List of Cheap Visa-Free Countries for Americans

Travel season will soon be open. So you might have to pick one country to travel to. But since several factors might influence your choice, like the budget, you might meet some difficulties while making up your mind where to head to.

Keeping in mind that you might have to organize your spendings thoroughly and stay within a fixed budget, and you may want to find a bargain. So, first of all, we advise choosing a visa-free country, since you know how expensive and troublesome it is to get a visa.

Additionally, you might know that some countries are less or more expensive than others. Hence, Airflyby Team gathered a list of 1. Cheap, 2. Visa-free, and 3. Absolutely worth visiting. Keep on reading to figure out what your possible choice might be.

1. Colombia, $35 per day

Accommodation - $8 - $11 / night in a hostel.
Transport -  $0.67 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $3.50 / meal.
SIM card - $6 / 1400 MB, 100 minutes of calls, unlimited Facebook and Whatsapp.

This vivid yet inexpensive travel destination that doesn’t require a visa for US citizens has gained a special place in many tourists’ hearts, thanks to its diversity and affordability. Colombia is the spot that has it all for any taste and purpose.

Historical sites and a myriad of museums can keep occupied history lovers. Those who seek adventure and active leisure time can have Amazon at their disposal. And what’s for the diving and passive leisure time, a plenitude of beaches can appease your desire to relax.

Since the accommodation, transport, and food are so affordable there, you might want to splurge on other things, like a fancy rental house or a car rental to explore other locations besides the one you might stay in. We bet none other destinations can offer so many opportunities at such a convenient rate.

2. Greece, $40 per day

Accommodation - $10 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $1.52 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $10.88 / meal.
SIM card - $9.24 / 300 minutes of calls and 500MB of data. $2.17 / 3GB valid through a weekend.

Greece is one of the most affordable countries to visit without a visa if traveling to it during the off-season. That means you may have to avoid traveling in July and August, and travel at least two weeks earlier instead. By doing this, you are going to experience a less-crowded area and lower prices on almost anything.

Opt for cooking meals on your own and leave restaurant visits for some special occasions, since in some regions, restaurants are really expensive. Go on a picnic on a beach instead, as it is equally romantic.

Get on a free walking tour to explore the location and gain some substantial memories. If you want to hop onto diverse islands, carefully plan which ones to visit to decrease the number of transfers.

3. Poland, $40 per day

Accommodation - $10 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.86 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $6 / meal.
SIM card - $8.24 / 10GB and 30-day validity.

Poland is often overlooked by travelers, but it is a shame not to visit it since its extensive history and distinctive culture can make anyone fall in love with it. Besides providing some of the best historical sites (14 in number), Poland is among inexpensive countries to visit if you don’t have a visa.

Delicious food, picturesque views over the city, landmarks and sites with historical and cultural significance are the things that make Poland the favorite on travelers’ lists. We have to recommend some gorgeous small towns like Wroclaw, Gdansk, and Zakopane since these might be even a cheaper option than the major cities like Warsaw and Krakow.

4. Croatia, $40 per day

Accommodation - $12 - $16 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $1.46 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $8 / meal.
SIM card - $11 / unlimited data traffic, 100 min/SMS messages and 1-week validity.

Croatia is absolutely visa-free for Americans. You may need to have a similar approach to Greece if you want to travel to Croatia on a budget. Since the busiest months are July and August, prices are skyrocketing during them. Don’t worry about the weather, as between May and October, it is just right to have a wonderful and comfortable trip.

Croatia, with its plenitude of islands, myriads of beaches, and crystal clear waters, is heaven for beach and yacht parties. Talking of prices on accommodation, food, and transport, these are pretty reasonable for a European country.

5. Guatemala, $38 per day

Accommodation - $8 - $12 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.26 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $5.25 / meal.
SIM card - $6 / 13 minutes of calls, 200MB and 15-day validity.

Being part of the countries that don't require a visa, Guatemala can fulfill any dreams of a budget-friendly adventure trip. Lush greenery, volcanoes, and multiple sites with ruins can get your curiosity levels high. If hiking and outdoor explorations aren’t your types of leisure, then stroll down the old city streets paved with cobblestone and marvel at the architecture.

Speaking of food, transport, and accommodation, these might surprise you with their convenience. Traditional meals are extremely delicious, with few bucks for a sumptuous one.

Transport is represented by chicken buses, which are very cheap, but a bit risky. You will have to waive at a bus to stop it since there isn’t such a meaning as bus stops. Besides that, there’s no fixed price on a ride, hence watch how much the locals pay and do the same.

6. Georgia, $30 per day

Accommodation - $6 - $10 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.18 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $5.40 / meal.
SIM card - $0.80 / the sim card itself, $4 / 4GB and $0.90 / 400SMS/MMS.

Another European country that does not need visa, which is absolutely gorgeous and affordable, is Georgia. Georgian cuisine is legendary and worth the try. Prices on accommodation are low, and so are those for transport. Hop onto a minibus to get around the city and explore the major historical and cultural sites.

