In 2025, dozens of countries around the world switched up their visa policies.
Videos by TravelAwaits
The US made multiple changes to its visa programs for visa-exempt and non-visa-exempt countries. The former are now paying double the price for a temporary tourist visa, while the latter are facing widespread crackdowns—and could face a $250 visa integrity fee.
On the flipside, countries have also changed their visa setup for Americans. While you might not have needed a visa to visit countries as recently as 2024 or even 2025, that might not be the case this year—even for popular destinations like the UK and Brazil.
Need a little fresher about where you need a visa to visit in 2026? Here’s what you need to know.
Countries that you need a visa to visit in 2026
Brazil
As of April 20, 2025, Americans must apply for a tourist visa to visit Brazil. Although you can apply and receive your visa electronically, know that you need to print out your e-visa confirmation to enter the country. You can stay in the country up to 90 days with the e-visa.
- Apply here: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-miami/information-about-visas-in-english/electronic-visitor-visa-e-visa
- Fee: $80.90
- Trip length: Up to90 days
- Valid for: 10 years
- Average waiting time: A few days
China
China’s embassies in the United States rolled out a new visa application system (COVA) in September, 2025. The details listed below are valid for all tourist visas, called L Visas. Some tourists prefer to hire an agency that will manage your visa application, since the language barrier can be difficult.
- Apply here: https://consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA/
- Fee: $140 for standard or $165 for expedited
- Trip length: Up to90 days
- Valid for: 6 months – 1 year, depending on your passport expiry
- Average waiting time: 5-15 days
Russia
I doubt many Americans are interested in visiting Russia in 2026, but it’s possible. To get a tourist visa, you need a travel agency or hotel to provide a confirmation of your stay. You also need to appear in-person at a Russian Visa Application Center in either DC, New York, Houston, San Francisco, or Seattle.
- Apply here: In person
- Fee: $185
- Trip length: Up to90 days within 180-day period
- Valid for: 3 years
- Average waiting time: 10 calendar days
Australia
Australia has a very straightforward Electronic Travel Authority, similar to the UK. (More on the UK’s ETA below.) To apply for the visa, download the country’s ETA app, called AustralianETA. Most visas are instantly accepted, but you might face a multi-hour delay—so apply before you arrive.
- Apply here: AustralianETA app (available for iOS and Android)
- Fee: $13.50
- Trip length: 90 days at a time
- Valid for: One year
- Average waiting time: Normally instant
Egypt
As of January 8, 2025, Egypt requires all non-European nationals to apply for tourist visas to enter the country. Like many other countries, the visa is an electronic travel authorization process, but it’s usually called the Egypt e-Visa. It’s recommended that you apply at least seven days before travel.
- Apply here: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/
- Fee: $25 for single-entry or $60 for multiple-entry
- Trip length: 30 days for single-entry and 60 days for multiple-entry
- Valid for: 30 days for single-entry and 60 days for multiple-entry
- Average waiting time: 1-3 business days
India
India launched its e-Visa program back in 2014, making it one of the oldest digital visa systems used at a large scale. It has one of the most varied visa programs out there, with fees dependent on length of stay and season. Like Brazil, you need to print out your e-Visa confirmation to have with you at customs. Additionally, you need to arrive at one of the country’s 31 airports that are valid e-Visa entry points. (That’s most of them—you should be fine.)
- Apply here: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
- Fee: $10-80
- Trip length: 30 days for a 30-day visa, one year for a 1-year visa, or five years for a 5-year visa
- Valid for: Valid for entry within one year of date of issue
- Average waiting time: 3-4 business days
Countries where you will soon need a visa to visit in 2026
UK
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation has been slowly rolled out over the last few years, but it hasn’t been mandatory. On February 25th, 2026, that is set to change. All visitors entering the UK must present an ETA.
- Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
- Fee: $21
- Trip length: Up to six months
- Valid for: Two years
- Average waiting time: Normally instant, but allow three working days
European Union
Similar to the UK, the European Union (not a country, I know) will soon require all visitors to submit an ETIAS visa. After five years of ongoing delays, rumor has it the European Travel Information and Authorization System will finally be live in late 2026.
- Apply here: TBA
- Fee: $23
- Trip length: Up to 90 days
- Valid for: 180 days
- Average waiting time: TBA
