Passports and Visas

Japan – the “land of the Rising Sun – continues to draw record numbers of foreign visitors from American cities like San Juan and other areas of Puerto Rico who enjoy its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern amenities.  Japan drew 40 million-plus foreign visitors in 2025, a 17% increase that broke its previous record set in 2024.  The United States consistently ranks among its top five sources for visitors.

“Japan is a country where tradition meets the latest in technology and fashion, where serene temples contrast with neon-lit city streetscapes, and historic castles, cherry blossoms and futuristic attractions all captivate wide-eyed visitors,” Lonely Planet reported. “This blend of old and new make Japan one of Asia's best countries to visit.”

Lonely Planet also called Japan “a feast for visitors.  Mountain views of Fuji, beach-lined islands like Okinawa and buzzing megacities like Tokyo should all be on the menu.  You could spend a lifetime sampling the country’s delights, but some towns and sights are staples – core ingredients for a memorable Japan trip.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-japan)

The Dominican Republic – one of the world’s most affordable retirement destination – continues to draw retirees from Metro Atlanta and other American cities to its laid-back Caribbean culture, tropical beaches, diverse mountains, and low-cost healthcare.

“White-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, warm turquoise water, year-round sunshine—you’ll find them in abundance here in the Dominican Republic,” Live and Invest Overseas reported. “What sets the DR apart from other Caribbean islands and nations is its more sophisticated lifestyle—one that is strongly European.” Kiplinger added, “Located on Hispaniola, an island on the Great Antilles archipelago between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean, the Dominican Republic offers iconic beaches, lush vegetation, and rugged mountains.  Best yet, retirees can live in the country on a household budget about 50% lower than in U.S. warm weather cities like Austin, Miami, or Phoenix.”

Uruguay – the “Switzerland of South America” – remains one of the world’s highest-ranked countries for foreign retirees.  Visitors from the Cincinnati area are drawn to its low living costs, high quality of life, political stability, stable economy, moderate climate, healthcare access, favorable tax policies, and highly-developed modern infrastructure.  Fortune ranked Uruguay as the best country to retire abroad, noting its easy process for obtaining a retirement visa and range of retiree benefits. 

One of the smallest countries in South America, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay borders Argentina, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean.  About 90 percent of its 3.5 million people are of European descent (largely Spanish and Italian), creating a culture with strong European characteristics.  International Living magazine ranks Uruguay among its safest retirement destinations globally. “Most Uruguayans are descendants of immigrants,” the publication noted, “and tend to be tolerant of newcomers who are respectful of the culture and seek to fit in.  Uruguay also enjoys less economic disparity than other parts of the region, International Living continued. “Strong protections for workers, a public healthcare system, and social programs for those in need help maintain the country’s high level of social stability.”

The Republic of Ireland – known for scenic coastal villages, mythical landscapes, inviting culture, lush scenery, cozy pubs, leprechauns, and Guinness Beer – continues to welcome tourists and businesspeople from Charlotte and other towns throughout North Carolina.

“Ireland is a country of contrasts,” Lonely Planet reported. “To the west, its ocean coastline boasts towering sea cliffs, powder-soft beaches, medieval castles, historic villages, and forlornly beautiful islands where locals nurture ancient traditions.  The midlands harbor lesser-seen towns and meandering blue trails that follow the path of the River Shannon along rich green countryside.”

Officially known as the Republic of Ireland, the country occupies more than 75% of the island of Ireland, while the country of Northern Ireland covers the remainder.  The island lies in the North Atlantic Ocean east of Great Britain.  While Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland is an independent country whose only land border is with Northern Ireland.  The republic is home to more than 5.5 million people and remains a member of the European Union, using the euro as its currency.  While Irish is the official “first language” of the republic, English is more commonly used.

Peru ranks among the world’s top countries for retirees due to its scenic beauty, low cost of living, political stability, and rich culture.  Visitors from the Nashville area are drawn to its pristine beaches, lush Amazon rainforests, ancient villages, historic sites such as Machu Picchu, and the towering Andes Mountains.

The Republic of Peru borders Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Pacific Ocean.  Peru’s history dates back to the 10^th millennium BCE, making it the earliest civilization in the Americas.  Once a part of the Incan Empire, modern-day Peru was colonized by the Spanish during the 16^th Century before gaining independence from Spain during the early 1820s.  Its population of 33 million people includes mestizos (descendants of Europeans and indigenous peoples), Amerindians, Europeans, Africans, and Asian.  Most Peruvians speak Spanish.

Thailand – “the Land of Smiles” – enjoys a strong tourism sector that helps power Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.  The nation welcomed almost 30 million international visitors in 2025, including more than one million from cities and towns across the United States such as Buffalo.

