This map hopes to illuminate the unknowns and make entering new countries and crossing borders as easy as it should be. *Updated July 2014
1) Locate the country you want to visit.
2) Hover over the country for tips and info on visa requirements.
3) Click on the country for useful guides and articles.
*UK, Canada, Australia maps coming soon!
Top 10 Hardest Countries For US Citizens To Visit*based on application procedures, fees, & US relations |
Top 10 Most Expensive Countries For US Citizens To Visit*Based on minimum tourist visa cost 2013 |
Top 10 Easiest Countries For US Citizens To Visit*based on duration granted, fees & US relations |
Top 10 Passports With The Most Visa Free Travel*Henley & Partners Visa Restriction Index 2013 |
Top 10 Passports With The Least Visa Free Travel**Henley & Partners Visa Restriction Index 2013 |
---|---|---|---|---|
1) Saudi Arabia | 1) Bhutan 250$/day +40$ visa fee | 1) Canada | 1) Finland, Sweden, UK | 1) Afghanistan |
2) Somalia | 2) Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Afghanistan 160$ | 2) Most EU member states excluding UK. | 2) Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, USA | 2) Iraq |
3) North Korea | 3) Sudan 151$ | 3) Mexico | 3) Belgium, Italy, Netherlands | 3) Pakistan, Somalia |
4) Iraq | 4) Russia 140$ | 4) Japan | 4) Canada, France, Japan, Norway, Ireland, Portugal, Spain | 4) Eritrea, Palestine |
5) Guinea-Bissau | 5) China 130$ | 5) Korea | 5) Austria, New Zealand, Switzerland | 5) Nepal |
6) Iran | 6) Bolivia 135$ | 6) New Zealand | 6) Australia, Greece, Singapore | 6) Kosovo, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Sudan |
7) Sao Tome & Principe | 7) India 76$ | 7) Peru | 7) Korea | 7) Congo, Libya, South Sudan, Syria |
8) Sudan | 8) | 8) CA 4: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala | 8) Iceland | 8) Iran, Angolo, Djibuti, Myanmar |
9) Central African Republic | 9) | 9) Equador | 9) Malaysia, Malta | 9) Bangladesh, Burundi, Ethiopia, North Korea |
10) Bhutan | 10) | 10) Morocco | 10) Liechtenstein | 10) Equatorial Guinea |
About The World Visa Map
Although you can find a great deal of official information around the web, few sites tell you the insider details you ought to know. In much of Central America and South East Asia there are various unofficial fees and certain restrictions associated with crossing borders by land.
As a US citizen, this interactive map is only applicable to US citizens. If you’re from the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, you can find your maps below. If you’re from another country your best option is to look country specific info on countries by typing in “visa requirements for (your country of citizenship).
Although highly illegal and dangerous, it’s not impossible to jump borders. If you’re unable to get a visa to somewhere you really want to go, check out this guide, How To Jump An International Border.
*If there’s any info I left out or would like to contribute your experience to the map, let me know in the comments below!
What Are Visas?
Visas are essentially hall passes that allow you to move freely within a country for a certain period of time. Before embarking on any trip you need to familiarize yourself with the visa requirements for the countries you wish to visit. This is the primary purpose of the map above.
How Do I Get A Visa?
There are many countries around the world, particularly the Schengen Zone of Europe, that doesn’t even require a visa. In this case, all you need is your passport. However, there are many other countries that do require some kind of visa. Most countries provide you with a visa, with or without a fee, when you arrive at the airport or border. Some countries require that you fill out an online form prior to arrival. Other countries require you to apply for a visa in advance at one of their consulates in a neighboring country or even only your home country. For example, it is generally extremely hard if not impossible to receive a visa to Russia or China if you’re not applying from your home country. Additionally, there are some countries, like Iran and North Korea, that will only give you a visa if you are part of a sanctioned tour group.
How Much Do Visas Cost?
Visa costs are based primarily on a system of reciprocity. In other words, whatever your home country charges for people to get a visa is similar or the same as what you will pay to visit their country. While most visas generally cost between 10 to 60 dollars, there are some countries, in particular the Congo, that charge as much as 300$.
Soul says
Hey Leif, I was wondering, if you ran away as a minor did you travel to other countries still a minor? If you did how did you use your passport to get past borders but not get caught for running away?
Thanks
The Runaway Guide says
Hey Soul, I didn’t have any problems crossing international borders as a minor.
Mat says
Hi ! I have a travelling website in french and would like to make an interactive map of the world like you did, with all the visa requirements for french citizens. Which software did you use to make yours, if I may ask ? Anyway, that’s a useful article, thanks.
The Runaway Guide says
Hey Mat, sorry for the late reply. It’s called the interactive world map plugin. Good luck!
PATE says
Wow I almost changed my r/t ticket to Santiago based on your map! US citizens do not have to pay $160 to enter anymore/ 90 days tourist cards are available at entry for FREE. but dont try to leave if ou overstay without paying before you reach the airport or they wont let you leave! http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/chile.html
The Runaway Guide says
Hey Pate,
Thanks for letting me know.
Visa fees are always changing.
Cheers,
Leif
Danmar says
How do you attain a visa to work and live in japan? I have been researching, but there seems to be a multitude of requirements.
The Runaway Guide says
Hey Danmar, they make it really hard. You can go on a tourist visa and then try and find a job that will help you get a visa. Or you could sign up for a long term study abroad program, which allows you to apply for a work visa.
A.K. says
Quick Question, Do you need a permanent address to acquire a U.S. passport if so how did you first acquire yours and continue to use it and renew it without one just out of curiosity.
The Runaway Guide says
Hey, yea, I’m not sure. I think so, if you want it mailed to your house. But I think you can also pick it up in person. Since I was underage, I went to apply for one with my parents in person at the post office. I got issued a new passport in Sudan at the US embassy. I went in person to apply and went to pick it up.
Adrian says
Actually N.Korea is easy (for Europeans anyway, not sure about others) simply go through Koryo Tours on a guided trip. Simple, just a bit expensive. Worth it for the experience!
The Runaway Guide says
I’ve had a few friends go through Koryo but like you said it is expensive. One day I’m going to contact Koryo and see if they might be able to offer me some kind of discount.
Adrian says
It is pricey, you’re looking about 1500 euros for 5 days, as a website owner though and a US citizen you might have problems. Also for some reason known only to the Kims if you’re American you can’t get the train or out, you have to fly at extra cost. I met some N Korean diplomat type people randomly in a little hotel in Poland years ago who invited me but I didn’t get around to going. Regret it now.
The Runaway Guide says
Yea, it’s not cheap that’s for sure. I’ve had a few american travel blogging friends go with Koryo Tours. They managed a discount and said they had a very interesting trip.
Zoe @ Tales from over the Horizon says
Young Pioneer Tours is a cheaper than Koryo. I thought they were great.
The Runaway Guide says
Ahh, cool, good to know! Thanks Zoe!
Lillian Tillman says
How do you apply for Visa to Canada
The Runaway Guide says
If you’re American, you don’t need one. Otherwise you need to visit the Canadian Consulate/Embassy in your home country.
world traveller says
as a Turkish passport holder i had no difficulty to travel to usa or eu union i have been over 35 contries, inc. Australia, America, European union
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/TurkeyVisaFreeTravelMap3.png
blue – visa free
torquise – visa on arrival
grey – visa required
The Runaway Guide says
Cheers, thanks for sharing :) Glad you guys can travel relatively freely.