10 Visa-on-Arrival Countries for US Passport Holders (2026)
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival in more than 40 countries. No embassy appointment, no advance application — just a passport, cash or card, and sometimes a photo. Fees run $25–$160 and most visas last 30 days. Below are the 10 most reliable options, verified against each country's official immigration guidance as of July 2026.
1. Maldives
Fee: Free · Duration: 30 days · Where: Velana International Airport
The easiest entry on this list. All nationalities get a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided you have a confirmed resort or hotel booking and a return ticket.
2. Cambodia
Fee: ~$30 · Duration: 30 days · Where: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports; most land borders
Bring a passport photo and USD cash. An e-visa is also available if you'd rather skip the counter.
3. Jordan
Fee: 40 JOD (~$56), waived with Jordan Pass · Duration: 30 days · Where: Queen Alia International Airport, land borders
Visiting Petra? Buy the Jordan Pass first — it bundles the visa fee with site admission and effectively makes entry free.
4. Egypt
Fee: ~$25 · Duration: 30 days · Where: Cairo and other major airports
An e-visa is available in advance for the same price if you want to skip the arrival line.
5. Nepal
Fee: $30 / $50 / $125 · Duration: 15 / 30 / 90 days · Where: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Fee scales with stay length. Cash and card are both accepted at the counter.
6. Laos
Fee: $30–$42 · Duration: 30 days · Where: Major airports, Friendship Bridge from Thailand
Fee varies slightly by entry point — land crossings sometimes add a small overtime charge outside business hours.
7. Ethiopia
Fee: ~$52 · Duration: 30 days · Where: Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa
An e-visa is available in advance and is generally faster than the arrival line.
8. Rwanda
Fee: ~$50 · Duration: 30 days · Where: Kigali International Airport
Combining with Kenya and Uganda? Apply for the East Africa Tourist Visa instead — one fee covers all three countries.
9. Tanzania
Fee: ~$100 · Duration: 90 days, multiple entry · Where: Julius Nyerere International Airport
US citizens pay more than most nationalities here — factor it into your budget.
10. Bolivia
Fee: ~$160 · Duration: Multiple entry, valid 10 years · Where: Major airports, border crossings
The highest fee on this list, but the visa covers a decade of travel once issued.
People also ask
Do US citizens need a visa to travel internationally?
It depends on the destination. US passport holders can enter roughly 179 countries visa-free, via e-visa, or with a visa on arrival. The rest require a visa arranged in advance through an embassy or consulate.
What's the difference between a visa on arrival and an e-visa?
A visa on arrival is issued in person at the airport or border after you land. An e-visa is approved online before you travel, so you only show proof of approval at immigration — usually faster where it's offered.
Can a visa on arrival be denied?
Yes. Officers can refuse entry if your passport has under six months' validity, you lack proof of onward travel, or you can't pay the fee. The option existing doesn't guarantee approval.
Which countries offer a free visa on arrival for US citizens?
The Maldives is the most notable example, offering a free 30-day visa on arrival to all nationalities with a confirmed booking and a return ticket.
Fees and validity periods verified against official immigration sources as of July 2026. Rules change without notice — confirm current requirements on the destination's official immigration site before booking.
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