This listing is for U.S. citizens traveling on tourism/business and does not apply to persons planning to emigrate to foreign countries. Persons traveling on official business for the U.S. Government should obtain visa information from the agency sponsoring their travel. For purposes of this publication, a visa is an endorsement or stamp placed by officials of a foreign country on a U.S. passport that allows the bearer to visit that foreign country. Note: Wherever you see the words "photo(s) required" in this publication, it generally means that you will need to submit passport-size (2"x2") photographs.
IMPORTANT: THIS LISTING IS PREPARED FROM INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM FOREIGN EMBASSIES PRIOR TO MARCH 1998. THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTRIES TO BE VISITED WELL IN ADVANCE.
PASSPORTS: U.S. citizens who travel to a country where a valid passport is not required will need documentary evidence of their U.S. citizenship and identity. Proof of U.S. citizenship includes an expired U.S. passport, a certified (original) birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To prove identity, a valid driver's license or government identification card are acceptable provided they identify you by physical description or photograph. However, for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship.
Before you send your passport through the mail to apply for a visa, sign it and write your current address and daytime telephone number in the space provided. This will help the U.S. Postal Service return it to you should it become separated from the envelope during processing.
Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you will have to apply for a new one. Please check with the embassy or nearest consulate of the country you plan to visit for their requirements.
Some Middle Eastern or African countries will not issue visas or allow entry if your passport indicates travel to Israel. Consult the National Passport Information Center (1-900-225-5674) for guidance if this applies to you.
VISAS SHOULD BE OBTAINED BEFORE PROCEEDING ABROAD. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application, especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence. The addresses of foreign consular offices in the United States may be obtained by consulting the Congressional Directory in the library. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TRAVELER TO OBTAIN VISAS, WHERE REQUIRED, FROM THE APPROPRIATE EMBASSY OR NEAREST CONSULATE OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE PLANNING TO VISIT.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World Health Organization, a country may require International Certificates of Vaccination against yellow fever. A cholera immunization may be required if you are traveling from an infected area. Check with health care providers or your records to ensure other immunizations (e.g. tetanus and polio) are up-to-date. Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations are required to return to the United States. Detailed health information is included in Health Information for International Travel , available from the U.S. Government Printing Office for $20 or may be obtained from your local health department or physician or by contacting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, toll-free at 1-888/232-3228, toll-free autofax 1-888/232-3299 or Internet: http://www.cdc.gov.
An increasing number of countries have established regulations regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term visitors. Although many are listed here, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit to verify if this is a requirement for entry.
All international flights are subject to U.S. Immigration and U.S. Customs fees paid in advance as part of your ticket. In addition, many countries have departure fees that are sometimes collected at the time of ticket purchase.
FRENCH POLYNESIA - (Includes Society Islands, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Tuamotu, Gambier, French Austral, Marquesas, Kerguelen, Crozet, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Wallis and Furtuna Islands.) *Passport required. Visa not required for visit of up to 1 month. For longer stays and further information consult Consulate General of France (202/944-6200).
FIJI - *Passport, proof of sufficient funds and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for stay up to 6 months. For further information contact Embassy of Fiji, 2233 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., #240, Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/337-8320).
NEW ZEALAND - *Passport and arrival card (to be completed upon arrival) required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 90 days, must have onward/return ticket, visa for next destination and proof of sufficient funds. For business or additional information contact the Embassy of New Zealand, 37 Observatory Circle, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-4800) or the Consulate General in Los Angeles (310/207-1605. Internet address: http://www.emb.com/nzemb
AUSTRALIA - *Passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 90 days. Minors not accompanied by a parent need a notarized copy of his/her birth certificate and notarized written parental consent from both parents. Departure tax $26 (Australian). AIDS test required for permanent resident visa applicants age 15 and older; tests taken in the U.S. are acceptable. For more information check with the Embassy of Australia, 1601 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/797-3145 or 3161) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/469-4300 or 415-362-6160), HI (808/524-5050), NY (212/245-4000) or TX (713/629-9131). Internet address: http://www.aust.emb.nw.dc.us
INDONESIA - *Passport and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 2 months (non-extendable). For longer stays and additional information consult Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, 2020 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/775-5200) or nearest Consulate: CA (213/383-5126 or 415/474-9571), IL (312/345-9300), NY (212/879-0600) or TX (713/785-1691).
MALAYSIA (and the Borneo States, Sarawak and Sabah) - *Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 3 months. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations necessary if arriving from infected areas. Medical exam required for work permits. U.S. test sometimes accepted. For entry of pets or other types of visits, consult the Embassy of Malaysia, 2401 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/328-2700) or nearest Consulate: Los Angeles (213/892-1238) or New York (212/490-2722).
