Yes, you read it correctly. Travel 30+ countries VISA-FREE with US visa.
I always encourage travelers from developing countries to get a US visa at some point. It opens up doors to many other countries. More and more countries are offering visa exemption with a valid US visa. This list is growing fast.
If you are worried that the VISA-FREE list for your passport is just too small, then get a US visa. It will add about 30+ countries to your VISA-FREE list. This is how you give more “power” to your “powerless” passport.
—
Why do countries offer visa exemption to US visa holders?
Reason 1: Strict screening
US visa application has a very strict screening process. US visa is also one of the most difficult visas to get. If you have a US visa, then you were screened pretty well already. Meaning, you do not have a criminal history or any illegal immigration intentions.
Reason 2: Strong ties to your home country
US visa application also makes sure you have strong ties to your home country. This is to avoid illegal immigration. If you were to stay illegally anywhere, you could have stayed illegally in the US itself. So, having a US visa reassures them that you have no intentions of remaining in their country illegally.
Reason 3: Financial reasons
Developing countries do not have the infrastructure or the money to screen the applicants. If you were already screened by a country like the USA, there is no need to screen you again. In order to have a screening process that is as foolproof as the US, it costs a good chunk of money.
BONUS: Click here for a country cheat sheet for your VISA-FREE travel with US visa
—
Which US visas are eligible?
The following US visas can be used
- Tourist or Business Visa (B1/B2)
- Work Visa (L1/L2/H1/H4)
- Permanent Residency (Green card)
Some countries allow F1 and C/D type of visas as well.
Some countries require the US visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to travel to the US.
So, without further due, here is the list.
Also Read: 14 ways to get a travel itinerary for visa application
***
North America
Chichén Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico
01. United States (of course!)
- Includes the US territories – US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam
- Excludes the US territories – American Samoa (American Samoa has it’s own immigration rules and do not honor US visa)
02. Mexico
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Secretary of Foreign Relations, Mexico, Consulate of Mexico in Washington DC, USA, Consulate of Mexico in Toronto, Canada and Consulate of Mexico in India
Also Read: 10 mistakes that can get your visa denied. And how to avoid them
***
Central America
Jacó Beach, Jacó, Costa Rica
03. Belize
- Applies to all passport holders
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Belize.comBelize High Commission in London and Consulate of Belize in Alberta, Canada
04. Guatemala
- Applies to India and Jamaica passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, Embassy of India in Guatemala and Consulate General of Jamaica, NYC
05. Honduras
- Applies to India and Jamaica passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Embassy of India in Guatemala and Consulate General of Jamaica in NYC
06. El Salvador
- Applies to India and Jamaica passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Relations of El Salvador and Embassy of India in Guatemala
07. Nicaragua
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Email response from the consulate of Nicaragua in Washington DC – “Si tiene visa vigente de USA valida y pasaporte más de seis meses, puede viajar y el Pasaje ida y vuelta y dirección en Nicaragua. La visa al entrar a Nicaragua se la darán por un mes, el cual si quiere estar más tiempo tiene que solicitar a la Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.”
08. Costa Rica
- Applies to all nationalities
- For B1/B2, C1 or D visa from the USA, it must be valid for at least 1 day from the day of arrival
- For student/work visa or PR from the USA, it must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada and Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA
09. Panama
- Applies to all nationalities
- US visa must be valid for at least one year from the date of arrival
- US visa must have been used at least once to enter the US before
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Panama in the USA and Consulate of Panama in Toronto, Canada
***
Caribbean
Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
10. Bahamas
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bahamas.com and TIMATIC database
11. Cuba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must hold the Tourist Card, which can be obtained from Cuban embassies, authorized airlines and travel agencies
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: IATA Travel Center and TIMATIC database
12. Dominican Republic
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Dominican Republic in the UK, Embassy of Dominican Republic in the US and Internal Revenue Department
13. Sint Maarten
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Government of Sint Maarten
14. Antigua and Barbuda
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda and Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda in NYC
15. Aruba
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
16. Curaçao
- Applies to China, Dominican Republic and India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Curaçao Tourism and Netherlands and You
Also Read: How to travel 20+ countries VISA-FREE with Canada visa
***
South America
Plaza de Bolívar, Bogotá, Colombia
17. Colombia
- Applies to Cambodia, China, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia
18. Peru
- Applies to India and China passport holders only
- The US visa must have been granted for at least 6 months
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Peru and Embassy of India in Lima, Peru
19. Chile
- Applies to China passport holders only
- The US visa must be B1/B2 only (work/student/crew visa and green card are not eligible)
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Consulate General of Chile, Washington DC and Chile Ministry of Exterior
20. Argentina
- Applies to China passport holders only
- The US visa must be B1/B2 only (work/student/crew visa and green card are not eligible)
- Must apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Consulate General of Argentina, New York, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina and Ministry of Interior of Argentina
Also Read: What to pack for international travel
***
Europe
Istanbul, Turkey
21. Turkey
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Afghanistan
Angola
Bangladesh
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Cote d’Ivoire
Congo, Dem. Rep, of
Congo, Rep. of
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
EritreaEthiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
India
Iraq
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mozambique
Nepal
NigerNigeria
North Korea
Pakistan
Philippines
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Vietnam
Yemen
Zimbabwe - Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for 30 day eVisa
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey
22. Georgia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia
23. Albania
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must have used the visa/PR to enter USA at least once
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania
24. Macedonia
- Applies to all nationalities
- The visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
- Entry up to 15 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
25. Montenegro
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
26. Serbia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
27. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Applies to all nationalities that have visa regime with Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in India and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Norway
28. United Kingdom
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must be in transit to/from the US only and must have an onward ticket within 24 hours
- Available at Heathrow airport only
- Entry for 24 hours only
- More info: Heathrow Arrivals and UK Gov – Check Visa
Also Read: 15 ways to research visa requirements for any country
***
Middle East
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
29. United Arab Emirates
- Applies to only India passport holders
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to avail Visa ON ARRIVAL at UAE airports including Dubai
- Entry up to 14 days
- More info: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of UAE and NDTV News
30. Qatar
- Applies to all nationalities
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eTA and then avail Visa ON ARRIVAL at international airports in Qatar
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Qatar Tourist Authority and Ministry of Foreign Interior, Qatar
31. Oman
- Applies to the following passport holders only
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
***
Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe
32. São Tomé and Príncipe
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 15 days
- More info: Consulate of São Tomé and Príncipe in the Netherlands and São Tomé and Príncipe Tourism Department
Also Read: 10 tips for happy and successful Airbnb stay
***
Asia
Boracay, Philippines
33. Taiwan
- Applies to Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam passport holders only
- Visa is EXEMPT but must apply online for Republic of China Travel Authorization Certificate (Valid for 90 days) before arrival
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
34. Philippines
- Applies to only India and China passport holders
- Entry up to 14 days for India passport holders
- Entry up to 7 days for China passport holders
- A 7 day extension is possible
- More info: Embassy of Philippines in Singapore and Embassy of Philippines in India
35. South Korea
- Applies to all nationalities except Cuba, Macedonia, Syria, Sudan and Iran
- Must be in transit to reach the US as final destination
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Republic of Korea Visa Portal and Hi Korea (e-Government for Foreigners)
36. Singapore
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Must be traveling to or from India
- Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
- Entry up to 96 hours
- More info: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
37. Malaysia
- Applies to Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam passport holders only
- Must be in transit to reach the US or the country of passport as the final destination
- Entry up to 120 hours (5 days)
- More info: Consulate General of Malaysia, Chennai and Kuala Lumpur Airport
Also Read: What is Visa on Arrival and how to get it successfully every time
***
VISA-FREE travel with United States Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
If you have been living in the US and hold the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), you can also travel VISA-FREE to these additional countries.
01. Canada
- Applies to all nationalities
- Applicable to air travel only
- Must apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival
- Entry up to 180 days
- More info: Government of Canada Immigration and Citizenship – visa requirement check
02. Bahamas
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Bahamas.com, Consulate General of Bahamas in Washington DC and Nassau Paradise Island
03. Sint Maarten
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Government of Sint Maarten
04. Aruba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
***
There you have it! List of 30+ countries you can travel visa-free with US visa. If you don’t have a US visa already, it’s time to apply for one and add another 30+ to your list of VISA-FREE countries.
Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) that offers visa exemption for US visa holders? Let me know in the comments below.
***
Hi Thirumal … This is a Great Site. We live in The Gambia where there are hardly any Embassies.
We have a US & a UK Visa … & this really helps us plan a Holiday.
Hi Amrith! Thank you! Yeah, I feel your pain. There are embassies in India but most of them are in the capital city New Delhi. Sometimes I have to fly across the country to just apply for a visa.
I am glad the article is helpful to you. Most of these countries in the list also offer visa exemption to UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc visa holders. I am putting together a detailed article on this.
Hi, Thirumal, thanks for your information,
i want to know if the visa F-1 can offer us these countries.
Hi Cedric! Most countries do allow F-1 visa. If a country allows only a certain type of US visas, they would specify. What country passport do you hold? I can give you the exact list of countries that allow F-1 visa for your passport.
Hey Thirumal.
I have a Bangladeshi passport and have F-1 USA visa valid until 2022.
Yes Jim, F-1 visa is also considered as a valid US visa. So, you can travel all the countries on the list with your F-1 visa (except Chile and Argentina but that’s only for China passport holders anyway). Since you have Bangladesh passport, look for countries that say “applies to all nationalities”.
Hi! I’m currently using a US tourist visa (B2) Can I travel to Maldives for 3 days and re-enter in US?
Hi Jennelyn! Is your question about (1) entering Maldives (OR) (2) re-entering the US after being away for just 3 days?
Bro, thank you very much for your Valid Info…
very much helpful to us…
we will process the documents to get US visa at the earliest
Regards,
Anto
You’re welcome, Anthoni! Yeah, get your US visa. It will open up so many opportunities for you.
Hi Thirumal!
This is really helpful. I, myself, from the Philippines can access a limited number of countries with my weak passport but ever since I got a US Visa, it widened.
Would you know the latest rule on Bosnia and Herzegovina? Also, as far as I know, Kosovo can also be entered for 15 days with a US Visa 🙂
Thank you, Chris! Yeah, US visa can be really helpful for us with weak passports. Regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, I haven’t gotten any response from the consulate yet. I will update you soon on that.
Regarding Kosovo, I couldn’t find any documentation that confirms the visa exemption with US visa. Were you able to get visa-exemption in Kosovo with your US visa? Do you know any documentation or official link for that?
Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed that one can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with a US visa for 30 days.
