Which Countries Can You Visit With a Green Card?
At a Glance: U.S. green card holders can travel to over 170 countries without needing a visa. Most countries will first consider your passport, not your green card. However, passport and green card together with your visa are necessary before entering the country.
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.
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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:
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.
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
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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List of Countries that US Green Card Holders Can Travel to Without a Visa
Green card holders of the United States can travel to several countries without requiring a visa. Unfortunately, this list does not contain all countries that allow US citizens to travel without a visa, but it does cover a handful. Take a look at the country’s visa rules if you’re unsure whether the country you’re visiting has extended the same benefits. To put it another way, if a country’s visa policy declares that US citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders) are visa-exempt, only then can you plan your travel accordingly.
List of Countries that US Green Card Holders Can Travel to Without a Visa
The following countries are open to Green Card holders without a visa:
- Canada
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
Canada
If you’re searching for a quick trip and want to cross the border into Canada, your passport won’t be an issue. Regardless of country, anyone holding a US green card can enter Canada without applying for a Canadian tourist visa. You will only need to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada if you are flying. The eTA can be obtained online for a very low fee. On arrival, you need to show your eTA to the immigration officer together with your passport and green card.
If you’re travelling by land, all you’ll need is your passport and a green card. It is not necessary to apply for an eTA.
MEXICO
Mexico is another American neighbor you can visit without a green card if you are a permanent resident of the United States. All you’ll need is your passport and a green card from the United States to enter. However, you will need to obtain a Mexico Tourist Card. This is not the same as a visa. Moreover, you do not need to apply at a Mexican consulate or embassy or submit a formal visa application.
Obtaining a Mexican Tourist Card is simple. It is, however, more expensive than a Canadian eTA. The cost varies between $25 and $35. To receive a Mexican Tourist Card, use one of the following methods:
- You can receive your Mexican Tourist Card at your point of entry if you’re travelling by land.
- You can buy it at a Mexican port of call if you’re travelling by sea.
Costa Rica
Your US Green Card will also let you travel to Costa Rica, which is known for its stunning beaches, woods, rich culture, and friendly people. If you have a Green Card, you don’t need to apply for a Costa Rica visa to visit this Central American country, according to Costa Rican consular services. All you have to do is show the immigration officials your passport, USA green card and return/onward journey ticket at the port of entry:
You can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 30 days, but any stay longer than that will require you to apply for an extension at the Costa Rican Office of Migration.
Georgia
European Georgia has a lot to see and do. It is home to Europe’s tallest hamlet (Ushguli, which is a unique spot), strange cave cities and a tour of Tbilisi, the country’s capital, a blend of cultures. The residents of Georgia are also known to be quite kind and friendly.
Georgia is open to US citizens and Green Card holders who do not need to apply for a visa in advance. You will need to show your passport, Green Card, and a return or onward flight ticket when travelling. You can stay in this country up to 90 days in 180 days through a green card.
The British Virgin Islands
For those seeking a beautiful location with stunning beaches and a place to spend an unforgettable summer, the British Islands are undoubtedly a destination you should consider visiting soon. You will need to bring your passport, return airline ticket, evidence of accommodation on the islands and your Green Card. Citizens of the United States who hold a Green Card are permitted to stay in the British Virgin Islands for 30 days without a visa.
Aruba and Curaçao (Dutch Caribbean)
Thanks to their incredible natural wonders, these two countries have a lot to offer travelers in terms of swimming locations and underwater life. Not only Aruba and Curacao, but you can also visit any of the islands that make up the Dutch Caribbean without a visa. This also comprises Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten, among other Caribbean islands. Keep in mind that this does not include the portion of the Netherlands located in Europe. Even if you hold a green card from the United States, you will require a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands.
The Balkans
The Balkans, which include nations such as Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, are a spectacular region of Southern Europe that should not be missed. Green Card holders are permitted to visit these three countries without a visa for a duration as follows:
- Albania has a 90-day period within a 180-day span.
- Montenegro – allows you to stay for 30 days.
The advantage of travelling to Balkan countries is that they are far more economical than their more mainstream European counterparts, such as, for example, France, Spain, or the United Kingdom, which are more expensive. They have a plethora of fantastic sights and incredibly breathtaking views to offer, and they are also less crowded in terms of tourist traffic than other destinations.
Singapore
An Indian or Chinese passport will be required if you wish to transit through Singapore for up to four days using a Green Card. To be eligible for the Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) in Singapore, Indian and Chinese citizens must have a valid flight ticket, ferry/cruise ticket, or other travel ticket scheduled to depart from Singapore within 96 hours.
