Selecting and securing a travel visa for a given destination is already a hard enough job, especially when you are traveling on a “weak passport.” You have to consider many factors, especially the visa policy for your chosen country.
But did you know that you can enjoy visa-free travel with a US visa, such as the B1/B2, F1, J1, or H-1B visa, to over 23 countries worldwide?
This is a little-known secret that many US nonimmigrant visa holders are unaware of.
When you are traveling with a passport from a developing country, simply having a valid US visa (unexpired visa) in your passport makes your “weak passport” more powerful (at least until your US visa expires).
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A valid US visa, like B1/B2, F1, J1, or H-1B, grants visa-free access to over 23 countries, greatly benefiting those with passports from developing nations.
- Belize, Georgia, Qatar, and Turkey stand out among the top destinations for their unique adventure, culture, and history mix.
- These destinations cater to many tourist interests and activities, from Belize’s ancient Mayan ruins and Georgia’s picturesque landscapes to Qatar’s luxurious skyline and Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.
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Ten best countries for visa-free travel with a US visa
In this article, we have carefully picked the ten best countries to travel visa-free with a valid US F1, J1, or H1B visa from the list of the 23 countries.
These countries were ranked on how widespread their visa policies are to citizens of all countries, the cost of flying from the US, and the amount of excitement and adventure each country has to offer its tourists.
So, you should certainly add these countries to your bucket list of travel destinations, as you would not have to go through the burden of applying for a travel visa.
Remember that being in possession of a visa does not guarantee entry into a country, customs officials at the port of entry ultimately decided if you will be admitted into the country.
10. Belize
As of 2018, holders of valid US visas can enter Belize visa-free. Although a small country, Belize is packed full of exciting adventure destinations. Visit the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilizations and engage in multiple outdoor adventures.
Belize is quite a small country by land area, but its earthly position, rocky mountain views, rousing beaches, aquatic life, and Mayan sites make it an authentic playground for tourists.
9. Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
Not to be confused with the US state of Georgia, the country Georgia is quite a scenic place to visit in Eastern Europe. Many people consider it a photographer’s dreamland.
Valid visa holders from the United States may enter Georgia without a Georgian visa for 90 days within a six-month period.
Georgia’s rich culture and diverse landscapes make it an ideal destination for history lovers.
Visit the picturesque city of Tbilisi, which is on the rise as one of the most incredible cities in Europe. The breathtaking view of the city makes it imposing and engaging for most visitors.
8. Qatar
Skyline of Doha, Qatar
Nationals with a valid nonimmigrant visa to the US can obtain an electronic travel authorization free of charge by simply completing an online application at www.visitqatar.qa/en/plan-your-trip/visas.
Qatar, which was once a sand-filled landmass, is now one of the fastest-growing tourist hotspots. You can admire the luxurious skyline in Doha, visit the dunes in a buggy, and zip through the desert in an ATV.
7. Turkey
Holy Grand Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
Travelers entering Turkey with a valid US visa can obtain an e-visa instantly by completing an online application at www.evisa.gov.tr/en/apply/. Tourist visas to Turkey are usually granted with a 90-day duration of stay.
Turkey is a fascinating country with a vibrant history and culture. From the food to the fantastic landscapes and architecture, Turkey will satisfy your wanderlust.
You can begin your journey in Istanbul, the magical meeting place of Asia and Europe, with so much to do. Also on your list should be visits to the beautiful city of Antalya, with its rich ancient heritage, and the ancient city of Ephesus.
6. The Dominican Republic
Visa exemptions apply to holders of valid US visas. The Dominican Republic stands as the most visited country in the Caribbean.
With its crystal-clear waters, spectacular beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and thriving nightlife, The Dominican Republic has something to offer every type of traveler.
You’ll have no trouble finding amazing beaches if you visit cities on the island’s north coast, such as Puerto Plata or Punta Cana on the easternmost part of the island.
5. Island of Turks and Caicos
You do not need a visa to visit the Island of Turks and Caicos if you have a valid US visa. Visitors with a valid US visa to Turks and Caicos are granted 90 days of stay upon arrival.
Known as the world’s best diving and snorkeling destination, the Island of Turks and Caicos is the place for water sports junkies.
Enjoy this popular destination without a crowd alongside excellent weather all year round and easy access from the mainland United States.
4. Bermuda
Another perfect destination for visa-free travel with a US visa is Bermuda. Influenced by an English colonial past, Bermuda boasts a beautiful relic of Anglo architecture.
Famous for its pink sand beaches and stunning underground crystal caves, Bermuda is truly paradise on earth. Don’t let the urban legend about the Bermudan Triangle scare you; Bermuda is a place worth visiting!
With just a two-hour flight from New York City, the Island of Bermuda is very close to the east coast of the US, which makes it ideal for a quick weekend getaway.
For more information, check out the Government of Bermuda entry visa requirements.
3. Panama
San Blas Islands, Panama
Any person with a valid US Visa, such as an F1, J1, or H1B visa, may enter Panama without obtaining a Panamanian visa.
However, your US Visa must have been used to enter the US and should be valid for six months when you seek entry into Panama.
Panama’s proximity to the US and its use of the US dollar as the main currency makes it an effortless pick for US tourists.
It is a tropical paradise with so much biodiversity and an incredible number of unexplored islands.
Visit Panama City, known for its sugary white sand and other outdoor adventures.
Naturally, you would want to see the Panama Canal in Panama City—an excellent feat of engineering and one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
2. Antigua & Barbuda
Visas are granted on arrival to persons who are holders of valid US visas for a stay of up to 30 days.
With beautiful white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and friendly locals, you wouldn’t want to leave Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua boasts 95 miles of breath-taking coastline bathed by the Caribbean Sea, while its sister island, Barbuda, is bordered by coral reefs and a large lagoon home to a Frigate bird colony.
Enjoy scuba diving and other water sports in Antigua, or swim with stingrays if you are adventurous enough.
1. Mexico
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in Mexico
Mexico takes the top of this list, not only for its proximity to the United States but for its world-renowned tourism
You can stay in Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days with your valid US visa.
Tourism in Mexico is primarily centered around vacation spots and beach resorts on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. These popular vacation spots in Mexico offer soft, powdery sands, crystalline waters, and other incredible tourist attractions.
If you’re in Mexico, you should visit the city of Tulum, which is famous for its archeological ruins of the Mayans and its beautiful beaches. And if you want to party, the Cities of Los Cabos and Cancun never disappoint.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is a diversity of tourist spots you can explore without going through the hassle of applying for a visa, thanks to your valid United States visa.
We have worked hard to select the top 10 exciting and inviting destinations from the list of countries that allow visa-free travel with a US visa. So go ahead and attend to the travel bug itching inside of you. The world is your oyster.
Related Article: Automatic Visa Revalidation – Entering the United States with an expired visa.
US Visa Holder Visa-Free Countries FAQs
What are the countries you can visit with a U.S. visa?
Non-immigrants in the U.S. with a valid US visa, such as the F1, J1, or H1B visa, can travel to up to 23 countries without applying for a visa. These countries include Georgia, Qatar, The Dominican Republic, and Belize.
Which countries can I visit with a U.S. B1/B2 visa?
You can enjoy visa-free travel when you hold a valid US B1/B2 visa to well over 23 countries in the world. These countries include Mexico, Panama, Antigua & Barbuda, Turkey, Georgia, Qatar, The Dominican Republic, and Belize.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article or anywhere else on this site is presented for general information only and should not be considered as legal immigration advice. Immigration policies to these countries is subject to change at any time, and we encourage you check the current visa policies before booking a flight to any of these countries.