Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Gambia and Ghana are all countries in West Africa that require Americans to obtain a visa prior to visiting. Benin, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are also in West Africa and have the same requirement. Cote d'Ivoire is French-speaking while Nigeria's official language is English. Be cognizant that the official language of various African countries varies by region. The Central African Republic, Chad and Congo are countries in Central Africa where the Luba, Lunda, Malawi and Kongo Empires once ruled. Sao Tome & Principe and Liberia are off the western coast of Central Africa while Somali and Eritrea are located in the Horn of Africa. Other African countries that require Americans to obtain a visa are Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Gabon, Libya and Mali. Mauritania, Niger and Sudan also make the list. If you plan to visit the Cape Verde Islands in the central Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Western Africa, you'll also need a visa . Make sure to acquaint yourself with the local conditions and laws of the country you are visiting.
A trip to China, Syria, India, Iran or Iraq will require a visa prior to travel. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan also require visas and are both in Central Asia. Saudi Arabia occupies an area that covers Western Asia and North Africa. Visas for this country may take several months to process. Kazakhstan extends from Central Asia into Eastern Europe while Pakistan, Afghanistan, Butan and Vietnam are in the southern region of Asia. American tourists who experience trouble with local authorities in any of these countries are advised to report them to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. You'll need a visa if traveling to Nauru in the South Pacific -- the world's smallest island nation. Be aware that travel to North Korea without a visa and proper documentation can result in arrest and long-term detention.
Belarus and Russia are two countries within Europe that require Americans to obtain a visa prior to travel. Russian is the official language in both countries although inhabitants of Belarus may also speak Belarusian.
In South America, Brazil, Paraguay and Suriname all require Americans to obtain visas before visiting. The continent is one of the most biodiverse on earth with Brazil being its largest country. Portuguese and Spanish are the most spoken languages in this region.
If traveling to Australia or Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean, you may apply and instantly be approved for an Electronic Transport Authority visa. For the most accurate information on current travel requirements and advisories, contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for the country you plan to visit.