Good day sir,am having a US B1B2 visa 5 years multiple entry with ghana passport,wanna know which countries can i visit with my Ghana passport
Hi Alidu! You can travel up to 18 countries with your Ghana passport and valid US B1/B2 visa. Below is the list –
NORTH AMERICA
-Mexico
-Belize
-Costa Rica
-Panama
CARIBBEAN
-Antigua and Barbuda
-Cuba
-Dominican Republic
EUROPE
-Albania
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Georgia
-Macedonia
-Montenegro
-Serbia
-Turkey (eVisa)
-United Kingdom (24hrs only)
MIDDLE EAST
-Qatar (VoA)
AFRICA
-São Tomé and Príncipe
ASIA
-South Korea
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for such a thorough list! Definitely bookmarking to refer to!
Thanks! Yeah, the list is growing. I will add more to it as I find them.
Hello dear
For getting another countries visa at Indian passport, which country visa is better?
USA or UK or Europe ??
If you are asking which visa has a higher chance of approval for Indian passport, I would say Schengen visa. That being said, all visas are easy to get if you have proper documentation and enough funds to support yourself. Try to apply from the German embassy.
US Visa holders are so lucky to get access like this!
True! I always encourage my readers to get a US visa at some point. Most of these countries in the list also accept Canada, Schengen and other visas. So, it’s always a good idea to get a US, Canada or Schengen visa.
Hi Thirumal,
Your data is indeed helpful !
Could you also confirm whether the valid B2 visa holders can travel to Australia / New Zealand / Schengen countries.
Thanks in advance !!!
Hi Sankar! Thanks for the kind words! Unfortunately no, you cannot use your US B1/B2 visa to travel to Australia, New Zealand or Schengen countries. You would need a visa from Australia to travel to Australia, a visa from New Zealand to travel to New Zealand and a Schengen visa to travel to any of the Schengen countries
Could you confirm that USA L1 (either L1 A or L1 B) visa holder with Indian passport is free to visit the NZ/AUZ without a tourist visa?
New Zealand and Australia DO NOT honor other visas. You must have a New Zealand visa to enter New Zealand and Austalia visa to enter Australia.
wow I had no idea that a US Visa could get you so many other places! I am an American Citizen so lucky like that I guess!
Yep. Especially for those who need visas to travel, US visa can help them a lot. I hope more countries offer visa exemption with US visa.
Hello man
How are you?Hope you doin good.
I have a friend from Ecuador and she wants to come in Albania.She have an american tourist visa B1/B2.So she can stay a month here in Albania without amy problem
Hey man! I’m doing good. How are you?
Yes, your Ecuadorian friend can visit you in Albania without a visa as she already has a US B1/B2 visa, provided that she has used her B1/B2 visa to enter the United States at least once before. Below is the official documentation from Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs –
“Foreign citizens who have a valid, multiple-entry US or UK visa, which has been previously used in the respective country of issuance, or have valid permit of stay in the US or UK.”
For more info, refer to the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
Hello dear I have US B1 B2 visa we can visit Canada or no thanks
Hi Barez! You can avail visa EXEMPTION for Canada with your US B1/B2 visa ONLY IF you hold a passport from the following countries. If not, you would need to apply for Canada tourist visa.
* Brazil
* Bulgaria
* Romania
You can find more information on how to apply for Canada tourist visa here.
Highlighted this one. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Glad it was helpful.
Very helpful info! Thanks for this article. I have US visa and Japan visa. I’m planning to get my Europe visa soon, hopefully it will turn out fine just like my US and Japan visa application 🙂
Yes, you will be fine. Having US and Japan visas can definitely help with screening and travel history. Good luck!
I recently availed a UK visa on arrival at T5 in Heathrow. If you have a US Visa and are transiting through London , you can get Visa on Arrival for free in UK border control. The Visa is valid for 24 hours only though.
That’s a great news! Even 24 hours is something. Do you know if this VoA for all nationalities or just Indian passport holders?
Anyone ; I’m Kenyan
Anyone with a valid US visa
Good to know. Thanks, Steph!
I am wondering whether final destination should be USA/NZ/AUS? or any country? If say suppose I just want to go UK for a day? I am a Pakistani national.
Well, as far as I know, you must be in transit to or from the USA/NZ/AUS. For example: If you have US visa, then your itinerary should be Lahore-London-NewYork or NewYork-London-Lahore.
Yes me too ; I had a long transit from NYC with a B visa // immigration gave me a 24 hr visa to London as well 😉
Hi Steph. I am from Pakistan and have a B1/B2 valid visa of USA,now I have planned to go USA in last week of January 2018, so I want 24 hrs transit visa of UK,pls.guide me.Rgds
Hi Sajjad, Steph and other readers have availed the 24-hour transit visa at the UK airport successfully. But, I couldn’t find any official documentation from UK immigration services on this visa. I am still validating and in touch with the UK immigration officials. Meanwhile, I assume you can also avail the transit visa as quite a few of my readers were able to avail it.
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y/pakistan/transit/somewhere_else/yes
this link might help
Hi Varun,
I am planning the same. So going to NewYork and intending to utilise the stopover at London to make visit the local spots. So just wished to confirm
1. if the transit visit was easy?
2. Any special queries by the UK immigration?
3. And you filled the transit vi’s form at the airport itself?
4. Would t matter if we apply for the transit visa on our return trip from USA to India rather than when going from India to the US?
5. Which airline would you recommend which give an 8-10 hrs stopover at London on route to New York? I see only rerun flights with such stopovers and not sure if getting the transit visa then would work?
Hi Gurbir! I am going to send a quick note to Varun to see if he can respond to your query. Most of my readers are also on the FB group Visa Talk. You can post your specific questions on the FB group as well to see if you can get a quick response. Stephanie is on the group, but Varun is not. I will invite Varun as well to join the FB group.
Here is the link to the FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823074001290802/
I want to visit UK, London. I have US B1 Visa. Can I stopover and visit some place with US B1 visa in London. All I know that person need to leave UK within 24 hours. However, not sure, if person can roan around in UK within that 24 hours.
Usually, the stopover is enough to meet friends or check out 1-2 attractions.
Is this list applicable to F1 (student) visa holders?
Yes. You can use your student visa as well.
Most countries want the US visa to be multiple-entry. But, they are no restrictions on which type of visa you can use. It can be B1/B2, F1 or H1.
There are a few countries which impose additional requirements on different visa types. For example, for Costa Rica B1/B2 must be valid for at least 1 day from the date of arrival. Where as, F1 or H1 must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival.
It’s hard to mention all these intricate details in a blog post. I have detailed all of these requirements/pre-requisites in my eBook which you can download from here.
Hi Thirumal, I have a US C1/D visa , can you please guide me if I can travel to Philippines without any Visa based on my US visa.
Philippines (Embassies as well as Bureau of Immigration) does not specify the types of US visas that are allowed. That means, in my opinion and experience, Philippines honors all types of US visas. I have personally traveled using my H1B visa. I know quite a few people who have traveled to Philippines using their B1/B2 visas. I believe you can use your C1/D visa as well.
Dear ,
Appreciate if you guide me , i have US B1/B2 visa having pakistani passport which countries i can visit with on arrival visa or no visa
Hi Shafiq! With Pakistani passport and US B1/B2, you can travel to 11 countries. List is below. Though all of these 11 countries EXEMPT visa for you (since you have US visa), they have slightly different rules. For example, South Korea EXEMPTs visa only if transiting from/to the USA. For complete rules and more information, I suggest to download my eBook. I’ve documented all the rules in the eBook. Link is below.
1. Albania
2. Costa Rica
3. Dominican Republic
4. Georgia
5. Mexico
6. Montenegro
7. Panama
8. Romania
9. Serbia
10. South Korea (While transit from/to USA only)
11. Turkey (eligible to apply for eVisa)
EBook – https://www.visatraveler.com/books/visa-free-travel-with-visa-from-us-uk-canada-schengen-australia-new-zealand-japan-singapore/
Dear Thrimul… It’s really great info and I think you need to add UK (24 hours) also in this list as per your eBook all nationalities are allowed so Paksitani passport holder are also entitled to enter UK for 24 hours if they are travelling to or from US with valid US visa, isnt it?
Hi Kashif! Though that info is already in my eBook, I’m still validating it to be added to this article. I know a handful of people who have availed the 24hrs UK transit visa. They are from different nationalities and I assume Pakistani passport holders are no exception. If you do avail this visa in the future, please let me know.
This article is really helpful. Thanks for all thr information provided here. I wana ask can i travel Romania with indian passport and US tourist visa.
Thanks
Unfortunately, Romania DOES NOT offer visa exemption for US visa. More info here -> https://www.mae.ro/en/node/2040
Macedonia also allows tourist visa for 15 days for Indian passport holders with US B1/B2 visa stamped.
Thank you! Great info. One more country from Europe.
My passport is Bangladeshi. & visa b1 for usa. Can I visit Canada for few days ? Pleasse let me know
Hi Shipon, unfortunately, you would need a Canada tourist visa in order to visit Canada. USA visa CANNOT be used to enter Canada.
But, Canada tourist visa is pretty easy to apply and it usually has a 10-year validity. Take a look at the Canada tourist visa requirements for more information.
Hello sir!
Thank you very very for this summary.
I hadn’t even imagined of this. 🙂
It was of great help.
I’ll be travelling to Los Angeles next month and I was thinking of going via South Korea. Now I after readinh your blog I’m not going to apply another visa for South Korea. I’ll have my flight for US after staying just for a single day in Seoul. So the visa for US would be enough to visit Korea.
Thank you very much for the list 🙂
Hi Sangram! Yes, you can use your US visa to transit through South Korea for up to 30 days. You can happily spend a day in Seoul before continuing your flight to the US. But be prepared to answer a lot of questions at the departing airport in India. Airline officials usually do not know these detailed requirements and they many ask several questions to verify. I suggest you take print of the visa requirements from the Korea Visa Portal (https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101) to show them if asked.
Hi there Thirumal,
Thanks for the article.
I am a Canadian permanent resident with a Nigerian passport and I have 10 years US Visa B1/B2. Does that mean I can travel to these 20 countries? Thanks 🙂
Hi Dominic! Unfortunately, not all 20 countries. With Nigerian passport and US visa, you can travel to 10 countries. Below is the list –
1. Mexico
2. Costa Rica
3. Panama
4. Dominican Republic
5. Turkey
6. Georgia
7. Albania
8. Montenegro
9. Serbia
10.South Korea (transit only)
Hey Thirumal, Thanks a lot. BTW I went to Cuba with just my passport and US visa. Probably others with a US tourist visa can as well?
