According to Henley Passport Index, the US Passport is one of the most powerful passports in 2020, ranking as the 7th most powerful passport in the world, tied up with Switzerland, The UK, and Norway. But even having access to 185 countries in the world, doesn’t mean that the US citizens can travel visa-free to every traveling hot spot in the world.

Below is the list of 6 Traveling hot spots where American citizens need to apply for a visa in advance.

If you’d like to learn more about visa-related terms such as visa-free and visa on arrival, click here to learn all about visa!

Australia

Before traveling to Australia, US citizens should apply for electronic authorization from the Australian government known as the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).

the US travelers should apply for the ETA, at least 24 hours before their flight departure to Australia. You can purchase an Australian ETA online, It would cost you $20 and is valid for one year and multiple entries.

China

As a US citizen, you can travel to Hong Kong visa-free for 90 days, however, if you want to travel to mainland China, you need to apply for a Chinese tourist visa at least one month before your trip to China. A Chinese tourist visa costs $140 and it’s normally issued for the length of your passport’s validity. You should purchase an entry visa to China through the Chinese embassy.

Cuba

Cuba is the least surprising country on the list! We all know about the US-Cuba complicated history!

However US citizens are allowed to enter Cuba, they just have to apply for a Cuban Tourist Card (also referred to as a Cuban visa).

Cuba tourist card would cost $75 and after receiving it, it’s valid for 180 days before expiring and the traveler is allowed to stay in Cuba for 30 days.

You can purchase the Cuban These tourist cards can be purchased online.

India

US citizens need to apply for a visa to enter India. the Indian visa procedure changes frequently and it’s recommended to check the website for updates before planning your unforgettable trip to India.

As of now, U.S. citizens can apply online for an electronic travel authorization for India which costs $100 and should be applied for, at least 30 days before your departure to India. The Indian eVisa is valid for 60 days.

Turkey

Turkey is a hot spot for Europeans who are looking for a cheap summer destination and even cheap winter sun destination. This country has a lot to offer, from beaches to fantastic cuisine, and rich history.

American passport holders need to obtain a visa before traveling to Turkey. The visa needs 1 business day to process and is valid for 90 days. Turkish e Visa can be obtained online.

Vietnam

Similar to Australia, India, and Turkey, US citizens who wish to travel to Vietnam, need to apply for an e-Visa.

You should pay twice for the Vietnamese eVisa, once when you apply for the visa, and the second time, when you enter the country and your passport gets stamped. You can see the total cost to Vietnam eVisa for Americans here.

If you want to see the complete list of the countries where United States citizens need to apply for a visa click here.