You must present your documents to the Singaporean Immigration Services (ICA) at the point of entry into the country. It is important to remember that you cannot use the VFTF more than once during the same trip — you may only use it once, either on your outbound or return route.
If you are an Indian or Chinese citizen who holds a green card issued by the United States, you will not need to obtain a visa in order to enter Peru. Peru is the place to visit if you are intrigued by archaeology or ancient history. Peru is the location of Machu Picchu and a plethora of other ancient cultures and civilizations.
All that is required at the entry point is a passport, a green card from the United States, and a ticket for your next travel. The immigration officers will issue you a tourist card, which will allow you to stay in Peru for a maximum of 90 days if they are satisfied with your performance.
Which Countries Can Green Card Holders Travel to Without a Visa?
Citizens of the US are allowed to fly to 184 countries worldwide visa free. As a result, several countries have granted the same right to those who have lawful permanent resident status. However, foreign nationals residing in the United States who hold a Green Card are allowed to travel without a visa to some non-US countries. See other benefits of Green Card.
You can only fly abroad with your residence permit if you are traveling to a country that grants equal rights to U.S. residents.
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Countries that Green Card holders can travel to without a visa
Below you can find the list of some countries that Green Card holders can travel to without the need of having a visa.
Canada
Traveling to Canada is simple if you have a valid U.S. Green Card. However, you do need to obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), in other words a permission that grants you access to legally cross the border with Canada.
Once you reach the border of Canada, you will only need to show your eTA to the border agents. You will however, be asked to also present your passport and Green Card as well.
Find out more about Green Card from these articles:
- Can I Travel if the Names on My Passport and Green Card Don’t Match?
- Emergency Travel with an Expired Passport
- Can You Fly if You Have a Warrant?
- Visa Application Support Letter
- Do Green Card Holders Need Visa For Mexico?
- Do You Need a Passport to Go to Alaska?
- Traveling With a Damaged Passport
Mexico
Similar to Canada, when travelling to Mexico, you will also have to show your passport and your Green Card.
Nevertheless, you do need one of the following to get a Mexico Tourist Card:
- You’ll get one from the aircraft crew if you are traveling by plane.
- Another way is to print your online tourist card and bring it with you.
- Before you fly, you can get one at the Embassy of Mexico in the U.S.
- At the immigration office after your arrival in Mexico.
- If you’re traveling by sea, you can collect it at the port call.
- At the entry point if you are traveling by land.
Belize
For Belize, you will need a passport that has been valid for a period of at least 6 (six) months after the end of your stay. You will need a copy of your Green Card that has been notarized, a visa registration form, and evidence of appropriate funds needed for your stay in Belize.
- Costa Rica
- Virgin Islands of Britain
- Dominican republic
- Jamaica.
Costa Rica
With a Green Card you can visit Costa Rica’s natural parks, beautiful islands and enjoy the tropical weather. A Green Card is all you need in order to travel to Costa Rica. Thus, a visa will not be required.
The necessary documents are:
- a valid passport
- the Green Card
- the booked ticket which indicates the return date.
With a Green Card you can only stay for up to 30 (thirty) days. If you are looking to stay longer then you will be required to apply for an extension.
Georgia
There are also some European countries that you can visit with a Green Card, one of them being Georgia. You might know Georgia for its splendid wines, but that’s not all you can look forward to when visiting this country. In Georgia, you can visit many beautiful sites, old town streets, parks, and some breathtaking mountains.
A visa will not be required for your visit for Green Card holders. As for the documents, they are similar to those necessary when traveling to other countries: you will need your passport, Green Card, and boarding pass. As a Green Card holder you will be able to stay in Georgia for up to 90 (ninety) days visa free.
The Balkans
The Balkans are an absolutely stupendous area of Southern Europe, including countries like Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. These three countries allow Green Card holders to visit them visa free for a maximum of:
- 90 days within a 180-day period – Albania
- 30 days – Montenegro
- 15 days – North Macedonia.
The upside of visiting Balkan countries is that they’re a lot more affordable than their more mainstream European counterparts such as, for example, France, Spain, or the UK. They have tons of wonderful attractions and absolutely phenomenal views to offer, and they’re also more low-key in terms of tourist traffic.
Virgin Islands of Britain
If you are looking for a beautiful place with gorgeous beaches and a place to spend an amazing summer, then these British Islands are definitely a destination you should take a look at.
Besides your Green Card you will need your passport, return flight ticket, and also proof of accommodation on the islands.
