Posted by Frank Gogol in Immigrants | Updated on August 24, 2022
A U.S. green card grants you many benefits and privileges, such as being able to work and live in the U.S. permanently. One of the great additional benefits not often talked about is that you can, similar to U.S. citizens, also travel to certain countries without having to apply for a visa first.
Which countries can you visit with a green card? Let’s take a look!
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Can Green Card Holders Travel Abroad Without a Visa?
American citizens can travel to over 170 countries worldwide without needing a visa. Many of these countries extend the same benefits to U.S. green card holders. The question is, which countries can you visit with a green card without a visa?
There are numerous countries U.S. green card holders can visit without needing a visa. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include all the countries that allow U.S. citizens to travel without a visa, but there are still a few. The country you are going to must have extended the same rights to lawful permanent residents of the U.S.
If you are wondering whether the country you are traveling to has extended the same privileges, take a look at the country’s visa policy. Most countries will first consider your passport (i.e., your nationality) over your green card. If you generally need a visa to travel to a country based on your passport, you will also need a visa to go to that country despite having a green card.
Still, some countries allow U.S. green card holders to visit without a visa.
Which Countries Can Green Card Holders Visit Without a Visa
So, which countries can you visit with a green card without a visa? Below is a list of the most popular countries:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Georgia
- The British Virgin Islands
- Aruba and Curaçao
- The Balkans
- Singapore
- Peru
This isn’t an extensive list, so, again, check the visa policy of the country you are traveling to.
If you are planning to travel to one of the below countries, however, your green card will be sufficient.
Aruba and Curaçao
You can visit any of the islands that make up the Dutch Caribbean without a visa if you have a U.S. green card. This includes Aruba and Curaçao but also includes Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten. If you are looking for a bit of sun and sea, these islands are ideal locations.
Keep in mind this doesn’t include the European part of the Netherlands. You will need a Schengen Visa to enter the Netherlands even if you have a U.S. green card.
You can read more about the requirements of entry for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of Netherlands here.
Canada
Your passport won’t be an issue if you are looking for a short trip and want to hop over the border to visit Canada. Everyone who has a U.S. green card can enter Canada without having to apply for a Canadian tourist visa, irrespective of their nationality.
If you are traveling by airplane, you will only need to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada. You can apply for an eTA online, and it’s really cheap. It only costs $7. When you arrive in Canada, you can present your eTA to the immigration officer together with your passport and green card.
If you are traveling by land, you will only need your passport and green card. You don’t have to apply for an eTA.
Costa Rica
Another great country you can visit without getting a visa is Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known for its warm and welcoming people and beautiful beaches, forests, and landscapes.
If you have a U.S. green card, you only need your passport, your green card, and a ticket showing you will leave the country within 30 days of arrival to enter. You don’t need to apply for a Costa Rica visa.
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, however, you will have to apply for your extended stay to be approved at the Office of Migration in Costa Rica.
Georgia
Georgia is one of the few countries in Europe that will allow U.S. green card holders to visit without a Schengen Visa or a Georgian visa. Like Costa Rica, you only have to show your passport, green card, and return ticket.
Even though Georgia isn’t on top of most people’s bucket lists, it is still a great country to visit. There are mysterious cave cities you can visit as well as Ushguli, Europe’s highest village.
You can stay in Georgia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.
Mexico
Mexico is another American neighbor which you, as a U.S. permanent resident, can visit without a green card. You will only need to show your passport and U.S. green card to enter.
You will, however, still need to get a Mexico Tourist Card. This is different from a visa. You don’t have to go to a Mexican consulate or embassy to apply, and you don’t have to make a formal visa application.
Getting a Mexican Tourist Card is really easy. It is a bit pricier than a Canadian eTA, though. The price ranges from about $25 to $35.
Use one of the following ways to obtain your Mexican Tourist Card:
- If you are traveling by land, you can get your Mexican Tourist Card at your point of entry.
- If you are going by sea, you can get it at a Mexico port of call.
- If you are traveling by airplane, your airline might have already included it in your ticket and will distribute it once the plane arrives. If not, you can get it at an immigration desk after you arrive.
- You can also get your Mexican Tourist Card online. Just remember to print it and bring it along on your trip!
- If all else fails, you can go to a Mexican embassy and get one there.
Peru
If you are an Indian or Chinese national with a U.S. green card, you will be able to visit Peru without getting a visa first. If you love archaeology or ancient history, Peru is the place to go. Peru is the home to Machu Picchu and countless other ancient cultures and civilizations.
All you have to present at the entry point is your passport, U.S. green card, and onward flight ticket. If the immigration officials are satisfied, they will issue you a tourist card, which will allow you to stay in Peru for up to 90 days.
