Yes, you read it correctly. Travel 37 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 37 countries to your VISA-FREE list. This is how you give more “power” to your “powerless” passport.
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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 intention 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
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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 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 ado, here is the list.
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North America
Chichén Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico
01. Mexico
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 180 days
- Original Sources:
02. 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)
Also Read: 5 ways to get a proof of onward travel for your next trip
***
Central America
Jacó Beach, Jacó, Costa Rica
03. Belize
- Applies to all passport holders
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
04. 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
- Original Sources:
05. El Salvador
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
06. Guatemala
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
07. Honduras
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
08. Nicaragua
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to get VOA for a fee of $50 USD (payable in USD only)
- Besides VOA fee, there is a $10 USD entry fee, $2 USD land border migration fee (for land border only) and $1 USD Municipality Tax (for land border only)
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
- 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.”
09. Panama
- Applies to all nationalities
- US visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
- US visa must have been used at least once to enter the US before
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
***
Caribbean
Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
10. Antigua and Barbuda
- Applies to all nationalities
- US Visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for VOA (fee is $100 USD)
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
11. Aruba
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
12. Bahamas
- Applies to India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
13. 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
- Original Sources:
14. Curaçao
- Applies to China, Dominican Republic and India passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
15. Dominican Republic
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
16. Sint Maarten
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
Also Read: How to travel 25 countries VISA-FREE with Canada visa
***
South America
Plaza de Bolívar, Bogotá, Colombia
17. Argentina
- Applies to the following passport holders only
Albania
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Bahrain
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
China
Congo, Dem Rep of
Congo, Rep of
Cuba
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Equatorial GuineaEritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
India
Indonesia
Ivory Coast
Kenya
Kiribati
Laos
Lesotho
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauricio
Moldova
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
NauruNepal
Niger
Oman
Palaos
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Rwanda
Samoa
São Tomé And Príncipe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Swaziland
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe - The US visa must be B2 or B1/B2 only (work/student/crew visa and green card are not eligible)
- The US visa must be valid for at least 4 months from the day of entry into Argentina
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to arrival
- eTA fee is $50 USD and processing time is 20 working days
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
18. Chile
- Applies to China, Dominican Republic and India passport holders only
- The US visa must be B1/B2 or green card only (work/student/crew/transit/dependent visas are not eligible)
- The B1/B2 visa or green card must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Chile
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
19. Colombia
- Applies to Cambodia, China, India, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam passport holders only
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
20. Peru
- Applies to India and China passport holders only
- The US visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
- Entry up to 180 days
- Original Sources:
Also Read: What to pack for international travel
***
Europe
Istanbul, Turkey
21. Albania
- Applies to all nationalities
- Must have used the US visa to enter the US at least once
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
22. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Applies to all nationalities that have visa regime with Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
23. Georgia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
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
- Original Sources:
25. Montenegro
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
26. Serbia
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- Original Sources:
27. 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 eVisa
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
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
- Original Sources:
Also Read: 15 ways to research visa requirements for any country
***
Middle East
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
29. Oman
- Applies to the following passport holders only
- Visa in NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for eVisa
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
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
- Original Sources:
31. United Arab Emirates
- Applies to only India passport holders
- Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to get Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA) at UAE airports or online
- Passport and US visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in UAE
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) fee is 100 AED (at the airport) or 150 AED (online)
- Entry up to 14 days
- Original Sources:
***
Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe
32. São Tomé and Príncipe
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 15 days
- Original Sources:
Also Read: 10 tips for happy and successful Airbnb stay
***
Asia
Boracay, Philippines
33. 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 as the final destination
- Eligible for visa EXEMPTION only at Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA1 and KLIA2)
- Must be flying by Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia or Malindo Air
- Entry up to 120 hours (5 days)
- Original Sources:
34. Philippines
- Applies to China and India passport holders only
- Entry up to 14 days for India passport holders
- Entry up to 7 days for China passport holders
- A 7 day visa extension can be requested at the Bureau of Immigration office
- Original Sources:
35. Singapore
- Applies to China and India passport holders only
- Must be traveling to or from India (example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore)
- Entry up to 96 hours (4 days)
- Original Sources:
36. South Korea
- Applies to all nationalities EXCEPT the following 24 – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen
- Must be in transit to reach the US as final destination
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources:
37. Taiwan
- Applies to Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam passport holders only
- Visa is EXEMPT but must apply online for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate (valid for 90 days) online before arrival
- A US visa that has expired less than 10 years ago can also be used
- Entry up to 14 days
- Original Sources:
Also Read: What is Visa on Arrival and how to get it successfully every time
***
VISA-FREE travel with US visa to British and Dutch Territories
US visa holders and US permanent residents (green card holders) can get visa exemption at the following British and Dutch Territories.
