The US passport is among the most sought after in the world, ranking first (tied with UK, Germany, Sweden, and Finland) in travel freedom, allowing holders to travel to 174 countries pretty much hassle free—at worst, $20 here or there.
But the countries not included in the 174 operate quite differently, many employing the same tedious, expensive tactics their nationals undergo trying to enter the U.S., which charge $160 to almost every international not born in a stable, “Westernized” nation.
While Americans can take solace that their visa fees will never come near 50% of their annual income—like what Macedonians must pay to enter the US—some countries still charge exorbitant fees for visas, whether rooted in politics, tourism, or reciprocity.
With the help of VisaHQ, we've found the most expensive countries for Americans to enter.
Russia: $283
If getting to Russia wasn’t tedious, getting into Russia is an even more tedious.
On top of the $283 visa fee, to acquire a visa, tourists must have two blank passport pages, a double letter entry to the Russian Federation embassy, and a copy of your “invitation” to Mother Russia.
Nigeria: $275
Although the fee alone scares the mass number of Americans hoping to jaunt to Abuja over Christmas—well, that probably doesn’t exist—the fee is, of all things, hardly a concern for travelers.
There’s the constant threat of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and Boko Haram shenanigans, which likely explains the 50% drop in tourism since 2010.
Republic of Congo: $200
Not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo consists of 80% lush rainforest, and the other 20% seems to be hoops to enter, including a formal invitation letter—five-star hotels and some Congo tours offer to write one upon booking—which, in a way, probably costs over $200.
Algeria: $191
Literally a ferry ride from Spain, Algeria doesn’t jovially welcome its European neighbors — with a hug and some tapas, the Spanish way. In fact, Algeria only allows a mere fourteen countries visa-free travel — Haiti being the only one in North American and Montenegro the only one in Europe.
Afghanistan, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Mozambique, Qatar, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Uzbekistan: $160
As mentioned above, the US charges a $160 visa to almost all tourists not from typical "western" nations, and—maybe we’re projecting—it shouldn’t be a surprise that so many countries ask Americans for the same $160. In fact, both Argentina and Brazil call it a “reciprocity fee” rather than a visa.
Sudan: $151
It’s safe to say that the current 40-year civil war ravaging the Sudan—most notably Darfur—has largely deterred travelers from sunbathing and souq strolling. Almost as annoying as the $151 visa, along with the threat of death and engaging in a—how to put this nicely—genocidal civil war, is the country's photography permit.
Central African Republic, Chad, and Ivory Coast: $150
It’d be impressive enough if you could quickly point to each of these countries on a map. But it’d be even more impressive if you found your way inside—partly because the Chad-CAR border is currently closed. Beyond the visa, travel restrictions include: Central African Republic’s civil war, Chad’s rampant extremist threats; and Ebola surrounding the Ivory Coast.
North Korea: $140
For starters, who knew Americans could legally enter North Korea? As long as you enter via China, the hermit kingdom won’t shun—although Americans do risk imprisonment for nearly any wrong-doing… like taking a photo. The exact entrance visa for stars-and-striped travelers will cost $140 to enter China plus the price for an official guided tour of North Korea, hotel accommodation, and whatever Kim Jong-un deems necessary.
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