US citizens can travel visa-free to more than 140 countries around the world. For this reason, many places have granted the same privilege to holders of an American permanent residence permit (Green Card).
There are several countries that you can visit with your green card, but that you might not be able to visit otherwise. Neighboring Mexico and Canada are just two of them.
Can all green card holders travel abroad without a visa?
You can only travel abroad with your green card if you are traveling to a country that has granted the same rights to U.S. green card holders as U.S. citizens. In other words, if you look at a country’s visa policy and it claims that US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are visa exempt.
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However, most countries will consider your nationality (i.e. passport) first when traveling. So if you normally need a visa to go somewhere, then you will need a visa even if you have a green card.
Where can green card holders travel without a visa?
Here are the countries that green card holders can visit without a visa:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
- Georgia
- British Virgin Islands
- Aruba and Curacao
- The Balkans
- Singapore
- Peru (only Indian and Chinese nationals)
Please note that even if you hold a green card, you may still be refused entry at border points of any of the countries mentioned above. Be sure to check with a US embassy beforehand.
Canada
If you have a US green card, you can simply cross the border into Canada – you do not need to apply for a green card. Canadian tourist visa. However, you must obtain a eTA (electronic travel authorization), which is a quick permit to enter Canada and will allow you to board a flight. It costs around $7 and you can apply for an eTA online.
Once you have received the eTA, simply show it to immigration officers at the point of entry into Canada, along with your passport and green card and you are good to go.
Can everyone travel to Canada with a green card?
Yes, anyone (regardless of nationality) with a US green card can travel to Canada without having to apply for a Canadian visa. If you are flying or transiting through Canada, you will need to obtain an eTA (electronic travel authorization) before traveling, but if you are crossing the border by land, you only need your passport and green card.
Mexico
Another US neighbor, Mexico, also allows you visa-free entry if you present your passport and US green card. You are not required to apply for a visa for Mexico, regardless of your nationality.
However, you must still obtain a Mexico tourist mapin one of the following ways:
- On the plane, if you are traveling by plane. The plane crew will distribute them as you are about to land and the cost of the card will be included in the price of your plane ticket.
- Online, after which you must print the Tourist Card and bring it with you on your trip.
- At a Mexican embassy in the United States, before your trip
- At an immigration office at the Mexico airport after you land
- At the stopover in Mexico, if you are traveling by sea
- At the point of entry, if traveling by land
The fee for a Mexican tourist card is $25-35.
Can everyone travel to Mexico with a green card?
Yes, if you have a US green card, you can use it to cross the border into Mexico without having to apply for a Mexican visa, regardless of your nationality. However, you need a Mexican tourist card, which is different from a visa because you will not need to go to a Mexican embassy or consulate and make a formal visa application.
Tourist cards for Mexico are much easier to obtain than visas: some airlines include them in the price of the plane ticket and distribute them to passengers before the plane lands. Alternatively, you can also obtain a tourist card online or upon arrival.
Costa Rica
Your US green card will also allow you to visit Costa Rica, with its beautiful beaches, forests, rich culture and welcoming people. According to Costa Rican consular services, if you have a Green Card, you are not required to apply for a visa for Costa Rica to visit this Central American country. All you need to show immigration officers at the port of entry is:
- Your passport
- Your green card
- A return ticket or for onward travel, within the next 30 days
You can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 30 days, but for a longer period you will need to request an extension of stay from the Costa Rica Migration Office.
Georgia
No, not Georgia, the American state – Georgia, Europe. Although it’s not the top European destination, there’s plenty to see and do in Georgia. Not only is it home to the highest village in Europe (Ushguli, a very cool place), but you can also visit the mysterious cave cities or wander around its capital, Tbilisi, which is like a mix of different cultures. The people are also said to be very friendly and welcoming.
Green card holders, as well as US citizens, can visit Georgia without having to apply for a visa. Georgian visa previously. When traveling, you will need to present your passport, green card and a return or onward plane ticket. You can stay a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.
British Virgin Islands
A US green card will allow you to enter the British Virgin Islands. In addition to your green card, you will also need proof that you have accommodation on one of the islands (e.g. hotel reservation), proof that you have booked a ticket return plane, as well as your passport.
You can stay up to 30 days without a visa.
The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago in the Caribbean, part of the British Overseas Territories. They are known for their reef-fringed beaches, sunny climate and popular sailing destination.
Aruba and Curacao
If you have a US green card, you can enter Aruba, Curaçao and all the islands that make up the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Curacao
- Saba
- Saint-Eustache
- Saint-Martin
These islands are an ideal destination for anyone looking to spend some time in the sun and, thanks to their great diversity, there is plenty to do. Learn more about entry requirements for the Dutch Caribbean.
Note: You cannot enter the European part of the Netherlands or any other Schengen area country with your green card.
The Balkans
Several Balkan countries will allow you to travel there without a visa if you already have a US visa or green card.
- Albania.
- Bosnia Herzegovina.
- Kosovo.
- Montenegro.
- North Macedonia.
- Serbia.
You wouldn’t think the Balkans would be a must-visit place, but you’d be surprised. The Balkan countries have a wonderful history, diverse nature for adventure lovers, friendly people and many ancient historical attractions. Best of all, it’s very affordable and the food is delicious.
Singapore
A green card will also allow you to transit through Singapore for up to four days – but only if you have an Indian or Chinese passport. Indian and Chinese nationals are eligible for Singapore Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) if they meet the following conditions:
- They will leave by air or sea
- They have a valid plane ticket or ferry/cruise ticket that is due to depart Singapore within the next 96 hours.
- They have a valid US green card or other visa
If you meet the above requirements, you must submit your application to the Singapore Immigration Services (ICA) at the port of entry. Remember, you cannot use the VFTF twice during a single trip – only once, whether on the outbound or return trip.
Peru
Another country you can visit with a green card – only if you are an Indian or Chinese national – is Peru. There are many reasons to visit Peru, especially if you are passionate about ancient history and archeology, as the country is home to countless ancient cultures and civilizations, including Machu Picchu.
You will need to present your passport, green card and a plane ticket to Peruvian immigration officials at the point of entry. Immigration officials will give you a tourist card stating how many days you are allowed to stay in Peru – this is usually no more than 90 days.
Unfortunately, if you are not from India or China, a green card alone will not allow you to visit Peru without a visa (unless of course you are already visa exempt).
Can green card holders travel to Europe without a visa?
This will mainly depend on your passport/nationality. However, if you normally require a visa, a simple green card is not enough to give you visa-free access to most European destinations.
What most people mean by Europe is European Union (EU) – and unfortunately, you cannot enter most EU countries with just your US green card unless you are within EU territory. visa exemption list.
But Europe is not just the EU, and green card holders can travel to some European countries without having to apply for a visa.
Read also: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from the United States
Do green card holders need a visa for the UK?
Yes, they do. If you normally need a visa to enter the UK, you will need to apply for one even if you have a green card. Unfortunately, a green card does not allow the holder to enter the United Kingdom, just as it does not allow the holder to enter the European Union.
You can check if you need a UK visa hereand how you can apply for a UK visa if you are in the US here.
Can I travel with a green card and without a passport?
Probably not. If you do not have a passport, you will not be able to travel abroad. Whether you are traveling by air or land, when you cross a country’s borders, immigration authorities will ask you to see your passport and (if necessary) a visa or residence permit.
In some cases, it is not necessary to show your passport to cross a border but this is very limited. Only nationals of neighboring countries or countries with some sort of agreement (e.g. nationals of Schengen area countries) do not need to present a passport when crossing to another country.
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