01. Bermuda (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- The US visa or greencard must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources: Bermuda Attractions and Government of Bermuda
02. Bonaire (Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Applies to Bolivia, China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, India, Jamaica and Peru passport holders only (if in possession of a multiple-entry US visa)
- Applies to all nationalities (if in possession of US Green Card)
- Entry up to 30 days
- Original Sources: The Netherlands and You and Bonaire Travel Guide
03. British Virgin Islands (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- The visa must have at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Entry up to 190 days
- Original Sources: British Virgin Islands Tourism
04. Cayman Islands (British Territory)
- Applies to China, India and Jamaica passport holders only (if in possession of US visa)
- Applies to all nationalities (if in possession of US Green Card)
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Cayman Islands Immigration Department
05. Turks and Caicos (British Territory)
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 90 days
- More info: Turks and Caicos Tourism and Visit Turks and Caicos Islands
***
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. Aruba
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Visit Aruba
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. 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
04. Sint Maarten
- Applies to all nationalities
- Entry up to 30 days
- More info: Government of Sint Maarten
***
Conclusion
There you have it! List of 37 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 37 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.
How to get Thailand Visa on Arrival – A complete guide
How to travel 39 Non-Schengen countries VISA-FREE with Schengen visa
How to schedule US visa appointment- A step-by-step guide
Stan says
Hi, I have a Ukrainian passport and F1 US visa. My wife and son have F2 US visas. Can we travel to Puerto Rico? Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Stan! Yes, you can. Puerto Rico is part of the United States. So you can use your F1/F2 visas to travel to Puerto Rico. Enjoy your time in Puerto Rico!
Ramesh says
Hello Sir, can I travel to Armenia, with an Indian passport and US B1/B2 visa? Kindly reply to my email ID also if possible.
Thirumal says
Hi Ramesh! Yes, you can get Visa on Arrival in Armenia with your India passport and US visa. More information at the Embassy of Armenia in India.
Izza says
Hi! I have a Philippine passport with a US tourist visa. I’m traveling to the US this end of the month with a layover in UK Heathrow airport for 21 hrs. Can I go out and visit central London during the layover without a transit visa? I just wanna be sure. Thanks in advance. 🙂
Thirumal says
Hi Izza! Yes, you can. But keep in mind that the entry depends on the discretion of the immigration officer. If your bags are checked all the way to the US, have a boarding passport for your next flight and have a bit of travel history, then you will not have any issues getting a 24-hour entry at the London airport. Here is a personal experience on getting a 24-hour entry at London airport by a fellow Filipino.
Venkat says
Hi, I have an H1 visa and my son wants to study visit to Greece for 2 weeks. He has an H4 visa. Can he travel?
Thirumal says
Hi Venkat! Unfortunately, your son cannot use his US H4 visa to enter Greece. He needs a Schengen visa to visit Greece.
Ravi Prasad says
Hello Thirumal,
I didn’t find this scenario discussed in any of the above threads. I am an Indian citizen.I have a stopover travel in UAE. I’ll be traveling to UAE from US, have a stopover for 3 and half days and then will go to India. Will be back to US after a month. My Student visa will expire in exactly 6 months 14 days on the day of arrival in UAE.
The question I have is I got my H1B last year. So basically I am on my H1B visa, which would make my student visa invalid in the US. I don’t have my H1B visa stamped in my passport. UAE provides VoA for Indian citizens with a valid US visa. Can I travel to UAE and show them my F1 visa (can’t show my H1B documents because I don’t have the stamp yet)?
Not sure, but I’m thinking UAE wouldn’t know that my F1 visa was expired (expires in 6 months 14 days on passport) because of my H1B right? So I probably should still get VoA for UAE, right? Although, unrelated I am getting my H1B stamp when I’m in India. So I’m expecting return to the US wouldn’t be a problem.