Singapore
Like Peru, you can transit through Singapore for up to 4 days without a visa if you are an Indian or Chinese national with a U.S. green card. If this is the case, you qualify for a Singaporean Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF). Keep in mind you can only use a VFTV once on your trip. So, you can only use it for either your onwards journey or your return journey.
The Balkans
The following Balkan countries will allow U.S. permanent residents to enter without a visa:
- Albania – you can stay in Albania for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa.
- North Macedonia – you can only visit North Macedonia for a maximum of 15 days without a visa.
- Montenegro – you can enter and pass through Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa.
The British Virgin Islands
The only thing U.S. green card holders need to enter the British Virgin Islands is proof of accommodation in one of the islands, proof of your return ticket, your passport, and your green card. If you can show this, you can stay in the British Virgin Islands for up to 30 days without a visa.
Can Green Card Holders Travel Abroad without a Passport?
Unfortunately, if you don’t have a passport, you won’t be able to travel internationally on your green card only.
Read More
- Can I Stay More Than 6 Months Outside the U.S. with a Green Card?
- Green Card Process Steps: EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Visa
- SSN Update After Green Card
- How Long Does it Take for USCIS to Make a Decision After an Interview?
- Can You Be Deported if You are Married to an American Citizen?
Final Thoughts
Now you know the answer to which countries you can visit with a green card. If you are planning to travel to any of the above-listed countries and you are a U.S. green card holder, you won’t need to apply for a visa before you go. Remember to pack your passport, though! You will still need to show your passport together with your green card before you enter.
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FAQs
Can I travel to other countries with a green card? ›
Yes, you can travel abroad as a green card holder — that's one of the many benefits of being a permanent resident. However, your trip must be temporary and you cannot remain outside the United States for more than 1 year.
Can I travel Europe with green card? ›As a Green Card holder you can visit a couple European countries, including Albania, Georgia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. If you're planning to visit an EU country, you will be required to obtain a Schengen Visa that will allow you to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days.
Can I travel to Mexico with a green card 2022? ›No, traveling to Mexico with just a Green Card is not possible. For air travel, all visitors need valid passports to enter the country. The Mexican embassy also requires tourists to hold valid travel documents—Mexican Tourist Cards—for other forms of transport.
Can you travel with a green card and no passport? ›To travel, you usually need your permanent resident card, a valid passport, and whatever visas are required by the country you intend to visit. While the US does not require permanent residents to have a valid passport to re-enter the US, foreign countries and airlines require you to have a passport.
Can I visit Dubai with US green card? ›All Indian citizens holding U.S. visas, green cards, U.K Resident Permits, or EU resident permits can receive entry visa upon arrival to UAE valid for 14 days for a charge of AED 100. They have the option to extend their stay only once for an additional 14 days for AED250.
How long can a green card holder stay outside the United States 2022? ›Generally, you can stay outside the U.S. for up to one year. If you have been issued a Re-Entry Permit, which applicants must apply for while in the U.S., you can stay outside the United States as long as your Re-Entry Permit has not expired.
Can I travel to Paris with a green card? ›French Visa For US Green Card Holders
US green card holders from countries exempt from a Schengen Visa can visit France visa-free.
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the U.S. must present a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card", Form I-551), a Reentry Permit (if gone for more than 1 year), or a Returning Resident Visa (if gone for 2 years or more) to reenter the United States.
Can I go to Italy with a green card? ›Italy Lifts All Covid19 Restrictions
Travelers can now visit Italy without worrying about any entry rules. There is no covid test. proof of vaccination or green card required anymore.
Sadly, US Green Card holders do not enjoy the same visa-free travel benefits as US citizens. US Green Card holders will need to apply for a Spain Visa (if their home country doesn't enjoy visa-free travel). Applying for a Spain Visa is a simple and easy process.
Can I visit Canada with US green card? ›
No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and.
Do I need a visa to Dubai with US green card? ›can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE. Read about the UAE visa requirements for non-US citizens. Note: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
Can a US green card holder travel to Germany without visa? ›Foreigners in US with a residence permit (US Green card holders) with validity shorter than three months beyond their planned date of leaving Germany will have to obtain a visa in order to be permitted to enter Germany.
Do green card holders need visa for Bahamas? ›Green card holders do not require visas to visit The Bahamas. They should have a travel document that is valid for six months from the date of departure from The Bahamas; sufficient funds to finance their trip; onward or return tickets to leave The Bahamas and proof of accommodation.
Can I stay on green card forever? ›A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551)
Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years.
$640. (Add the $85 biometric fee for a total of $725, where applicable. See exceptions below.) If you file your Form N-400 online, you may pay your fee online.
Can green card holder be denied entry? ›Technically speaking, as long as the person landing at the airport has a valid permanent resident status, they should not be denied entry in the United States. They may have to pay certain fees for a form, yes – but under normal circumstances, they should not be denied entry.
