Unearth The Voyage
Planning your next big adventure abroad? You might want to check your wallet first. Starting in 2026, dozens of countries around the world are requiring American travelers to pay entry fees before they arrive. From quick digital applications to visas on arrival, these charges range from just a few dollars to over a hundred per person.
1. United Kingdom — UK ETA: £16
Big Ben, double-decker buses, and afternoon tea await—but first, you’ll need to apply for a UK ETA. Non-visa nationals, including Americans, must now secure this electronic travel authorization before boarding their flight.
The fee is £16, which is about $20 USD. Once approved, your ETA stays valid for two full years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Think of it as a quick online form that saves you hassle at immigration. Apply through the official UK government website well before your departure date to avoid any last-minute stress.
2. France — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Croissants, the Louvre, and strolls along the Seine—France remains a dream destination for millions. Starting in late 2026, American travelers will need an ETIAS authorization before visiting.
The cost is €20, and the approval lasts three years or until your passport runs out. ETIAS is a digital system designed to boost security across Europe’s Schengen zone.
Fill out the online application with your passport details, travel plans, and a few security questions. Processing usually takes minutes, though applying a few days early is smart. Bon voyage starts with a simple click!
3. Spain — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Flamenco, tapas, and sun-soaked beaches make Spain irresistible. But before you pack your bags for Barcelona or Madrid, remember that ETIAS kicks in during the final quarter of 2026.
Americans will pay €20 for this three-year travel authorization. The process is entirely online and asks for basic passport and contact information.
Most applications get approved almost instantly, but technical glitches or extra checks can delay things. Submit yours at least 72 hours before departure. Spain’s vibrant culture is worth the small prep work, and your authorization covers every trip within those three years.
4. Italy — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Pizza in Naples, gondolas in Venice, and ancient ruins in Rome—Italy is a bucket-list favorite. From late 2026, U.S. passport holders need ETIAS authorization to enter.
The €20 fee covers you for three years or until your passport expires. You’ll answer questions about your health, criminal history, and travel plans during the online application.
Processing is typically instant, but budget extra time just in case. Once approved, you can hop between Italy and other ETIAS countries without reapplying. Keep a digital or printed copy handy when you board your flight to avoid any boarding-gate surprises.
5. Germany — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Castles, bratwurst, and world-class Christmas markets draw travelers to Germany year-round. When ETIAS launches in Q4 2026, Americans will need this €20 authorization before arrival.
Valid for three years, ETIAS simplifies border checks across the Schengen zone. The online form takes about ten minutes and asks for passport details, contact info, and security questions.
Most people get instant approval, but some applications require manual review. Apply at least a week before your trip to stay safe. Germany’s rich history and modern cities are waiting—just make sure your digital paperwork is squared away first.
6. Greece — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Santorini sunsets, ancient Athens, and island-hopping adventures make Greece a top European getaway. Starting late 2026, U.S. travelers must obtain ETIAS authorization before boarding.
The €20 fee grants you three years of access to Greece and the entire Schengen area. The application is straightforward: enter your passport info, answer a few yes-or-no security questions, and pay online.
Approval usually arrives within minutes, though edge cases can take up to four days. Print or save a digital copy for airport check-in. With your ETIAS sorted, you’re free to explore mythical ruins and turquoise waters.
7. Portugal — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Port wine, pastel de nata, and coastal cliffs—Portugal charms visitors with laid-back vibes and stunning scenery. From the last quarter of 2026, Americans need ETIAS to visit.
Pay €20 online, and your authorization stays good for three years or until your passport expires. The form asks for personal details, travel dates, and basic background questions.
Most applicants receive instant approval, but plan ahead in case of delays. Once you’re cleared, you can explore Lisbon’s cobblestone streets, the Algarve’s beaches, and Porto’s riverside without reapplying. Keep your ETIAS confirmation accessible throughout your European adventure.
8. Netherlands — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Windmills, tulip fields, and Amsterdam’s famous canals make the Netherlands a beloved stop. When ETIAS goes live in late 2026, U.S. citizens will need this €20 authorization.
The permit lasts three years and covers all Schengen countries. Completing the online form takes just minutes—provide passport data, trip details, and answer a handful of security questions.