Should I just apply online before hand itself and pay 150 AED instead or should I just do VoA for 100 AED? Thoughts? Suggestions by everyone will also be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ravi Prasad
Thirumal says
Hi Ravi! You can use your F1 visa to enter the UAE. You may have a change of status in the US, but your F1 is still valid and that’s all you need. You can pay a bit more and get it online, so you will be on the safe side.
Another safe option is to get a 96 hour (4 days) transit visa from the airline. All airlines that fly via Dubai offer this service. It costs about 110 AED. Your arriving and departing flights must be from the same airline though.
Dev says
Hello Sir, I have a question to ask you regarding I’m planning to travel to Dubai for a week and I got a B1 US VISA with me. So am I eligible to go Dubai with the US visa? Kindly waiting for the swift response. Thanks.
Thirumal says
Hi Dev! If you hold an INDIA passport, then yes, you can travel to Dubai with your US B1 visa. You can get Visa on Arrival at Dubai airport and you can stay up to 14 days in Dubai.
Vajeed says
Dear, I am an Indian national working in KSA. I have a B1/B2 visa for the US. I would like to travel to Spain for a 3 days trip. Do I need to apply for a visa or I can travel directly? Please advise.
Thirumal says
Hi Vajeed! You cannot use your US B1/B2 visa to travel to Spain. Spain does not honor US visas. You would need a Schengen visa to travel to Spain.
C.Srinivasan says
Dear Thirumal, I plan to visit Japan end of this year. On return, I plan to break in Manila for 4 days. I am having a B1 visa. Can I need to apply a separate visa for the Philippines or I will get on arrival?
Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Srinivasan! You DO NOT NEED a separate visa for the Philippines. You can use your US B1 visa to enter the Philippines. You just have to show your US visa at the airline check-in in Tokyo and at the immigration in Manila airport. That is all. You will get 14-day entry.
AJITH SHETTY says
Hi Mr.Thirumal. I want to go to the US as a tourist. For the visa, how many days are required?
Thirumal says
Hi Ajith! The US visa process itself doesn’t take much time, just a few days. You have to fill DS-160 which might take about 2 days. Then you have to schedule an appointment at your nearest US consulate. This can take longer as wait times at some consulates are much longer, sometimes up to 120 days. I suggest starting your visa application as early as you can.
Ira Holla says
Thank you! Yes, I confirmed with the embassy and they said they allow any valid US visa.
Thirumal says
Hi Ira! That’s great! Enjoy your trip to Turks and Caicos!!
Ira Holla says
Hi Thirumal! I am an Indian national with a valid J1 visa in the US. I have been trying to find out if I can travel to the Turks and Caicos Islands on this visa. They only specify resident or work visa on their website. I’d be grateful for any help!
Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Ira! I believe a J1 or F1 visa is also considered a resident visa since the visa holders remain in the US much longer than tourists. If T&C allows H1B, they must allow J1/F1 as well. But I suggest contacting and confirming with them before buying your flight tickets.
Lalchhanhima Ralte says
Hi Thirumal, I just wanted to say Thank You for your quick and efficient replies. I have J1 US Visa and inquired last month if I could travel to Mexico with it, to which you replied Yes.
This is to kindly let you know that I traveled to Mexico City with no issues at immigration. The only thing that the lady at the immigration asked me was which visa I was going to use – Mexico or US, to which I showed my US J1 visa. No further questions asked and I was promptly admitted to Mexico. Thanks to you I had extra confidence! I also wanted to point out that my US J1 visa was unused, meaning, I have not used it to travel to the US before.
Thirumal says
Hi Lalchhanhima! Thanks for the update! I’m glad my response to your query has helped you travel to Mexico without any issues. I hope you had a great time in Mexico.
Pankaj says
Hi Thirumal, I have US H1B visa, Canada visa and Schengen valid till December. I want to go to Chile, can I use either of these visas? I do not have B1/B2 US visa though.
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Pankaj! Unfortunately, Chile is currently honoring only US B1, B2, B1/B2 and green cards for India passport holders. I believe Chile would add more visa types in the near future but as of now, you cannot use your US H1B, Canada or Schengen visa to enter Chile.
Sandeep says
Hi Thirumal, I have a Korean work visa. Are there any countries that allow Korean visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Sandeep! Yes, currently there are 3 countries that allow South Korea visa.
