North America Visas
Table of Contents
North America is a top travel destination with everything from modern cities and famous landmarks to natural parks and tropical beaches. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, work, or study, it’s important to check the visa rules before your trip. Let’s get into them.
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to North America?
Yes, in many cases, you need a visa to visit countries in North America. Visa rules vary depending on your passport and destination. Countries like the United States and Canada often require a visa or travel authorization before arrival. Mexico offers visa-free entry or eVisas to many travelers. Some Caribbean and Central American nations also offer visa-free stays or Visa on Arrival options.
Canada Visas
If you need a Canada visa to travel to this country, one important part of the visa application is gathering requirements. You have to submit the requirements to the authorities. If you fail to provide them, your…
USA Visas
Types of US visas fall into two categories: immigrant and non-immigrant. The main difference between US immigrant and non-immigrant visas is the length of stay. Nonimmigrant US visas…
Mexico Visas
Mexico is a beautiful country in the Southern part of North America. In the North, It reaches the United States, and its southern borders are shared with Belize and Guatemala…
North America Visa on Arrival Countries
|
Country |
Max Stay |
Notes |
|
Antigua and Barbuda |
30 days |
VoA available for select nationalities |
|
Belize |
30 days |
VoA for some nationals, including holders of valid U.S. visas |
|
Dominica |
21–90 days |
Visa-free or VoA depending on nationality |
|
Haiti |
90 days |
Visa on arrival for many African and Asian nationalities |
|
Saint Lucia |
6 weeks |
VoA available for several countries |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
30 days |
VoA for several non-visa-exempt nationalities |
|
Trinidad and Tobago |
30 days |
VoA for citizens of select African and Asian countries |
North America eVisa Countries
A few countries in North America offer eVisas or electronic travel authorizations (eTAs). Travelers from countries not eligible for these programs must apply for a regular visa at a consulate or embassy.
|
Country |
Type |
Max Stay |
Notes |
|
ESTA |
90 days |
Required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries |
|
|
eTA |
6 months |
Required for visa-exempt travelers flying into Canada |
|
|
Electronic Travel Authorization |
180 days |
For select nationalities only |
Common Documents Needed for a North America Visa
Visa requirements in North America depend on your destination, purpose of travel, and nationality. But most countries ask for similar documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-size photo
- Proof of travel (flight reservation or itinerary)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Financial documents
- Travel insurance (required for some countries)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Letter of invitation or explanation (for family or business visits)
- Previous travel history (in some applications)
- Biometric data (fingerprints or photos, depending on the country)
Facts About the North America Continent
- Total area: About 24.71 million km²
- Number of countries: 23 independent countries
- Population: Around 605 million people (2024 estimate)
- Languages spoken: Over 500 languages
- Biggest country by area: Canada (about 9.98 million km²)
- Most populated country: United States (about 335 million people)
- Highest mountain: Denali (Mount McKinley) in Alaska, USA – 6,190 meters
- Longest river: Mississippi-Missouri River System – about 6,275 km
- Largest lake: Lake Superior (shared by the U.S. and Canada)
List of North American Countries
|
Country |
Capital |
Area (km²) |
|
Antigua and Barbuda |
St. John’s |
442 |
|
Bahamas |
Nassau |
13,943 |
|
Barbados |
Bridgetown |
430 |
|
Belize |
Belmopan |
22,966 |
|
Canada |
Ottawa |
9,984,670 |
|
Costa Rica |
San José |
51,100 |
|
Cuba |
Havana |
109,884 |
|
Dominica |
Roseau |
751 |
|
Dominican Republic |
Santo Domingo |
48,671 |
|
El Salvador |
San Salvador |
21,041 |
|
Grenada |
St. George’s |
344 |
|
Guatemala |
Guatemala City |
108,889 |
|
Haiti |
Port-au-Prince |
27,750 |
|
Honduras |
Tegucigalpa |
112,492 |
|
Jamaica |
Kingston |
10,991 |
|
Mexico |
Mexico City |
1,964,375 |
|
Nicaragua |
Managua |
130,373 |
|
Panama |
Panama City |
75,420 |
|
Saint Kitts and Nevis |
Basseterre |
261 |
|
Saint Lucia |
Castries |
616 |
|
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
Kingstown |
389 |
|
Trinidad and Tobago |
Port of Spain |
5,128 |
|
United States |
Washington, D.C. |
9,833,520 |
Most Spoken Languages in North America
- English: United States, Canada, Belize, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada
- Spanish: Mexico, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Dominican Republic
- French: Canada (especially Quebec), Haiti, Saint Lucia, Dominica
- Haitian Creole: Haiti
- Indigenous Languages: Mexico, Guatemala, Canada, United States (e.g., Nahuatl, Kʼiche’, Inuktitut, Cherokee)
- Dutch: Suriname (note: geographically in South America, but sometimes included in Caribbean regional context)
- Patois (Jamaican Creole): Jamaica
- Garifuna: Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua
Best Countries to Visit in North America
North America is packed with cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and lively cities. These are the most visited and loved countries in the region:
- The U.S. is the most visited country in North America, with over 79 million visitors in 2019. Travelers come for national parks, big cities like New York and Los Angeles, and famous landmarks like the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty.
- Mexico welcomed over 45 million tourists in 2019. Visitors love its beaches, ancient ruins, colonial towns, and vibrant culture. Top spots include Cancún, Mexico City, and Chichén Itzá.
- Canada had more than 22 million international tourists in 2019. People visit for nature, cities like Toronto and Vancouver, and attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Northern Lights.
- The Dominican Republic is the most visited and traveled Caribbean country, with over 7 million visitors in 2023. Tourists enjoy its beaches, resorts, and colonial cities like Santo Domingo.
- Cuba draws over 3 million visitors yearly. Havana’s historic charm, vintage cars, and Caribbean beaches make it a unique destination.
- Costa Rica is a leader in ecotourism. With lush rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife, it attracts over 2 million visitors annually.
Top Tourist Attractions in North America
North America is home to some of the most famous attractions in the world. Here are some of the top tourist spots across the region:
Grand Canyon, United States
One of the most visited natural wonders, the Grand Canyon is known for its massive size and stunning views. It attracts over 4 million visitors every year.
Niagara Falls, Canada/United States
Located on the border of Canada and the U.S., these powerful waterfalls draw millions of tourists with boat tours, scenic views, and light shows.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
This ancient Mayan city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s one of Mexico’s top historical sites.
Times Square, United States
Located in New York City, Times Square is famous for its lights, shopping, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. It sees over 50 million visitors yearly.
Old Havana, Cuba
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Old Havana is filled with colorful colonial buildings, historic squares, and classic cars.
Banff National Park, Canada
Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is known for its turquoise lakes, mountains, and wildlife. It’s perfect for hiking, skiing, and photography.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Famous for its all-inclusive resorts and white-sand beaches, Punta Cana is one of the most traveled destinations in the Caribbean.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
This iconic volcano is surrounded by hot springs and rainforests. Visitors can hike, zipline, or relax in nearby eco-lodges.