Thanks again my friend
Good to know Dominic! Thanks for sharing the information. It would definitely help travelers like us. Thanks again!
Hey Thirumal, Thanks a lot.
Pls can I travel to Canada from the US with my USA visa?
Hey Michael! You CANNOT travel to Canada with a USA visa. You must have a Canadian tourist visa to travel to Canada, even if you are traveling from the USA.
Can I travel to Thailand with my B type US visa ?
No, Thailand doesn’t offer VISA EXEMPTION with a US visa. You would need to apply for Thai visa.
Thailand offers Visa on Arrival to Indians at a very cheap price
Yes, Rahul! The fee is 2,000 THB (around $62 USD) for 15 day Visa on Arrival. In my opinion, it’s not that cheap.
I thought if one comes by air, they offer 30 days tourist visa on arrival ?.
Nandan, Thailand offers only 15 days Visa on Arrival. I tried once with a 30-day itinerary, but I was denied. I was told that “there are no exceptions”. VoA is only for 15 days. If you need more days, you would need to apply for a pre-approved visa from the consulate prior to arrival.
Hi , This article is very helpful…. Thanks
Can I use this data for my travel site. If you allow.
Hi Briji! Thanks for checking out the article! It involved a lot of time, research as well as back and forth emails with consulates to compile this list. So, I would ask you to –
1. Use this information in a summary but NOT as is.
2. Attribute in some form with a backlink to this article.
Hi Thiru,
Great info.
I have USA valid visa, expired canadian Visa & I live in SIngapore as PR.
Would It be easier to get Greece visa (Sheng’ visa) in my situation.
Thanks
Additional info: I am holding Bangladeshi Passport.
Hi Rahman! Yes, absolutely! Having these visas and PR will help strengthen your Schengen visa application.
Schengen visa application requires employment and financial proofs. As long as you provide these two proofs, it doesn’t matter which passport you hold, your Schengen visa will definitely be approved.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Hi, can I get to Mexico with a C1 Visa?
Hi Graciotto! Yes, Mexico allows USA C1 visa. Your USA C1 visa must be valid and unexpired in order to avail visa EXEMPTION in Mexico airports. Take a look at the Mexico visa requirements for more info.
Hello! That’s great info,
So my friends and I are travelling to Philippines in a couple of days, and we have valid usa visas.
But the category is different.
I have b1/b2 visa, however my other two friends have c1/d visa with multiple entry.
Have been trying to figure if that’s valid or not, as we don’t have the time to apply for a visa now.
Would you have any info on this??
Hi Gunjan! As far as I know, Bureau of Immigration, Philippines does not specify the category of US visas that can be used. That means all categories are eligible. I have used my unexpired H1B visa and I have known friends/readers who have used their B1/B2, L1, and F1 visas. As long as your US visas are still valid (unexpired) and multiple-entry, you guys are fine.
Also, Philippines accepts valid multiple-entry visas and PRs from Australia, Canada, Japan, any Schengen country, Singapore, and the UK.
Very well complied list. I travelled to Peru in Sept on my H1b visa and visa free entry for India’s with valid H1b was recent change that happened in March 2017 and most of the other site didn’t have that on their list..
Appreciate the efforts you have taken to write this blog..
Thanks for the kind words, Payal! Hope you had a good time in Peru! I try my best to provide most recent and updated visa info for travelers like us. Let your friends and fellow travelers know about this article so they can benefit from it as well.
Hi Thirumal, thats a lot of vital information. I have a question and hopefully i did not miss out any similar query.
I have B1/B2 US visa issued recently on my Indian passport as i will have to undertake trip from my office for business in future. I may however first need to visit Mexico on business trip and can i transit via US ( Houston ) with this visa type. I need to go to Monterrey and its faster and cheaper via Houston.
During my last vist i had to get Mexico visa and travelled to Monterrey via Mexico city which was relatively expensive and takes more time.
As additional information, I work in Europe with initial Residence permit and as of now i need either Mexican or US visa to enter Mexico. Its possible to visit Mexico with Permanent Residence Permit from Schengen countries.
Also what i know and as detailed by you, lately its possible to have visa on arrival at Dubai for indian citizens having B1/B2 visa and the charges are extremely reasonable compared to standard online visa.
Hi Sunil! Of course, you can use your new US B1/B2 for transiting through Houston. Here is more info –
Mexico with US B1/B2
====================
Yes, you can use your new US B1/B2 visa to travel to Mexico. And yes, you can use your US B1/B2 to transit via the United States. It doesn’t really matter whether you are traveling for business or pleasure when it comes to “transiting” through the US. All you need is a visa and you have your B1/B2.
Mexico with PR from any Schengen country
========================================
Yes, you can also use your PR from any Schengen country to enter into Mexico.
More info on using your US B1/B2 or Schengen country PR for traveling to Mexico – https://consulmex2.sre.gob.mx/washington/index.php/visas?id=182
Dubai VoA for India passport holders with US B1/B2
==================================================
Yes, you can use your B1/B2 visa to avail visa on arrival at Dubai airport.
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for the clarification.
I was also looking for a possible trip with short stay to CUBA and it seems, there is no need for VISA as it is possible to have tourist card in flight, provided I travel from US, Mexico or Canada & that I hold visa or PR from EU / US / Canada.
Since I have US B1/B2 visa and work in Europe with Long term Employment Pass ( this is Residence Permit & not PR) , can I travel to Cuba without Visa from Europe, say Vienna or Frankfurt.
Thanks in advance.
Sunil, that’s correct! If you have a visa or residence permit from US, Canada or any EU country, you can travel to CUBA. Your Long Term Employment Pass is a Residence Permit, so you should be able to use that to enter Cuba. Here is the detailed information from TIMATIC database (assuming that you live in Germany)
The following are exempt from holding a visa:
Nationals of India with a residence permit issued by Germany. They must also hold a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) issued to visitors traveling as tourists.
Additional information:
Tourist Cards (Tarjeta del Turista) must be obtained prior to arrival in Cuba and are available at:
– Cuban Embassies or Consulates;
– Authorized Airlines;
– Travel agencies.
Tourist Cards (Tarjeta del Turista) grant a max. stay of 30 days to nationals of India with a residence permit issued by Germany. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 30 days.
The length of stay must be covered by USD 50.- (or equivalent in other convertible currency, in cash or traveler’s cheques) per person per day, unless passenger has previously contracted the touristic activities with MINTUR in Cuba.
Belize can also be added to the list.
Thanks, Ravi! Yes, I will add Belize to the list. Not sure how I missed it, haha!
Does this hold true for indian passport holder with J-1 visa?
Hi Gellard! Yes, this holds true for J-1 visa as well. If a country doesn’t specify the type of US visas it allows, that means it allows all types of US visas. But if a country specifies what types of visas it allows, then only those type of US visas can be used for that country.
Example: Here is the information from Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC.
“If the foreigner has permanent residence, a student visa, a work visa in the United States or Canada, he/she does not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. In addition, he/she must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country and a round trip ticket. Note 1: This type of visa must be stamped in the passport, and must be valid for at least six months. Note 2: Permanent residents must submit their residency card (i.e. green card), which must be valid for at least six months. Note 3: The residence proof stamped on a passport, refugee status, parole or work cards are not accepted. If this is what you have, you need to find out if you need a tourist visa at the Consulate of your jurisdiction.”
You can clearly see what’s not accepted. Similarly, pretty much all the countries in the above list have some kind of accepted and not accepted types. I haven’t seen J-1 being on the NOT ACCEPTED list anywhere. So yes, you can use your J-1 visa as well provided it’s multiple-entry.
Hi,
Visit to Serbia for Indians Is now Visa on arrival. I think this happened in September,2017.
That’s correct Gurbir! Serbia has started offering visa EXEMPTION for Indian nationals since Sep 02, 2017. Great move by Serbia and would like to see more countries joining the lead in offering visa exemption for Indian nationals.
Hi Thirumal,
Very useful info. Thanks.
A query. Does this list mean that if you have a US TOURIST visa, you get a visa in arrival at the airports if these listed countries or does this mean, you still need to apply to the concerned embassies of the listed countries but would be guaranteed a visa?
Gurbir, if you have a US visa (tourist, work, student, crew, etc.), you can avail visa EXEMPTION (no visa required). Meaning –
– You do not need to apply for a visa at the embassy (or)
– You do not need to apply for an eVisa (or)
– You do not need to apply for Visa on Arrival either
You would just have to show your US visa to the immigration officials at the port of entry and you will be granted entry into the country for a specified number of days.
Exemptions:
– For Turkey, you would need to apply for eVisa upfront using your US visa
– For UAE, you would need to apply for Visa on Arrival using your US visa at the airport in UAE
– For Qatar, you would need to apply for Visa on Arrival using your US visa at the airport in Qatar
– For Taiwan, you would need to apply for Travel Authorization upfront using your US visa
Hi Thirumal,
I will suggest that you should have the latest post on the top of your blog rather the other way around:). Your readers then read the latest updated info first. Cheers !,
Thanks for the suggestion Gurbir! I think that makes sense since the latest information is more relevant.
Hello Thirumal,
Hope you are doing well? I would like to know if as an Indian passport holder with a valid US B1/B2 visa I can enter Tbilisi, Georgia without visa considering I haven’t yet travelled to the USA .
Hi Shraddha! Georgia DOES NOT mandate for the US visa must have been used at least once. So, you can use your valid US B1/B2 visa without any restrictions while entering Georgia.
More information on the visa restrictions and rules at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia website.
Recently Oman introduced some tourist visa relaxations for Indians with US Visa too!!
Yep, that’s correct! Visa is NOT EXEMPT but you are eligible to apply for Oman eVisa if you have a valid US visa.
More info at Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police.
Thanks a million Thirumal. You are a great help and I can’t believe my eyes when I see such detailed information and that too up to date.. it’s really very useful to have someone like you, who is well traveled and aware. (I thought I was the one until today 😉 ) wishing you many more holidays and hope that you continue to support your followers. Cheers
Thanks, Amar! I try my best to keep this info up to date. Thanks again and happy travels to you!
I guess you missed out Malaysia
Yep, that’s correct. Though the consulate confirmed it, I am still waiting for someone who has actually used it. Were you able to use your US visa successfully in Malaysia?
I want to travel From Delhi, India to Santo domingo, Domican republic (SDQ) via a connecting flight of Air france which travel throught Paris, France (CDG).
Delhi to paris
Paris to santo domingo
A halt is around 7hrs in paris. Should i need to apply for transit visa.
Thanks
Hi Vikas, if your both DEL-CDG and CDG-SDQ flight are from Air France and are in a single itinerary, you will not need any transit visa provided, you have a visa to Dominican Republic and hold a valid visa from the US, UK or Canada.