You won’t leave the place without a strong feeling of fulfillment, as you will experience a true pleasure while interacting with the locals, exploring the natural wonders, hiking to remote picturesque monasteries, and absorbing the culture while visiting local museums.  

7. Indonesia, $30 per day

Accommodation - $5 - $10 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.29 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $1.81 / meal.
SIM card - $6 / 11GB of data in total.

The only thing that might make a hole in your wallet, while on a trip to Indonesia, is transportation. Since we talk about budget-friendly countries to visit without a visa in this blog post, Indonesia is part of them. Prices there are quite low on such things as food and accommodation unless you choose to eat out in fancy restaurants and rent an expensive villa.

Stick to a region or two to avoid the transfers, and consequently save on your trip. Hike the mountains on a scooter, discover spectacular waterfalls and other natural landmarks, lay in a hammock on a beach and take in the sun rays, as all these come at a reasonable price.

For a true adventure, get on backpacking through Indonesia. One useful tip is to use local transport to get around. Chances are high that you will get plenty of life-long memories.

8. Kyrgyzstan, $25 per day

Accommodation - $7 - $10 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.14 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $2.86 / meal.
SIM card - $1.50 / 4GB and 7-day validity.

Some scenic views are revealed in Kyrgyzstan, a country located in Central Asia that doesn’t require a visa for US citizens. It is a wonderful place for hiking, for instance through the Tian Shan Mountains. Additionally, this activity involves almost no expenses. Rent a hostel room and try the local cuisine, get around on interesting minibusses, and explore these lands on a budget.

9. Estonia, $40 per day

Accommodation - $10 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport -  $1.63 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $4.35 / meal.
SIM card - $1 / the sim card and $7.50 / 15GB of data with 1-month validity.

Since 53% of Estonia is covered in forests, nature lovers would absolutely love this place. There are plenty of hiking opportunities as national parks and vast areas with marvelous sightseeings are almost everywhere. Small towns are super pretty and are worth the visit. Get around them on a bike to explore some hidden corners and find out valuable spots.

10. Lithuania, $40 per day

Accommodation - $10 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $1.09 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $5.44 / meal.
SIM card - $2.20 / the sim card and $3.30 / the first top up of which $3.80 / 3GB with 1-month validity.

One more destination among cheap countries to visit without visa is another Baltic State, Lithuania. It is not only an affordable spot to stay in, but also an awe-inspiring one. We suggest choosing to stay in a small charming town like Klaipeda, Kaunas, and Curonian Spit to have an authentic experience.

People in Lithuania are really friendly, so you’ll feel very cozy in these locations. The Old Towns’ architecture and culture are just breathtaking, the nightlife is also vivid, so why not choose to stay outside the major cities like Vilnius?

11. Latvia, $40 per day

Accommodation - $8 - $10 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $1.25 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $4.35 / meal.
SIM card - $6.14 / 10GB and 7-day validity. $1 / $3.50 for a sim that includes calls and messages.

The last Baltic country on our list, Latvia, is classified among the cheapest countries to travel to with no visa required. The best season to travel to Latvia is fall or winter, when hiking and canoeing on the multiple rivers and lakes are accompanied by golden and reddish scapes in fall, and glittering white - in winter.

During winter, visit the charming Christmas markets and get enchanted by the local architecture. Speaking of architecture, check out Latvia’s most wondrous castles and sites since the activity is completely affordable/free.

12. South Africa, $40 per day

Accommodation - $12 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $1.32 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $4.60 / meal.
SIM card - $11 / 1GB and $0.23 / the sim card with 1-month validity.

Visa-free travel is possible to South Africa, the land that will steal your heart. Tourist accommodations are not only cheap but also located in some picturesque areas. Hence, that’s a double win. Food can get really expensive in South Africa, so consider preparing meals at the place of your accommodation.

What’s about transportation, it can get limited in some remote locations. And while you still can find trains and buses circulating, the best option is to rent a car and share it with other people.

13. Malaysia, $35 per day

Accommodation - $6 - $9 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.71 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $2.36 / meal.
SIM card - $2.50 / the sim card with $1.25 of credit valid for 5 days. $2.50 / 1.5GB of data with 1-week validity.

Many tourists who have ever traveled to Malaysia would rather call the destination expensive than rank it among inexpensive countries to visit, even if it doesn’t require you to hold a visa. But, in fact, if you get thoroughly prepared for the trip, you could save money and have a successful journey.

For instance, explore the Cameron Highlands and Perhentian Islands for an energy boost. Hike the beautiful areas and discover multiple spots revealing incredible views. Malaysian cuisine is perhaps the thing that may catch your attention, especially because it is really cheap. Transport is also affordable, so you won’t have any trouble getting around.

Among other advantages the country can provide is that it is one of the best places to get a PADI scuba diving certificate. So, that’s a pleasant bonus.

14. Thailand, $30 per day

Accommodation - $9 - $12 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.80 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $1.88 / meal.
SIM card - $7 / unlimited data and $0.63 of credit with 7-day validity.