Approval is typically instant, but technical reviews can add a day or two. Apply before booking flights to avoid surprises. Once sorted, you’re free to bike through Dutch countryside, explore vibrant cities, and enjoy stroopwafels without a second thought about entry paperwork.
9. Switzerland — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Chocolate, cheese, and the majestic Alps—Switzerland is postcard-perfect year-round. Though not in the EU, Switzerland participates in the Schengen zone, so ETIAS applies starting late 2026.
Americans pay €20 for a three-year authorization. The online application asks for passport info, intended travel dates, and a few background questions.
Most approvals happen instantly, but some require extra review. Submit your form at least a few days early. Once cleared, you can ski in Zermatt, stroll Geneva’s lakefront, and ride scenic trains through mountain passes—all with one simple authorization covering every visit.
10. Iceland — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Glaciers, geysers, and the Northern Lights make Iceland a natural wonder like no other. From Q4 2026, U.S. travelers must secure ETIAS authorization before departure.
The €20 fee covers three years of access to Iceland and all Schengen countries. The digital form is quick: enter passport details, answer security questions, and pay online.
Approval usually takes minutes, but apply early to avoid travel hiccups. Once you’re cleared, you can chase waterfalls, soak in hot springs, and explore Reykjavik’s quirky culture. Keep your ETIAS confirmation handy for check-in and immigration.
11. Norway — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Fjords, midnight sun, and Viking history draw adventurers to Norway. Although not an EU member, Norway is part of the Schengen zone, so ETIAS applies from late 2026.
Americans pay €20 for a three-year travel authorization. The online form collects passport info, trip details, and basic security answers.
Most applications are approved instantly, but edge cases may take longer. Submit yours well ahead of your flight. Once approved, you’re set to cruise fjords, hike mountain trails, and explore Oslo’s museums. One authorization unlocks all of Scandinavia and beyond for three full years.
12. Austria — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Classical music, imperial palaces, and Alpine skiing—Austria blends culture and nature beautifully. Starting in the last quarter of 2026, U.S. citizens need ETIAS to visit.
The €20 fee is good for three years or until your passport expires. Fill out the online application with your passport number, contact details, and a few yes-or-no questions.
Approval is usually instant, though some cases require manual checks. Apply a few days before travel to stay safe. Once cleared, you can waltz through Vienna, ski in Innsbruck, and savor Sachertorte—all under one convenient authorization.
13. Croatia — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Turquoise waters, medieval towns, and Game of Thrones filming locations—Croatia is Europe’s rising star. From late 2026, Americans must obtain ETIAS before arrival.
The €20 authorization lasts three years and covers all Schengen countries. The online form asks for passport data, travel plans, and security background.
Most travelers get instant approval, but plan for possible delays. Submit early and keep a copy for boarding. Once approved, you’re free to explore Dubrovnik’s walls, sail the Dalmatian coast, and discover Plitvice’s waterfalls. One quick application unlocks years of Croatian adventures.
14. Czechia — ETIAS Required (Late 2026)
Fairy-tale castles, world-famous beer, and Prague’s stunning architecture make Czechia irresistible. When ETIAS launches in Q4 2026, U.S. passport holders will need this €20 authorization.
Valid for three years, ETIAS simplifies entry across the Schengen zone. The online application takes minutes: provide passport info, answer security questions, and pay the fee.
Approval is typically instant, but occasional reviews can add time. Apply at least a week early to avoid stress. Once cleared, you can wander Prague’s cobblestone streets, tour historic Cesky Krumlov, and toast with a cold pilsner—all worry-free.
15. Australia — ETA: Typically A$20
Kangaroos, the Great Barrier Reef, and endless sunshine—Australia is adventure central. U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authority before boarding their flight Down Under.
The ETA (subclass 601) costs around A$20 and is applied for via the official Australian government app. Processing is usually instant, and the authorization allows multiple short visits over 12 months.
Download the app, enter your passport details, and pay the fee. Keep a screenshot or confirmation email handy. Once approved, you’re ready to explore Sydney, snorkel coral reefs, and meet koalas. Quick, easy, and essential for every American traveler heading to Oz.