– Panama
– Malaysia
– Taiwan
Haris Khan says
Hi Thirumal,
I have Canada multiple entry visa valid till June 2020. As my passport expiring in June 2020, can I renew my passport and is it possible I can travel to Canada on a valid visa on old passport which I will attach with my new passport which I will renew in January 2020 to travel to Canada in April 2020. Please guide.
Thirumal says
Hi Haris! Yes, you can still use your Canada visa in your old passport. You have to carry both old and new passports when you travel.
Crish says
It’s great what you have done. One mistake about South Korea, Sri Lankans need visa though they are traveling to the US with B1/B2.
Thirumal says
Hi Crish! Thanks for letting me know! I will update the article with the new exception list. Thanks again!
Anish says
I have a valid B1/B2 US Visa. I understand I can travel to Mexico without a need to apply for Mexico Visa (which would possibly be visa on arrival) and I can travel to the US while returning back from Mexico as well.
Thirumal says
Hi Anish! That’s correct! You can use your valid US B1/B2 visa to enter Mexico. You do not need a separate Mexico visa. You can also enter back into the US while returning with your valid US B1/B2 visa.
Krystel says
Hi, I have PH passport and US C1 multiple entry Visa. Do I still need to get a Mexican Visa if I’m traveling there for a business trip (5 days)
Thirumal says
Hi Krystal! Yes, you can use your US C1 multiple-entry visa to enter Mexico for business purpose.
Mo Ali says
What about J1 and J2 holders? Is it the same case?
Thirumal says
Hi Mo Ali! Yes, you can use your J1/J2 visa to enter most countries listed in this article. Read the details to make sure all visas are accepted. For example, Chile accepts only B1/B2 visa. I have pointed out such restrictions in the details.
Krishna Kumar says
Dear Thirumal,
Thanks for the detail list. I have a question. I have US B1/B2 multiple 10 years stamped on the old passport and travelled to the US also once on that. Now is it possible to get Visa Free Facility on the new passport also? (US visa valid for 8 more years).
Rgds,
Krishna Kumar
Thirumal says
Hi Krishna! Yes, you can get visa-free access to the countries listed in this article with your US visa, even though it’s in your old passport. But you MUST carry both passports with you – your old and new passports. It doesn’t matter where you are traveling but must carry your old passport until all visas in it expire.
KT says
Hi, Thank you for your detailed blog. My friend is traveling through Germany to USA in the following way IST- Frankfurt- Munich-Chicago. He has a student F1 visa but does not have a Schengen visa or even a transit visa. He wouldn’t have to collect his baggage until Chicago however I am assuming he would have to go through immigration and passport control in Frankfurt (there is no terminal change, however). Would he be able to transit using his US visa? I read on other sites that US visa holders do not need a transit visa in the Schengen area and wanted to confirm if that would work out for him. He won’t be leaving any airport in Germany. Please let me know! Many thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi KT! Your friend DOES NOT need a transit visa in Germany since he holds a valid US F1 visa. However, he is making two stops in Germany and the flight between those two stops can be a domestic flight. In such a case, he may be changing terminals or entering the Schengen zone. Check with the airline if the flight between Frankfurt and Munich is also an international one.
KT says
Thank you for the reply Thirumal! I had another question — as an Indian citizen who hasn’t lived in India for a few years, can I still apply for a Schengen visa in India? I read about some residency rule. Will the visa by denied even though I have Indian passport?
Thirumal says
You must apply for the Schengen visa in the country where you currently live. You will have strong ties with your country of residence than your home country. That being said, if you are in your home country and you’re pressed for time, you can apply in your home country as well. But, acceptance of your application depends on the consulate, VFS and the authorities in your home country.
NAJIB says
Hi Dear! How many Countries can I Travel with Pakistan Passport with valid US VISA B1/B2 visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Najib! You can travel to all countries in this list that says “applied to all nationalities”.
Ahmed says
What about an Egyptian who hold valid USA Visa? What Countries can he enter without visa or just on arrival visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Ahmed! This article applies to all passport holders including Egyptian. For VISA-FREE countries with your Egyptian passport and valid US visa, refer to the countries that say “applies to all nationalities”.
Mani says
I have H1B visa and can I stay up to 24 hours from India to the UK or it should be on the way to the US? Also, can I go to Singapore while to/from the USA to India? Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Mani! Yes, you can request for a 24-hour entry at London’s Heathrow airport on both ways – (1) While going to the US. Ex: India-UK-US and (2) While coming back from the US. Ex: US-UK-India.