Are you using your US visa to enter Dominican Republic? If so, then you already have a US visa and you do not need a transit visa for France.
More information on Transit Visa at France Visa Application Center.
No i dont have transit visa for any of europe, us or canada. I only do have a OK TO BOARD letter for santo domingo Domician republic.
Vikas, the flights that fly to the Dominican Republic usually have a layover in France, Spain, Germany, US or in a country where you would need a transit visa. I suggest you work with a local travel agent who can put together an itinerary that works best for you.
Hi Thirumal,
I have Pakistani Passport,
I have Usa B1 B2 visa
Please send me counties name which i can get visa on arrival or e visa ????
I have Schengen visa type C , issue by German embassy, with this Schengen visa which countries i can visit ?
Hi Ahsan! With Pakistani passport and valid US B1/B2 visa, you can visit the below countries without any visa –
North America
-USA
-Mexico
-Belize
-Costa Rica
-Panama
Caribbean
-Dominican Republic
Europe
-Turkey (eVisa eligible)
-Georgia
-Albania
-Montenegro
-Serbia
-United Kingdom (24 hr transit visa)
Middle East
-Qatar (VoA eligible)
Asia
-South Korea
With your Schengen C type visa, you can visit the below Schengen and European countries –
Schengen Countries
-Austria
-Belgium
-Czech Republic
-Denmark
-Estonia
-Finland
-France
-Germany
-Greece
-Hungary
-Iceland
-Italy
-Latvia
-Liechtenstein
-Lithuania
-Luxembourg
-Malta
-Netherlands
-Norway
-Poland
-Portugal
-Slovakia
-Slovenia
-Spain
-Sweden
-Switzerland
European Countries
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Croatia
-Romania
Hello Thirumal,
Thanks for All this really very important multi information
Usa B1 B2
Schengen C
You are welcome, Ahsan! Enjoy your travels!
Hi Thirumal,
Your replies are realy helpful.
I had gone through your reply.
I am Parvez with Indian Passport having valid USA B1/B2 on my old passport. Which I had applied for renewal.
I would be travelling Netherlands what all other documents required to travel without any issue.
Hi Parvez! Thanks! I know some of you would look into the comments because that’s a ton of information right there. Those are the common visa problems that we all have which I couldn’t think of while writing the article. So, I make sure to respond to all of these comments with as much research and detail as I can.
Regarding US B1/B2 visa in your old passport, it’s perfectly normal to have a “valid visa in an expired passport”. You just have to carry your expired passport and your new passport with you everytime you travel. You have to do that until all visas in your expired passport become expired.
Regarding traveling to the Netherlands, first of all, you must have your “Schengen visa”. I suggest carrying the below to avoid any issues at the arrival airport in the Netherlands
-Your new passport with valid Schengen Visa
-Your old passport
-Your return/onward ticket from the Netherlands
-Your visa to your return/onward country
-Last two months of your bank statements (usually, you will not be asked but having it handy will save time if asked)
Thanks a lot for this detailed list. My Husband and I are planning to go for a cruise to east Caribbean region and I was really confused whether or not we will need a separate visa in spite of having US (h1B Visa) stamped on both of our passports. I see for Dominican republic we do not need any and I guess for US virgin Island and Puerto Rico as well will be covered by US valid visa ( as they are part of US common wealth) . however, do you have any idea about Grand Turks island that is part of Turks and Caicos Islands? I really appreciate if you can reply me back.
Your list is really helpful. thanks so much Thirumal.
Hi Krittika, you do not need a separate visa for Turks and Caicos as well. Visa is exempt for holders of US, Canada or UK visa. More information here -> Turks and Caicos Tourism. Goodluck and enjoy your cruise!
P.S. I will be updating this blog post with more countries soon. I have been compiling the new list but haven’t finished it yet.
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for the list! Quick question – what kind of documentation are we supposed to carry while re-entering the US, for immigration purposes at Port of Entry? I’m on H1-B.
Thanks,
Aleena
Hi Aleena! You would need to carry your original passport with valid (unexpired) H1-B visa in it and your I-797 document. That is all you need to re-enter back in the US after vacationing abroad.
Hi! I have a US Visa and green card holder in the USA. Just want to confirm this. Is this sure for Korea? Because I’m planning to go on a trip this year to South Korea. So I’m wondering if I still need to apply for a visa or not. Thanks!
Hi Erica! Yes, you can avail VISA-FREE entry to South Korea with your US visa or green card. It’s confirmed information and quite a few of my readers have used it successfully. BUT IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO MEET THE BELOW CONDITIONS, OTHERWISE THE AIRLINE WILL DENY BOARDING.
Info from Korea Visa Portal
Tourists in transit to Third Countries
1. Eligible Applicants
Citizens of all countries except Cuba, Macedonia, Syria, Sudan, and Iran.
2. Requirements
Persons who hold a visa (re-entry permit, permanent residency, etc.) to enter the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand (hereinafter referred to as “the four advanced countries”) and
1) who go to one of the four advanced countries in transit through Korea; or
2) who stay in one of the four advanced countries and take a direct flight from the country to Korea to go to a country of nationality or a third country.
Please be noted that:
– If you are a U.S. visa holder who transit through Korea and Saipan to reach the U.S. as the final destination, you are permitted to enter Korea without a visa. (However, if you depart from the U.S. and enter Korea via Saipan, you are not granted no-visa entry to Korea.)
– If you are a Chinese group tourist holding a group-tourist visa to Japan and meet certain requirements (e.g. using a travel agency that only attracts Chinese group tourists), you are permitted to enter Korea without a visa.
– If you hold an e-visa to Australia and a visa label is attached to your passport, you are permitted to enter Korea without a visa. However, if the label is not on your passport, you are granted no-visa entry only when you depart from Australia and transit through Korea.
More information at Hi Korea (e-Government for Foreigners)
Airlines usually use the TIMATIC database to verify the visa requirements. Here is the information from TIMATIC database as well (using India passport as an example) – https://www.timaticweb2.com/integration/external-result/Foz8gv7V825opYOgkbwGSMgi_1LCTFYUsz1I5fU-ny0
By the way, which country passport do you hold?
hi Thirumal.
This is great info. many thanks for that. i am SriLankan but loves your travel posts. I have US business VISA already .Can you pl confirm if i can travel to UK with that ? it was mentioned there in this page. I wrote to UK embasy . but still did not get confirmation. do you have any link/document ? pl share.
thanks again
Hi Aruna! You can avail the UK 24 hours Visa on Arrival facility ONLY IF you are transiting through London’s Heathrow airport and have an onward flight within the next 24 hours. You cannot avail this facility to travel to the UK. It’s only meant for transiting passengers to get out for a few hours to explore London or stay in a hotel.
The UK 24 hours Visa on Arrival is solely dependent on the discretion of the immigration officer in Heathrow Airport. Quite a few of readers were able to avail this facility and they were all holding different country passports. The UK immigration has not confirmed this information yet but Heathrow did confirm.
You can find more information on Heathrow’s website -> https://www.heathrow.com/arrivals/immigration-and-passports
many thaks Sir , keep writing. visit SL . let me know if you hv any plans soon 🙂
Many Thanks
Add bosnia and herzegovina to the list of countries allowing holders of US valid visa enetring without getting Bosnia visa.
Regards
Thanks, Adham for letting me know! I am compiling a new list with a lot more countries that allow visa-free travel with a US visa. Stay tuned for the updates.
HEY i have a C1/D US visa can i travel to Dubai and get a visa on arrival .I have a Indian Passport.
Hey Tushar! Yes, you can avail Visa on Arrival in Dubai using your US C1/D visa, as long as your US visa is valid. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs doesn’t specify the types of US visas that can be used. In that case, it is safe to assume that it is all types of US visas.
hi dear, im indian, i have been to UK for 1 year on student visa, i came back within visa validity, after that i also been to china, singapur and Macau as well. im working with NIKE as a store manager since i came back from UK. im having my own agriculture land worth of 2.5 crore. my salary is 25000/- monthly. i have also bank balance around 20 lac. im filling ITRs as well around 10 lac annual income. suggest me how to aaply for USA because im afraid to refusel. im married and i have baby boy 7Year old. my age is 31…. +919592388699
Hi Pargat! The two main aspects that US visa officers look for are (1) that you have strong ties to your home country and (2) you do not intend to remain in the US illegally. In order to support these two aspects, you must have a stable employment in India and have sufficient funds in the bank, which you already have. I am very certain that your US B1/B2 visa application will be approved.
That being said, have a proper itinerary for your US travel. Meaning, the cities you want to see, the dates, which cities you will visit in which order, how you will travel between cities (fly, drive), etc.
Thankew so much dear brother..
thanks dear for the info , a quick question,
i hold B1/2 visa , wanted to visit -Netherlands, is there possibility , from Albania or Georgia ?
You must have a Schengen visa for Netherlands. Netherlands DOES NOT offer visa exemption for US B1/B2 holders. You can visit Albania and Georgia with your US visa but not Netherlands.
I am an Indian living in abroad and today was my US B2 visa interview, Consular asked me tonly the confirmation page for myself and my family, not even asked any single supporting docs, asked few questions and said my visa application is approved and asked me to collect the visa printed in my passport tomorrow.
usually how many years visa will be provided for Indian nationals?
Hi Riyaz! Congratulations on securing your US B1/B2 visa for you and your family. US is issuing 10-year multiple entry visas for Indian nationals. You will get a 10-year visa.
I have a B1/B2 visa which was issued as I had to travel for business purpose. Unfortunately, the travel didn’t happen and there is no US stamp in passport . Without never traveling to US, do I still get to travel to the above places and avail the visa on arrival facility?
Hi Isha! Yes, of course, you can travel to the above countries VISA-FREE or avail VoA. Only a handful of countries have the requirement that the US visa must have been used at least once to enter the US. I believe it’s just Albania and Panama at this moment. Not sure how strict is Albania, but Panama is not strict about this requirement. I have been to Panama and the immigration officials did not check for stamps in my passport. The moment they saw my US visa, they stamped it and moved on to the next person in line.
YOU SHOULD ADD THE FOLLOWING
IF YOU ARE US GREEN CARD HOLDER THEN YOU CAN VISIT CANADA USING GREEN CARD ONLY(NO NEED FOR PASSPORT).
IF YOU ARE US GREEN CARD HOLDER THEN YOU CAN VISIT CANADA USING GREEN CARD (NO NEED FOR PASSPORT in case you are driving from USA TO CANADA).
Very useful info! Thank you!
Hi Thirumal
Thank you very much for this great post. It is indeed very useful and priceless info.