THAILAND - *Passport and onward/return ticket required. Tourists staying no longer than 30 days do not need a visa. For longer stays obtain a visa in advance. Transit visa, for stay up to 30 days, $10 fee; or tourist visa for stay up to 60 days, $15 fee. For business visa valid up to 90 days, need $20 fee and company letter stating purpose of visit. Submit 1 application form, 2 photos and postage for return of passport by mail. (Note: All visa fees are payable in cash or money order, if applying in person, or by money order only, if applying by mail. Apply at the Royal Thai Embassy, 1024 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007 (202/944-3608) or the nearest Consulate General: CA (213/962-9574-77), IL (312/236-2447) or NY (212/754-1770). For other Consulates General thoughout the U.S., call 202/944-3600. Internet address: http://www.thaiembdc.org
SEYCHELLES - Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa issued upon arrival for stay up to 1 month, no charge, extendable up to 1 year. Consult Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the U.N., 820 Second Ave., Suite 900F, New York, NY 10017 (212/687-9766) for further information.
KENYA - *Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Single-entry visa for tourist/business stay up to 6 months, $30 (money order or cashier's check only); requires 1 application form, 2 photos and onward/return ticket. Yellow fever immunization is recommended. Anti-malarial pills are recommended for those travelling to the western or coastal regions. Multiple-entry business visa valid for up to 6 months, $50. Payment by cashiers check or money order only. Airport departure tax is $20. Consult the Embassy of Kenya, 2249 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/387-6101) or Consulate General: Los Angeles (310/274-6635) or New York (212/486-1300).
TANZANIA - *Passport and visa required. Obtain visa before departure. Visas for mainland Tanzania are valid for Zanzibar. Business/tourist visa (valid 6 months from date of issuance) for 1 entry up to 30 days, may be extended after arrival. Requires 1 application form and 1 photo. Tourist visa $45 fee, business visa $50 (no personal checks). Enclose prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified or registered mail. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations recommended (required if arriving from infected area) and malarial suppressants advised. Allow 1 month for processing. For business visa and other information, consult the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania, 2139 R St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-6125) or Tanzanian Permanent Mission to the U.N. 205 East 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (212/972-9160).
MALAWI - *Passport required. Visa not required for stay up to 1 year. For further information contact the Embassy of Malawi, 2408 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/797-1007) or Malawi Mission to the U.N., 600 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10016 (212/949-0180).
MOZAMBIQUE - *Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained in advance. Entry visa valid 30 days from date of issuance, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, immunization for yellow fever and cholera, $20 fee and letter (from company or individual) giving detailed itinerary. Visitors may have to exchange $25 at point of entry and declare all foreign currency. Apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Mozambique, Suite 570, 1990 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/293-7146).
ZIMBABWE - *Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required for a stay up to 3 months. Anti-malarial pills are recommended. $20 exit fee paid at airport. Visitors must declare currency upon arrival. For regulations check with the Embassy of Zimbabwe, 1608 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/332-7100).
BOTSWANA - *Passport required. Visa not required for U.S. citizens staying no more than 90 days. For further information contact Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, Suite 7M, 3400 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/244-4990/1) or nearest Honorary Consulate: Los Angeles (213/626-8484) or Houston (713/622-1900).
NAMIBIA - *Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for tourist or business stay up to 90 days. Consult the Embassy of Namibia, 1605 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/986-0540) for further information on entry requirements.
SOUTH AFRICA - *Passport
required. Tourist or business visa not required for stay up to 90 days.
Yellow fever immunization needed if arriving from infected area. Malarial
suppressants are recommended. For more information contact the Embassy
of South Africa's Consular Office, 3201 New Mexico Ave., N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20016 (202/966-1650) or the nearest Consulate in CA (310/657-9200),
IL (312/939-7929), or NY (212/213-4880).
CAMBODIA (formerly Kampuchea) - *Passport and visa required. Visa valid for a 30 day stay. Visa requires 3 photos, 3 application forms, and $20 fee. For further information consult the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, 4500 16th Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20011 (202/726-7742) or the Permanent Mission to the U.N. at 866 U.N. Plaza, Room 420, New York, New York 10017 (212/421-7626). Internet address: http://www.embassy.org/cambodia
CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE (formerly Zaire) - *Passport and visa required. Visa must be obtained before arrival. Tourist/business visa, valid 1 month, requires 2 photos, 2 applications, yellow fever immunization and onward/return ticket. Business visa also requires company letter accepting financial responsibility for traveler. Single-entry visa $75; double-entry $120. No personal checks, send money order and enclose SASE for return of passport by mail. Apply Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1800 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/234-7690/1) or Permanent Mission to the U.N., 747 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017 (212/754-1966).