Yes, you can enter Singapore for up to 4 days using your US visa. You must be either (1) going to a third country visa Singapore. Ex: India-Singapore-Indonesia or (2) going to India from a third country. Ex: Indonesia-Singapore-India.
Mani says
Thanks a lot. Is the itinerary should be the same ticket (as per your above source)? ex: US to Singapore to India? can it be two itineraries i.e US to Singapore and Singapore to India?
Thirumal says
Yes. It can be two itineraries. US to Singapore and Singapore to India. You will not any issues getting VFTF with two itineraries.
Previously, Singapore VFTF information was not available in the TIMATIC database. All airlines refer to TIMATIC database to validate the visa requirements for boarding passengers. Therefore, it was difficult to convince the airline bound to Singapore that you plan to get VFTF in Singapore. They had no idea what VFTF was since it wasn’t in TIMATIC. But now, TIMATIC is updated with Singapore VFTF. Therefore, you will not have any issues boarding the flight bound to Singapore with US-Singapore itinerary. You just have to show the airline staff your flight booking for Singapore-India within 96 hours of arrival. I will update the article as well to remove the single itinerary requirement.
Ellen says
I would like to know if I can use my US visa to transit Australia(Sydney) for less than 2 hrs. I am an Indian national.
Thirumal says
Hi Ellen! Indian nationals with “ordinary” passports REQUIRE a transit visa to transit through airports in Australia. You can apply for an Australia transit visa (Subclass 771) online and an eVisa will be issued. The Austalia immigration and citizenship website says that it can take up to 19 days for the visa process. So apply as early as you can.
Transit Visa Requirement: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/transit-771/travellers-eligible-to-transit-without-visa
Transit Visa Application: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/transit-771#Overview
mudita says
I have a USA visa(B1/B2), and I have a visa for Portugal. Can I visit other countries like Spain, Italy with these.
Thirumal says
Hi Mudita! You cannot use your US B1/B2 visa to travel to the Schengen zone. But if you have a visa from Portugal, then you have access to the entire Schengen zone. So, you can use your Portugal visa to travel to Spain and Italy.
Nikhil Doshi says
Hi Thirumal, I hold a Indian passport with a US B1/B2 visa. I was planning to visit turkey on my way to USA. Is it possible? While applying for Turkish e-visa, they mentioned for return flight?
Thirumal says
Hi Nikhil! Yes, it’s possible. You can use your Turkey-US ticket as your return/onward ticket. You don’t need to enter the flight details while applying for the eVisa, but you will be asked to show at the first port of entry in Turkey.
Jefe Rogel says
Hi Thirumal, I hold a Philippines passport with a PR visa category IR2. I plan to go to Europe without getting the Schengen visa. What countries would be best in my situation?
Best,
Jefe Rogel
Thirumal says
Hi Jefe! None of the countries in the Schengen zone accept a US visa or green card. But, there are quite a few non-Schengen countries in Europe that you can visit with your green card. Please refer to the countries in the section “Europe” in this article.
Catherine Bejer says
Hi Thirumal, I am planning to travel to Cuba. I am a Philippines passport holder and have a valid US visa and Canadian Visa. I am flying from Miami to Cuba. I just wanted to confirm regarding the info you’ve provided, Do I only need to obtain the Tourist card (usually purchase from airlines)? I do not need to apply for a separate A1 Cuban visa? Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Catherine! You DO NOT need an A1 Cuban visa as you already have a US visa (or Canada visa). All you need is a Tourist Card. You can obtain your tourist card from the “Cuba Ready” Kiosk at Miami airport. Just ask any airport staff, they will direct you to the kiosk.
NOTE: Many Filipino readers with Philippines passport with US visa have traveled to Cuba from Miami with American Airlines. They have all obtained their Tourist Cards in the Miami airport without any problem.
Mizo Sailo says
Hi Thirumal. I am from Mizoram, India. I have a J1 Visa for my upcoming fellowship program in the US. I will be joining a University starting in August of this year. I was wondering if I can travel to Mexico on the J1 visa in July 2019. I understand that the Mexican embassy here in India has a notice that ANY VALID US visa allows entry to Mexico. My main concern is that is the J1 visa considered valid even if I have not used it before to travel into the US.
Thirumal says
Hi Mizo! Yes, your J1 visa is considered valid for entering Mexico. As far as my knowledge goes, you will not have any issue. But I suggest carrying some documentation on your fellowship program. If asked, you can show that you will be returning to the US to start your fellowship program.
