Are you dreaming of a trip to an exotic destination, somewhere none of your friends have visited? Perhaps you’d like to visit Asia or Africa, but you’re put off by the hassle of getting a visa. We’ve got good news for you! Your US passport puts access to the world in the palm of your hand. There are plenty of exciting places you can visit with no visa required. All you will need is your valid US passport to visit these fascinating nations, and many more. Today, we’ll review some of the most exotic destinations in Africa and Asia that you can visit with no visa required.
Your US Passport is Powerful
The United States is considered to have one of the world’s most powerful passports. The Global Passport Power Rank Index is based on how many countries a traveler can visit without getting a visa in advance. With your US passport, you can visit 156 different countries either with no visa required at all, or with a visa issued on arrival.
In the 2017 index, only four countries had more powerful passports than the United States. Germany and Singapore took the top rank, with 158 visa-free countries, and Sweden and South Korea followed with 157 destinations with no visa required.
With 156 countries you can visit without getting a visa ahead of time, you’ve got plenty of options to fill up your vacation schedule! The countries that we’ll discuss today don’t require any form of visa for US citizen. Stay tuned for a future article on places where you can have your visa issued on arrival.
African Countries That Don’t Require Visas
Most of the countries on the African continent require some form of visa for US citizens, whether that’s a visa issued in advance, an eVisa, or a visa issued on arrival. But there are still a good collection of places you can visit with no visa required, including…
Tunisia
Tunisia lies in the center of North Africa, on the Mediterranean coast. The majority of the country is rich, fertile lands, but you can also experience the Atlas Mountains and the northernmost part of the Sahara Desert. Tunisia isn’t as well-known or heavily touristed as Morocco, and will give you the chance to delve in to North African culture. You can explore the souks, spice markets, and gorgeous architecture of the capital city, Tunis. For an exciting glimpse of Bedouin desert life, check out the annual Sahara Festival in Douz, and watch the camel racing!
Entry Requirements for US Citizens: Your passport must be valid when you enter Tunisia, and you’ll need one blank page for your entry stamp. You can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
São Tomé & Principe
São Tomé & Principe is one of the smallest countries in Africa. It is an island nation, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa, near Gabon. The country consists of two main islands, São Tomé and Principe, and two archipelagos of smaller islands
A former Portuguese colony, the culture of São Tomé & Principe blends African and European influences. It’s considered to be one of the most democratic and stable countries in Africa. You’ll enjoy visiting São Tomé & Principe if you are the type of traveler who loves being outdoors. In addition to beautiful beaches, you can enjoy the country’s nature parks, birding, and whale watching.
Entry Requirements for US Citizens: You can stay in São Tomé & Principe for up to two weeks with no visa required. You’ll need to have at least six months validity remaining on your passport, and two blank pages.
Swaziland
Are you looking for a destination that is completely off the beaten path? We can pretty much guarantee that none of your friends have tagged their photos #swaziland on Instagram!
Swaziland is another of Africa’s smallest countries. On a map of the continent, it looks like a dot wedged between South Africa and Mozambique. Although the country is only 120 miles from northern border to southern border, it has a diverse landscape with both mountains and hot, dry lowlands. It’s a great place to go on safari to see elephants, rhinos, lions, and more.
Swaziland is at its most exciting at the end of August and beginning of September, during the eight-day Umhlanga ceremony. Known as the “Reed Dance” in English, the annual festival features tens of thousands of unmarried girls dancing in a procession to honor the Queen Mother and royal family of Swaziland.
Entry Requirements for US Citizens: Swaziland does not require visas for US citizens who will visit for no more than 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months, and must have at least two blank visa pages. If you’ll be traveling through South Africa, you’ll also need two blank pages for every time you enter South Africa. Make sure you have plenty of empty pages before your Swaziland trip! If you’re running low on passport pages, check out our page on passport renewal and get a new passport quickly.
Visit Asia – No Visa Required
Macau
Do you love gambling and nightlife? Are you dreaming of an exotic vacation worthy of James Bond? Cancel that flight to Monte Carlo, and head to Macau instead!
Macau, officially known as the Macao Special Administrative Region, is part of the People’s Republic of China. US citizens do need visas to visit China, but Macau is a special zone. Macau, like its fellow Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, has a more relaxed visa regime than the rest of China. See below for entry details.
Once a Portuguese colony, Macau is a major trading port city on the southern coast China that has transformed into a luxury resort city. It’s packed full of glamorous casinos, five-star hotels, and high-end boutiques. Pack your nicest clothes for your trip to Macau – it’s one of the wealthiest regions in the world!
Entry Requirements for US Citizens: Although you will need a visa if you plan to visit mainland China, you can stay in Macau for up to 30 days visa-free. Your passport must be valid for at least one month past your planned departure date. You’ll also need one blank page for your entry and exit stamps.
Mongolia
Between China and Russia lies the rugged nation of Mongolia, where nomadic cultures still flourish on the windswept steppes of Central Asia. Outside of the capital city, Ulanbaatar, much of the population still lives a traditional lifestyle, with horses as a key form of transportation.
Prior to the 1990 democratic revolution, Mongolia’s communist government restricted tourism, but tourism is actively promoted now. Ecotourism and backpacking are popular. Interested in trekking through Mongolia? You can find tours that travel via foot, river raft, horse, camel, motorcycle, or even yak!
Entry Requirements for US Citizens: You can stay for up to 90 days in Mongolia with no visa required. However, if you are planning to stay more than 30 days, you’ll need to register with local immigration authorities. Your US passport must have two blank pages and at least six months left before it expires.
Singapore
The city-state of Singapore is tiny, but it is an economic powerhouse! Since the 1800s, it has been a major trading port. It is now a global financial center and a major oil-refining location. As one of the world’s wealthiest countries, it doesn’t lack for luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops where you can treat yourself.
Singapore is one of the crossroads of Asia, where cultures converge. The population of Singapore is largely made up of people who are ethnically Chinese, Malay, or Indian. A former British colony, the country also is heavily influenced by British and European culture. Conveniently, English is one of the official languages. The mash-up of cultures means you can experience a wide variety of foods and entertainments, all in one small city.
Entry Requirements for US Citizens: All you need to visit Singapore is a US passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages. You can stay for up to 90 days without a visa.