CONGO, REPUBLIC OF THE - *Passport and visa required. Tourist/business visa for a stay up to 3 months, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, yellow fever and cholera immunizations, onward/return ticket and $70 fee. For business visa must have company letter stating reason for trip , 2 applications and 2 photos required. Include SASE for return of passport by mail. Apply Embassy of the Republic of the Congo, 4891 Colorado Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-5500) or the Permanent Mission of the Congo to the UN, 14 East 65th St. New York, NY 10021 (212/744-7840).
INDIA - *Passport and visa required. Transit visas are available for up to 6 months for $50, 1 year for $70, or a 5 yr. visa for $120 (given only on a limited basis). Visas requires 1 application form, 2 photos, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds. Visa must be obtained before arrival. Business visa requires $70 fee, 1 application form, 2 photos and company letter stating purpose of trip and itinerary. Include prepaid envelope for return of passport by certified mail. Yellow fever immunization needed if arriving from infected area. AIDS test required for all students and anyone over 18 staying more than 1 year; U.S. test from well known lab accepted. Check requirements with Embassy of India, 2536 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/939-9806/9848) or nearest Consulate General: Chicago (312/515-0405), Houston (713-626-2355), New York (212/774-0600) or San Francisco (415/668-0683).
LAOS - *Passport and visa required. Visa requires $35 fee, 2 application forms, 3 photos, onward/return transportation, sufficient funds, cholera immunization and SASE for return of passport by mail. Transit visas for stay up to 5 days requires onward/return ticket and visa for next destination. Period of stay: maximum 5 days in Vientiane only. Visitor visas are issued for 1 entry and must be used within 2 months of issue date. Period of stay: 1 month, can be extended for another 30 days (visitor visa application must be accompanied by letter from relative or friends in Laos). Tourist visas are issued only to those who apply through a tourist agency. Period of stay: 15 days which may be extended for another 15 days. Business visa requires letter from counterpart in Laos and is valid for 1 entry and must be used within 2 months of issue date. Period of stay: 1 month, can be extended for another 1 month. For more information, check with the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, 2222 S St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/667-0076). Internet address: http://www.laoembassy.com
MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF (Kosrae, Yap, Ponape, and Truk) - Proof of citizenship, sufficient funds, and onward/return ticket required for tourist visit up to 30 days, extendable (up to 60 days from date of entry) after arrival in Micronesia. Entry permit may be needed for other types of travel; obtain forms from airline. Departure fee $5 (U.S.). Health certificate may be required if traveling from infected area. Typhoid and tetanus immunizations are recommended. AIDS test required if staying over 1 year. U.S. test is accepted. For further information contact the Embassy of the Federated States of Micronesia, 1725 N St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/223-4383) or nearest Consulate: Hawaii (808/836-4775) or Guam (671/646-9154).
NEPAL - *Passport and visa required. Tourist visa extendable to a maximum period of 150 days in one visa year (January to December). Single-entry visa for 15 days, $15; single-entry visa for 30 days, $25; double entry visa for 30 days, $40; and multiple-entry visa with a validity for 60 days, $60; requires 1 application form and 1 photo. Entry visas are valid for entry into Nepal within six months from the date of issue. Tourist visa can also be obtained from Immigration Office at Kathmandu Airport and other specified ports of entry. Permit is required for trekking purposes. Airport tax of Rs.700 must be paid for all international flights into Nepal. For additional information contact the Royal Nepalese Embassy, 2131 Leroy Pl., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/667-4550) or Consulate General in New York (212/370-4188). Internet address: http://www.undp.org/missions/nepal
PAPUA NEW GUINEA - *Passport, onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds required. Tourist visa for a stay up to 60 days. (Visa can only be issued upon arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby. For other international airports and transit points in PNG, visa must be obtained in advance.) Business visa requires passport validity at least one year from the date visa is issued, 2 application forms, 2 photos, company letter, bio-data, recent annual report of parent company and $256.25 fee (multiple-entry). Multiple-entry visa is valid for 1 year, with 8 weeks maximum stay each visit. AIDS test required for work and residency permits; U.S. test accepted. Please provide SASE or prepaid airbill for return of documents. For longer stays and further information contact the Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Suite 300, 1615 New Hampshire Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009 (202/745-3680).
