For American travelers, the convenience of Visa on Arrival (VoA) eliminates the hassle of pre-arranged visas, making international travel more seamless. But as visa policies shift yearly, where exactly can US citizens fly in 2025 without a pre-approved visa? This investigative report covers the latest VoA destinations, recent changes, and essential travel tips.
How Does Visa on Arrival Work?
A Visa on Arrival (VoA) allows travelers to obtain a visa upon arrival at their destination rather than applying in advance. Usually, it involves a quick process at immigration checkpoints, requiring a passport, fee payment, and sometimes proof of onward travel. The length of stay and permitted activities (tourism, business, etc.) vary by country.
List of Visa on Arrival Countries for US Citizens in 2025
As of 2025, over 30 countries grant VoA access to US passport holders. Here are the latest destinations:
Asia & the Pacific
- Maldives – 30 days (extendable)
- Indonesia – 30 days (tourism only)
- Nepal – 15, 30, or 90 days
- Sri Lanka – 30 days (ETA alternative available)
- Laos – 30 days
- Cambodia – 30 days
- Bangladesh – 30 days (business/tourist).
Middle East
- Jordan – 30 days (Jordan Pass may waive visa fees)
- Oman – 10 or 30 days
- Kuwait – 30 days
Africa
- Egypt – 30 days (tourist)
- Madagascar – 15, 30, or 60 days
- Mauritius – 60 days
- Tanzania – 90 days
- Senegal – 90 days
- Guinea-Bissau – 90 days
- Comoros – 45 days
Europe (Limited VoA Access)
- Armenia – 21 or 120 days
- Turkey – 30 to 90 days (alternative eVisa available)
Caribbean & South America
- Bolivia – 90 days
- Suriname – 90 days
- Antigua & Barbuda – 30 days
- Dominica – 21 days
- Saint Kitts and Nevis – 30 days.
Recent Changes in 2025 for US Citizens to Enter Following Countries
- Vietnam and Thailand: No longer offering Visa on Arrival; switched to eVisa-only policy.
- Saudi Arabia: Now offers Visa on Arrival for US citizens for tourism.
- UAE: Allows a free 30-day VoA, extendable.
- Qatar: US citizens receive a 30-day VoA, renewable for another 30 days.
New 2025 Requirements for Visa on Arrival for US Citizens
To obtain a VoA, US citizens must generally provide:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Proof of onward travel (return ticket)
- Sufficient funds to cover the stay
- Visa fee in cash or card (varies by country, ranging from $10 to $100)
- Passport-size photographs (some countries require them for paperwork).
Visa on Arrival remains a huge advantage for US travelers, granting easy access to dozens of exciting destinations without pre-approval. However, given frequent changes in visa policies, staying informed is crucial. Before your next trip, confirm the latest entry requirements to ensure a hassle-free journey!
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_United_States_citizens
- https://www.dhs.gov/travel-document-requirements
- https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/who-should-apply_en
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/treaty.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/travel-without-a-visa.html.
