Every country in the world has different rules about how long visitor visas can be. There are some destinations where slow travel is easier than others.
Some countries are strict. China will require a detailed day by day itinerary of your trip if you want to stay for more than 30 days. If you want to visit Turkmenistan you have to sign up for an approved tour and book all of your hotels in advance. In Russia, you have to go through a complex application process.
In contrast, many other countries make it incredibly easy to visit. You can enter as a tourist with very little restrictions, and stay for a while on long visitor visas. This gives you a chance to take your time, travel slowly and really enjoy your destination. The following list features some beautiful countries where obtaining a visitor visa is relatively smooth and you’ll be able to stay for a generous amount of time.
Please note: The visas I am talking about in this post are tourist visas, NOT Working Holiday Visas. A visitor visa is a special travel document that you need to have in order to enter a foreign country (in addition to your passport, of course.)
If you want to find out where you can work abroad, please see our guide: Which Countries Offer Working Holiday Visas?
Table of Contents
- 1 Georgia
- 2 Malaysia
- 3 Ecuador
- 4 Panama
- 5 Australia
- 6 Seychelles
- 7 Albania
- 8 Peru
- 9 Fiji
- 10 Svalbard
Georgia
If you follow this blog, you might notice that I rave a LOT about Georgia. I love this somewhat obscure Caucasus country for a lot of reasons: the stunning snow-covered mountains, the delicious hearty meat dumplings, the crumbling houses with their ornate balconies, the vibrant art and culture scene… But another reason to love Georgia is its incredibly welcoming long visitor visas.
When you enter Georgia as a tourist, you can stay for up to a YEAR. Yup, you read that right. You can travel around this gorgeous country for 12 months, eating khinkali, bathing in hot springs and drinking qvevri wine on rooftop patios. The Georgians have a saying that a guest is a “gift from god” – so perhaps that’s why they generously give their guests so much time to enjoy themselves.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Here’s the list of 94 countries whose citizens are eligible for this long visitor visa, including all EU states, USA, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Malaysia
Lee and I ended up in Malaysia pretty randomly. We needed to book an ongoing flight out of Thailand, and tickets to Kuala Lumpur happened to be the cheapest deal on the internet that particular day. It’s a good thing we did, because we loved it and ended up staying for the full 3 months the long visitor visas allowed.
Malaysia is one of the most hassle free countries to enter as visitor. Rarely do they ask you where you are going or demand to see proof of funds or travel bookings. It’s super easy.
If you want to stay longer, you could take a quick trip to Singapore or Brunei for a while, then start the 90 day clock ticking again.
Lee and I met a guy who had lived in Malaysia for 30 years, simply hopping across the border and back into the country every 3 months. (While I would NOT recommend doing this, it’s kind of amazing and it’s hard to imagine something like that happening in other countries.)
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Citizens of 63 countries are eligible for this long visitor visa, including all European citizens, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Canada, Australia and Iceland.
Ecuador
Ecuador not only has lush jungles, beautiful beaches and fantastic hiking trails – it also has a wonderfully lenient visa policy. Citizens of most countries will not need to obtain a visa before visiting.
When you arrive in Ecuador you’ll get 90 days visa free (other restrictions may apply to the Galapagos Islands). You also have the option to extend your tourist visa.
Ecuador is a great place to enjoy a slow, chilled out pace of travel. Whether you want to spend your 3 months surfing on the beach, enjoying city life in Quito or Cuenca or hiking in the Amazon – it’s worth taking the time to explore.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Citizens of every country in the world are eligible for this long visitor visa. There are certain countries whose citizens must apply for the visa in advance, including Afghanistan, Kenya, Nepal and Cuba.
Panama
As long as you don’t mind having the Van Halen song stuck in your head during your visit, I’d highly recommend spending some time in Panama.
Citizens of most Western countries can obtain a 180 day tourist visa upon arrival in Panama. Yup, that’s right. You can walk into Panama and hang out there for 6 months if you want to.
Panama City is beautiful, with cobblestone streets and historic colonial architecture. But you can also head to somewhere like Bocas del Toro and swing in a hammock in the sea breeze for a while. Of course, don’t miss the chance to see the country’s most famous engineering marvel – the Panama Canal.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Here is the full list of countries whose citizens are eligible to stay in Panama for 180 days. It includes all EU countries, Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Brazil, Georgia and Mexico.
Australia
The Electronic Travel Authority Visa for Australia has replaced the previous more complicated visitor visa. It is a multiple entry visa that will allow you to enter the country unlimited times during the validity period of 12 months. You can stay in Australia for a maximum of three months on each visit. This makes it one of the more flexible long visitor visas on this list.