Upon reading your post, I contacted Philippines consulate in Dubai just to reconfirm about my intention to travel there for tourism, since I hold 10-year valid US visit visa.
Their response is as follows:
“Good day!
If you are traveling as tourist, you may use the valid USA visa to enter Philippines.
Thanks.
Visa Section”
Its a relief that we dont have to apply for a tourist visa to visit Philippines, since I hold valid US visa.
So thanks again for your valuable info.
Cheers.
Merc
Hello Merc! Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, all the information is thoroughly researched and verified. I have traveled to the Philippines myself 3 times so far with my US visa. Therefore, you will not have any problems using your US visa to enter the Philippines.
Thank you Thirumal. I am based in Dubai, so if I can help you or others with any questions, then please feel free to contact me.
Merc
Cool Merc! Your knowledge and experience can greatly benefit the facebook group – Visa Talk. I’ve created this FB group so people can get their visa queries answered quickly. Quite a few members have asked Dubai visa questions. Having you in the group can help all of us. Join the group here -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/1823074001290802/
I got my B1/B2 in 2014, but never have used it.
I have traveled to Dubai many times, but always with a visa, never knew i can get VOA for 14 days. You are awesome mate.
I am planning to travel without visa in May and avail the 14 days VOA in Dubai. Can you please confirm that i am good to go.
I have send request on FB page, please do accept.
Once again..thanks alot.
Yeah, you can get VOA at UAE airports with your India passport and US visa. This has been in place since May 01, 2017. You can check the official news here and requirements here.
The fee is AED100 for 14 days VOA. You can extend for another 14 days for another AED100. Your passport and visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into UAE.
I am bangladeshi,lhave valite B1/B2 usa visa. l want go europe . please suggestions me. need visa or not . massage me.
Hi Abdulkarim! You would need “Schengen Visa” to travel to Europe. With your Bangladesh passport and US B1/B2 visa, you can travel VISA-FREE to the following countries in Europe –
– United Kingdom (24-hour visa on arrival, depends on the discretion of the visa officer)
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Montenegro
– Serbia
– Albania
– Georgia
– Turkey (eligible to apply for eVisa only)
I have us B1/B2 visa and also singapore visa, i have applied for u.k visa as well. Can i travel to france (paris) without schengen visa.
Rahul – No. You would need Schengen Visa to travel to France. You CANNOT use your US B1/B2 and(or) Singapore visa and(or) UK visa to enter France.
am Indian national i have obtained Cyprus visa and wants to visit Kosovo . Can i visit Kosovo based on cyprus visa and take on arrival visa or visa is exempted since i have cyprus visa. Pls advise.
Hi Sudhir! Is your Cyprus visa a multiple-entry Schengen visa? If so, you can enter Kosovo visa-free for stays up to 15 days. For more information, refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo website.
Nice article. Gives me more appreciation for being a US citizen. Speaking of which…
As a US citizen, there are some countries I need a visa for. Do you know what visas I can get that open visa free doors to more countries?
Thanks! Good question. Never thought about that. I will have to do some research on that to get you the list (if at all there are any).
I have a Valid USA visa on my old passport and I am traveling to UAE from Saudi Arabia on newly renewed passport and will carry the old passport which has USA valid visa. Will I get UAE visa on arrival?
That’s correct! You need to carry your old passport along with your new passport whenever you travel since some of your visas in your old passport are still valid (ex: US visa).
Just hand over your old and new passport to the visa officer at VoA in UAE and mention that your US visa is in the old passport.
Note: UAE VoA with US visa is currently available for India passport holders only.
Thanks for confirming. Yes, I have an Indian passport.
Very informative… This made my day..
My question is, as a Nigerian passport holder with US multiple B1/B2 Visa, which countries can I travel visa exempt?
Must I only travel to those countries to/from the US or can I travel from my home country?
You can travel to all of these countries from anywhere including your home country (except for South Korea, for which you need to be in transit to/from the US). Below is the VISA-FREE list for Nigerian passport with US B1/B2 visa –
Mexico
Belize
Costa Rica
Panama
Dominican Republic
Antigua Barbuda
Turkey (eVisa)
Georgia
Albania
Montenegro
Serbia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
United Kingdom
Qatar
São Tomé and Príncipe
South Korea (must be in transit to/from the US)
I have a US B1/B2 visa with Indian passport. Can I travel to the UK with this visa?
Hi Ranjiv, you can enter London for less than 24 hours if you are traveling to the US via Heathrow airport. But if you want to travel to the UK itself, then you would need a UK tourist visa.
Hi, I have a valid US B1/B2 visa which I got it from Turkey. I’m Egyptian resident in Turkey but didn’t use this US visa yet. I mean I didn’t travel with it yet, but I have been before to the US and visa still valid. Can I travel to Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro with this US valid visa ?
Yes, you can use your unexpired US B1/B2 visa to travel to Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro. You don’t have to have your US visa used before in order to travel to these 3 countries. Just having the US visa in your passport is enough.
Thank you for your reply.
Hi Thirumal,
Am a US Visa holder. I need to travel to Georgia with ma family (all are US visa holders) on 15th APR for tourist purpose. Is it necessary to take Georgian E-Visa for the entry?? Or we get it on arrival???
Hi Meera, with your US visa you will get visa exemption for Georgia. Meaning, at the airport in Georgia, you should just show your US visa and you will be given entry. Since, everyone in your family has US visas, none of you need to get e-visas.
One of my reader from India recently been to Georgia and he has confirmed that the US visa alone is enough. No e-visa is needed. Good luck!
Hi, I called the Bosnian consulate in Istanbul to ask and to confirm entering Bosnia with B1/B2 valid us visa . They said I need to apply for visa to enter Bosnia which is weird . Do you think they are mistaking Or its a new rule but even should all Bosnian consulates know about it.Can I know please from where did you get information about allowing all nationalities to enter Bosnia with a valid B1/B2 us visa?
Hi Omneya! I have researched from various sources and they are all pointing that you do not need a visa for Bosnia and Herzegovina if you have a valid US B1/B2 visa. Below are all the sources –
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bosnia – 2014 Visa Regime
– IATA Travel Center (This is used by the airlines to determine the visa requirements. Just enter the details and you will see the result.
– TIMATIC Web (This tool is also used by airlines to determine visa requirements)
– Wikipedia (Look for Substitute Visas section)
Send the consulate these links and ask if the requirements have changed recently? If it is a very recent change, then the information on these sources might have not been updated yet.
Hi, I am a passport holder of Nigeria. please with visit visa of UK which country can I travel to and still get visa on arrival?
With UK can I also visit Serbia and Croatia.
Hi Bami! With Nigeria passport and UK visa, you can visit the following countries –
Mexico
Panama
Antigua and Barbuda
Dominican Republic
Sint Maarten
Albania
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Georgia
Macedonia
Montenegro
Serbia
Turkey (eVisa)
Qatar (VoA)
Serbia: Yes, you can visit Serbia with your UK visa.
Croatia: No, you cannot visit Croatia with your UK visa. For Croatia, you would need Schengen visa or a visa from Bulgaria, Cyprus or Romania.
Many thanks sir. I appreciate your prompt reply. Gracia.
Hi, Am an Indian citizen with valid B1 visa (never traveled to US though). I am going to Vietnam via Singapore from Delhi. My connecting flight to HCMC (low budget carrier) will be after 20 hrs from Singapore. Do I need a Singapore visa if I am only in transit. Also same will be the case on my return journer ( probably Siam Reap- Singapore (Transit only) – Delhi) … btw my ticket (return) is a crew ticket which is subject to load, ALSO will this be an issue upon return. (pl note: Singapore to HCMC and return from HCMC or Siam Reap to Singapore is a confirmed ticket).
Vikram, I went through a similar situation last year and it’s slightly complicated. Low budget airlines such as AirAsia, Malindo, Scoot, etc are point-to-point airlines and they do not pay the airport for transit facilities. Therefore, you will pass through the immigration, pick up your bags and re-check them in. Since these airlines are point-to-point, it doesn’t matter if the flights are on a single itinerary or individually booked. Also, it doesn’t matter if you have checked bags or just carry on.
Scoot airlines is an exception since Singapore is their headquarters. They have a feature called “scoot thru” and it’s free.
That being said, you can use Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) using your US visa to transit via Singapore. But you won’t be able to use it for both times on your journey. More info -> https://www.ica.gov.sg/enteranddeparting/before/enteranddeparting_before_vftf
To avoid all these problems, I suggest you apply for Singapore tourist visa from VFS office. Since you already have confirmed tickets, you will not have any problem in getting your Singapore visa. It takes about 2-3 days and costs about $40 USD.
Greetings, please I will like to know if the e-visa for Turkey, will be changed to a sticker visa at the airport on arrival?
Thank you.
No. The e-Visa will be a paper visa. You can either print it on an A4 size paper or just show it on your smartphone. During the immigration check at the airport, you will show the e-Visa print (or on your smartphone) and passport.
Hi Thrimul,
I m Pakistani national and i have USA B2 visa
Im planning to visit USA soon so am i able to get the transit visa for 24 hours for UK ? if yes so we must have connecting flight at heathrow to USA for more then 12 tro 15 hours ??
Please guide
Hi Haroon, Yes you can avail the transit visa for 24 hours at Heathrow airport. But remember, it is completely dependent on the discretion of the visa officer at the immigration.
Yes, you must have a connecting flight within 24 hours and before midnight of the same day. Example: say if you arrive Heathrow at 8am and your connecting flight is at 11pm, you can head straight to the immigration and ask for 24 hours visa.
If the visa officer denies your visa requestion, try to make a strong case by showing your onward boarding pass, baggage tag, a list of places that you would like to see, etc.
hi Thirumal,
Many thanks for the guidance brother
MUCH APPRECIATED !!!
can i have you FB id ???
REGARDS
Hello Thirumal,
Thanks a lot for putting this information ! This is so useful to make international travel plans.
So I am an Indian national with a valid H-1B visa with an expiration date of April 24 2019. I am planning to travel to Dominic Republic (DR) end of October 2018 or early/mid November 2018. Reading your blog, it’s quite clear that I can travel to DR with my H-1B visa by purchasing the tourist card. However, my question is more around does it matter how long my H-1B visa should be valid (like atleast 6 months) while I travel to DR ? Based on my H-1B visa expiration date and travel date, I will have a little over 5 months of my H-1B visa valid during my travel. Please advise.
Thanks again for all the useful information !
Hi Prasanna! You’re welcome! DR authorities haven’t mentioned any visa validity requirements. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that your H-1B visa must be valid on the day of arrival in DR. 5 months of your visa validity at the time of your travel is more than enough. But, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival.