U.S. Green Card holders can stay for a maximum of 30 (thirty) days visa free in the British Virgin Islands.
Curaçao and Aruba
With their amazing swimming spots and underwater life, these two countries have a lot to offer to their tourists.
All you’ll need is your Green Card, and you’ll be good to go and have an amazing time on any of the picturesque beaches of Curacao and Aruba.
Singapore
Singapore is yet another wonderful location that Green Card holders can visit without a visa. However, U.S. permanent residents will only be able to enjoy Singapore visa free for 4 (four) days unless they happen to be happy holders of either a Chinese or Indian passport.
If they fulfill the specified criteria, Chinese and Indian citizens are qualified for the Singaporean Visa Free Transit Facility:
- travel by sea or air
- have a legitimate plane ticket or ferry ticket booked for the next 96 hours from Singapore
- are granted a Green Card.
Peru is yet another state where you can travel with a Green Card only if you are an Indian or Chinese citizen.
You have probably heard of Peru’s destinations such as Machu Picchu or other historical sites, sometimes filled with mysteries that have yet to be uncovered. If you are obsessed with history and archaeology then Peru can offer just that.
The documents you need are: a passport, boarding pass, and your Green Card. Once you reach the entry point, you will be granted a tourist card which will serve as evidence of how long you plan to stay in Peru. You cannot stay for longer than 90 days.
Traveling to European countries with a Green Card
Green Card holders’ travel to Europe is limited to only a few non-EU countries, as some European states provide a visa waiver to Green Card holders where you will not be required to have a valid visa to travel.
It all depends on which country’s passport you hold. For instance, if the citizens of your country of origin are normally required to apply for a Schengen visa (or any other European country’s tourist visa) prior to a Euro trip, then as a U.S. Green Card holder you will still be required to apply for such a visa.
If you do obtain a Schengen visa, you will be allowed to stay in the Schengen Area (which includes 26 countries) for a period of up to 90 days.
Can I travel to the UK with only a Green Card?
Unfortunately, you cannot. Even if you do have a U.S. Green Card, you will still be required to obtain a UK visa to travel to the UK.
The UK visa program requires residents of many nations (which are mostly EU and Commonwealth nations) to be granted visa-free access for up to six months. You would have to request a regular UK visitor visa if you don’t come from any of the countries listed in the visa exemptions.
Do I need a passport if I have a Green Card?
The short answer is yes. A valid passport will be required regardless whether you have a Green Card or not.
You won’t be allowed to fly abroad if you don’t hold a valid passport. When you cross a country’s border, whether by land or air, the border officials will most likely ask for your passport and probably a visa or residency permit.
In certain situations, you won’t be asked to show your passport at the border. Only citizens of neighboring countries or regions with an arrangement of some kind in place (such as Schengen Area citizens) do not need to display a passport.
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Visa free countries for U.S. Green Card holders – wrap up
The U.S. Green Card has been known for its many benefits, and one of them is definitely the ability to travel to some exquisite locations around the world visa free.
Some of the visa free countries that you can enjoy visiting as a Green Card holder include Albania, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Georgia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Peru, and more.
Each one of these countries has their own established maximum period of stay, the shortest one being 4 days (Singapore). Always make sure that you have a valid passport, with a minimum of 6-month validity to be on the safe side.
Visa free countries for US Green Card holders: FAQ
I am a Green Card holder. Can I travel to Europe visa free?
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.
What countries can I travel to as a Green Card holder?
The visa free countries that US permanent residents with a Green Card can travel to are: Albania, Aruba, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Georgia, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Peru, and Singapore.
As a Green Card holder, do I need a tourist visa to travel to Mexico?
You won’t need a tourist visa to travel to Mexico, but you will be required to obtain a tourist card, which you can either apply for online before your trip, get it on the plane, or upon your arrival in Mexico.
Will I need a visa to travel to Canada as a U.S. permanent resident?
If you have a valid Green Card you won’t need to apply for a Canadian visa in order to travel, however if you plan to cross the USA-Canada border by plane you will have to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
How long can Green Card holders stay in Peru visa free?
Upon your arrival in Peru, an immigration officer will give you a tourist card that will include the maximum amount of time that you can spend in Peru visa free – it will usually be a period of no longer than 90 days.
Source https://www.stilt.com/blog/2020/06/which-countries-can-you-visit-with-a-green-card/
Source https://visajournal.com/2022/04/list-of-countries-that-us-green-card-holders-can-travel-to-without-a-visa/
Source https://passport-photo.online/blog/green-card-holder-travel-without-visa/