Digital nomadism is on the rise now that (most of) the world has fully reopened for tourism. From the Americas to the Easternmost reaches of Asia, more and more countries are issuing Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs). The only downside to this trend? Sometimes, applying for a visa can be very expensive, not to mention a long and extremely complex process. Luckily for American nomads, these 5 destinations have pledged to welcome them for 6 months or more visa-free:
Albania
Stay permitted for up to a year
An under-visited Mediterranean country that’s gone viral on TikTok for its rugged beauty, pristine coast, and cheap prices, Albania allows U.S. passport holders to remain in the national territory for up to a whole year without applying for any sort of permit in advance. You read that right: you can relocate to Albania (temporarily) completely bureaucracy-free.
There are no other entry requirements in place, health or non-health related: vaccination is not mandatory, and nomads are usually not required to present proof of funds crossing the border, nor take out mandatory insurance, though we still advise you to. Entry to Albania is a breeze: the only issue is you may never want to leave.
Top Spots In Albania For Digital Nomads
- Tirana, the edgy, incredibly affordable capital
- Himarë, a multicultural Greco-Albanian coastal town straddling the Adriatic Sea
- Durres, a financial center and busy port packed with high-rise buildings and work-friendly cafes
- Berat, an Ottoman-era settlement known for its quaint atmosphere
- Gjirokaster, a charming Old Town developed around a 12th-century castle
United Kingdom
6 months following each entry
Believe it or not, in spite of the recent Brexit imbroglio, The United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most ‘open’ nations in Europe for nomads. Unlike the Schengen Area, where American nomads can only travel for 90 days every 180 days without residency, British authorities allow them to remain for six full, continuous months following every entry.
This means you can base yourself in the UK for prolonged periods of time – of course, at the discretion of the border officer in charge of stamping you in – as long as you never overstay the permitted six-month period. With its four constituent nations, world-class cities, and stunning natural scenery, Britain truly has a lot going for it (especially outside London):
Top Spots In The UK For Digital Nomads
- Edinburgh, the quaint Scottish capital and best-rated destination in the UK
- York, an ancient settlement with perfectly-preserved walls in Northern England
- Manchester, an iconic industrial city known for its nightlife, and music and art venues
- Cornwall, a historical county in the southernmost tip of England where sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters can be found
- Bristol, a youthful university town famous for its suspension bridge and yearly hot air balloon festival
Mexico
6 months on a visitor visa
The number one destination for American expats, Mexico’s greatest strengths lie in the friendliness of locals, a fast-developing wellness culture centered in coastal areas, particularly the Pacific, year-round sunny weather, and rich Mesoamerican-Hispanic tradition – it’s no surprise up to 25% of U.S. citizens traveling internationally are heading to Mexico.
Thanks to a new pilot program launched in Cancun last year, nomads are now guaranteed up to 180 days of visiting the Mexican Caribbean visa-free. Nevertheless, overstayers and those breaking immigration law, such as working for a Mexico-based company without applying for an appropriate visa in advance, still risk being issued fines or even entry bans.
Top Spots In Mexico For Digital Nomads
- Mexico City, often regarded as the Digital Nomad capital of Mexico
- Bacalar, an under-visited lakeside town in Southern Quintana Roo touted as the new, better Tulum
- Mazatlan, an up-and-coming resort destination on the Pacific Coast foreigners are yet to discover
- Cabo San Lucas, a laid-back city within driving distance of several untarnished, tranquil beaches
- Guanajuato, a sprawling urban center distinguished for its UNESCO-protected historical core and award-winning cuisine
Georgia
Visa-free entry for 365 days
Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus, a transcontinental region linking Europe and Asia, Georgia is a seriously underrated nation the world should be more thankful for. Well, for the most part. It may have given us Stalin, but it is also the birthplace of wine, and where some of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities on Earth are located.
Whether they’re basing themselves in vibrant Tbilisi, steaming down the Black Sea coast, or taking a mental health break in medieval Orthodox monasteries up in the Stepantsminda mountains, nomads will never run out of love for Georgia. It is, after all, one of the easiest countries to move to: Americans are granted visa-free entry for 365 days at a time.
Top Spots In Georgia For Digital Nomads
- Tbilisi, filled with art nouveau buildings and Modernist architecture
- Kutaisi, a medium-sized hub dotted with medieval structures, including the 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral
- Mtskheta, a stone-built town set against the backdrop of a flowing river and lush green hills
- Sighnaghi, an adorable bucolic village characterized by its red-tile roofs and vast vineyards
- Batumi, an increasingly trendy summer destination on the shores of the Black Sea
Colombia
6 months within any calendar year, subject to approval
Colombia already has the most accessible DNV available in the market: eligibility is broad, and applicants benefit from comparatively low financial requirements and expedited checks. However, even those who are in a hurry to begin their journey, and unwilling to undergo application will find the lack of a long-term visa is not an impediment:
They may reside in Colombia as digital nomads without first applying for a permit for up to 6 months in any calendar year (subject to an extension approval of the initial 3-month stamp). Colombia’s immigration policy is much more lax than its South American neighbors, and as long as they follow certain rules, American nomads shall be received with open arms.
Top Spots In Colombia For Digital Nomads
- Bogota, whose skyline is an incongruent yet fascinating mixture of 21st century skyscrapers and neoclassical monuments
- Medellin, the land of Eternal Spring, celebrated for its distinct Paisa culture and lively social scene
- Cartagena, an old colonial-era Queen surrounded by Spanish-era walls, perched on the Northern Caribbean coast
- San Andres, a paradisaical island home to white sand beaches and coral reefs
- Guatape, a small town supplied with enchanting winding alleyways and colorful heritage houses
It is worth noting entry rules defined in this article concern only U.S. citizens. They do not necessarily apply to Canadian, British, European, or other non-American nomads. If you’re currently working remotely as you travel, or looking for somewhere to set up camp for a while, don’t forget to check out our list of the Top 5 Easiest Digital Nomad Visas to get in 2023.