Can I go on a cruise with a green card? ›If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States the U.S. government does not require you to have a passport for any travel, including air, land, or sea travel, however, you are even more likely to be required by your destination country to have one.
Can green card holders go to Singapore? ›The SG Arrival Card, or SGAC for short, is a type of electronic permit that allows travelers to enter the country, with or without a visa. Both US citizens and US Green Card holders will need the SGAC to travel to Singapore from the US.
What are the benefits of green card? ›A green card provides many advantages, primarily that it allows the green card holder to permanently live and work in the United States, and after a number of years, become a U.S. citizen. You can apply for U.S. citizenship after three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen, or five years if not.
What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US with green card? ›
If you are abroad for 6 months or more per year, you risk “abandoning” your green card. This is especially true after multiple prolonged absences or after a prior warning by a CBP officer at the airport. 3.
How long does it take to get US citizenship after green card? ›To become a U.S. citizen, you must: Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you're filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.
Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years of green card? ›You may file Form N-400 ninety (90) calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a: • Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or • Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
How many countries can I visit with my green card? ›Currently, there are about 36 VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders. A US green card is a pathway to a US passport. While you wait for your US passport, your US green card is already making your current passport strong. Not as strong as a US passport but quite strong.
Can I visit Portugal with green card? ›In the case of a Green Card holder, your nationality, i.e., the country of your passport, will determine if you need a Schengen Visa to Portugal or not. So if you're a US Green Card Holder with a nationality that does not qualify for visa-free travel (like India), you'll need to apply for a Portuguese Schengen Visa.
Do green card holders need visa for England? ›Green Card holders or US residents may be required to obtain a visa to travel to the United Kingdom depending on their country of citizenship and the purpose of travel. The UK government has established types of visas that fit every traveler based on their purpose of entry.
What is the difference between green card and permanent resident? ›A Green Card holder is a permanent resident that has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants a person a permanent resident card, commonly called a "Green Card."
Do US green card holders need visa for Europe? ›Do Green Card Holders Need a Visa to Travel to Europe? US Green Card holders, who are also nationals of third countries that have not established a visa-free regime with the EU, will need to obtain a Schengen Visa, in order to be able to travel to Europe.
Do I need a visa to Dubai with US green card? ›can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days provided that the visas or the green card is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival into the UAE. Read about the UAE visa requirements for non-US citizens. Note: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into the UAE.
Can you travel to UK with US green card? ›Green Card holders or US residents may be required to obtain a visa to travel to the United Kingdom depending on their country of citizenship and the purpose of travel. The UK government has established types of visas that fit every traveler based on their purpose of entry.
Can I visit Canada with US green card? ›
No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and.
Can I travel to Paris with a green card? ›French Visa For US Green Card Holders
US green card holders from countries exempt from a Schengen Visa can visit France visa-free.
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the United States multiple times and reenter, if you do not intend to stay outside the United States for 1 year or more.
Can I go to Italy with a green card? ›Italy Lifts All Covid19 Restrictions
Travelers can now visit Italy without worrying about any entry rules. There is no covid test. proof of vaccination or green card required anymore.
The SG Arrival Card, or SGAC for short, is a type of electronic permit that allows travelers to enter the country, with or without a visa. Both US citizens and US Green Card holders will need the SGAC to travel to Singapore from the US.
Do US green card holders need visa for Qatar? ›Do US Green Card holders need visas for Qatar? Citizens of more than 90+ countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Qatar. However, US Green Card holders do not receive special consideration. If the Green Card holder's country of citizenship is eligible for a visa waiver, he/she can travel without a visa.
How much is a Dubai visa in dollars? ›| Visa Category | Visa Fee | Service Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / 30Days | USD $ 70.00 | USD $ 23.38 |
| Transit / 96 HRS | USD $ 15.00 | USD $ 21.65 |
| 90 day (Single Entry) | USD $ 166.00 | USD $ 26.79 |
| 30 day (Multiple Entry) | USD $ 152.00 | USD $ 46.98 |
Generally, you can stay outside the U.S. for up to one year. If you have been issued a Re-Entry Permit, which applicants must apply for while in the U.S., you can stay outside the United States as long as your Re-Entry Permit has not expired.
Do I lose my green card if I leave the US? ›Multiple extended absences
Even if you have a green card, you cannot maintain your permanent resident status if you live outside the United States indefinitely and return only for visits. Extended absences will eventually lead port-of-entry staff to question whether you have abandoned your permanent residence.
US residents that need Germany visa
Foreigners in US with a residence permit (US Green card holders) with validity shorter than three months beyond their planned date of leaving Germany will have to obtain a visa in order to be permitted to enter Germany.