Ashish Jaiswal says
Hello Thirumal. I am from Nepal and I recently got an F1 Visa to study in the US. I am planning to stay in S. Korea for a couple of days via transit to the US. Do I need any kind of visa to get out of the airport in S. Korea? Any help would be really appreciated.
Thirumal says
Hi Ashish! Unfortunately, Nepal is one of the 24 EXCLUDED countries for VISA EXEMPTION with US visa. Therefore, you won’t be allowed to leave the airport in South Korea on your way to the US. You will have to arrange for a South Korea visa from the consulate before your trip.
Arun Joshi says
Hi Thirumal,
Hope you are fine! I am from India & I have a B1/B2 currently in the USA for visit & wants to travel to the UK. Can I travel? Please advice at earliest. If no, then which other countries I can travel through B1/B2 visa without any problem.
Thanks & Best Regards
Arun
Thirumal says
Hi Arun! If you are traveling to the US via the UK, you can request for a 24-hour entry at the London’s Heathrow airport. But if you need to spend more than 24-hours in the UK, you would need a UK tourist visa.
With your India passport and valid US B1/B2 visa, you can travel to all the countries listed in this article.
arun says
Hi Thirumal
Please, advice can I apply for Canada visa online? I have a B1/B2 visa and I am currently in the USA.
Thanks & Best Regards
Arun
Thirumal says
Hi Arun! Yes, you can apply for your Canada visa while you are in the US. Biometrics are mandatory and therefore you will have to make an appointment after your online application. Overall, the visa process can take up to 30 days.
Sudarshan says
Hi Thirumal, Thanks for sharing all the information. Can you please confirm that with a US Business visa with 10 years multiple entries can I travel to Israel, Jordan, South Africa, and Turkey? Please confirm.
Thirumal says
Hi Sudarshan! You cannot use your US visa to enter any of those 4 countries, except Turkey (eVisa). Details below.
Israel: NO
Jordan: NO
South Africa: NO
Turkey: NO but certain passport holders with US visa are eligible to apply for Turkey eVisa.
Nagarajan Bhava says
Thanks for the extensive list. Really helpful. I have a question. With B1 US visa from India, if we use solely for a trip to some eligible country (say Malaysia) without going to the US at all and return back, will that not be a black mark on the visa? I understand that it is possible but Is that legally allowed?
Will the country where we are landing does not question us?
Thirumal says
Hi Nagarajan! Each country has its own visa/immigration/entry rules. You are supposed to follow/obey the rules. If you violate a rule, you may be able to get away with it or you may be flagged.
Airlines, governments, immigration departments, etc share data. There are also third-party databases that some countries refer to. Any such actions may end up somewhere in those databases. Eventually, they come up and start causing issues with your future travels.
Ja says
Hi, I would like to inquire, we are planning to travel to Bosnia this coming June 2, 2019. Is it applicable for us Filipino holding valid USA visa to entry Visa upon arrival to Bosnia? Thanks.
Ja
Thirumal says
Hi Ja! Yes, you can enter Bosnia and Herzegovina without a visa with your Filipino passport and valid US visa.
kaushal says
Hi Thirumal,
I have Valid B1/B2 Visa of the US, can I travel to Italy, Greece without a prior Schengen visa or VoA in Europe?
As well as kindly provide a list of Schengen countries which I can travel with B1/B2 Visa & without prior Schengen Visa.
Thanks in advance, your webpage is amazing and quite helpful.
Thirumal says
Hi Kaushal! Unfortunately, none of the 26 Schengen countries accept/allow US visas. You would need a Schengen visa for all 26 Schengen countries including Italy and Greece.
Non-Schengen countries in the European continent such as Albania, B & H, Georgia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey accept US visas. You can find more details on these countries in the article under “Europe”.
Asad Khan says
Is this rule applicable for US tourist/visitor visa only or also for US F-1 visa as well? A few days ago I was approved for it so I am double checking it with you if it is the case? Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Asad! Many countries in the list accept US F1 visa as well. There are only a few countries that do not accept F1 visa (ex: Chile and Argentina).
Basma Essayoufi says
Hi, dear Thirumal. Can I know if I can visit Georgia with US C1/D visa? I’m a Moroccan citizen.
