Passport & Visa Information

IMPORTANT: You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary.

Passports: Your U.S. passport should be valid at least 6 months or longer beyond the dates of travel. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. To learn how to apply for a U.S. Passport including expedited services, click here. Travelers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has unstamped visa pages.

REAL ID: Travelers planning on flying domestically in the U.S. must make sure their travel documents are either TSA-approved or REAL ID compliant. Starting May 7, 2025, some state driver's licenses will no longer be TSA-approved unless they are REAL ID compliant, which is not a default option in some states. For more information, please click here.

Visas: If a visa is required and cannot be obtained upon arrival in your destination, you should make arrangements with the appropriate foreign consular representative, allowing enough time for mailing and processing. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.

Double Entry/ Multiple Entry Visas: If your itinerary involves entering a country, leaving and then later re-entering the same country, you may require a double-entry or multiple entry visa. Be sure to describe your itinerary clearly when contacting a foreign consular representative.

Entry Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders: Country details below are based on information obtained from the U.S. State Department. This information is subject to change. To check for updates, please check with the consular office of the countries to be visited and/or click here.

TSA PreCheck: U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents may opt to join the TSA PreCheck Program. This will allow travelers to save time and avoid lines when going through security at U.S. airports and not having to remove certain items from their luggage or person, such as shoes, belts, laptops, and liquids. Membership is valid for five years. The initial enrollment fee is $85, and the renewal fee is $70. For more information and to apply, please click here.

CBP Global Entry Program: U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, and some foreign nationals who travel abroad often may opt to join the CBP Global Entry Program. In addition to gaining access to TSA PreCheck lines, program members will also gain access to Global Entry kiosks. This will save time and avoid lines when returning to the U.S. Membership is valid for five years, and the enrollment and renewal fee is $100. For more information and to apply, please click here.

Non U.S. Citizens: All information provided below pertains to U.S. passport holders only. Non-U.S. Citizens should check with the appropriate foreign consular representative.

Sea Cruise Travelers: Ttravelers on sea cruises should check carefully the requirements for each country to be visited on their sailing itinerary. Travelers without the correct documentation may be denied boarding at time of embarkation. Travelers may contact their sea cruise line directly for information but remain responsible to obtain any necessary visas.


International Entry & Visa Requirements for U.S. Passport Holders

Countries listed below require specific passport and/or visa information in addition to a U.S. passport. All other countries (not listed) do not require extra identity forms but may have extra health requirements. For health care requirements, click here.

Making the Visa Process Easier: For some countries, especially China and Russia, obtaining a visa can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Gate 1 suggests using a fee-based service like GenVisa when applying for your visa. Compared to guests who apply on their own, guests who use a visa service are less likely to have their applications rejected requiring re-submission for additional information or to correct any errors. Because visa services review your application prior to submission and offer guidance on how to best complete your application, they are able to make the process easier based on their years of experience working with the various consulates.

Click a box below to view entry requirements:

- For arrivals beginning in May 2025, a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization will be required to enter any of the 29 member countries that compose the Schengen Zone. The ETIAS travel authorization will be valid for stays up to 90 days and once issued, valid for multiple entries over 3 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. The cost of an ETIAS is $7.35. The EU has not yet released its ETIAS application form so please check back closer to your travel date for this form and cost. For more information click here.

Countries that will require an ETIAS: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Countries that will NOT require an ETIAS: Ireland
- A visa is not required for U.S. citizens entering Brazil before January 10, 2024.