Also just an FYI, as of April 01, 2018, DR started incorporating the tourist card fee ($10 USD) into the airfare itself. You do not have to purchase the tourist card on arrival at the airport anymore.
Awesome. Thanks for your prompt response Thirumal !
By the way, have you written any blog on travel to Dominic Republic ? If yes, could you share the link ? Thanks !
No. I haven’t written any blog posts on DR yet. But you can refer to DRVisitor. The author of this blog is a very reputed blogger in the travel industry.
Thanks again Thirumal !
From Apr 20, 2018, Bahamas changed it visa waiver. Now Indian nationals with US visa can visit Bahamas.
https://www.bahamas.com/entry-requirements
Great info! Thanks for letting me know! I will update the list.
Dear Thirumal,
I’m Egyptian but I live in Kuwait, I have a valid US visa, do I need to apply for a visa for Serbia or I can issue it online since I have US visa?.
Ahmed, if you have a valid US visa, you DO NOT need a visa for Serbia. This is applicable to all nationalities (including Egyptian). Here is the link to the visa requirements -> http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/consular-affairs/entry-serbia/visa-regime
Hi! This is very helpful as I have a “powerless” passport too.
By any chance, do you have updated information about Bosnia & Herzegovina? Will I be able to use my US visa there? Thank you!
Hi Carl, I’m still waiting on the confirmation from the Bosnia & Herzegovina consulate. I will update you on that soon.
I am holding Indian passport along with USA and Canadian Visa. Do I entitle on arrival visa to European Union country? Please reliable person give the proper answer to my Question. Thank you!
Hi Maxim! There are some countries in EU that you can travel with your India passport and US visa. Examples – Albania, Serbia, Etc. Check out the countries that say “All Nationalities” or “India” passport.
Hi, this is very helpful among all the info I scoured from the internet because it is clear that it’s for USA tourist visa holders and not just for green card holders.
I am travelling to Cuba.
I have a Philippine passport.
I have a valid USA tourist visa (10 years multiple entry).
I am travelling from US airport (Miami / New York).
You clearly stated and I also visited AITA that indeed I only need a Tourist CARD and not the regular tourist visa to enter Cuba, but the Timatic site says residence visas that’s why I am still confused…
If I indeed do not need a regular visa and only the Toruist CARD, should I apply this ahead at American Airlines rather than at the US airport?
Because I heard that some airlines will sometimes deny your boarding and tells you you need a visa just to give way to their standby passengers or friends, and as a non-citizen of Cuba nor US, you will be just afraid to insist your rights.
Can you enlighten me please? Thank you very much!
You DO NOT need a tourist visa to Cuba if you already hold a US B1/B2 visa. All you need is just a tourist card.
I just checked and both IATA and TIMATIC are pointing to the same information saying that “you need a visa issued by Canada, USA or any EU member state”.
Regarding obtaining the tourist card in advance, have you checked with American Airlines? Also, do they actually fly into Cuba now? Because there are travel restrictions to travel to Cuba from the US. As far as I know, you can only fly with a travel agency if you are flying from the US. Let me know what you find out from the airlines.
Hi, I like visa-free but how do I get it?
Well, Visa-free means “visa exemption”. That means, “no visa is required other than your valid US visa”. You can fly into any of the eligible countries from the above list and show your US visa to gain entry.
I’m from India living in Japan for few months. I want to visit the USA, can I get into the USA without a visa? There are some options like 90 days free travel without a visa. Can you please help me?
If you have an India passport, you would need a US visa to enter the United States. The information you might have heard was for Japan passport. Japan passport holders can travel to the US visa-free for 90 days under Visa Waiver Program.
More info here -> https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html
Nice and very helpful post I came across. I am actually searching for an option for myself to re-enter US as my child’s i94 is expiring. I stay in Detroit exploring options. Just applied for Canada Visa. Any idea how long it takes as an indian citizen staying in US?
Also can you please suggest what is the best and near by country to travel without/ on arrival visa as an Indian passport holder?
Venkat, Canada visa usually takes up to 30 days. If you have India passport and living in the US, CIC usually process the visa under CAN+ category. In this category, the visa application will be processed in 2-3 days. But, considering your application under this category is at the discretion of the consulate. So, it’s difficult to tell how long your application will take for processing.
India passport holders do not require a visa for Jamaica, Dominica, etc in Caribbean and Ecuador in South America. But, are you planning to go there for visa stamping for your child? I can give you more specific advice depending on your situation.
Hi,
My friend is Chinese, has permanent residency in Australia, I’m Australian, we would like to go to South America for a holiday. Would he be able to get a US visa for travel in South America, if he wasn’t intending to go to the US.
Would they grant a US visa for that reason?
Thanks, very useful site
Craig, if your friend discloses that his actual intention for the US visa is to use it in South America, the US visa officers may not grant him the visa. The primary purpose of a US visa is to travel to the US. The US visa officers may not even be aware that the US visa can be used elsewhere.
Any country granting visa-free access to the US visa holders is simply honoring US visa as a valid visa to enter their country.
Here is my suggestion. Just for the visa, prepare a US itinerary for a few days. Apply for the US visa, attend the interview and if asked, your friend should mention that he wants to travel to the US to see NYC, Chicago, LA, etc. Once he is granted the visa, he doesn’t really have to travel to the US. If he wants, he can, as he now has the US visa. Also, the visa will be valid for 10 years so he doesn’t have to apply for it again.
Hey Thirumal,
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestion, it helps a lot for our planning.
cheers
Craig
Hi Thiru
I’m Indian passport holder. Recently I got US b1/B2 visa. Coming August I have a plan to visit USA. My visa is valid for a year only. After expired again for how many years they give visa. Very informative posts you are giving.
With us valid visa b1/B2 Canada and Schengen visa getting will be easier. How many days it will take from Mumbai.
Hi Robert! US B1/B2 visa is usually granted for 10 years. Not sure why you were granted for only 1 year. I’m sure your next visa will be granted for 10 years.
You US B1/B2 can definitely help in your Canada visa application as you will submit your past visas and travel history. Canada visa application process can take anywhere from 2 days to 30 days.
Schengen visa application doesn’t ask for past visas or travel history, so your US visa may not help you much in your Schengen visa application. Schengen visa application process usually takes 2 weeks. On top of that, you may have to wait about 2 weeks to get an appointment at the consulate.
On the other hand, quite a few European countries (non-Schengen) grant VISA-FREE entry for US visa holders.
Thanks Mr. Thirumal cheers
Hi
Thanks for the article.
Do you know if South Africans qualify for these exemptions?
Thanks for the help.
Dawid
Hi Dawid! Yes, South Africa passport holders qualify for these exemptions.
When I say, “Applies to all nationalities” in the above list, South Africa passport holders are also included. Example: Dominican Republic. All passport holders including South Africa are visa-exempted with US visa.
If it’s specific passport holders, then I listed them out. Example: Peru. Only India and China passport holders are visa-exempted with US visa.
Hi Thirumal, What an amazing compilation. Congratulations and thank you.
May I point out that for Singapore as an Indian passport holder you do not actually need to be in transit to or from the US but actually from anywhere, as long as you have an onward ticket in 96 hrs or less. If you agree, you may want to update the article.
Thank you again.
Thanks for the kind words, Lahiri! My understanding is also the same. But Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority did not confirm that when asked. I was in a similar case where I was flying into Singapore from Malaysia and flying out to the Philippines with a layover of few hours at Changi Airport. When asked, Singapore ICA, Changi Airport, and even the Scoot airlines couldn’t confirm if I can get VFTF.
Quite a few of my friends/readers were able to get 96 hr VFTF while in transit to the US and Australia. Therefore, I’m quite sure an Indian passport holder can get 96 hr VFTF if transiting to the US. But, so far, I haven’t found anyone who was able to get the 96 hr VFTF while transiting to a third country other than Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK or USA.
Were you able to get VFTF while transiting to a third country other than the ones mentioned above?
I am Indian Citizen and having valid USA B1/B2 Visa. I want to travel Shenzen China and in East Africa. Please tell me which country I can travel without VISA and which country I can get VISA on Arrival.
Hi Indravadan! As an India passport holder, you would NEED visa for Shenzhen, China. There is Visa on Arrival facility just for Shenzhen area if entering from HK. But unfortunately, India passport holders are not eligible.
Below are the countries in East Africa that India passport holders can get Visa Exempt, eVisa or Visa on Arrival –
— Comoros (VoA)
— Djibouti (VoA)
— Ethiopia (VoA)
— Keyna (eVisa)
— Madagascar (VoA)
— Mauritius (Visa Exempt)
— Mozambique (VoA)
— Rwanda (VoA)
— Seychelles (Visa Exempt)
— Tanzania (VoA)
— Uganda (VoA)
— Zambia (eVisa)
— Zimbabwe (VoA)
Very useful website. Thank you for your effort in collating the information.
Thanks, Royth!
Hello Thirumal
just one question. Can Indian citizens travel to Macedonia with C1/D us visa.
thank you very much for your help in advance.
Hi Vasko, Macedonia doesn’t mention which type of US visas are eligible. That means it’s safe to assume that all US visa types are eligible. You can use your US C1/D visa to travel to Macedonia.
I read this on canada official website.can you please explain more about this ??
As of November 1st, 2017, if you have travelled to Canada in the last ten (10) years or currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa and can provide proof (entry stamps in passport, proof of the valid visa), no proof of financial support is needed.
Umer, it’s called “CAN+” program. It’s specific to India and China passport holders applying for Canada tourist visa. Applicants from these two countries with a travel history to Canada/United States might be considered under CAN+ program to expedite the application process. Usually, applications in this program are processed with 2-5 working days. Also, if you have a considerable travel history to Canada/US, it is not mandatory to provide financial proofs.
But, as an applicant, you cannot request/force your application to be processed in “CAN+” program. It is at the discretion of the CIC or the visa officer. So, my advice to you is to submit your application as a normal application with all the documentation (including financial proofs). If at all they consider your application in CAN+, you will be notified of the result in 2-5 working days.
Hello Thirumal,
Such an informative article. Can you also share list of countries where we can visit if one holds a valid UK visa? (I hold a Pakistani Passport)
Hi Sayyed, I’m in the process to put together a blog post specially on that (VISA-FREE with UK visa). It should be up in a few days. Meanwhile, for your reference, here is the list. This list is specifically for “Pakistan passport with UK visa”.