16. New Zealand — NZeTA + IVL (NZ$100)
Hobbits, fjords, and Maori culture—New Zealand is a land of epic landscapes. Americans need both an NZeTA and the International Visitor Levy before arrival.
The NZeTA costs NZ$17 via app or NZ$23 online. On top of that, the IVL adds NZ$100, bringing your total to around NZ$117–123.
Apply through the official Immigration New Zealand portal. The levy funds conservation and tourism infrastructure, so your fee helps protect the stunning scenery you’ll explore. Processing takes up to 72 hours, so don’t wait until the last minute. Once approved, Middle-earth and beyond are yours to discover.
17. South Korea — K-ETA: KRW 10,000 (Restarts Jan 1, 2026)
K-pop, kimchi, and cutting-edge tech—South Korea blends tradition and innovation. Americans enjoyed a K-ETA exemption through December 31, 2025, but it ends on January 1, 2026.
Starting in 2026, U.S. travelers must apply for K-ETA again, paying KRW 10,000 (roughly $7–8 USD). The online application is straightforward: enter passport details, upload a photo, and answer a few questions.
Approval usually takes 24 hours, though it can be instant. Apply before booking flights to avoid surprises. Once cleared, you’re set to explore Seoul’s palaces, hike mountain trails, and feast on Korean BBQ.
18. Indonesia (Including Bali) — Visa on Arrival IDR 500,000 + Bali Levy IDR 150,000
Beaches, rice terraces, and vibrant culture—Indonesia, especially Bali, is a tropical paradise. Americans can get a Visa on Arrival, but the cost has gone up.
The VoA fee is IDR 500,000 (about $32 USD). If you’re heading to Bali, add another IDR 150,000 (roughly $10 USD) for the provincial tourist levy, payable once per trip.
Pay in cash at the airport or online before arrival, depending on the latest rules. Keep your receipts and confirmation. Once sorted, you’re free to surf, explore temples, and enjoy Balinese hospitality. The levy funds local infrastructure, so your fee supports the island you love.
19. Vietnam — e-Visa: US$25 (Single) / US$50 (Multiple)
Pho, bustling markets, and stunning karst landscapes—Vietnam is Southeast Asia at its finest. Americans must apply for an e-Visa before arrival.
The fee is $25 for single-entry or $50 for multiple-entry, both non-refundable. Apply through the official Vietnam e-Visa portal, upload a passport photo and scan, and pay online.
Processing takes about three business days, though it can be faster. Print your e-Visa approval letter and carry it with your passport. Once cleared, you can cruise Ha Long Bay, explore Hanoi’s old quarter, and savor street food from north to south without visa worries.
20. Bhutan — SDF: US$100 Per Person Per Night
Hidden monasteries, Himalayan peaks, and Gross National Happiness—Bhutan is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path destination. All non-Indian tourists pay a Sustainable Development Fee.
The SDF is currently $100 per person per night, which funds education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. This fee is separate from your tour package but is collected by your licensed operator.
Bhutan requires all visitors to book through registered tour companies, so your SDF is included in your total cost. The fee ensures tourism remains low-impact and high-value. Once you’re there, you’ll trek to Tiger’s Nest, meet monks, and experience a culture like no other.
21. Jordan — Visa on Arrival Typically 40 JOD Single Entry
Petra’s rose-red ruins, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum’s desert landscapes—Jordan is a Middle Eastern gem. Americans can obtain a visa on arrival at most entry points.
The single-entry visa costs about 40 Jordanian dinars (roughly $56 USD). Payment is accepted in cash at the airport or border.
Bring exact change or small bills to speed things up. If you’re staying longer or entering multiple times, ask about multi-entry options. Keep your visa stamp visible in your passport for hotel check-ins. Once cleared, you’re ready to explore ancient cities, float in salty waters, and camp under desert stars.
22. Tanzania — Americans Require a Multiple-Entry Visa (US$100)
Serengeti safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar’s beaches—Tanzania offers Africa’s greatest hits. U.S. citizens must obtain a multiple-entry visa before or on arrival.
The fee is $100, and you can apply online through Tanzania’s official immigration portal or pay at the airport. Processing online takes a few business days, so plan ahead.