- A visa is required for U.S. citizens entering Brazil on or after January 10, 2024. The Brazilian Consulate in New York City has advised that the process for obtaining an e-visa is still being implemented and is not yet available. Once this process is made public, this page will be updated. For more information,
click here. In the meantime, travelers must apply for their visa with their local Brazilian Consulate with their original passport, a passport sized photo, printed and signed visa application receipt, USPS money order, travel documents, a copy of the traveler's latest bank or credit card statement, and a pre-paid, stamped, and addressed return USPS envelope. To complete the online application, click here. Once this is completed, printed, and signed, determine your local Brazilian Consulate. To do this, click here and select "Estados Unidos da America." Mail your documents to that Consulate. Processing times can take 15-30 days from the date the documents are received and cost $160. Issued visas are valid for up to 90 days from the issuance date.
Please note: The process for obtaining a visa for China can be time-consuming and complicated. Please read the information below carefully as mistakes can lead to more costs and delayed approval.

- A visa is required. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive information via email about obtaining a visa to China. U.S. passport holders are required to provide documentation to support their visa application which includes (1) full passport name; (2) hotel names, addresses and phone numbers; and (3) confirmed airline reservations with ticket numbers. For hotel address and contact information,
click here. Your airline ticket information will be provided to you in your documents upon receipt of your full payment and once airline tickets have been issued.

There are two options for obtaining your visa to China.

Option 1: Apply online and by mail through GEN VISA, a fee-based service for obtaining a visa. Once all the required documents are collected and completed, mail them to GEN VISA. They will then submit the application to the embassy or consulate on your behalf. This process generally takes 6 weeks to complete but can be delayed for various reasons. For more information and to download the visa kit, click here. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.

The visa application for China is complex and errors can cause delays, passengers may wish to use GEN VISA's White Glove Service. With this service, GEN VISA will complete the application for you in order to avoid errors. For more information, click here.

Option 2: Apply in person directly through the Chinese Embassy. Passengers who choose to apply for their visa directly with the embassy or consulate MUST apply in person. At this time there are five locations: the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Consulate Generals in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. For information on your jurisdiction, click here. The cost of the visa is $185, and processing takes approximately 4 business days from the date it is submitted but can be delayed for various reasons.

Travelers must first complete the visa application online. The application is long, complex, and errors can cause delays. To complete the application, click here. Once the application is completed, schedule an appointment with the embassy or consulate for your regional jurisdiction. To make this appointment, click here. Your documents must be submitted and collected in person. For more information on the application process, click here.

Transit Without Visa for China: Travelers making flight connections in China to a 3rd country and desiring to stopover for up to 144 hours, you may be eligible for China's Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. The duration of your visa-free stopover varies depending on your connecting airport. For more information about this, please click here.
- A visa is required. To save time and skip some of the lines, we recommend purchasing your tourist card online in advance from Cuba Travel Services by clicking here. When purchasing your visa, you must select "Educational Activities" as your OFAC Category. The cost of this tourist card is $85 plus shipping and handling. Alternatively, the tourist card can be purchased on the day of departure at the airport's CTS "Cuba Ready" Kiosk. The kiosks are located adjacent to the check-in desk and gate in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. For those flying from Miami, this is at the American Airlines desk. For those flying from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, this is at the Southwest Airlines desk. The cost of this tourist card is $100.

Important: Cuban-born U.S. Citizens should contact Gate 1 immediately. Those who departed Cuba prior to December 31, 1970 will require a HE-11 visa (allow 8 weeks to process) or a Cuban passport (allow 4 months). Those who departed Cuba after January 1, 1971 will require a Cuban passport (allow 6-12 months for new requests or 2-4 months for renewals).