TONGA - *Passport
and onward/return ticket required. Visa not required for stay up to 30
days. For additional information consult the Consulate General of Tonga,
360 Post St., Suite 604, San Francisco, CA 94108 (415/781-0365).
UGANDA - *Passport required. Immunization certificates for yellow fever and cholera are required (typhoid and malarial suppressants recommended). For other information contact the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, 5911 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 (202/726-7100-02) or Permanent Mission to the U.N. (212/949-0110).
VIETNAM - *Passport and visa required. Tourist/business visa, valid 6 months, requires 2 application forms, 2 photos, letter stating purpose of visit (or letter of invitation from Vietnamese authorities required for business visa) and $25 fee for a single-entry visa. Visa authorization is arranged by sponsor in Vietnam and the Embassy cannot process visas until it receives authorization or approval from Vietnam. For more information contact the Embassy of Vietnam, 1233 20th St., N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036 (202/861-2293 or 861-0694). Internet address: http://www.vietnamembassy-usa.org
ZAMBIA - *Passport and visa required. Obtain visa in advance. Transit visa, valid for 24 hours, requires $25 processing fee. Single entry visa, valid up to 3 months, requires $25 processing fee. Multiple entry visa valid up to 6 months, requires $40 processing fee (no personal checks), 2 application forms and 2 photos. Business visa also requires company letter. Yellow fever immunizations and antimalarial medicine recommended. For more information consult the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, 2419 Mass. Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (202/265-9717 to 19).
ZANZIBAR - (See Tanzania.)
- SASE is self-addressed, stamped envelope.
- If applying in person, remember to call about office hours. Many consulates are only open in the morning and closed for local holidays.
- This booklet is updated
yearly. Foreign Entry Requirements and Passports--Applying for
them the EASY WAY, which gives detailed information on how and where
to apply for your U.S. passport, are both available from the Consumer Information
Center, Pueblo, CO 81009 for 50 cents each.
Consular Affairs issues Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements:
Consular Information Sheets are issued for every country in the world. They include such information as the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country, health conditions, political disturbances, unusual currency and entry regulations, crime and security information, and drug penalties.
The State Department also issues Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides to recommend that Americans avoid travel to a certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recommended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other conditions overseas which pose significant risks to the security of American travelers.
Publications**:
A Safe Trip Abroad
-- contains helpful precautions one can take to minimize the chance of becoming a victim of terrorism or crime.
Tips for Americans Residing Abroad
-- offers information for U.S. citizens living abroad on dual citizenship, tax regulations, voting, and other consular services.
Travel Tips for Older Americans
-- contains special health, safety and travel information for older Americans.
Your Trip Abroad
-- offers tips on obtaining a passport, considerations in preparing for your trip and traveling, and other sources of information.
The following travel tips brochures contain information on currency regulations, customs, and dual nationality for specific areas of the world:
Tips for Travelers
to Canada
Tips for Travelers to
the Caribbean
Tips for Travelers to
Central & South America
Tips for Travelers to
Mexico
Tips for Travelers to
the Middle East and North Africa
Tips for Travelers to
the People's Republic of China
Tips for Travelers to
Russia and the Newly Independent States
Tips for Travelers to
South Asia
Tips for Travelers to
Sub-Saharan Africa
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements may be heard anytime by dialing (202) 647-5225 from a touchtone phone. They are also available at regional U.S. passport agencies, at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, and through airline computer reservation systems, or, by writing and sending a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Room 4811, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818.
Consular Information Sheets, Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and Consular Affairs' publications can be obtained by accessing any of the following systems:
- Internet. Consular Affairs' Internet address is: http://travel.state.gov
- Consular Affairs Bulletin Board (CABB) . This service is free of charge. To access CABB, dial the modem number: (301) 946-4400; set terminal communications program to N-8-1 (no parity, 8 bits, 1 stop bit); and terminal emulation to VT100. The login is: travel ; the password is: info.
- Automated Fax System. Consular Affairs' automated fax system can be accessed by dialing from your fax phone (202/647-3000).
- **U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). Copies of Consular Affairs' publications are available for sale from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (202/512-1800). (Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please check with the GPO for up-to-date information.)
Other Publications:
Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets describing the countries of the world. They contain current information on each country's people, culture, geography, history, government, economy and political conditions. Single copies are available for sale from the GPO or from the Internet at: http://www.state.gov.
Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts provides names of key officers and addresses for all U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. This publication is updated biannually and is available from the GPO. Single copy purchase price is $4.25; annual subscription (two editions) is $5.
Health Information for
International Travel contains detailed information on international
health requirements and is available from the GPO for $20.
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. (See "Consular Information Program" section for more details.)
3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
7. Notify by phone or register in person with the U.S. embassy or consulate upon arrival.
8. To avoid being a target, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
10. If you get into trouble, contact the U.S. consul.