The visa does not grant employment rights, but you can do “business visitor activities” like making negotiations, attending conferences, etc. Studying is allowed on this visa.
If you’re below the age of 35 and from one of the eligible countries, you might consider an Australian Working Holiday Visa instead. This will allow you to stay for 12 consecutive months and get a job while you are there.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
To apply for the Electronic Travel Authority Visa for Australia you must have an eligible passport. Here’s the list of countries whose citizens Australia allows to apply for this visa. The list includes Canada, Ireland, Germany, France, Greece, UK, USA and Malaysia.
Seychelles
Seychelles, a gorgeous tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, is incredibly open for tourists. It is a “visa free” country which means that citizens from anywhere in the world can visit for up to three months upon arrival. It’s an exciting option to consider if you’re looking for destinations with long visitor visas.
Located about 900 miles off the coast of East Africa, the Republic of Seychelles has 115 different islands – many of which are uninhabited. Not only does it have long visitor visas, but it also features stunning beaches, jungles and mountains. Some truly impressive creatures inhabit these remote islands, including giant tortoises.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
All foreign nationals visiting the Seychelles are granted visa free access – except holders of Kosovo passports who are not allowed to enter.
Albania
Albania is another beautiful country with long visitor visas of 90 days.This is great news, because this small European country is definitely worth exploring.
There’s the vibrant capital city of Tirana (with a beautiful lakeside park), pristine beaches along the south coast, cool museums and art galleries and plenty of archeological ruins.This makes it a very appealing option if you’re looking for places to travel with long visitor visas. Lee and I were there in the winter, but I’d love to head back in the summer and check out the stunning coastline.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Visitors from these 85 jurisdictions can enter Albania without a visa and stay for 90 days, including all EU countries, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, USA, Iceland and more.Also, any visitor who has a valid multiple entry visa from a Schengen country, the USA or the UK can enter Albania without a visa for 90 days (as long as the visa was previously used at least once.) And apparently, Americans can stay in Albania for up to a year without having to apply for a residency permit!
Peru
Imagine having 6 months to dine on fresh ceviche in Lima, attend a chocolate making workshop in Cusco, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and venture down into Colca Canyon. The generous visitor visa policy in Peru makes it easy to travel this country as slowly as you like. From the Amazon jungle to the mysterious Nazca Lines to the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, there is enough to explore in Peru that the 6 months will simply fly by.
Note: According to Peruvian law, foreign visitors must have an onward ticket booked to leave the country. Your airline might demand to see your booking before you check in. They will accept a bus ticket or an airline ticket, so make sure you have it booked!
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Citizens from 99 countries can visit Peru without a visa for up to 183 days, for tourism purposes. The list includes Argentina, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Japan and all EU member countries.
Fiji
It would be easy to relax on Fiji for a while – an island lined where thatched-roof bungalows sit on tropical beaches fringed with lush jungle. Beneath the crystal clear water you’ll find stunning soft coral formations and thousands of species of colourful fish. This idyllic getaway is also known for its top quality spas, world-class golf and luxurious resorts.
Or, if you want a more rustic experience you can also take jungle trek tours. Cruise down a river in a canoe, pluck ripe papayas from the trees and camp in the wilderness.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Citizens of 107 countries do not require a visa when visiting Fiji for up to 4 months. The list includes all EU countries (except Croatia) as well as Canada, Chile, China, USA, South Africa, Japan and many more. You will be issued a visitor permit on arrival and you may extend it on application for up to two months at a time.
Svalbard
The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is a completely visa free zone. Yes, you read that right. Everybody can live and work in Svalbard for as long as they want, regardless of country of citizenship.
Sounds great, right? The only downside is that it’s a tiny frozen town surrounded by polar bears and engulfed in 24 hour darkness for 6 months of the year. The cost of living is high and it’s pretty remote. It would be near impossible to find a job in this tiny village, but if you work online that wouldn’t be a problem. You can read more about Svalbard here. This reddit thread about what it’s like to live there is also pretty fascinating.
Who is Eligible for This Visa?
Everyone in the world. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true.
PS. If you plan to travel for several months at a time in these countries with long visitor visas, make sure you take it slow and don’t try to squeeze too much into your itinerary. Long term travel requires a different pace than a shorter vacation, otherwise it can lead to burnout.
FAQs
Which country gives 10 years tourist visa? ›
Every year more than 35 million people visit Canada and citizens of certain countries require a visa to visit. The ten-year visa will automatically be an option available to citizens of visa required countries, who are considered to be low-risk travelers.
Does Canada give 10 years visa? ›The super visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The key difference is that the super visa allows an individual to stay for up to 5 years at a time in Canada, while a 10-year multiple entry visa would only have a status period for each entry of six months only.