Additionally, all passengers must complete and electronically sign a Travel Affidavit prior to departure. Once completed, this form must be printed and kept with your travel documents. To complete the form, click here. When completing the Travel Affidavit, you will be asked to provide the OFAC Category and Travel Dates. The OFAC Category for all tours is "Educational Activities." The Travel Dates, please include the day, month, and year for your arrival and departure dates.
- A visa is required. An electronic visa may be obtained at here. Alternatively, travelers may obtain a sticker-type visa here, however this option is more expensive than an electronic visa. Travelers to India will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Indian visa. Click here for this information. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive complete information via email about obtaining a visa to India. Travelers continuing to Nepal and/or Bhutan and returning to India are required to have a 1- or 5-year multi-entry visa. The fee depends on the type and duration of the visa being applied for. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
- Jordan visas are arranged for you by Gate 1 in the following situations:
1. Travelers who have an Amman or Aqaba airport arrival transfer included in their trip or purchased through Gate 1 Travel. In order to obtain the visa, travelers must provide their full passport information and, if flights are not booked through Gate 1 Travel, full flight details (arrival date and time, airline, and flight number) prior to departure.
2. Travelers entering Jordan at a land border crossing on an Israel & Jordan combination tour:
Gate 1 will arrange your visa free of charge. We will request your passport information which is needed at least 60 days prior to departure. Upon arrival in Jordan, either at the Amman or Aqaba Airports or at one of the land border crossings between Israel and Jordan, a local Gate 1 representative will provide you with a one-page letter (Visa Manifest) before you reach passport control. The Visa Manifest will include your full passport information and details of your tour program. It is needed for entry and departure from Jordan. Note: In case you lose your Visa Manifest, change your schedule or choose to depart Jordan on your own, a $60 visa fee will apply upon departure.
3. Travelers participating on the optional Full Day Petra tour from Israel: Gate 1 will obtain a visa locally for approximately $60 as long as your passport information is provided to the Israel Tour Manager at least 48 hours in advance. This is in addition to the border taxes & fees.
4. In all other situations, you will need to get your visa on your own in advance of your trip. A single-entry visa costs approximately $60 and can be obtained in advance or on arrival at certain entry points. For more information
click here.
Please note: In this case only, the included visa service applies to all nationalities. Passport must be valid for six months beyond travel dates. when crossing the Israeli-Jordanian land border, there is a $55-65 exit fee. This fee is paid locally at the time of the border crossing. Travelers will be advised by their tour manager at the start of their tour how much the fee is and how to pay it.
- A visa is required. The type of visa needed depends on the itinerary. Travelers to Kenya will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Kenyan visa. Click here for further information. To apply for a visa click here and follow the instructions. For more information click here. There are two types of visa, single entry and multiple eVisa. Please find your tour below to ensure you purchase the correct one.
1. Single Entry eVisa: The eVisa costs $51 and must be obtained in advance. You will await approval via email (approx. 2 days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for 3 months after issuance.
- Applicable on the following tours: 7 Day Classic Kenya, 10 Day Classic Kenya & Tanzania, 11 Day Kenya Safari Exploration, 16 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Zanzibar.
2. Multiple Entry eVisa: The Multiple Entry eVisa costs $101 and must be obtained in advance. This will allow travelers to enter Kenya multiple times. You will await approval via email (approx. 2-10 days), then download and print the eVisa to be presented upon entry to Kenya. The eVisa is valid for 6-12 months after issuance.
- Applicable on the following tours: 11 Day Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti: A Safari Journey, 15 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda, 15 Day Kenya & Tanzania with Serengeti & Rwanda: A Safari Journey, 19 Day Kenya & Uganda Wildlife Exploration, 20 Day Kenya Safari Exploration with Rwanda & Zanzibar.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance. For more information and to apply click here. E-visas are processed within 3 business days of application and cost $50. Upon approval, you will be emailed an e-visa Approval Letter which must be printed prior to the start of your trip and presented to the Immigration official upon arrival in Myanmar. Do not apply too early as you must enter the country within 90 days of Approval Letter issuance.
