Passport & Visa Information
IMPORTANT: You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary.
Passports: Your U.S. passport should be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of travel. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. To learn how to apply for a U.S. Passport including expedited services, click here. Travelers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.
REAL ID: Travelers planning on flying domestically in the U.S. must make sure their travel documents are either TSA-approved or REAL ID compliant. Starting May 7, 2025, some state driver's licenses will no longer be TSA-approved unless they are REAL ID compliant, which is not a default option in some states. For more information, please click here.
Visas: If a visa is required and cannot be obtained upon arrival in your destination, you should make arrangements with the appropriate foreign consular representative, allowing enough time for mailing and processing. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
Double Entry/ Multiple Entry Visas: If your itinerary involves entering a country, leaving and then later re-entering the same country, you may require a double-entry or multiple entry visa. Be sure to describe your itinerary clearly when contacting a foreign consular representative.
Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders: Country details below are based on information obtained from the U.S. State Department. This information is subject to change. To check for updates, please check with the consular office of the countries to be visited and/or click here.
TSA PreCheck: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents may opt to join the TSA PreCheck Program. This will allow travelers to save time and avoid lines when going through security at U.S. airports and not having to remove certain items from their luggage or person, such as shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids. Membership is valid for five years. The initial enrollment fee is $85, and the renewal fee is $70. For more information and to apply, please click here.
CBP Global Entry Program: U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, and some foreign nationals who travel abroad often may opt to join the CBP Global Entry Program. In addition to gaining access to TSA PreCheck lines, program members will also gain access to Global Entry kiosks. This will save time and avoid lines when returning to the U.S. Membership is valid for five years, and the enrollment and renewal fee is $100. For more information and to apply, please click here.
Non U.S. Citizens: All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.
Sea Cruise Travelers: Ttravelers on sea cruises should check carefully the requirements for each country to be visited on their sailing itinerary. Travelers without the correct documentation may be denied boarding at time of embarkation. Travelers may contact their sea cruise line directly for information but remain responsible to obtain any necessary visas.
International Entry & Visa Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders
Countries listed below require specific passport and/or visa information in addition to a U.S. passport. All other countries (not listed) do not require extra identity forms but may have extra health requirements. For health care requirements, click here.
Making the Visa Process Easier: For some countries, especially China and Russia, obtaining a visa can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Gate 1 suggests using a fee-based service like GenVisa when applying for your visa. Compared to guests who apply on their own, guests who use a visa service are less likely to have their applications rejected requiring re-submission for additional information or to correct any errors. Because visa services review your application prior to submission and offer guidance on how to best complete your application, they are able to make the process easier based on their years of experience working with the various consulates.
Click a box below to view entry requirements:
- For arrivals beginning in 2024, a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization will be required to enter any of the 29 member countries that compose the Schengen Zone. The ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for stays up to 90 days and once issued, valid for multiple entries over 3 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. The cost of an ETIAS is $7.35. The EU has not yet released its ETIAS application form so please check back closer to your travel date for this form and cost. For more information click here.
Countries that will require an ETIAS: 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
Countries that will NOT require an ETIAS: Ireland
Countries that will require an ETIAS: 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
Countries that will NOT require an ETIAS: Ireland
- An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa is required. The ETA is obtained through the Australian ETA mobile app. The cost of an Australian ETA is $20. For more information click here. From here, click on "Step by step" for information on how to apply via the Australian ETA app.
- A visa is required. We strongly suggest visas be obtained in advance to ensure entry and avoid long, multi-hour delays. Visas may be obtained by mail or in person at the Bolivian Consulate in the U.S. corresponding to your state of residence. In addition to a passport with a validity of at least 6 months, applicants must submit a completed application, one color passport photo, evidence of a hotel reservation or letter of invitation in Spanish, tour itinerary, proof of economic solvency (credit card, cash or a current bank statement), and application fee. For more information click here. There are Bolivian Consulates General in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
- A visa is required. U.S. citizens may obtain a Cambodian visa upon arrival at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. One passport-sized photograph is required. E-Visas may also be obtained in advance online at least 3 business days prior to travel here. The cost of this visa is $36. For more information, click here.
