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Do you need a visa for Tokelau?
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200+ countriesUpdated May 20265,000+ checks today

How visa requirements work

Two travellers on the same flight can face completely different rules. Here's why — and how to know which applies to you.

Visa requirements depend on the passport you hold and where you're going. Some countries let you in with just your passport (visa-free). Others stamp a visa at the airport (visa on arrival). Some need an online application ahead of time (e-visa). And some require a full embassy application. The checker above tells you exactly what applies.

Visa types at a glance

Every destination uses one of these four entry types.

TypeApply in advance?Typical fee
Visa-freeNoFree
Visa on arrivalNo$25 – $100
e-VisaYes (online, 1–7 days)$20 – $160
Embassy visaYes (2–8 weeks)$80 – $250+

The destinations travellers check most often.

Recent policy updates

Visa rules change often. Here's what shifted recently.

  1. Apr 2026Schengen
    EES (Entry/Exit System) now live across all external Schengen borders — biometric entry/exit records replace passport stamps for short-stay visitors
  2. Mar 2026China
    240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit expanded to additional ports of entry; eligible for 54 nationalities transiting to a third country
  3. Feb 2026Thailand
    60-day visa-exempt entry confirmed permanent for 93 nationalities; previously 30 days
  4. Jan 2026United Kingdom
    ETA now required for all non-visa nationalities entering the UK, including EU passport holders

Visa requirements by passport

See where each passport can travel visa-free, on arrival, or with an e-visa.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on your passport nationality and your destination. Some countries let you enter without a visa at all (visa-free), others issue a visa when you land (visa on arrival), some require an online application in advance (e-visa), and others need a full embassy application. Use the checker above to find out exactly what applies to your specific passport and destination.

Visa-free means you need no visa whatsoever — just show your passport and you're allowed in. Visa on arrival means you do get a visa, but you collect it at the airport or border crossing when you arrive, usually by paying a fee and filling a quick form. Both are simpler than advance embassy applications, but they are not the same thing.

An e-visa (electronic visa) is a visa you apply for online, usually a few days before your trip. Once approved, it's linked digitally to your passport number — there's no physical sticker. At the border, immigration officers scan your passport and the visa shows up in their system. Countries like India, Turkey, Kenya, and Sri Lanka use e-visa systems.

Use the tool at the top of this page. Select your passport nationality, then select your destination country, and click "Check Requirements." You'll immediately see whether you need a visa and what type — no account needed.

Yes, fairly regularly. Countries update their visa policies in response to diplomatic agreements, security situations, reciprocity arrangements, or economic policy. What was visa-free last year might require an e-visa now. Always check requirements close to your actual travel date, even if you've looked it up before.

It varies by country and visa type. For most embassy visa applications you'll typically need: a valid passport (often with 6 months' validity remaining), a passport-size photo, a completed application form, proof of onward travel, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and sometimes travel insurance.

Most tourist visas are valid for stays of 30 to 90 days, but the entry-validity window (the period during which you can use the visa) is often longer — 3 to 6 months from issue. Some countries issue multi-year, multiple-entry tourist visas. Always check the validity printed on your approved visa.

Generally no — a visa from country A does not let you enter country B. There are exceptions: a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visa can grant easier entry to several other countries (Mexico, Panama, Serbia, Albania, the Philippines, and others). The checker shows these exceptions when they apply to your combination.

Sometimes yes. A few destinations treat applicants differently based on where they currently live — for example, UAE residents holding certain passports get easier access to some Asian and European destinations than they would directly from their home country. If your residence differs from your nationality, set both in the form above for an accurate answer.

Yes, completely free. You don't need an account, you don't need to enter personal details, and we don't store your search. Just pick your passport and destination — answer in seconds.

We aggregate data from official government immigration sources and consular notices, refreshed daily. Visa policies can change with little notice, so for the most authoritative confirmation — especially within a week of travel — always cross-check with the destination's embassy or official visa portal.

Data aggregated from official immigration authorities, airline verification systems, and consular notices. For high-stakes trips, cross-check with the destination's consular site within a week of departure. Last updated by the Atlys Travel Research Team.

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