Thirumal says
Hi Basma! Georgia hasn’t specified the types of US visas that are allowed. Therefore, it is safe to assume that all types of US visas are allowed. So, you can use your US C1/D visa to enter Georgia.
Krishnakant says
Hi Thirumal,
You are doing a fantastic job helping each and everyone with detailed guidelines.
I had a doubt, I have a valid B1 visa for the next 10 years, so can I visit any of these countries on Vacation or it has to be restricted strictly to Business Discussion.
Thanks again.
Thirumal says
Hi Krishnakant! Yes, you can visit all of these countries with your B1 visa for “vacation”.
IMTIAZ says
Hi Thirumal,
I have a valid US B1/B2 for 10 years. Can I use my Indian passport to travel to the Philippines for a visa on arrival?
Am checking if it is still accepted in today’s date? (16th May 2019).
Thank you very much.
Thirumal says
Hi Imtiaz! Yes, the requirement is still valid today. You can enter the Philippines with your India passport and US B1/B2 visa. You will be given 14 days entry. More information on the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi website.
Supriya says
Hi! Is it ok to use an unused US B1/B2 visa to enter Philippines (Manila airport)? Could you share any link that can confirm this? Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Supriya! Yes, you can use your “unused” US B1/B2 visa to enter the Philippines. The Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi clearly says “used or unused” US visas. Go to the Embassy of the Philippines in New Delhi website and scroll to “9A: TEMPORARY VISITOR’S VISA FOR PLEASURE (TOURIST VISA)” section.
Preethi Moraes says
If I have L1 or L1 A visa and Indian passport, can I go to Alaska or do I need a separate visa for it?
Thirumal says
Hi Preethi! Alaska is part of the US. Therefore, you can use your L1 or L1 A visa to travel to Alaska. But make sure you have a direct flight from the US mainland to Alaska. If you transit in Canada, then you will need a Canada visa.
Chandra Mani says
Hi Thirumal!
This is Chandra, Indian passport holder working in Houston. I have a valid B1/B2 visa and I am working on L1-visa here. Will both be valid; and I can travel where they don’t let people with US work-permit?
Appreciate your help.
Regards,
Chandra
Thirumal says
Hi Chandra! A few countries on the list have some limitations on work/student/transit visas. But all countries accept US B1/B2 visa. In fact, they all prefer a B1/B2 visa over all other US visas. Therefore, I suggest using your B1/B2 visa to travel to any of the countries listed in this article.
Will says
Hi Thirumal thank you for your information, it helps a lot! I have 2 questions and it’s gonna be really long. I will truly appreciate for your response. So I hold a US student visa (F1) valid till 2020, however there is a little accident that happened: I traveled to the Dominican Republic earlier this year after I finish my school and when I re-enter the US I was told that my student visa is not valid to enter the US no more because I left after the school is over, so I should not come back and told me my student visa is not valid anymore (they let in luckily since I was leaving the US anyway in a week just go back to pack ), so my question is: will I still be able to enter those countries with my student visa? I believe the customs in each country is not connected right?
My other question is about Chile, so in the article it says “The US visa must be B1/B2 or green card only (work/student/crew/transit/dependent visas are not eligible)”, but when I look up for info in Chinese language they did not mention if it was available for B1/B2 visa only, so I assume it’s available for all visa types? I would like to confirm.
Sorry, there are so many words, thank you so much!
Thirumal says
Hi Will! Yes, you can use your student visa to enter the countries on this list. The only requirement is that the visa must not be expired.
For Chile, the visa-free entry with B1/B2 visa was available for Chinese nationals from a long time. They recently included India as well as the greencard. Can you send me a link to the article that you are referring?
Mejanur Rahman says
Hi Thirumal, I am a Bangladeshi national and I have a valid US visa. So, can you tell me whether the US visa facilitates me to travel to Mexico, Canada and the UK or not? Is it for the travel in transit only?
Thirumal says
Hi Mejanur! With your Bangladeshi passport and valid US visa, you can travel to Mexico. For Canada, you would need a Canada visa. You cannot use your US visa for Canada.
For the UK, you can request for a 24-hour entry at London’s Heathrow airport if you are flying via London to reach any city in the US.
RD says
Hi! My friend has a C1/D visa and would like to travel to Serbia and Montenegro. Can he get a visa on arrival in both countries? If not, can you suggest other countries which he can get voa using C1/D visa? Thanks much for your reply in advance!
