Top 10 Countries That Let You Stay 6 Months or More

1. Canada: Visitor Visas Up to 6 Months

Canada stands out for its generous visitor visa policy. As of 2024, travelers from many countries can visit Canada for up to six months at a time on a standard Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

According to official Canadian government updates, extensions are possible if you apply at least 30 days before your status expires. The Super Visa even allows parents and grandparents of citizens or permanent residents to stay for up to five years per entry, as reported in 2024.

This flexibility makes Canada a favorite for long-term tourists and those visiting family. No special requirements like proof of onward travel are needed, but you must show proof of funds and ties to your home country.

Canada’s welcoming approach is reflected in the steady increase in visitor numbers, with over 22 million tourist arrivals in 2024, according to Statistics Canada.

2. Mexico: 180-Day Tourist Stays

Mexico’s tourist visa, known as the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple), allows visitors from most countries to stay up to 180 days—about six months—without a visa. The Mexican government confirmed in its 2024 immigration guidelines that the FMM is widely issued at airports and land borders.

Americans, Canadians, and Europeans especially benefit, as they can enter visa-free and receive the full 180 days at the discretion of immigration officials. There’s no minimum spend or complex paperwork required.

In 2023, Mexico welcomed over 38 million international visitors, with many “digital nomads” and retirees taking advantage of the long stay. The country’s affordable lifestyle, warm climate, and diverse regions continue to attract long-term travelers.

3. Georgia: One-Year Visa-Free Entry

Georgia offers one of the most generous visa-free regimes in the world. Citizens of over 90 countries, including the US, UK, EU states, and Australia, can stay in Georgia for up to one year visa-free, as updated by the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024.

This policy is part of Georgia’s drive to boost tourism and remote work. No special paperwork or permits are needed—just a valid passport.

The country’s low cost of living and growing expat scene make it a hotspot for digital nomads. Tbilisi, the capital, now ranks among the top five remote work cities in Eastern Europe, according to a 2025 Nomad List report.

4. Albania: One-Year Stays for Americans

Albania has become an unexpected haven for long-term visitors, especially Americans. Since 2022, US citizens can stay in Albania for up to one year without a visa, confirmed by Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs as of 2024.

This policy is unique in Europe, where most countries restrict visits to 90 days. Albania is increasingly popular with retirees and remote workers, thanks to its relaxed regulations, Mediterranean climate, and low cost of living.

Tirana saw a 45% increase in American arrivals in 2024, based on data from Albania’s National Institute of Statistics.

5. United Kingdom: 6-Month Visitor Visas

The United Kingdom allows visitors from many countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and EU members, to stay for up to six months without a visa, as per UK government rules updated in 2025. This is one of the longest visa-free periods offered by a major European country.

The process is straightforward: travelers receive a stamp on arrival and must not work or access public funds. The UK Border Force has reported increased long-term tourism, with over 18 million visitors in 2024, many choosing to enjoy the country’s cities, countryside, and cultural sites over several months.

6. Panama: 180-Day Tourist Stays

Panama is a favorite among long-term travelers for its easy 180-day tourist visa. As of 2024, citizens from the US, Canada, and EU countries receive a six-month stamp on arrival.

The Panamanian government’s official migration portal confirms this generous policy. No complicated paperwork or visa interviews are needed for most Western travelers.

Panama City’s role as a business and travel hub, plus the country’s “Friendly Nations” visa program, makes it an attractive base for remote workers and retirees. The country saw a 23% increase in long-term tourist stays in 2024, according to the Panama Tourism Authority.

7. Barbados: 12-Month Welcome Stamp

Barbados launched its “Welcome Stamp” program in 2020, and it remains popular in 2024. This special visa allows remote workers and their families to live on the island for up to 12 months.

The Barbadian government reported over 3,000 approved Welcome Stamp applications in 2024, mainly from the US, UK, and Canada. The application process is online, and applicants must show proof of employment and a minimum annual income of $50,000 USD.

The program has boosted the local economy and helped Barbados recover from tourism slumps, with long-term visitors contributing to local businesses and schools.

8. Thailand: Long Stay Options Up to 10 Years

Thailand offers several long-stay visa options. In 2024, the most notable are the “Long-Term Resident” (LTR) visa and the “O-A” retirement visa.

The LTR visa allows eligible foreign nationals, including remote workers and retirees, to stay for up to 10 years, according to the Thai Immigration Bureau’s latest updates. The O-A visa is for retirees over 50 and allows stays of up to one year, renewable annually.

Thailand’s government reported a 30% rise in long-stay visa applications between 2023 and 2025. These programs require proof of funds, insurance, and background checks but offer remarkable flexibility and security for those looking to settle in Southeast Asia.

9. Portugal: D7 and Digital Nomad Visas

Portugal has become a European leader in long-stay visas, especially for digital nomads and retirees. The D7 visa, updated in 2024, allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal for one year, renewable for up to five years.

The new digital nomad visa, introduced in late 2023, also permits stays of up to one year with proof of remote income. Portugal’s immigration authorities require applicants to show a stable monthly income (about €3,280 as of 2025) and health insurance.

Lisbon and Porto are top choices for expats, with Portugal’s National Statistics Institute reporting a 17% increase in long-term resident permits in 2024.

10. Costa Rica: 180-Day Rule and Digital Nomad Visa

Costa Rica updated its immigration law in 2023 to allow tourists from the US, UK, EU, and several other countries to stay up to 180 days per visit. The Costa Rican Migration Office confirms this extension, which is double the previous 90-day limit.

Additionally, the “Digital Nomad” visa, launched in 2023, lets remote workers stay for up to one year, with a possible extension. Applicants must show proof of a $3,000 monthly income.

Costa Rica saw a 20% increase in long-term tourist arrivals in 2024, making it a magnet for eco-tourists, retirees, and remote workers.

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