Lonely Planet called Thailand “one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and for good reason – there's an incredible amount to see and do, costs are moderate and the food is out of this world!” The publication continued, “The glorious variety of Thailand appeals to all types of travelers.  Flavor-loving gourmets will love the street food, produce-laden markets, and deluxe restaurants all over the country.  Those seeking enlightenment can find wisdom and inspiration at its thousands of temples and monasteries.  Outdoors enthusiasts can set out on a hike, exploring virgin forests and lush mountains.  And you might have heard the country has some of the best beaches in the world.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-thailand)

The Kingdom of Thailand borders Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia, plus shares maritime boundaries with India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.  It covers more than 198,000 square miles and has a population of 71.6 million, with more than half of Thai residents concentrated in rural rice-growing areas.

Ethiopia – the cradle of civilization – is welcoming record numbers of tourists from American cities like San Diego who seek historic cultural treasures, exotic natural beauty, and warm hospitality.

“Ethiopia is like nowhere else on the planet, a beautiful country blessed with a peerless history, fabulous wildlife and some of Africa's most soulful peoples,” Lonely Planet stated recently (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/ethiopia).  The publication highlights the country as a top African destination for adventurous travelers looking for rich culture alongside unusual primates, secluded tribal villages, historic rock-hewn cave churches, and stunning natural landscapes.

The Netherlands continues to draw visitors from the Tampa Bay area to its tulip fields, iconic windmills, artistic masterpieces, and historic sites.

“Rattling your bike over cobbles, past a line of gabled houses reflected in a mirror-smooth canal…the Netherlands is just like you imagined it,” Rick Steves’ Europe reported. “Tiny Holland may just have the world's densest concentration of great artists, and shows off their works in several world-class museums.  Be sure to venture beyond Amsterdam — take advantage of the efficient train network, which puts nearly every Dutch destination within an easy day trip.  Rent a bike and cruise the flat countryside.  Wherever you roam, look behind its placid exterior, where you'll find a complex mix of modern technology, honored traditions, farmed countryside, outrageous architecture, and no-nonsense, globally minded people.”

The Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the Low Countries region of northwestern Europe, consists of 12 providences.  The country borders Belgium, Germany, and the North Sea, where it shares also shares maritime borders with the United Kingdom.  The kingdom also includes three Caribbean countries: Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten.  While the country is often referred to Holland, that name actually refers to two of its provinces: North Holland and South Holland.  Dutch is the primary language spoken by the nation’s diverse population of 18 million people.

Ecuador – the “land of the equator” – remains one of the world’s most popular and affordable retirement destinations.  Retirees from the Chicago area are drawn to its low living costs, warm tropical climate, up-to-date infrastructure, affordable healthcare, and diverse cultural and natural treasures. 

The Republic of Ecuador’s mainland straddles the Andres Mountains and borders Peru, Colombia, and the Pacific Ocean.  The South American country also includes the Galapagos Islands.  Once part of the Incan Empire, modern-day Ecuador was colonized by the Spanish during the 16^th Century.  It gained independence from Spain in 1820 as part of Gran Colombia and separated from Colombia in 1830.  Its population of 18.4 million people is largely made up of mestizos (descendants of Europeans and indigenous peoples), while the rest are of African, Asian, Native American, and European heritage.  Spanish remains its official language.

Zimbabwe – recently named “world’s best country to visit” by Forbes magazine and travel site Kayak – draws Atlanta-based travelers to Southeast Africa with its majestic vistas, cultural treasures, adventure sports, and safari and wildlife viewing opportunities.

“Zimbabwe is a mosaic of rugged wild terrain and deep ancestral heritage—where jagged granite outcrops rise above sun-scorched golden plains and skies stretch wide over rustling acacia groves,” Forbes stated. “The ancient stone city of Great Zimbabwe stands as a powerful reminder of the country’s layered past, its dry-stone walls steeped in centuries-old history.  Meanwhile, at Victoria Falls, the Zambezi crashes into thunderous gorges below—sending mist into the air that often catches the sun in fleeting rainbows.  The Eastern Highlands, however, offer a quieter scene: think cloud-covered slopes, winding hiking trails, and pockets of mist-laced mountain stillness.”

The landlocked Republic of Zimbabwe is located between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, bordering Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.  The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by the San, Bantu, and Shona peoples.  Claimed by Portugal in the 1880s, the British Empire took control of the area and established Rhodesia in 1895 (which included Northern and Rhodesia, aka present-day Zambia and Zimbabwe).  Efforts by Southern Rhodesia to break away from the United Kingdom in 1965 led to a lengthy civil war and eventual independence in 1980 as Zimbabwe.  Modern-day Zimbabwe is home to more than 17.3 million people, more than 99% of whom are of African origin.  English remains the primary language in the educational and judicial systems, although Shona and other Bantu languages are spoken by most residents.