and processing takes up to 72 hours.
Vietnam:Apply for an e-visa online in advance. The fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multi-entry visa, and processing takes up to three days. E-visas are valid for 30 days.
Many other countries require travelers to obtain visas but allow application upon arrival (as well as advance e-visas in some cases). For example, a $30 Cambodian tourist visa can be obtained at any border crossing, or you can apply for an e-visa at least three business days before you arrive—with an additional processing fee. Indonesia also offers both options.