- A visa is required. Tourists may obtain a visa on arrival for $30 for a 15 day stay, or $50 for a 30 day stay, payable in cash at the airport in Kathmandu. The visa is valid for multiple entries. We recommend guests bring two passport sized photographs in the event the automated kiosks are unable to take your photo. You may save time and skip some of the lines by completing your application in advance and uploading your photo here here. Once your application is completed, you will receive a visa receipt which must be printed and shown to the Immigration official upon arrival. Do not complete the application too soon as the visa receipt requires you to enter Nepal within 15 days of issuance. Alternatively, you may choose to secure a traditional visa prior to departure. For information click here.
Please note: Travelers on the 18 Day Himalayan Kingdoms: Nepal & Bhutan should purchase the 30 day visa.
- A visa is required. The visa application process requires an application form, a valid passport, one passport-sized photo, your trip confirmation from Gate 1, a Visa Support Letter (VSL) also provided by Gate 1, and a processing fee. Two days following your initial booking and deposit, you will receive complete information via email about obtaining a Visa Support Letter (VSL) and a visa to Russia, and then again at 120 days prior to departure. If a revision is required after the VSL has been issued, there is a $50 per person Russia Visa Support Letter change fee that will be applied. Visas services for the Embassy of the Russian Federation are managed by VFS Global, 1025 Vermont Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. 20015 Tel (202) 503-9911. All applicants must first complete an online Visa Application Form at http://visa.kdmid.ru and then either appear in person at the Visa Center ($33 fee in addition to the Consular visa fees) or submit their application via a visa service. Details at https://washington.mid.ru/en/. (Note - although the Russian embassy recommends multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, it is not necessary. A single-entry visa is sufficient for itineraries with one entrance into the Russian Federation). Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly. Visa processing can take up to 6 weeks during which time your passport will be unavailable for other international trips.
- A visa is required. Tourists must obtain a single-entry Rwandan visa for $50. To apply, click here, click on "Visa Application," then "Visa Application" from the request type drop down, then follow the instructions. Travelers to Rwanda will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Rwandan visa. Click here for further information. You will await approval via email (approx. 7 days), then download and print the visa to be presented upon entry to Rwanda. The visa can also be obtained upon arrival in Rwanda for $50. For more information click here.
- A visa is required. Visa available upon arrival at the airport for $60. Travelers may also obtain Electronic Travel Authorization prior to arrival for $50. This can be obtained here. Please note, due to ongoing upgrade and maintenance of the ETA system, travelers may be unable to obtain an ETA prior to departure and must purchase one upon arrival.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance and the current fee for it is $100. To apply, click here. Travelers to Tanzania will need to provide a reference, including name, address, and phone number, for their Tanzanian visa. Click here for details. All passport holders should have four entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages in their passport. Please note, although visas are available for purchase at the Kilimanjaro Airport we strongly suggest it be obtained in advance to avoid long delays and ensure entry. In addition, visas upon arrival are not guaranteed and must be paid in USD (cash). For more information about the visa process, click here. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly. Please note that the government of Tanzania prohibits travelers to have certain types of plastic bags in their possession when entering the country. For more information about this ban click here.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance here for $50. Immigration officials advise guests to print a hard copy of their e-visa notification and bring it with them in the event of system failure. Visas are not required for sea cruise travelers who purchase shore excursions to Kusadasi and Istanbul.
- A visa is required. Travelers to Uganda must apply for a visa in advance here at least two weeks prior to travel. The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is $50. Travelers to Uganda will need to provide a local reference, including company name, address and phone number, for their Ugandan visa. Click here for further information.
- Visas are required. Travelers may obtain an e-visa here for $20. Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA or you may visit a consulate in person, either in New York City or Washington DC. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.
Please note: travelers who are 55 years of age or older are exempt from getting a visa prior to arrival if they are traveling for tourism and stay for less than 30 days.
- A visa is required. An e-visa must be obtained in advance here for $25. When applying for your e-visa, you will be asked to select your entry and exit ports. The exit port is Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi). The entry port for the 16 Day Gems of Southeast Asia tour is Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi). For all other tours the entry port is Tan Son Nhat Int Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). Alternatively, you may obtain a visa through a fee-based service such as GEN VISA. Please note that GEN VISA is unable to assist travelers who choose to apply for their visas directly.