186 Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit

Americans are once again back on the move. After many countries were stuck in an endless time loop of restrictions and social curbs, they are finally letting Americans back in – and at an incredibly fast pace.

During the pandemic, traveling as an American was a very difficult challenge. Foreign countries deemed Americans as risky travelers due to the widespread of the Covid-19 infection but have since lessened restrictions dramatically. Currently 186 countries welcome Americans visa-free, or with visas upon arrival.

While your entry may be visa-free, that does not necessarily equate to restriction-free entry. However, that does mean that U.S. passport holders are no longer subjected to the lengthy visa application process. When traveling to these destinations, U.S. passport holders now only generally need a valid passport and any subsequent health documentation required by the country.

Many travelers may not know this, but all passports are not created equally. While certain countries have pre-existing arrangements with other countries to allow their citizens to freely enter and travel about, certain nationalities who are not covered by these agreements, face restrictions.

For comparison sake, out of 195 countries, Americans can enter 186 of them visa-free, effectively making the U.S. passport one of the most powerful in the world. On the other hand, out of those same 195 countries, Iraqi citizens can only enter 28 countries visa-free. Making the Iraqi passport one of the weakest in the world.

Now, what you’re really here for. Where can Americans visit visa-free?

Europe

With very few exceptions – notably Russia and Belarus – Americans can travel throughout Europe with much ease. So whether you’re ready to fall in love in the streets of Paris or eat and drink your way through Italy, all you would need is your passport.

Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in Europe:

The Caribbean

This is definitely one place that I know I can’t wait to get back to. Of the 24 Caribbean island countries, Americans can enter them all visa-free. Whether you’re wanting to visit the crystal clear beaches of Turks and Caicos or explore the vibrant colored streets of Curaçao, the Caribbean awaits your arrival.

Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in The Caribbean:

The Americas

Comprising of North, South and Central America, this region is certainly a vast continent where we have seen a massive influx of citizens from other countries migrate to. One could even argue that based on its sheer size and demographics, The Americas may be the most culturally diverse country in the world.

Luckily, of the 22 countries in this region, U.S. Citizens can visit 21 of them visa-free. Even with Bolivia being the exception, a visa, generally speaking, can be granted upon arrival for a fee.

Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in The Americas:

Asia

During the pandemic, Asia was well-known for its strict – and quite possibly over excessive – Covid policies. Despite this, Asia still offers one of the unique experiences visitors can have. As it stands now, most Asian countries still have complex travel rules.

Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in Asia:

*Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are Asian countries requiring visas on arrival only.

Middle East

Unlike is its bordering neighbor Asia, the Middle East has fairly laxed entry for American citizens. Out of the 12 countries that make up this region, U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry into seven, while the remaining five countries can be entered by obtaining a visa upon arrival.

Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in The Middle East: 

*Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia are Middle Eastern countries requiring visas on arrival only

 Oceania

While this is definitely one of the most remote places to fly to, Oceania is definitely a must experience place for travelers – especially beach lovers – in their lifetime.

Most countries here offer visa-free entry to Americans and those that do not, offer visas upon arrival. In the case of Australia and New Zealand, you must still apply for a Travel Authorization in advance. This is NOT a visa but is necessary to enter and can be done online and approve in as little as 10 minutes.

Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in Oceania:

 Africa

The motherland for myself and so many of my contemporaries. While Africa is depicted in so many various ways in the media, I would implore you to check it out yourself before you pass judgment.

 Visa-Free Countries Americans Can Visit in Africa:

*Burkina Faso, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, St. Helena, Tanzania, The Gambia, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe are African countries requires visas on arrival only.

Bottom Line

Many countries have opened back up, allowing U.S. passport holders to enter visa-free. However, it is still important that you stay up to date with any other rules and health regulations for countries. If ever in doubt, check here to learn more about your travel destination.