1. North America
— 1. Mexico
2. Central America
— 1. Belize (residence permit)
— 2. Costa Rica (residence permit)
— 3. Panama
3. Caribbean
— 1. Antigua and Barbuda
— 2. Aruba (residence permit)
— 3. Bermuda (British Territory)
— 4. Bonaire (part of Kingdom of Netherlands)
— 5. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
— 6. Cayman Islands (British Territory)
— 7. Cuba
— 8. Dominican Republic
— 9. Sint Maarten
— 10.Turks and Caicos (British Territory)
4. Europe
— 1. Albania
— 2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
— 3. Georgia
— 4. Macedonia
— 5. Montenegro
— 6. Romania (residence permit)
— 7. Serbia
— 8. Turkey (eVisa)
5. Middle East
— 1. Qatar (VoA)
Hello Mr.Thirumal,
Can I travel Italy with an Indian passport and if I have US tourist visa. Thanks!
Hi Joseph! NO, you CANNOT enter Italy with a US visa. Italy is a Schengen country and you would NEED a Schengen visa to travel to Italy.
Hi Thirumal
Thank you for the info you provided in detail. It was very helpful. Can I ask you with an Indian passport holder having a valid US visa can travel to Mexico? The US visa is in OLD Indian passport and currently, I am possessing a new Indian passport. Tq.
Hi Anto! Yes, you can travel to Mexico with your India passport and valid US visa. Though you have a new passport, any visas in your old passport that were not expired are still considered as valid. So, you would need to carry both passports with you until all visas in your old passport are expired.
Just handover both your passports (your old and new) wherever you are asked to show your passport. At the immigration in Mexico, handover both your passports and mention that your US visa is in the old passport. That is all you would need to do. Have a great trip to Mexico!
Important: Even after all visas in your old passport are expired, always carry your old passport with you. You don’t need to show it everywhere, but it is extremely important to have your old passport on you while traveling.
I have one friend who want to travel from PAP to SCL with Copa Airlines and next connections to India with Qatar airways , so as per Copa airline he has to re-checking again at the SCL airport and putting the all luggage in Qatar airways.
So my question is if he will re-checking again then does he required the transit visa for Chili since he is Indian passport holder and he has confirmed ticket till Delhi.
Copa and Qatar are two different airlines and they do not codeshare. Therefore, your friend has to collect his check-in baggage in Santiago and re-check them in on Qatar Airways.
Baggage claim is always after immigration in pretty much any international airport. So, in order to collect his baggage and re-check them, your friend will have to go through the immigration in Santiago. Therefore, he needs a transit or tourist visa for Chile. If he can’t apply for Chile visa, I suggest looking for a different route that doesn’t require a transit visa.
Thank you so much for the information ,
However, I have checked the same information on the internet and below are a message I found on it
A visa is not required to transit through Chile. The traveler must be in possession of a passport valid for 6 months beyond travel dates, a round-trip or onward ticket, and a valid visa for the next destination (if required). Other Requirements: Valid onward destination visas (if applicable).
Kindly let me know as i m little bit confused about this even I had checked with Copa air and they said passenger has to have the ticket for final destination.
please clarify the same
Hi Rakesh! For a confirmed answer, you would need to check with the proper authorities. I’m neither a Chilean authority nor an airline staff to give you a “confirmed” answer. I only gave my answer based on my experience and knowledge. To my knowledge, Copa and Qatar are NOT partner airlines, so PAP-SCL-DOH-DEL is NOT considered a transit at SCL. Let me explain to you the difference.
Transit
“Transit” means that you arrive and depart on the same airline on a single itinerary. You have a boarding pass for the departing flight and your bags are checked-in all the way to your final destination.
Example: BOG-PTY-MEX on Copa Airlines. When you check-in in BOG, you get 2 boarding passes. One boarding pass for BOG-PTY and another for PTY-MEX. Your bags in BOG will be checked-in all the way to MEX. In PTY, you get off the flight, find out your connecting flight’s terminal/gate from the display boards and board the PTY-MEX flight. Collect your bags in MEX.
Multi-destination Itinerary
If you are traveling from country A to country B on one airline and country B to country C on another airline that DOES NOT codeshare/partner, then it’s NOT transit. It’s called “multi-destination itinerary”. You usually book this as 2 itineraries. If you have bought this as a single itinerary from Expedia or Kiwi, it would clearly mention “SELF TRANSFER”. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to secure any required visas for country B.
Example: CDG-LHR-DEL on Vueling and British Airways. When you check-in at CDG, you only get 1 boarding pass for CDG-LHR. You collect your bags in LHR, go to the British Airways counter, check-in your bags and get a boarding pass for LHR-DEL. When you arrive in DEL, you will claim your bags. In this case, it’s your responsibility to secure any visas for England.
Thanks
I have a friend who is serving in the military and he is holding the USA visa G2 on his official passport. Now he is planning to visit the US for holiday for 03 days. Please let me know on this visa type, will he be able to make a holiday in USA or not?
No. A B2 or B1/B2 visa is needed to enter the US for tourism. (Note: This information is for “ordinary” passport only. For official/diplomatic passports, please seek advice from appropriate authorities)
Thanks dear , will check on the same
Hi Thirumal, I am a Nigeria passport holder with a valid B1/B2 US visa. Can I get a visa on entry in Dubai, Qatar & China?
Hi Joy! You can get Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Qatar with your Nigeria passport and US B1/B2 visa. You would need to apply for an eTA before arrival in Qatar.
Unfortunately, Nigeria passport is not eligible for Visa on Arrival in UAE and China. You would need to get a pre-approved visa from the consulate for both UAE and China.
Hi, Thirumal, thanks for your information!
I want to know if the visa F-1 can offer us these countries (Vietnamese holder).
Hi Giang, Yes most of these countries can be traveled with a valid US F-1 visa. Here is the list of countries for Vietnamese passport and US F-1 visa –
NORTH AMERICA
-Mexico
CENTRAL AMERICA
-Belize
-Costa Rica
-Panama
CARIBBEAN
-Cuba (Vietnam passport holders only need Tourist Card)
-Dominican Republic
-Antigua and Barbuda
SOUTH AMERICA
-Colombia
EUROPE
-Turkey
-Georgia
-Albania
-Macedonia
-Montenegro
-Serbia
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-United Kingdom (24 hours visa on arrival)
MIDDLE EAST
-Qatar
-Oman
AFRICA
-São Tomé and Príncipe
ASIA
-Taiwan
-South Korea
-Malaysia
Can I travel to Dominican Republic with a C1 Multiple US Visa (valid for 10 years)?
Hi Ria! In my opinion, the visa must be a tourist visa or any other visa that lets you travel to the US. Therefore, transit visa may not be recognized as a valid visa for DR. Here is the info from the Embassy of Dominican Republic in the US –
“Any person who can legally travel or reside in the United States, Canada and the European Union (including Great Britain) does not need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes”
I suggest to directly contact your nearest DR embassy to enquire.
Hey Thirumal,
Great Blog mate, I really appreciate your effort. By the way, I saw your update about “Bosnia and Herzegovina”. Applies to all nationalities that have visa regime with Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Does it apply to Indian Passport holders? I do have a multiple entry U.S visa, am I eligible to get a Free Entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Hey Vipin, that’s correct. The embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in New Delhi has confirmed the information. Below is the information I received from them –
“Citizens of the countries with whom Bosnia and Herzegovina has a visa regime, may enter Bosnia and Herzegovina with passport, without the obligation to obtain a visa for entry, exit, transit and stay on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina only if they have a valid multiple entry visa or residence permit issued by the signatory countries of the Schengen Agreement, the EU member states or the United States of America.”
So, as per their email, the above statement applies to India passport holders. You can get a free entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina with your US visa. If you need more info, contact the B&H embassy in New Delhi.
Thank you, Buddy….. Have a Great Travel year ahead.
Hi Thirumal,
My question is a bit different , and relates to the Schengen Visa
I am writing this, in context of French Schengen visa extension for my mother (63 years old visa valid until 14th Aug’18), who is currently in UK on a tourist visa (Visa valid until 11th Jan’19), and also holds a US Tourist visa valid until year 2026 , and is currently residing with me in London.
I have been in UK- London on a work visa, with my wife for last 4 years, and we both have a Schengen visa valid until July’19.
To give you some background, we applied for a UK tourist visa , followed by the French Schengen visa for my mother from Mumbai, India.
The intention was that during her stay here in UK, we would be visiting quite a few European countries, primarily France, by car or other modes of transport.
So we had requested for at least a 6 months Schengen visa for her, and provided all required documentation.
She travelled to UK on the 12th July’18, as we had planned our first trip to France from 14th-21st July’18. We completed our trip .
Unfortunately she was only given French Schengen visa for 1 month, from 14th July until 14th August’18.
This has put all our Europe tour plans in limbo. As she is currently in UK – London, would request your help in providing some solution/advice in getting her Schengen visa extended from London, so that we can make our European trips, including visit to Paris.
Is this possible, what are the options for getting the visa extended or a new one issued from London or France? If we travel to France and request the Foreign office in Paris to extend her visa, will that be possible, as she has a Schengen visa issued by France.
Thanks
Raj
Hi Raj! Schengen visa extensions are extremely difficult except in some rare situations. You can only request the visa extension from the visa issued country (in your case, it’s France) and can only stay the extension period in that country.
My suggestion is to apply for another Schengen visa from the UK. A new application is much easier and quicker than trying to extend the existing one.
I have a L2 US Visa right now. Can visiting these countries change the I94? I am looking out for countries that dont affect the I94 (I have got my name in H1 lottery so the visa is due to get changed in october )
Hi Meenakshi! Yes, visiting these countries will change your I-94 (US arrival/departure record) dates. Visiting any of these countries is considered an international trip. Meaning, you will depart the US and re-enter after your trip. A new departure record will be created when you leave the US and a new arrival record will be created on your entry into the US.
Thanks thirumal, From one of my friend who visited peurto rico I got to know that puerto rico doesnt affect I94 as it is a US territory..Is this true!
That’s correct! Puerto Rico is a US territory. It is like a domestic trip, so your I-94 (arrival/departure record) will not affect.
Hi Thirumal,
I am planning to visit India for my H1B stamping.
My itinerary:
Onward journey:
SFO -> SINGAPORE(1.30 hr layover) -> CHENNAI
Return Journey:
CHENNAI -> SINGAPORE(2 day stopover) -> SFO
I plan for a 2 day stopover in Singapore while returning from India to USA to visit my friend.
I will have my H1B visa stamped while returning from India. Can i use visa free transit facility while returning from India?
Due to 2 day stop over in Singapore, will airlines create any problem while i travel from USA to India as i will be travelling on an expired H1B visa.
Please help me to clarify on this.
Hi Ravi! Yes, you can use VFTF in Singapore airport while traveling back to the US. The airlines on your journey to India will not ask anything about your return ticket. If at all they ask, you can simply mention that you will apply for Singapore visa from India as it gets closer to the travel date.
