Do I Need a Visa? Complete Country-by-Country Guide for 2026
Find out which countries require visas based on your nationality. Comprehensive guide covering UK, USA, Schengen, Canada, Australia, and more — plus visa-free agreements and electronic travel authorizations.
How to Check If You Need a Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on two things:
- Your nationality (which passport you hold)
- Your destination (where you're travelling to)
This guide covers visa requirements for major destinations and how to check your specific situation.
Quick Reference: Major Destinations
| Destination | Visa-Free Nationalities | Digital Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | ~90 countries | ETA required for visa-free visitors |
| 🇺🇸 United States | ~40 countries (VWP) | ESTA required |
| 🇪🇺 Schengen Area | ~60 countries | ETIAS (launching 2026) |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~50 countries | eTA required for visa-exempt |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Limited | ETA or eVisitor |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | ~70 countries | None currently |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom Visa Requirements
Who Can Visit Without a Visa?
Citizens of approximately 90 countries can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa, including:
Americas: 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇦🇷 Argentina · 🇨🇱 Chile
Europe: All EU/EEA countries · 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Asia-Pacific: 🇯🇵 Japan · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🇹🇼 Taiwan · 🇲🇾 Malaysia · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand
Middle East: 🇦🇪 UAE · 🇶🇦 Qatar · 🇰🇼 Kuwait · 🇧🇭 Bahrain · 🇴🇲 Oman
UK ETA Requirement
⚠️ NEW: Visa-free visitors now need a UK ETA
From 2025, most visa-free nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to the UK. Cost: £10-16.
Read more: UK ETA Guide
Countries That Need a UK Visa
Citizens of these countries (among others) need a visa:
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇧🇩 Bangladesh · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇬🇭 Ghana · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇪🇬 Egypt · 🇮🇷 Iran · 🇮🇶 Iraq · 🇦🇫 Afghanistan · 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Check your requirement: gov.uk/check-uk-visa
🇺🇸 United States Visa Requirements
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries
Citizens of 40 countries can visit the US without a visa (up to 90 days) using ESTA:
🇦🇺 Australia · 🇦🇹 Austria · 🇧🇪 Belgium · 🇧🇳 Brunei · 🇨🇱 Chile · 🇨🇿 Czech Republic · 🇩🇰 Denmark · 🇪🇪 Estonia · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇫🇷 France · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇬🇷 Greece · 🇭🇺 Hungary · 🇮🇸 Iceland · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇯🇵 Japan · 🇱🇻 Latvia · 🇱🇹 Lithuania · 🇱🇺 Luxembourg · 🇲🇹 Malta · 🇲🇨 Monaco · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇳🇴 Norway · 🇵🇱 Poland · 🇵🇹 Portugal · 🇸🇲 San Marino · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇸🇰 Slovakia · 🇸🇮 Slovenia · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇪🇸 Spain · 🇸🇪 Sweden · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · 🇹🇼 Taiwan · 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
ESTA Requirement
- Cost: $21
- Validity: 2 years
- Apply: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Countries That Need a US Visa
Most countries not listed above require a B1/B2 visitor visa, including:
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇹🇷 Turkey · 🇷🇺 Russia · 🇺🇦 Ukraine · 🇪🇬 Egypt · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇪🇺 Schengen Area (Europe) Visa Requirements
Schengen Countries (29 total)
🇦🇹 Austria · 🇧🇪 Belgium · 🇧🇬 Bulgaria · 🇭🇷 Croatia · 🇨🇿 Czech Republic · 🇩🇰 Denmark · 🇪🇪 Estonia · 🇫🇮 Finland · 🇫🇷 France · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇬🇷 Greece · 🇭🇺 Hungary · 🇮🇸 Iceland · 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇱🇻 Latvia · 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein · 🇱🇹 Lithuania · 🇱🇺 Luxembourg · 🇲🇹 Malta · 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇳🇴 Norway · 🇵🇱 Poland · 🇵🇹 Portugal · 🇷🇴 Romania · 🇸🇰 Slovakia · 🇸🇮 Slovenia · 🇪🇸 Spain · 🇸🇪 Sweden · 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Visa-Free Countries (90 days in 180 days)
Americas: 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇦🇷 Argentina · 🇨🇱 Chile · 🇨🇴 Colombia · 🇵🇪 Peru
Asia-Pacific: 🇯🇵 Japan · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇲🇾 Malaysia · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🇹🇼 Taiwan
Middle East: 🇦🇪 UAE · 🇮🇱 Israel
ETIAS (Coming in 2026)
🆕 ETIAS launching in 2026
Visa-free visitors will need an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization. Cost: €7, valid for 3 years.
