Top Beaches in the World with Passport and Visa Guide
There’s few things in life that top the experience and joy of a beautiful beach in warm weather. Regardless of the time of the year, these places remain unphased by whatever kind of weather the rest of the world is facing. The beach is the ideal place to go to clear your mind in even clearer waters. Whether it’s you taking your family for a joyous adventure on the sandy shores, or it’s the final destination for settling down after retirement, the beaches listed provide unforgettable memories which might make you want to stay forever (in no particular order).
It is also important to know what laws apply to each country whose beaches you intend to visit. Every country has different passport and visa rules which must be abided to not face any consequences. Below we provide the most exquisite beach destinations around the world and how to make sure you arrive there safely.
Kissamos, Greece
Located over 70 miles from mainland Greece, Balos Lagoon is globally known for its turquoise waters and contrasting white sands. Filled with rocks, caves, and sea turtles, Balos is the place to go for a beach trip unique in every way. You can travel there by plane, but most trips are done by ferry.
In order to travel to Greece, you will need a passport that has at least 3 months of validity remaining. Although you need a passport, a visa is not required if you are in Greece for 90 days or less regardless of your reason for travel. What you will need is a return ticket from Greece and some form of proof that you are financially capable of traveling to Greece. Proof of financial stability can be any proof of money balance or employment.
Fernando de Nornha, Brazil
Like Balos Lagoon, Baia do Sancho is an island which has a mainland counterpart which in this case is Brazil. Unlike Balos Lagoon, there is no ferry to Baia do Sancho, only a plane which only makes two trips a week. This exclusivity allows for a beach experience unlike any other. Baia do Sancho is a semi-circle beach shore with sapphire blue water that unlike most tourist beaches are not crowded at all.
To travel to Brazil, you will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity after the date of entry into Brazil. Also, you will also need a tourist visa approved by a Brazilian consulate or embassy along with a full itinerary of your trip that includes tickets home. Finally, proof that you can pay for your stay in Brazil will also be necessary for your trip.
Sydney, Australia
Located on the shores of Sydney, Australia Manly Beach offers a 2-in-1 opportunity that a typical beach cannot provide: a beach directly next to a major global city. Not only is Manly Beach located in the perfect climate of Southeast Australia, but it is also a 30 minute ferry ride away from Sydney, one of the worlds most stunning cities. Contrary to what some might think about the uncleanliness because of it being located next to a city, Manly Beach is as unpolluted as any beach you can find.
Entering Australia requires a valid US passport and visa. A tourist or business visa for Australia will last you up to 90 days. A visa can be obtained online and is known as an Australian ETA. The ETA must be used within 12 months of issue. The visa also allows multiple entry, repeating the 90 day cycle as long as it is valid.
Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is full of amazing beaches since it is a massive collection of islands in a tropical biome. Amongst all the beaches in Indonesia lies one that quite possibly tops them all. Kelingking Beach is far from the biggest or most popular beach, but the few who get the chance to go to this secluded beach realize what separates this place from any other beach.
Traveling to Indonesia requires a passport with 6 months of validity and a tourist visa if you intend on staying for more than 30 days. You will also need a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
Bournemouth, England
Not all of England is what you think it is: rainy, cloudy and the last place you would think to go to the beach. But to every popular belief there are exceptions, and Bournemouth Beach is one of those exceptions. Located in Southwest England, the city of Bournemouth has a wonderful coast with its own microclimate. Besides the weather being delightful, the water of the English Channel is the warmest in England.
Unlike for most countries, where they require your passport to be valid for a certain number of months before entry, England (United Kingdom) only requires that your passport is valid for at least as long as your trip is. You won’t need a visa either if you are traveling to England for 6 months or less for tourist purposes.
Phuket, Thailand
Over the past few years, Phuket island has become a top tourist destination for people from all around the world. Unlike the previous beaches discussed, we won’t be talking about just one beach. Every beach on the island of Phuket from Mai Khao to Banana provides an amazing time for any traveler. Since there are so many beaches to choose from, no one beach becomes overcrowded.
Anyone traveling to Thailand, including Phuket needs a passport with at least 6 months validity past the length of stay. When getting a visa, you can get a visa on arrival from Phuket International Airport as well as through a Thailand consulate or embassy. You will not need a visa if you do not stay in Thailand for more than 30 days and are only there for tourist purposes. If you are intending on coming to Phuket with a retirement visa, it needs to be valid for at least 18 months to be allowed entry.
Sicily, Italy
Commonly known for its food and fertile mountainous grounds, Sicily has developed a reputation for bringing people together on the beaches. An underrated location when thinking about the world’s best beaches, Spiaggia dei Conigli can easily be in the conversation, especially with its amazing concaving hills around the shore.
Despite Sicily being an autonomous region, the visa and passport laws for Italy apply. Passports need six months of validity beyond departure date, as well as two blank pages for stamping. You can be in Sicily for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa but after that need a visa.
Harbour Island, Bahamas
It is unlike any beach in the world in the most magnifying way possible. The name is no exaggeration or misdirection; the sand is literally pink. As a result of calcium carbonate materials such as corals and shells breaking in the water by the beach, Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island has a distinction not many beaches in the world can lay claim to.
To enter the Bahamas, US citizens need a valid US passport along with a return ticket or other sort of proof that you plan on leaving. You can also use a passport card if you have one. If you are traveling to the Bahamas for tourism purposes for 90 days or less you do not need a visa.
Palawan, Philippines
El Nido is the northern part of Palawan island, one of 7641 islands in the Philippines. Enclosed by the rocky hills and other natural barriers, El Nido beaches provide an unforgettable journey. In addition, there are boat tours that take you in between the mountains, making memories for a lifetime.
As long as a US citizen has 6 months of validity from date of entry on their passport, they can enter the Philippines without a visa (as long as it is for no longer than 6 months for tourism purposes). Regardless if you have a visa or not, you will need a return or onward ticket.
Bermuda
The name comes from the shape of the beach, and definitely does not disappoint. Like Pink Sand Beach in the Bahamas, there are certain times of the year where the sand becomes pink for the same reasons. In addition to being just as stunning as any beach you can find in the world, the prices will also be generally cheaper than traveling over the Atlantic.
As long as you have a passport valid for 45 days from the date of departure and one blank page in the passport, there is no need for a visa if you come back to the US directly from Bermuda. You will need a return ticket upon arrival to prove you intend to leave in due time.