Visa on Arrival for US Citizens: Top Destinations
Some countries which require visas for US citizens offer a visa-on-arrival process, meaning that you can acquire your visa at the airport when you land. The process of getting a visa on arrival varies from country to country. In some countries, all you need to do is pay a fee to an immigration officer, while other countries require you to fill out a form and provide a photograph for your visa on arrival. You may also need to go through a different immigration line than travelers who have acquired their visas in advance. We’ve compiled information about some of the most popular destinations that are ‘visa-on-arrival countries’ for U.S. travelers.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
Please note that for all the countries below, you must have a valid passport with at least one blank page marked “Visas” and six months of validity remaining. If it does not meet these requirements, you will need to replace your passport.
If you have any questions about these destinations or any other country you plan to visit, contact a reputable visa service like G3 Global Services or Rush My Travel Visa.
Countries Offering Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
Bolivia
Bolivian visas are available in advance of travel through Bolivian Consulates in the United States, or you can get a visa on arrival at the international airport in La Paz or at major land border crossings. You will need to fill out a form and pay a fee of $135. You will need to bring a passport-style photo, a copy of hotel reservations (or an invitation letter from a private host, written in Spanish), a copy of your flight itinerary, a copy of a recent bank statement, and your original International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever.
Cambodia
For the fastest entry into Cambodia, you can get a visa at the Cambodian Embassy in Washington, DC, or get a Cambodia eVisa online, but US citizens can also get visas on arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Visas are also available at major land border crossings, but travelers on river cruises who will enter by boat on the Mekong must get visas in advance. You will need to bring two passport-size photographs.
Egypt
Tourists can get a single entry visa valid for 30 days at Egyptian airports for a fee of $25, or a multiple entry visa for $35. Travelers who will enter by land from Israel are urged to get visas in advance of travel from the Egyptian Embassy or an Egyptian Consulate.
Indonesia
30-day, single-entry visas are available on arrival at many Indonesian airports: Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), Batam, Banda Aceh, Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Balikpapan, Pontianak, Kupang, Surabaya, and South Sumatra. The visa on arrival costs $35. Some US tourists arriving by air to Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Batam, and Surabaya may qualify for a no-cost visa exemption. Travelers getting a visa on arrival must have two blank pages side by side in their passport.
Paraguay
Visas on arrival are available only at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asuncion; travelers entering via different ports must obtain a visa in advance of travel at the Embassy of Paraguay in Washington, DC.
Tanzania
Although Tanzania visas are available on arrival at all ports of entry, the US State Department strongly urges travelers to obtain visas in advance in order to prevent long delays upon arrival.
Uganda
Ugandan visas are available upon arrival at the International Airport in Entebbe, but travelers who wish to get a visa on arrival must confirm with their airline that they will be allowed to board without a visa. Obtaining a visa in advance is recommended.
United Arab Emirates
UAE is unusual in that it discourages visitors from applying for visas in advance of travel. All visitors who will stay 30 days or less are issued visas on arrival at Dubai International Airport. US citizens receive the visa on arrival free of charge.
Zambia
Zambia allows US citizens to obtain visas on arrival, although, for the fastest transit through the airport, it is recommended to have a visa in advance. Only single-entry visas are available on arrival. A single entry visa valid for a 30-day stay costs $50. Travelers who are entering from another country for a day trip, such as those coming from Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls, can get a “day trip” visa for $20 at the border crossing. Travelers must have at least two completely blank pages in their passports.
Zimbabwe
US citizens are eligible to obtain tourist visas on arrival at the international airport in Harare as well as at select other ports of entry to Zimbabwe. Tourists are typically charged $30 for a 30-day, single-entry visa. Travelers who will visit Zimbabwe for other purposes, including business meetings, attending seminars, or conducting church activities, are required to obtain visas in advance of travel.