If applying on arrival, bring cash and your passport. Keep your visa receipt with you throughout your trip. Once approved, you’re set to witness the Great Migration, climb Africa’s highest peak, and relax on turquoise shores. The multiple-entry feature is handy if you’re island-hopping or crossing borders.
23. Egypt — Tourist Visa Required; Visa on Arrival Available (Fee Payable in Cash)
Pyramids, pharaohs, and the Nile—Egypt is history come alive. American travelers need a tourist visa, and the easiest option is often visa on arrival.
The fee is payable in cash at Cairo or other international airports; check the current amount before you fly, as it can change. Bring U.S. dollars or euros in small bills.
Processing is quick, usually taking just minutes at the airport counter. Keep your visa stamp safe in your passport. Once cleared, you’re free to explore ancient temples, cruise the Nile, and dive the Red Sea. Egypt’s timeless wonders await—just make sure you have cash ready.
24. Sri Lanka — ETA Mandatory from Oct 15, 2025 Onward (Fee Applies via Official ETA Portal)
Tea plantations, Buddhist temples, and tropical beaches—Sri Lanka is a gem in the Indian Ocean. Starting October 15, 2025, Americans must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before arrival.
Apply through the official Sri Lankan ETA portal. The fee varies but is typically around $50–60 USD for tourists. Processing usually takes 24–48 hours.
Fill in your passport details, upload a photo, and pay online. Print your ETA approval or save it on your phone. Once cleared, you’re ready to climb Sigiriya, spot elephants, and savor spicy curries. The ETA makes entry smooth and keeps your trip stress-free.
25. Cambodia — e-Visa Available; US$30 Government Fee
Angkor Wat, floating villages, and French colonial charm—Cambodia is Southeast Asia’s hidden treasure. U.S. citizens can apply for an e-Visa online before departure.
The official government fee is $30, plus a small processing charge. Apply through Cambodia’s official e-Visa portal, upload a passport photo, and pay by credit card.
Approval takes about three business days. Print your e-Visa and carry it with your passport. Once cleared, you’re set to explore ancient temples, cruise the Mekong, and enjoy Phnom Penh’s markets. The e-Visa saves time at the airport and lets you start your adventure immediately.
26. Nepal — Visa on Arrival: US$30/50/125 for 15/30/90 Days
Everest, prayer flags, and trekking trails—Nepal is the roof of the world. Americans can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan Airport and land border crossings.
Fees are $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days, or $125 for 90 days. Bring cash (U.S. dollars work) and a passport photo.
Fill out the arrival form, pay at the counter, and get your stamp. Processing is quick, usually under 15 minutes. Once cleared, you’re ready to trek the Annapurna Circuit, visit ancient stupas, and sip chai in mountain villages. Nepal’s Himalayan magic is just a visa stamp away.
27. Saudi Arabia — Tourist e-Visa Required; Fee Includes Mandatory Health Insurance
Ancient cities, desert dunes, and futuristic skylines—Saudi Arabia is opening its doors to tourists. U.S. citizens need a tourist e-Visa before arrival.
The fee is typically around SAR 480–535 (roughly $128–143 USD), which includes mandatory health insurance. Apply through the official Visit Saudi visa portal.
Processing takes a few days, so apply well ahead of your trip. Upload your passport scan, photo, and travel details. Once approved, you’re set to explore Al-Ula’s rock tombs, dive the Red Sea, and experience Riyadh’s modern culture. The e-Visa makes entry smooth and ensures you’re covered during your stay.
28. Türkiye (Turkey) — e-Visa Required for U.S. Citizens; Fee Varies by Nationality
Istanbul’s bazaars, Cappadocia’s hot-air balloons, and Mediterranean beaches—Türkiye bridges Europe and Asia. American travelers must apply for an e-Visa before departure.
The fee varies by nationality and is shown during the application on the official Turkish e-Visa website. For U.S. citizens, it’s typically around $50–60.
Processing is instant in most cases. Enter your passport details, pay online, and download your e-Visa. Print it or save it on your phone. Once approved, you’re free to explore ancient ruins, sail turquoise coasts, and savor kebabs. The e-Visa is quick, easy, and essential for every American visitor.
