As overtourism concerns plague many popular destinations across the globe, simply feeling welcome abroad should be a new travel trend along with the surge in solo travel and digital nomadism.
Many places have removed the welcome mat from under travelers’ feet, but there are a handful of places that have actually become more welcoming and, therefore, more enticing for Americans to visit.
Some off-path, some iconic, and some on the up-and-up as trendy escapes, these 5 thrilling destinations are now embracing U.S. travelers with eased entry requirements.
Algeria: North Africa’s Next Morocco?
There are certainly regions of Africa deemed a no-go zone for all travelers.
Morocco, a place I just had the privilege to visit, is definitely not one of them.
And it seems the neighboring country of Algeria has gotten a sense of how nice it is to be welcoming to travelers as they’ve recently dipped their toes in the water to becoming much more traveler-friendly.
While Americans will still need a visa to visit the vast historic capital of Algiers, along with the gorgeous Mediterranean seaside in Annaba, there is a loophole to visit Africa’s largest country.
In fact, Algeria is aiming for 5 times more tourists by 2030, no longer wanting to be isolated from the Western world and heavily investing in restoring nearly 250 historical sites.
Americans will need to fork over $160 for a standard tourist visa for most of the country, but there’s a loophole for Saharan diamond in the rough, Djanet.
Here, travelers can obtain a visa on arrival to explore this unknown desert mystery with easy connections from Paris.
Stargaze, immerse yourself in Tuareg culture, and allow deeply rooted history and otherworldly landscapes to reveal themselves in Tassili n’Ajjer National Park.
Sri Lanka: Asia’s Trendiest Country Says Goodbye To Visas
Bali, Thailand, and Japan may tend to steal the spotlight for Asia, but Sri Lanka has certainly earned a seat at the table.
Arguably Asia’s trendiest destination, Sri Lanka has dealt with a bit of controversy in recent weeks as a new travel advisory and additional security alert were issued.
Goods news is the latter has been removed for threats around Aragum Bay, while the recently issued advisory remains.
But, it’s only listed as Level 2, on par with many popular destinations like Dominican Republic, for example.
Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse islands in the world where one minute you can be walking elephants and the next discovering virtually untouched coastlines.
No matter how many Americans choose to explore Sri Lanka, which many recommend by rail, you can enter visa-free for up to 30 days as part of the new “One Chop” system.
Cuba: So Close Yet So Far
Remember pre-Covid when Cuba finally became more lenient to Americans and it was so exciting?
Well, they got me hook, line, and sinker. I booked tickets right away. Since then, the country has waffled on safety, among other headaches (quite literally).
The selling point to visiting Cuba when more airlines began launching flights was to see the “old Cuba” before more cruise lines and chain restaurant eyesores invaded the timeless streets of Havana.
Good news is that never really happened. There are no Starbucks on the island, for example. The bad news being Cuba is going through it right now with government controversies and frequent power outages.
Don’t let this deter you, though; somehow, Cuba always pulls itself up by their bootstraps and forges on.
Being only 90 miles off the coast of Florida, it’s an easy flight. Better yet, Cuba has shrunken bureaucratic processes, making arrivals simpler for U.S. travelers with new eVisa rules that allow applications up to one week prior to travel.
Furthermore, the validity of the tourist card has been extended to June 2025.
Travelers can apply for Cuba’s eVisa here.
Thailand: Embrace U.S. Privilege With Longer Stays & Customs Convenience
There’s a reason many foreigners seek to become U.S. passport holders, and Thailand’s new rules are Exhibit A.
There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping places to visit and unforgettable experience to have from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, to the country’s seemingly endless array of islands.
Reaching Thailand has never been the issue; it’s the desire to stay longer. Thailand recently said, “your wish is my command!”, granting Americans an extra 30 days visa-free.
Now Americans can stay a total of 60 days and take advantage of eGates for faster lines through border patrol.
Downside being there’s also a new requirement for every American will need to fill out the Electronic Travel Authority Form (ETA).
Bhutan: Asia’s Complicated Hidden Gem
Remember Facebook’s relationship statuses? Bhutan’s would say “it’s complicated” if it had one.
Bhutan may not be on the 2025 bingo card, but if there was ever a time to visit one of the world’s least visited countries, it may be now.
Since the economy has hit a snag, the small Asian nation is turning toward tourism for a boost.
One reason Bhutan is one of the least-visited is because of stringent rules and outrageous fees. If you thought Vegas’ resorts fees were bad, Bhutan says, “hold my beer!”.
Before the recent announcement of cutting daily tourist fees in half, visitors would have to pay $200 for each day spent in the country.
It’s now $100. Moreover, the small, and some might say desperate country has also implemented a new system for tourists to choose the required tour operator to guide them through this remote nation’s peaceful monasteries and untamed nature.
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