Hello, Barry. I have a general question now about travel and not specifically about cruising. I hope that's ok.

Is there a list of countries or a website that shows where you need a passport only vs. a visa? For example, if on a whim today I decided to take a few days off, I could grab my passport, buy a plane ticket to certain areas of the world, and go on all sorts of adventures at the drop of a hat. But some countries you can't do that and you have to go through more lengthy, formal procedures. Which countries require you to get a visa (even if you're just a short-term tourist) vs. which countries can you just use a passport? Is there a handy list out there somwehere?

Other than the 27 countries in the VWP program, do US citizens have to get visas, even tourist ones, for all other countries in the world?

Larry,

With all the research you do at the library, I would think you could answer this question on your own. I will give you my professional answer, however....no you don't need a visa for every county, mostly just a passport is acceptable. You'll have to find out from the country you want to visit what their requirements are. Some require a visa and many do not.

Every place I've ever been to only required a passport and probably includes most places that most Americans would go to: Western Europe, Japan, etc. Although, I think Australia might require a visa, even though it's pretty Westernized like Europe.

I've never been to a country that requires a tourist visa. Any idea how long it takes to get a touris visa? I suppose it depends upon the country and maybe therefore there is no standard answer.