Sean and Aigul

Many Americans assume that becoming a digital nomad requires applying for multiple visas before leaving the US. In reality, most short-term nomad travel works perfectly well on tourist entry, as long as you understand the rules.

This guide explains how Americans can legally slow-travel, when visas matter, and how to avoid immigration problems abroad.

1. Tourist stay vs digital nomad visa (the real difference)

Tourist entry is designed for:

• Short stays

• Sightseeing and visiting

• Temporary presence

Digital nomad visas are designed for:

• Staying longer than 90 days

• Legal clarity for remote work

• Renting long-term housing

• Reduced border stress

For Americans traveling 1–3 months per country, tourist entry is usually enough.

2. The Schengen rule Americans must understand

Most European countries share one immigration clock called the Schengen Area.

Rule:

You may stay 90 days total within any rolling 180-day period across all Schengen countries combined.

This means:

• Spain + Germany + France + Italy = one shared 90-day limit

• Border hopping inside Europe does not reset the clock

• To reset fully, you must leave Schengen for about 90 days

Practical solution:

Americans often alternate between Schengen countries and non-Schengen countries like the United Kingdom or Ireland.

3. When a long-stay visa actually makes sense

You should consider a long-stay or visitor visa if you want:

• One base for 6+ months

• Long-term housing

• Schooling or healthcare access

• Fewer border questions

For example:

• France requires a long-stay visitor visa for stays beyond 90 days

• There is no legal way to stay 6 straight months in Paris on tourist status

4. Countries that require advance action

Most countries Americans visit do not require tourist visas, but there are exceptions.

Vietnam

• Requires a tourist e-visa

• Common solution for long stays: two consecutive 90-day visas

South Korea

• Uses K-ETA, an online travel authorization (not a visa)

New Zealand

• Uses NZeTA, an online travel authorization

• Explicitly allows remote work for foreign employers on visitor status

These are simple online applications, not embassy visits.

5. Housing reality for nomads

On tourist status, Americans can easily:

• Stay in Airbnbs

• Rent furnished short-term apartments (1–3 months)

• Move freely between regions

They generally cannot:

• Sign 6–12 month leases

• Register residency

• Access local benefits

This is why many nomads choose slow travel with flexibility, not permanent bases.

6. Documents Americans should bring from the US

Before leaving the US, it’s smart to carry:

• Birth certificates (certified copies)

• Marriage certificates

• Apostilled documents

• Medical and vaccination records

• Digital scans of everything

Many of these are slow or difficult to obtain abroad, especially with children.

7. The simplest legal strategy for Americans

For most digital nomads from the US:

• Travel 1–3 months per country on tourist entry

• Respect Schengen limits

• Use non-Schengen countries as breaks

• Apply for long-stay visas only when staying 6+ months in one place

This approach is:

• Legal

• Low-stress

• Flexible

• Widely used

Final takeaway

Americans have one of the strongest passports in the world. You usually do not need a digital nomad visa to start traveling.

Tourist stays are ideal for exploration.

Long-stay visas are for settling.

Understanding the difference lets you travel confidently, legally, and without unnecessary paperwork.