- Visa required. U.S. passport holders are required to provide documentation to support their visa application which includes (1) full passport name; (2) hotel names, addresses and phone numbers; and (3) confirmed airline reservations with ticket numbers. This information will be provided to you in your documents upon receipt of your full payment and once airline tickets have been issued. To learn how to obtain a visa from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC), visit www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/. Please ensure you use the correct application form based on the location where you will be applying for your visa. If applying at the Washington D.C. embassy or the Chicago, New York or San Francisco Consulates, use http://www.china-embassy.org/chn/lszj/bgxz/P020130830121570742708.pdf. If applying at the Los Angeles or Houston Consulates, use http://losangeles.china-consulate.org/eng/visa/chinavisa/P020180301250381274902.pdf. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive information via email about obtaining a visa to China. In the rare instance the Chinese consulate requests an original invitation letter after you have submitted your application, please contact our Service Department. For guests making flight connections in China to a 3rd country and desiring to stopover for up to 144 hours, you may be eligible for China's Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. Please visit https://www.travelchinaguide.com/tour/visa/free-transit-144-hours.htm for more information. The duration of your visa-free stopover varies depending on your connecting airport. Special note for customers visiting TIBET - A group permit is required for travel to Tibet and will be obtained for you upon final payment. In order to secure the Tibet visa on your behalf, we will need a scanned copy of your passport and China visa 45 days before departure from the US. The cost of this permit is included in the package price. At this time, we are only able to obtain a Tibet visa for U.S. passport holders. Once you make final payment, you will receive an email containing special instructions on how to apply for your Chinese visa. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
- A visa is required. To save time and skip some of the lines, we recommend purchasing your tourist card online in advance from Cuba Travel Services by clicking here. When purchasing your visa, you must select "Educational Activities" as your OFAC Category. The cost of this tourist card is $85 plus shipping and handling. Alternatively, the tourist card can be purchased on the day of departure at the airport's CTS "Cuba Ready" Kiosk. The kiosks are located adjacent to the check-in desk and gate in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. For those flying from Miami, this is at the American Airlines desk. For those flying from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, this is at the Southwest Airlines desk. The cost of this tourist card is $100.
Important: Cuban-born U.S. Citizens should contact Gate 1 immediately. Those who departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970 will require a HE-11 visa (allow 8 weeks to process) or a Cuban passport (allow 4 months). Those who departed Cuba after January 1, 1971 will require a Cuban passport (allow 6-12 months for new requests or 2-4 months for renewals).
Important: Cuban-born U.S. Citizens should contact Gate 1 immediately. Those who departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970 will require a HE-11 visa (allow 8 weeks to process) or a Cuban passport (allow 4 months). Those who departed Cuba after January 1, 1971 will require a Cuban passport (allow 6-12 months for new requests or 2-4 months for renewals).
- A visa is required. Single-entry visas valid for 30 days may be purchased upon arrival. Cost is $25 and payable only in cash. Exact change required. No credit cards accepted. Upon arrival, proceed to one of the bank kiosks in the Immigration hall to obtain a self-adhesive visa sticker. Apply the sticker to a blank page of your passport and proceed to the immigration desks. To avoid any possible lines at the kiosk, you may also obtain a visa sticker direct from the airport representative meeting your flight holding a Gate 1 sign for a service fee of $2 per person plus cost of the visa. Exact change required. No credit cards accepted. U.S. travelers on the 17 Day Crown of Egypt with 4 Day First Class Nile Cruise & Jordan must purchase a separate single-entry visa when re-entering Cairo at the end of the tour. Alternatively, prior to your arrival in Egypt you may apply for an e-visa (Single and Multiple Entry) here.
- A visa is required. An electronic visa may be obtained at here. Alternatively, travelers may obtain a sticker-type visa here, however this option is more expensive than an electronic visa. Travelers to India will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Indian visa. Click here for this information. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive complete information via email about obtaining a visa to India. Travelers continuing to Nepal and/or Bhutan and returning to India are required to have a 1- or 5-year multi-entry visa. The fee depends on the type and duration of the visa being applied for. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
- Jordan visas are arranged for you by Gate 1 in the following situations:
1. Travelers who have an Amman or Aqaba airport arrival transfer included in their trip or purchased through Gate 1 Travel. In order to obtain the visa, travelers must provide their full passport information and, if flights are not booked through Gate 1 Travel, full flight details (arrival date and time, airline, and flight number) prior to departure.
2. Travelers entering Jordan at a land border crossing on an Israel & Jordan combination tour:
Gate 1 will arrange your visa free of charge applicable for all nationalities. We will request your passport information which is needed at least 60 days prior to departure. Upon arrival in Jordan, either at the Amman or Aqaba Airports or at one of the land border crossings between Israel and Jordan, a local Gate 1 representative will provide you with a one-page letter (Visa Manifest) before you reach passport control. The Visa Manifest will include your full passport information and details of your tour program. It is needed for entry and departure from Jordan. Note: In case you lose your Visa Manifest, change your schedule or choose to depart Jordan on your own, a $60 visa fee will apply upon departure.
3. Travelers participating on the optional Full Day Petra tour from Israel: Gate 1 will obtain a visa locally for approximately $60 as long as your passport information is provided to the Israel Tour Manager at least 48 hours in advance. This is in addition to the border taxes & fees.
4. In all other situations, you will need to get your visa on your own in advance of your trip. A single-entry visa costs approximately $60 and can be obtained in advance or on arrival at certain entry points. For more information click here.
