Passports and Visas

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.

Japan – the “land of the Rising Sun – continues to draw record numbers of foreign visitors from American cities like Philadelphia 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 United Kingdom remains one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations, with visitors from American cities such as Nashville providing the largest number of visitors to the UK.  U.S. citizens only need a passport and an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter Britain.  However, many foreigners living in the United States may need to obtain a visa to visit the British Isles.

“Great Britain packs so much greatness into its pint-sized shores: crumbling castles, soaring cathedrals, quaint villages, timeless landscapes, and history galore,” Lonely Planet reported. “The story of England stretches back more than 5,000 years, which means it’s impossible to escape the past here.  As you wander historic urban centers, mysterious monoliths, misty landscapes, rugged coastlines and national parks, you’ll discover a country filled with unparalleled places to visit.”(https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-england)

Officially known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the UK encompasses more than 240,000 square kilometers, 12,700 miles of coastline, and almost 70 million people.  Britain is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the Celtic Sea.  Four countries make up the UK–England, Scotland, and Wales (collectively, the island of Great Britain) plus Northern Ireland–and numerous other small islands that complete the British Isles.  The UK’s only land border is with the Republic of Ireland, an independent country which covers most of the island of Ireland.

Uruguay – the “Switzerland of South America” – remains one of the world’s highest-ranked countries for foreign retirees.  Visitors from the Denver 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.”

Canada remains the second most popular foreign country for U.S. residents to visit (behind Mexico), despite recent declines in border crossings.  While U.S. citizens only need a passport to drive or fly to Canada, many foreigners living in Baltimore and other towns throughout Maryland may need to obtain a visa to visit the Great North.

“Canada captivates visitors with its wildlife, wilderness and vibrant cultural offerings,” Lonely Planet reported.  The publication noted the country “is more than its hulking-mountain, craggy-coast good looks: it also cooks extraordinary meals, rocks cool culture, and unfurls wild, moose-spotting road trips.” It added, “Spot polar bears, cruise Vancouver’s coastline, savor Toronto’s cuisine, or enjoy Montréal's music scene.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-canada; https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/Canada)

Canada is the second largest country in the world by total area, and its southern border with the United States is the world’s longest international land border.  Its more than 41 million people live in 10 provinces and three territories spanning six time zones.  The country stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, and north to the Arctic Ocean -- giving it the longest coastline on the planet.

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 Portland 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 Tucson.

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 Boston 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.

Bangladesh may not be on the bucket list for most residents of the Cleveland area, but those willing to immerse themselves in this under-explored South Asian country can find lush tropical coasts, unique historic sites, serene tea estates, vast mangrove swamps, Bengal tigers, and the world’s longest sandy beach.

“Famously poor and heavily prone to flooding, Bangladesh makes an unlikely tourist destination, and a trip here is certainly off the beaten track,” Lonely Planet reported. “But if you're happy to leave behind your home comforts and willing to get out and explore, this beautifully green and wonderfully welcoming country could be one of the most fascinating places you ever visit.” (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/bangladesh-for-first-timers)

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country in the world and one of the most densely populated–more than 175 million people live within just over 57,000 square miles.  The country borders India and Myanmar, plus has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal.  Most of its residents speak Bangla.  However, English is spoken by much of the middle class, used in the court system, and taught in public schools, reflecting the republic’s history as part of the British Empire.  Islam is the state religion and accounts for more than 90% of the people.