US Citizens Can Travel To These Countries Without A Visa In 2026

Before you start planning your next vacation, it helps to understand where your passport can take you. If you're a U.S. passport holder, you're in a strong position. In fact, it would take far longer for us to list every country Americans can visit in 2026 than the handful that require advance visas. Popular vacation destinations like Cancun, Rome, and Tokyo are accessible visa-free — sometimes with an extra step like a visa on arrival (VOA) or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). 

As of January 2026, the U.S. passport ranks 10th globally on the Henley Passport Index, giving Americans access to 179 destinations without a traditional advance visa. For context, the world's strongest passport belongs to Singapore, with visa-free access to 192 countries. Americans still enjoy excellent global mobility, but your next trip might require some pre-planning. Visa-free travel usually means you can arrive at your destination and enter without needing to visit your local embassy in advance. So whether your travels take you to Europe, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, or Oceania, you can likely visit visa-free. A few countries, including China, Iran, Egypt, Ghana, and Venezuela, still require Americans to apply for a visa through an embassy or consulate.

That said, many countries now use VOA or ETA systems. Both still count as visa-free access, but require a bit of attention. A VOA is handled when you land, while an ETA requires a quick online form before flying and is usually approved within hours. Both often involve a small fee. Either way, it's important to be aware of the entry requirements before you travel. While ETAs are typically approved quickly, it's not guaranteed, and airlines can deny boarding if you don't have one when you check in.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, about six million Americans visited the U.K. in 2024, making it the top overseas destination for U.S. travelers. If you're planning a trip across the pond, you'll need to be familiar with the new visa rules. In January 2025, the U.K. introduced an ETA for visa-free visitors. It costs about $22, but the process is simple and keeps travel smooth.

This shift toward digital pre-approval isn't unique. Indonesia offers a good example of how visa-on-arrival systems are evolving. Its VOA used to require travelers to line up after collecting luggage, but in busy hubs like Bali, wait times could stretch into hours. Now, visitors can apply for an e-visa on arrival (eVOA) before arriving. (Yes, a bit counterintuitive.) This allows them to head through automated gates, which significantly speeds up the process.

There are still limits to keep in mind. Visa-free travel doesn't mean unlimited stays. Entries are tracked, and travelers must follow local visa rules. Most VOAs allow stays of around 30 days, though some countries grant 90 days, 180 days, or longer. If you're looking for an extended trip, some countries like New Zealand offer special visas for remote workers and long-stay travelers. While several countries rank ahead of the U.S. on the Henley Passport Index with access to at least 180 destinations, Americans still enjoy broad, easy visa-free travel around the world.