Please note: In all situations when crossing the Israeli-Jordanian land border, there is a $55-65 exit fee. This fee is paid locally at the time of the border crossing. Travelers will be advised by their tour manager at the start of their tour how much the fee is and how to pay it.
1. Travelers who have an Amman or Aqaba airport arrival transfer included in their trip or purchased through Gate 1 Travel. In order to obtain the visa, travelers must provide their full passport information and, if flights are not booked through Gate 1 Travel, full flight details (arrival date and time, airline, and flight number) prior to departure.
2. Travelers entering Jordan at a land border crossing on an Israel & Jordan combination tour:
Gate 1 will arrange your visa free of charge applicable for all nationalities. We will request your passport information which is needed at least 60 days prior to departure. Upon arrival in Jordan, either at the Amman or Aqaba Airports or at one of the land border crossings between Israel and Jordan, a local Gate 1 representative will provide you with a one-page letter (Visa Manifest) before you reach passport control. The Visa Manifest will include your full passport information and details of your tour program. It is needed for entry and departure from Jordan. Note: In case you lose your Visa Manifest, change your schedule or choose to depart Jordan on your own, a $60 visa fee will apply upon departure.
3. Travelers participating on the optional Full Day Petra tour from Israel: Gate 1 will obtain a visa locally for approximately $60 as long as your passport information is provided to the Israel Tour Manager at least 48 hours in advance. This is in addition to the border taxes & fees.
4. In all other situations, you will need to get your visa on your own in advance of your trip. A single-entry visa costs approximately $60 and can be obtained in advance or on arrival at certain entry points. For more information click here.
Please note: In all situations when crossing the Israeli-Jordanian land border, there is a $55-65 exit fee. This fee is paid locally at the time of the border crossing. Travelers will be advised by their tour manager at the start of their tour how much the fee is and how to pay it.
- A visa is required. The type of visa needed depends on the itinerary. Travelers to Kenya will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Kenyan visa. Click here for further information. To apply for a visa click here and follow the instructions. For more information click here. There are two types of visa, single entry and East Africa Tourist Visa. Please find your tour below to ensure you purchase the correct one.
1. Single Entry eVisa: The eVisa costs $51 and must be obtained in advance. You will await approval via email (approx. 2 days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for 3 months before travel.
- Applicable on the following tours: 7 Day Classic Kenya, 10 Day Classic Kenya & Tanzania, 11 Day Kenya Safari Exploration, 16 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Zanzibar.
2. East Africa Tourist Visa: The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $101 and must be obtained in advance. This will allow travelers to enter Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda multiple times. You will await approval via email (approx. 2 days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for 3 months before travel.
- Applicable on the following tours: 11 Day Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti: A Safari Journey, 15 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda, 15 Day Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti & Rwanda: A Safari Journey, 19 Day Kenya & Uganda Wildlife Exploration, 20 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda & Zanzibar.
Please note: The East Africa Tourist Visa can be used as a multi-entry visa for Kenya. This is not used as a visa for Tanzania. For information on Tanzania, please see below.
1. Single Entry eVisa: The eVisa costs $51 and must be obtained in advance. You will await approval via email (approx. 2 days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for 3 months before travel.
- Applicable on the following tours: 7 Day Classic Kenya, 10 Day Classic Kenya & Tanzania, 11 Day Kenya Safari Exploration, 16 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Zanzibar.
2. East Africa Tourist Visa: The East Africa Tourist Visa costs $101 and must be obtained in advance. This will allow travelers to enter Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda multiple times. You will await approval via email (approx. 2 days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for 3 months before travel.
- Applicable on the following tours: 11 Day Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti: A Safari Journey, 15 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda, 15 Day Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti & Rwanda: A Safari Journey, 19 Day Kenya & Uganda Wildlife Exploration, 20 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda & Zanzibar.
Please note: The East Africa Tourist Visa can be used as a multi-entry visa for Kenya. This is not used as a visa for Tanzania. For information on Tanzania, please see below.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance. For more information and to apply click here. E-visas are processed within 3 business days of application and cost $50. Upon approval, you will be emailed an e-visa Approval Letter which must be printed prior to the start of your trip and presented to the Immigration official upon arrival in Myanmar. Do not apply too early as you must enter the country within 90 days of Approval Letter issuance.
- A visa is required. Tourists may obtain a visa on arrival for $30 for a 15 day stay, or $50 for a 30 day stay, payable in cash at the airport in Kathmandu. The visa is valid for multiple entries. We recommend guests bring two passport sized photographs in the event the automated kiosks are unable to take your photo. You may save time and skip some of the lines by completing your application in advance and uploading your photo here here. Once your application is completed, you will receive a visa receipt which must be printed and shown to the Immigration official upon arrival. Do not complete the application too soon as the visa receipt requires you to enter Nepal within 15 days of issuance. Alternatively, you may choose to secure a traditional visa prior to departure. For information click here.
