Last updated on January 19th, 2025

American passports provide a huge selection of travel options that don’t require a visa—over 180 countries as a matter of fact. This is great news for budget-conscious travelers as there are no additional fees (or stress) to acquire a visa; it’s almost like getting a package comprising $200 free money when wagering online.

If you’re deciding where to travel next, why not consider one of these seven visa-free destinations? Whichever you choose, you’ll find unforgettable attractions and experiences.

1. United Kingdom

With Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the British Museum, and the London Eye representing just a handful of its attractions, the United Kingdom is well worth visiting. The island nation has long been a center of arts, culture, and history, and its long list of attractions and activities emphasizes their significance. Then there are the fun-filled, family-friendly attractions like The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour. Whether you’re a cultural connoisseur or a Harry Potter fan, the UK will deliver an experience tailor-made just for you.

Oh, and while you’re there, be sure not to miss out on cliché activities like visiting an English pub or going out for afternoon tea—there’s a reason these are clichés, and you may just kick yourself for missing out on them!

2. France

When you think of France, a few tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Arc de Triomphe will likely jump to your mind. These sites have beckoned tourists for over a century, yet somehow always retain their appeal. They are also just a small glimpse of what the country has to offer. There are other renowned sites, like the Palace of Versailles, and countless other attractions to take in. Let’s not forget about the country’s world-famous fashion and food, both of which appeal to tourists in their own right. A trip to France will surely inspire and delight any traveler.

3. Japan

Cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, Buddhist temples, traditional tea ceremonies, and the ultramodern Tokyo are a few of the countless sites and activities that beckon tourists to the country of Japan. Traveling here is an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and to try authentic sushi and ramen. 

While there, you should also try out their convenience food options, like konbini (convenience stores) and food from vending machines. They’re nothing like what you’ll find in America. Be sure to familiarize yourself with cultural norms and etiquette before going because even things like taking public transit come with different expectations than those in the States.

If your sights are set on seeing cherry blossoms during your trip, plan to go in the spring between March and May; otherwise, you might miss them.

4. South Korea

South Korea is a country that offers unique and enchanting travel opportunities, whether you’re a traveler who loves to explore history, architecture, nature, or food. South Korea is home to stunning palaces dating back to the beginning of the Joseon dynasty in the 1300s, including the famous Gyeongbokgung Palace. The carefully restored and maintained palaces showcase a stunning architectural style and the feeling that history is alive and well on the grounds. 

Major city hubs like South Korea’s capital, Seoul, offer plenty of dining opportunities, making it an appealing destination for food lovers. It also has museums and galleries that explore the country’s history, culture, and art, and many opportunities to explore markets and shops. It’s a country that will keep you busy and entertained from the moment you arrive.

5. Australia

Offering surfing, ocean views, snorkeling, and unique wildlife, Australia is a country that appeals to many—as long as you don’t think about the number of deadly spiders that reside there. Australia has iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but if you’re craving outdoor adventures on land or water, Australia delivers that too. On land, you can journey to find kangaroos, wombats, or Tasmanian devils. In the water, you can swim with whales, dolphins, and sharks.

6. Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the world (second to Russia), and its vast landscape has a huge variety of tourist opportunities. You can commune with nature through Canada’s many parks and forests and even marvel at the Northern Lights in the Yukon and the Rocky Mountains in British Columbia and Alberta. If you’re particularly adventurous, you can see wildlife like polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, also known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Just be sure to familiarize yourself with polar bear safety before visiting since these apex predators don’t joke around in the slightest.

If you’re looking for a more urban experience, Canada also boasts urban spaces that draw many people to it, like Toronto with its CN Tower and many cultural attractions, Vancouver where mountain, city, and ocean meet, Quebec City with its rich history and European-esque aesthetic, and Ottawa, the country’s political center.

7. Mexico

Our southern neighbor, Mexico, delivers warmth and vibrancy. Plus, the country is home to archaeological sites, historical landmarks, beaches, and a thriving capital city. Main attractions that draw tourists year after year include Mayan ruins, Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, Rio Secreto (“Secret River”) Nature Reserve, and beach-filled paradise cities like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas.

Mexico City, the country’s capital, offers more museums than New York City on subjects varying from anthropology to tequila, a thriving food scene, a diverse selection of markets, and vendors cooking up the delicious street food Mexico is known for. The city is a bike-friendly space for travelers who love to bike, with many streets closed to vehicle traffic every Sunday. You can cruise through neighborhoods while admiring the area’s architectural style. 

Conclusion

While these seven countries are some of the best destinations you can explore without a visa, they are just a tiny portion of all the options available to you as an American. Wherever you decide to fly next, remember to feel grateful for the many options that don’t require any extra time, money, and stress before you get there.