Thirumal says
Hi RD! If a country clearly indicates that they don’t allow US transit visa (C1/D), then your friend, of course, cannot use his C1/D visa. For countries that do not allow US transit visa, I have clearly indicated them (ex: Argentina, Chile, etc). For the rest, your friend can use his US C1/D visa to enter.
Raj says
Hi Thirumal,
This week I have received e-mail confirmation from Chilean Consulate in New York & Chilean Embassy in UAE that Indians with normal PP and USA B1/B2 visa (with at least 6 months validity) can visit Chile and Easter Island without visa.
Thirumal says
Hi Raj! Thanks for the update! I was finally given a link to the official information. I have updated the article as well. Thanks again for updating me and all our readers/community!
Tommy von Levetzow says
Good day. Great info. Thank you.
I read through all the comments, and I hope I did not miss this one. I have a South African passport. I have had multiple Visa’s. I currently have a ten year B1/B2 visa and will soon have an L1a visa. With this visa and my passport, what countries can I enter without a specific visa for those counties? If you could advise on both please. L1 and B1
Thirumal says
Hi Tommy! Though L1 and B1 are equally good, I think your B1 visa is slightly better and gets you more VISA-FREE travel than your L1 visa. South Africa passport is somewhat stronger than the passports that I usually write for. Therefore, some of the countries in this article may already offer visa exemption to South Africa passports.
Raj says
Hi Thirumal,
From 01 April, 2019 Indian passport holders with US B1/B2 visa can get Chile VoA. I wonder why Argentina asking for eTA ?
Thirumal says
Hi Raj! The official sources (such a Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile) haven’t been updated yet with the new visa rules for India passports with US visa. I’m still waiting for these official sources to be updated so I can update this article as well.
Argentina has always been offering eTA for US visa holders but it was only for China passport holders. Recently they made many other nationalities eligible for eTA.
Every country has it’s own visa requirements. Therefore, it’s really difficult to know why Argentina requires an eTA whereas Chile doesn’t. Many countries including the US (ESTA) have eTAs in place. These are required to record incoming tourists, check their backgrounds, etc.
Nikita Goenka says
Hi, I have a US B1/B2 visa and Indian passport. I plan to visit the US in June. Before that, in May I am going to Dubai. Will Visa on arrival be applicable for me since I hold US visa or is it mandatory to have visited the US once to get visa on arrival for UAE. Any response will be appreciated.
Thirumal says
Hi Nikita! There is no such restriction on the US visa to enter the UAE. You can use your current (unused) US B1/B2 visa to get Visa on Arrival in UAE.
Adnan says
Hi brother! I got your information useful. I am from Pakistan and want to ask you having USA B1/B2 visa, which countries I can really travel. Can I travel to the UK with 24 hours option? I have been deported from the UK in 2012 for being overstayed. Please advise me with your best information regarding it. Another thing is that I traveled 3 times to the USA and two of my kids are US citizens.
Please let me know especially about Romania and Bosnia. I am currently having turkey trip. Does it help me to travel to Bosnia/Romania with a valid US visa on Pakistani passport?
Thirumal says
Hi Adnan! You can go through the list of countries in this article for your passport. All those countries that say “applicable to all passports” or “Pakistan” are VISA-FREE countries for Pakistani passports.
I don’t think the UK would allow you a 24-hour VISA-FREE entry due to your overstay record. But you can certainly try while flying via London’s Heathrow airport.
You CAN enter Bosnia with your US visa. But you CANNOT enter Romania with a US visa as you would need a visa from Romania or a Schengen visa.
Adnan Rashid says
Thank you soo much brother! Your reply is so satisfied. I have a question, how much validity of US visa there should be to travel to these countries?
Thirumal says
Most countries in the above list require at least 6 months of validity remaining on your US visa.
Michael says
I’m holding a Philippine passport with US 10 yrs multiple entry visa. Now my question is do I need a tourist visa to South Korea? How about Japan? Thanks for your reply!
Thirumal says
Hi Michael! YES, you can travel to South Korea with your Philippines passport and US visa ONLY IF you will be traveling to the US via South Korea. For example, Manila to Seoul and Seoul to LA. If you have such flight tickets, you will be allowed to enter South Korea and remain in South Korea for up to 30 days.
NO, you NEED a visa for Japan. You cannot use your US visa to enter Japan.