First of all, consider traveling to Northern Thailand, since as you move south, the more prices are increasing. Even popular places like Chiang Mai and Pai provide accommodations for tourists at reasonable prices. Also, you don’t have to go too far to get that authentic experience. Hiking, city explorations, and tours on main attractions come at a good price too, many of which are free.

Another useful tip to save money is to stick with street food (and just local food), which is both delicious and inexpensive. To save on in-depth exploration, rent a car and share it, for instance, with other people at your hostel.

15. Mexico, $40 per day

Accommodation - $7 - $14 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.47 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $3.14 / meal.
SIM card - $12 / the sim card containing $6 of SMS and calls. $10.45 / 2GB.

Among a wide range of places that don’t need visa, Mexico is listed, which is not only an awesome destination to go vacationing but also a budget-friendly one. Mexico has it all: nature, history, culture, and all come at a good price. Visit the marvelous cenotes, take pleasure in exploring nature, eat delicious tacos, tortillas, quesadillas as much as you like, and lay on never-ending white-sand beaches.  

Travel tip: stay within a place to reduce intercity trips, since these can be pretty expensive. Other than that, to get around a city, you won’t need to pay much.

16. Namibia, $42 per day

Accommodation - $12 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.79 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $5.93 / meal.
SIM card - $0.50 / the sim card. $2.50 / 100 minutes of local calls, 700 texts, and 1GB of data with 1-week validity.

Namibia has plenty of tourist spots that can make you wow. Fish River Canyon, Deadvlei, Sossusvlei are among those. As usual, three main factors can determine your expenses: accommodation, transport, and food. Choose to stay in a camp and do your best to find one with a kitchen to be able to cook for yourself.

As for the transport, rent a 4x4 to explore various areas of the country. Namibia is full of secrets and interesting places and being a little mindful of your budget won’t mess up your experience at all, if not make it more adventurous.  

17. Czech Republic, $40 per day

Accommodation - $9 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $1 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $4.31 / meal.
SIM card - $36 / 10GB data and unlimited intercarrier calls with 1-month validity.

On the no visa countries for Americans is also the Czech Republic. Just like in other countries, the major cities have inflated their prices due to increasing numbers of tourists that choose to visit this rich in culture and history country. But, as we earlier said, avoid staying in all popular cities and pick a few less popular ones, like Telc and Cesky Krumlov.

By doing it, you won’t miss that authentic vibe, and you’ll still be able to get in touch with Czech culture and history. Besides that, you will save on the whole trip since the accommodation and transport are much lower than in big cities. And we don’t even have to mention food, as it is large in portion, delicious, and really cheap.

18. Philippines, $35 per day

Accommodation - $7 - $12 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.20 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $1.37 / meal.
SIM card - $0.60 to $2.50 / a prepaid sim card. $6 / 2GB with 1-month validity.

Philippines are, first of all, a visa-free country for those who live in the USA. This exotic destination is a true wonder for those who like to lay on a beach and do nothing all day. That’s a good idea since no expenses are required for those. But you might want to spend the vacation a bit differently, and that’s when you have to plan your budget correctly.

Stick to one or two regions to save up on transport, explore the surroundings by feet or motorbike to find some hidden gems which are plentiful in this country. The Philippines’ archipelago is also an incredible site for hiking, diving, and relaxation. Hence, there’s always something for every taste.

19. Romania, $33 per day

Accommodation - $7 - $15 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.57 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $5.65 / meal.
SIM card - $6.74 / a sim card with $5.50 of credit. $5.50 / 1000 domestic minutes or sms, 100 international minutes or sms, and 30GB of data with 28-day validity.

Many charming places are hidden within this lovely country, which won’t make you get a visa. Though it is a bit off the beaten path, Romania is still a country worth visiting. Medieval towns, splendid sightseeing, and exceptional natural beauties with a rustic feeling.

Romania is an amazing choice for those traveling on a budget since the accommodation, food, and transport are low money consuming. You won’t experience any difficulties getting around, eating out in local restaurants, and finding a place to stay at.

20. Nicaragua, $35 per day

Accommodation - $6 - $10 / night in a hostel.
Transport - $0.10 / one-way ticket on local transport.
Food - $3 / meal.
SIM card - $3.80 / 1GB of data with 1-week validity.

If you are searching for a country with no visa for us citizens, that won’t destroy your budget, and within the Americas, then Nicaragua might be a great option. Being one of the most affordable countries to visit in Central America, Nicaragua doesn’t lack nature beauties, fun activities, and other entertaining and relaxing opportunities.

With little effort, you’ll be able to find inexpensive accommodation and spend the days hiking, surfing, diving, and exploring volcanoes. But since there’s always a tiny downside, there are safety concerns within this country. So, we suggest getting informed from the official advisory site, before heading to the destination.

Now you know which countries provide a no-visa entry, and which won’t cost you an arm and a leg when visiting them. Our suggestions don’t end here since we have to present one more option, that will care about your budget, as well.

Ovago is a travel agency that is, if not the best solution, to save on flight tickets. Choose to fly with Ovago and experience a relaxing air journey to any of the above-listed countries. Airflyby Team wishes you happy traveling and low spendings on it!