The 5 requirements every country checks
- Passport validity — most countries require 6 months beyond your stay; Schengen requires 3 months beyond departure
- Blank pages — typically 1-2 blank visa pages; South Africa requires 2 consecutive
- Visa or authorization — visa-free, ETA, eVisa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa
- Proof of onward travel — return ticket or onward itinerary
- Sufficient funds — rarely checked but legally required in many countries
The 6-month validity rule
The single most common reason travelers are denied boarding: a passport expiring within 6 months. Airlines enforce destination rules at check-in — they pay the fine if you are refused entry. Check your expiration date before booking anything.
Authorization types explained
- Visa-free — enter with just your passport (e.g. Japan, Mexico, most of Europe until ETIAS)
- ETA/eTA — electronic pre-authorization, cheap and fast (UK, Australia, Canada for non-US, ETIAS for Europe from 2026)
- eVisa — full visa applied for online (India, Vietnam, Brazil, Egypt)
- Visa on arrival — issued at the border (Jordan, Nepal, Indonesia)
- Embassy visa — apply in advance with documents (China, Russia, Ghana)
Country-by-country requirements
See our complete visa requirements database for entry rules for 190+ destinations.
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Health & vaccination requirements
Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination (much of sub-Saharan Africa and South America) — carry your yellow ICVP card. Check CDC destination pages for current requirements.