Countries That Need a Schengen Visa
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇧🇩 Bangladesh · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇬🇭 Ghana · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇪🇬 Egypt · 🇮🇷 Iran · 🇮🇶 Iraq · 🇦🇫 Afghanistan · 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka · 🇷🇺 Russia · 🇹🇷 Turkey
Read more: Schengen Visa Application Guide
🇨🇦 Canada Visa Requirements
Visa-Exempt Countries (eTA required)
🇬🇧 UK · 🇺🇸 US citizens don't need eTA · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇯🇵 Japan · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🇹🇼 Taiwan · All EU countries · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇦🇪 UAE
eTA Requirement
- Cost: CAD $7
- Validity: 5 years
- Apply: canada.ca eTA
Countries That Need a Canadian Visa
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇧🇩 Bangladesh · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇪🇬 Egypt · 🇮🇷 Iran
🇦🇺 Australia Visa Requirements
ETA Eligible Countries
🇬🇧 UK · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇯🇵 Japan · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🇲🇾 Malaysia · 🇧🇳 Brunei
- Cost: AUD $20
- Validity: 1 year
eVisitor (subclass 651) — EU Countries
All EU/EEA citizens can apply for a free eVisitor visa.
Countries That Need a Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇧🇩 Bangladesh · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇷🇺 Russia
🇯🇵 Japan Visa Requirements
Visa-Free Countries (up to 90 days)
🇬🇧 UK · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · All EU countries · 🇨🇭 Switzerland · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇲🇾 Malaysia · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇹🇭 Thailand · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🇹🇼 Taiwan · 🇲🇽 Mexico · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇦🇪 UAE
Countries That Need a Japan Visa
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇧🇩 Bangladesh · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇷🇺 Russia
🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai) Visa Requirements
Visa on Arrival Countries
🇬🇧 UK · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · All EU countries · 🇯🇵 Japan · 🇰🇷 South Korea · 🇸🇬 Singapore · 🇲🇾 Malaysia · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🇧🇷 Brazil · 🇦🇷 Argentina
- Duration: 30-90 days depending on nationality
- Cost: Free
Countries That Need a UAE Visa
🇮🇳 India · 🇨🇳 China · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇧🇩 Bangladesh · 🇳🇬 Nigeria · 🇵🇭 Philippines · 🇮🇩 Indonesia · 🇻🇳 Vietnam · 🇪🇬 Egypt
Electronic Travel Authorizations Comparison
| Country | System | Cost | Validity | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | ETA | £10-16 | 2 years | 3 days |
| 🇺🇸 USA | ESTA | $21 | 2 years | 72 hours |
| 🇪🇺 Schengen | ETIAS | €7 | 3 years | Minutes-days |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | eTA | CAD $7 | 5 years | Minutes |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ETA | AUD $20 | 1 year | 12 hours |
Passport Strength by Region
Most Powerful Passports (2026)
These passport holders can visit the most countries without a visa:
- 🇯🇵 Japan — 193 destinations
- 🇸🇬 Singapore — 192 destinations
- 🇫🇷 France / 🇩🇪 Germany / 🇮🇹 Italy / 🇪🇸 Spain — 190 destinations
- 🇬🇧 UK — 189 destinations
- 🇺🇸 USA — 186 destinations
Passports Requiring Most Visas
🇦🇫 Afghanistan · 🇮🇶 Iraq · 🇸🇾 Syria · 🇵🇰 Pakistan · 🇾🇪 Yemen — Need visas for most destinations
How to Check Your Specific Requirements
Official Government Tools:
- 🇬🇧 UK: Check if you need a visa
- 🇺🇸 USA: Visa Wizard
- 🇪🇺 Schengen: Visa Policy
- 🇨🇦 Canada: Find out if you need a visa
- 🇦🇺 Australia: Visa Finder
Third-Party Tools:
- Passport Index — Compare passport power
- IATA Travel Centre — Airline-used database
Common Questions
Do I need a visa if I'm just transiting?
Sometimes. Some countries require transit visas even if you don't leave the airport. Check our UK Transit Visa Guide.
What's the difference between a visa and ETA/ESTA?
ETAs/ESTAs are electronic travel authorizations for visa-free countries — simpler and cheaper than visas. Visas require a full application process, often with interviews.
Can I work on a tourist visa?
No. Tourist/visitor visas don't allow work. You need a specific work visa for employment.
How long can I stay without a visa?
Typically 90 days (Schengen, Japan) or up to 6 months (UK, Canada). Check specific country rules.
What if I have dual citizenship?
Use the passport that gives you the best entry rights for your destination. You may need to show both at immigration.
Key Takeaways
- 🛂 Visa requirements depend on YOUR nationality + DESTINATION
- 📱 ETAs/ESTAs are now required for many "visa-free" countries
- 🔍 Always check official government websites before booking
- ✈️ Transit may require separate visa/authorization
- ⏰ Apply early — some visas take weeks to process
Related Guides
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or professional advice. Immigration laws and visa requirements vary by country and change frequently without notice.
Always refer to official government sources of the relevant country (e.g., gov.uk for UK, travel.state.gov for USA, ec.europa.eu for EU/Schengen, mofa.go.jp for Japan) as your primary source of truth. The information provided here may not cover all scenarios, exceptions, recent policy changes, or country-specific requirements.
SolveVisaCase is not a law firm, immigration consultancy, or government agency. We do not provide legal representation or guaranteed outcomes. For complex cases, country-specific questions, or if you're unsure about your eligibility, please consult a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed adviser in the relevant jurisdiction.
We make every effort to keep this information accurate and up-to-date, but we accept no liability for any errors, omissions, delays, or adverse outcomes resulting from reliance on this content. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant immigration authorities.