Hi Thirumal, very informative and well-written post! Also very kind of you to answer everyone’s questions.
Are you able to generate the list of countries where I can travel visa-free (or VoA etc.) using Indian passport + Permanent Residence in Switzerland (Schengen, but not EU)?
Thanks a lot.
Hi Jaya! Thanks for the kind words! You can visit 17 countries (and 1 Dutch territory) with your Switzerland Permanent Residency. Here is the list –
North America
– Mexico
Caribbean
– Aruba
– Bonaire (Dutch)
– Sint Maarten
Europe
– Albania
– Andora
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Georgia
– Kosovo
– Macedonia
– Romania
– San Marino
– Serbia
– Turkey
– Vatican City
Middle East
– Qatar
Asia
– Philippines
– Taiwan
This above list is in addition to all the Schengen countries. As a permanent resident in a Schengen state, you can travel to any Schengen state without an additional visa for a period of 90 days.
For detailed information, download my eBook and refer to the page “Any Schengen Country Visa/Residence Permit”.
I have a valid US tourist visa.
I am originally from Nepal but working in Japan for past few years. On the way to Nepal (Home visit) I am planning to visit Hong Kong just for a day and go Nepal. Do i need a Hong Kong tourist visa??
Thanks in advance
Hi Nirmal! Unfortunately, Nepal passport holders NEED a visa to Hong Kong. You can transit through Hong Kong without leaving the airport. But, if you want to leave the airport and spend a day in the city, you would need to have a Hong Kong tourist visa.
Hi Thirumal!..At the outset i would like thank you for such an informative post.
I am an Indian national & have a valid US B1 visa and I am planning to visit Singapore and Malaysia next month.
I’ll be travelling from India to Singapore first, staying there for 4 nights and then from there to Malaysia, staying there for 3 nights and then return back to India. I guess for Singapore i will have to take a Visa prior to my trip but can you guide me if I will get a Malaysian Transit pass at the KLIA or do i need to take a visa for Malaysia as well.
Hi Sreejith! Obtaining Transit Pass at KLIA is slightly tricky. Airlines are not aware of this requirement and they will deny boarding if you are not in possession of a Malaysia tourist visa. At the time of check-in, airline staff will verify the visa requirements in TIMATIC database. Transit Pass does not come up in the TIMATAC database.
Therefore, there are a few ways to handle your situation –
(1) Get your Singapore visa and also get Malaysia eNTRI. eNTRI allows transiting through Singapore, so you will be fine flying into Malaysia from Singapore. eNTRI costs about $20 USD.
(2) Get your Singapore visa and also get Malaysia eVisa. eVisa costs about $41.5 USD.
(3) Get your Singapore visa and plan to get VoA at Malaysia. You will be eligible for VoA at KLIA since you will be flying into KLIA from Singapore and you will have a Singapore visa. VoA fee is about $82.5 USD. VoA comes up in TIMATIC, so airlines will not deny your boarding. Now, when you arrive in KLIA, simply ask the visa officer that you want to get Transit Pass for 120 hours (5 days) instead of VoA. There is a pretty good chance you will be given Transit Pass. Recently, an Indian reader of my blog (holds India passport plus US B1/B2 visa) was able to get Transit Pass at KLIA while traveling back to India from Thailand. He was planning to get VoA, but the immigration officer gave him Transit Pass instead saying that he is staying less than 5 days and it’s free. So, there is a chance.
If you want to be on the safe side, go for option 1 or 2. If you want to take chances, go for option 3. If you go for option 3, you may end up getting VoA for $82.5 USD or you may end up getting Transit Pass for free.
Hi Thirumal
Can you give me the list of places I can visit with my Indian passport with a US b2 visa
You can visit about 34 countries from the above list. Here are the countries –
North America
– Mexico
Central America
– Belize
– Costa Rica
– El Salvador
– Guatemala
– Honduras
– Nicaragua
– Panama
Caribbean
– Antigua and Barbuda
– Aruba
– Bahamas
– Cuba
– Curaçao
– Dominican Republic
– Sint Maarten
South America
– Colombia
– Peru
Europa
– Albania
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Georgia
– Macedonia
– Montenegro
– Serbia (visa-free with India passport)
– Turkey (eVisa)
– UK (24hours during transit)
Middle East
– Oman (eVisa)
– Qatar (VoA)
– UAE (VoA)
Africa
– São Tomé and Príncipe
Asia
– Malaysia (120 hrs)
– Philippines
– Singapore (96 hrs)
– South Korea
– Taiwan
Hi Thirumal,
Happy to find your blog mate, and most importantly appreciate your time answering each question….
I have valid US B1 (Indian Passport) and will be travelling to Germany on a Job Seekers VISA. Can you please list out what countries permit me to travel with out VISA/VoA (for site seeing) with the US B1.
Can i travel to US (If required) from Germany with the same B1 VISA i have currently.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Satish! Thanks! You can travel to about 34 countries from the above list with your India passport and US B1 visa. Here are those 34 countries –
North America
– Mexico
Central America
– Belize
– Costa Rica
– El Salvador
– Guatemala
– Honduras
– Nicaragua
– Panama
Caribbean
– Antigua and Barbuda
– Aruba
– Bahamas
– Cuba
– Curaçao
– Dominican Republic
– Sint Maarten
South America
– Colombia
– Peru
Europa
– Albania
– Bosnia and Herzegovina
– Georgia
– Macedonia
– Montenegro
– Serbia (visa-free with India passport)
– Turkey (eVisa)
– UK (24hours during transit)
Middle East
– Oman (eVisa)
– Qatar (VoA)
– UAE (VoA)
Africa
– São Tomé and Príncipe
Asia
– Malaysia (120 hrs)
– Philippines
– Singapore (96 hrs)
– South Korea
– Taiwan
Can you travel to the US with your existing B1 visa? Absolutely! That is why the visa is given for 10 years, so you can travel to the US whenever you need. You can travel to the US from anywhere. It doesn’t have to be from your home country.
Hi Thirumal,
Your blog is very informative. I am Vietnamese working for US cruise line company. I just have C1D visa. Can I enter Serbia or apply for Turkey eVisa with this C1D visa?
Thank you in advance,
Thanh
Hi Thanh Vu! Thanks! Serbia and Turkey do not specify the type of US visas they honor. So, it is safe to assume that your C1/D visa can be used. Since you hold a Vietnamese passport, there are some additional criteria for Turkey eVisa. You can only enter Turkey by air and only with Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Onur Air or Atlasglobal Airlines.
Hi Thirumal,
I have US B1/B2 visa. Can I get American Samoa visa-on-arrival with US visa ?
Thank you.
Hi Jayan! Unfortunately, American Samoa has it’s own immigration rules. Though American Samoa is a US territory, they do not honor US visas. You would need an entry permit (they do not issue visas) to enter American Samoa.
Note: Apologies for including American Samoa in the article. I will remove it.
Thanx Thirumal and no issues.
I am travelling since 2009 (so far 92 foreign countries/regions and all continents) and I have seen visa rules changing so frequently that one has to keep updated information every month. At present with valid visa of any developing country travelling is much easier for Indian passport holders but still we are behind Chinese. I hope our government pushes as does China.
Regards.
That’s awesome! There is so much to learn from you. It’s always a pleasure to learn from experienced visa travelers.
I completely agree with you on the visa rules. It’s difficult to keep up with the changing visa requirements. I have to go through various sources once every month to make sure the information is still current and relevant. India passport is slowly becoming better, especially with having visas from the US, Canada or Schengen. Hopefully, we’ll be able to catch up with Chinese passport soon.
Wow very informative… great effort. You are so kind to give reply. Dear Mr. Thirumal, valid US visa (B1/B2) holding and can I travel Singapore with return ticket from India (IND-SIN-IND)? If Yes, How many days can stay there?
Hi Venugopal! You CANNOT use your US B1/B2 to enter Singapore in your situation. You must be traveling “via Singapore” not “to Singapore”. Let me explain in more detail –
Requirement: You can use your US B1/B2 visa to enter Singapore ONLY IF you are transiting via Singapore to reach a third country, preferably the US or India as final destinations.
Examples with the US as the final destination: India-Singapore-USA, Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore-USA, etc
Examples with India as the final destination: Indonesia-Singapore-India, Thailand-Singapore-India, etc
Suggestion: I suggest to add another country to your itinerary and travel “via Singapore” on your way back. Examples: India-Thailand-Singapore-India, India-Bali-Singapore-India, India-Malaysia-Singapore-India, India-Vietnam-Singapore-India. In this case, you are allowed to stay up to 96 hours (4 days) in Singapore.
Hi Dear Thirumal,
Wow great knowledge you shared, really appreciable and big salute, thanks alot. Sure will add one more country as INDIA-CAMBODIA-SINGAPORE-INDIA.
R Venugopal
Cochin
Hi Thirumal,
Last month I was transiting via heathrow enroute to the usa when I tried to seek uk visa on arrival, the immigration officer told me that he doesn’t see a valid reason in letting me go out though I had a onward ticket to the usa in the next 8 hours.
Hi Selvam! The 24 hr visa on arrival is not officially documented anywhere. It completely depends on the discretion of the immigration officers. That being said, quite a few of my readers were able to obtain 24hr visa on arrival at Heathrow en route USA. Even one reader was able to get it both ways.
You, of course, must have a strong reason to step out of the airport. 8 hours is technically not enough to do anything. You must come back to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight and the tube to the city will at least take an hour each way. So, you will be left with just 3 hours in the city.
In my opinion, if you have at least 15+ hours layover, have a solid itinerary for those hours or a friend meeting at a certain location will work well in convincing the immigration officer.
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for providing such exhaustive info. Really appreciate the effort.
I need some clarity re if I need a UK transit visa with regards to the below.
My details
– I hold an Indian Passport.
– Am travelling from India to a Schengen country and considering flying through Heathrow(won’t exit the airport)
– I hold a USA B1/B2 visa
In your article above, to be exempt from a UK transit visa, it is mentioned that the traveller
“Must be in transit to/from the US only and must have an onward ticket within 24 hours”
However, on the UK visa site, the following is mentioned:
“You don’t need a visa if you have one of the following: a visa for Canada, New Zealand, Australia or the USA (this can be used for travel to any country)”
Would you be able to tell me which one holds true as of today?
Thanks for your help
Hi Peter! The 24 hours visa is to exit the airport. If you are not leaving the airport, you don’t need to worry about this. Since you have Schengen visa and also US visa, you can transit through Heathrow (airside transit only, you cannot exit the airport).