Which country gives 5 years visa? ›Only One Schengen Visa Application
With the 5-Year MEV, you only need to complete your Schengen Visa application once. After it's been approved, your visa will be valid for 5 years, so you don't need to apply for another Schengen Visa within 5 years. In short, more time traveling, less time applying for visas.
5-year MEV is granted to people that have obtained and lawfully used a previous multiple-entry visa valid for at least two years within the previous three years. This visa permits you to enter 26 countries in Europe as many times as you wish, within five years, as soon as you do not violate the 90/180 days rule.
Which country give free tourist visa? ›e-Visa Facility | Visa free Facility | |
---|---|---|
1. | Armenia | Barbados |
2. | Azerbaijan | Bhutan |
3. | Bahrain | Dominica |
4. | Barbados | Grenada |
Lithuania. This country is the easiest one to get a Schengen visa. As per the reports, officials grant visas to almost 98.7% of applicants.
Which country gives permanent visa easily? ›Paraguay. Paraguay is considered one of the easiest countries to immigrate to because of its investment visa and retirement scheme. Both of these options make it effortless to obtain permanent residency and then citizenship- granted, there is a catch; you need to be well off in terms of financial means.
What is the most difficult country to get a visa? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa given to the Thailand Privilege Card members. It is categorized under Tourist Visa (Privilege Entry Visa “PE”) allowing residency in Thailand along with benefits for a period between 5, 10, or 20 years depending on the chosen package in exchange for a membership fee.
Does UK give 10 years visa? ›You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.
Does America give 10 years visa? ›
The U.S. 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa is a temporary visa that allows holders to engage in business and tourist activities within the U.S. This visa is officially known as the B1/B2 Visa.
How much bank balance is required for Canada visitor visa? ›Funds Needed for a Canada Tourist Visa
per month for their monthly expenses, and if an applicant is coming for tourism, then 2,000 CAD (INR 1,22,805 approx.) for 30 days per person is enough. This amount is an addition to the visa fees.
To apply for a multiple entry temporary resident visa, you must fill out the necessary paperwork and include the required supporting documents, as well as pay for your application. You may also be required to undergo a medical examination and/or have your fingerprints and photograph taken.
Can I visit USA with Canadian tourist visa? ›It is not possible to enter the US using a Canadian eTA or visa and there is no combined visa for the USA and Canada. Just like Canada, the United States has a Visa Waiver Programme which allows passport holders from a number of countries to enter visa-free.
How much bank statement is required for Schengen visa? ›You must show evidence that you will be able to financially maintain yourself during your stay in the Schengen territory. You should be able to prove that through a bank statement of the past three months, which must not be older than three days.
Which Schengen visa is hardest? ›As for the most difficult, Belgium leads the way with a relatively high 16.9% of applications refused – the highest rate anywhere in the Schengen Area - but this still means that 83.1% of applicants are issued with a Schengen Visa.
What is the easiest way to get Schengen visa? ›- Figure out which Schengen visa type you need.
- Find out where you need to apply for a Schengen visa.
- Find the most suitable time to apply for a Schengen visa.
- Book an appointment.
- Fill the Schengen visa application form.
- Gather the required documents.
- Attend the visa interview.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Thailand. Home to gorgeous beaches, Thailand is a favourite destination amongst Indian travellers of all ages. ...
- Mauritius. ...
- Indonesia. ...
- Maldives. ...
- Bhutan. ...
- Seychelles. ...
- Malaysia. ...
- Nepal.
The world's most powerful passports
Japanese citizens now hold the most passport power, as they are able to enter 193 nations visa free, or with visa-on-arrival. South Korea and Singapore hold joint second place, with both countries' passports enabling their citizens to access 192 nations without restrictions.
Nationals of Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau and countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program may visit for up to 30 days without an entry permit.
Can I get Schengen visa in 10 days? ›
You must apply for your India Schengen Visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before your trip. It is advised you apply at least three weeks before you leave, however, to allow for any delays in the processing of your application.
Which country give fast citizenship in Europe? ›Usually, the process takes around 18 months. Malta citizenship by investment is the fastest in Europe. It's among the easiest countries to get a passport – if you can afford it. Malta also has a passive income residency pathway, which, in theory, you can use to become eligible for citizenship after five years.
Is Turkey giving tourist visa? ›Visas to Turkey are electronic. No documents need to be mailed to VisaHQ for processing. You will receive your electronic visa via e-mail. Official passport holders are exempted from visa for their travels up to 90 days.
Which countries are giving free citizenship? ›...