- An electronic Travel Authority (eTA) and payment of an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism levy are required. The eTA must be obtained prior to the beginning of travel and can be obtained here. Allow up to 72 hours for processing. Total cost is $32.
- A visa is required. The visa application process requires an application form, a valid passport, one passport-sized photo, your trip confirmation from Gate 1, a Visa Support Letter (VSL) also provided by Gate 1, and a processing fee. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive complete information via email about obtaining a Visa Support Letter (VSL) and a visa to Russia, and then again at 120 days prior to departure. If a revision is required after the VSL has been issued, there is a $50 per person Russia Visa Support Letter change fee that will be applied. Visas services for the Embassy of the Russian Federation are managed by VFS Global, 1025 Vermont Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20015 Tel (202) 503-9911. All applicants must first complete an online Visa Application Form at http://visa.kdmid.ru and then either appear in person at the Visa Center ($33 fee in addition to the Consular visa fees) or submit their application via a visa service. Details at https://washington.mid.ru/en/. (Note - although the Russian embassy recommends multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, it is not necessary. A single-entry visa is sufficient for itineraries with one entrance into the Russian Federation). Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly. Visa processing can take up to 6 weeks during which time your passport will be unavailable for other international trips.
- A visa is required. Tourists continuing onto Kenya should apply for an East Africa Tourist visa online for $101. This visa is valid for entry into both Rwanda and Kenya. Tourists may also obtain a single-entry Rwandan visa for $50. To apply for either visa type, click here, click on "Visa Application," then "Visa Application" from the request type drop down, then follow the instructions. Travelers to Rwanda will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Rwandan visa. Click here for further information. You will await approval via email (approx. 7 days), then download and print the visa to be presented upon entry to Rwanda. The visa can also be obtained upon arrival in Rwanda for $50. For more information click here.
- A tourist visa is not required for stays up to 90 days however travelers are required to have at least two, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa. This includes re-entry from eSwatini. Therefore, travelers continuing on to Zimbabwe and/or Botswana are required to have four blank visa pages. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding travelers without the required blank visa page. For more information click here.
- A visa is required. Visa available upon arrival at the airport for $60. Travelers may also obtain Electronic Travel Authorization prior to arrival for $50. This can be obtained here. Please note, due to ongoing upgrade and maintenance of the ETA system, travelers may be unable to obtain an ETA prior to departure and must purchase one upon arrival.
- Visa required and all passport holders should have four entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport. Visas are available for purchase at the Kilimanjaro Airport, however we strongly suggest it be obtained in advance here to avoid long delays and ensure entry. Visas upon arrival are not guaranteed. The current fee for a visa is $100. Travelers purchasing a visa at the airport must be prepared to pay in USD (cash). Travelers to Tanzania will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Tanzanian visa. Click here for details. For more information, click here. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly. Please note that the government of Tanzania prohibits travelers to have certain types of plastic bags in their possession when entering the country. For more information about this ban click here.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance here for $50. Immigration officials advise guests to print a hard copy of their e-visa notification and bring it with them in the event of system failure. Visas are not required for sea cruise travelers who purchase shore excursions to Kusadasi and Istanbul.
- A visa is required. Travelers to Uganda must apply for a visa in advance here at least two weeks prior to travel. The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is $50. Travelers to Uganda will need to provide a local reference, including company name, address and phone number, for their Ugandan visa. Click here for further information. Travelers on the 19 Day Kenya & Uganda Wildlife Exploration should apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa here at a cost of $101 and is valid for entry into Kenya and Uganda.
- Visas are required. Travelers may obtain an e-visa here for $20. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA or you may visit a consulate in person, either in New York City or Washington DC. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
Please note: travelers who are 55 years of age or older are exempt from getting a visa prior to arrival if they are traveling for tourism and stay for less than 30 days.
Please note: travelers who are 55 years of age or older are exempt from getting a visa prior to arrival if they are traveling for tourism and stay for less than 30 days.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance here for $25. When applying for your e-visa, you will be asked to select your entry and exit ports. The exit port is Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi). The entry port for the 16 Day Gems of Southeast Asia tour is Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi). For all other tours the entry port is Tan Son Nhat Int Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
- A visa is required. Visas for U.S. citizens can only be obtained upon arrival to Zimbabwe. U.S. Citizens entering Zimbabwe for tourism can expect to pay $30 for a single-entry visa or $50 for a Kaza Uni-Visa, which allows for multiple border crossings as required by the itinerary. Travelers will be advised by their tour manager at the start of their tour which visa to obtain, based on their arrival in the Victoria Falls area. Please do not purchase your visa prior to departure. All information and rates are subject to change without notice. Payment in cash is recommended.