They can also add dependents after they have been granted citizenship.
- ST LUCIA. ...
- DOMINICA. ...
- GRENADA. ...
- ANTIGUA & BARBUDA.
- TURKEY. ...
- MONTENEGRO. ...
- MALTA. ...
- AUSTRIA.
The fastest way of getting a second passport is participating in the St Kitts and Nevis or Vanuatu citizenship by investment program. The obtaining period is 2 months. In Vanuatu, it's easier to pass the Due Diligence check, but a St Kitts and Nevis passport provides more benefits.
What is the cheapest and easiest country to immigrate to? ›- Vietnam. For those wanting to live and work in an exotic place, but not pay a fortune, Vietnam is any budget travelers dream. ...
- Costa Rica. ...
- Bulgaria. ...
- Mexico. ...
- South Africa. ...
- China. ...
- South Korea. ...
- Thailand.
- Australia.
- New Zealand.
- Germany.
- Netherlands.
- South Korea.
- Canada.
- Ireland.
- The Czech Republic.
The U.S. 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa is a temporary visa that allows holders to engage in business and tourist activities within the U.S. This visa is officially known as the B1/B2 Visa.
Can I get a 10 year visitor visa for UK? ›You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit. If you're under 18 years old when you apply, your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18.
Which country gives permanent visa easily? ›Paraguay. Paraguay is considered one of the easiest countries to immigrate to because of its investment visa and retirement scheme. Both of these options make it effortless to obtain permanent residency and then citizenship- granted, there is a catch; you need to be well off in terms of financial means.
What country can I stay the longest in? ›
- Marshall Islands (Indefinite) Stefan Lins/Flickr. ...
- Micronesia (Indefinite) Matt Kieffer/Flickr. ...
- Svalbard, Norway (Indefinite) Rob Oo/Flickr. ...
- Albania (One Year) Artur Malinowski/Flickr. ...
- Georgia (One Year) Maria Savenko/Flickr. ...
- Palau (One Year) ...
- The Bahamas (240 days)
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa given to the Thailand Privilege Card members. It is categorized under Tourist Visa (Privilege Entry Visa “PE”) allowing residency in Thailand along with benefits for a period between 5, 10, or 20 years depending on the chosen package in exchange for a membership fee.
How much bank balance is required for visitor visa? ›How much bank balance should you have for applying to the US tourist visa? The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank.
Can I get green card if I stay 10 years? ›Yes, the applicant must prove physical presence in the USA for ten years. That part is easy. However, the applicant must also prove that removal from the USA would constitute extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship to a USC or LPR immediate relative.
Is UK visitor visa difficult to get? ›UK visa application is the most strict and highly scrutinized visa process. The UK Visas and Immigration receives thousands of visa applications every year that do not meet visa requirements. Once you have a UK visa refusal, it remains permanently in the records of the UK Home Office.
How much money do I need to sponsor a visitor to UK? ›As a rule of thumb, you must have more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses in your bank account. EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. You must have at least £4,000 in your savings. Anything less than that can raise questions and lead to visa refusal.
How can I stay 10 years in the UK? ›Overview. You may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain if you've been in the UK legally for 10 continuous years (known as 'long residence'). Indefinite leave to remain is how you settle in the UK. It's also called 'settlement'.
What is the most difficult country to get a visa? ›- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
Iceland. With a rejection rate of just 12% if a visa is applied from the New Delhi consulate, chances are that you will get an Iceland tourist visa easily. This is also because since the country receives less visa applications, this country is also a good option to get a visa to the Schengen area.
Which countries are giving free citizenship? ›...
They can also add dependents after they have been granted citizenship.
- ST LUCIA. ...
- DOMINICA. ...
- GRENADA. ...
- ANTIGUA & BARBUDA.
- TURKEY. ...
- MONTENEGRO. ...
- MALTA. ...
- AUSTRIA.
Which countries can I stay for 6 months? ›
- 1 Year Tourist Visas: Albania. Georgia.
- 6 Month Tourist Visas: Panama. Mexico. Peru. UK. Antigua and Barbuda. Armenia. Barbados. Canada. Cayman Islands. Dominica. Here's a weird one!
Panama is one of the easiest countries for Americans to visit. Westerners can obtain a 180-day tourist visa upon arrival. That, on top of the country's use of the US dollar, makes it an easy fit for US perpetual travelers just starting out. Panama offers one of the easiest permanent residency visa programs on earth.
Whats the longest I can stay in Europe? ›Any non-EU national who stays in the Schengen area for more than 90 days (without the appropriate visa such as a long stay or residence one) will usually result in a fine, deportation, and/or re-entry ban to the Schengen area.