Travel
List Of Countries Green Card Holders Can Travel To Without A Visa
Visa-free travel is available to over 140 countries for US citizens. Because of this, many countries now allow US permanent residency permit (green card) holders the same privilege.
Your Green Card lets you visit various countries you couldn’t otherwise. Canadian and Mexican neighbors are two.
You can only travel abroad with your Green Card if the country grants US Green Card holders the same privileges as US citizens. The visa policy of a country states that US citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders) are visa-exempt.
However, most countries will first consider your nationality (i.e. your passport) when you travel, so, if you would 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
- The British Virgin Islands
- Aruba and Curaçao
- The Balkans
- Singapore
- Peru
Please note that even if you hold a Green Card, you may still be denied entry at the border points of any of the countries mentioned above make sure to check with a US embassy beforehand.
Canada
If you hold a US Green Card, you can cross the border to Canada without a tourist visa. An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a quick permit to enter Canada and board a flight. Applying for an eTA online costs $7.
After receiving the eTA, display it to the Canadian immigration agents at the entrance point with your passport and Green Card.
Can Everyone Travel to Canada With a Green Card?
Yes, anyone with a US Green Card (regardless of country) can travel to Canada without obtaining a Canadian visa. If you are flying or transiting through Canada, you must first obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), however if you are crossing the border by land, you only need your passport and Green Card.
Mexico
Another US neighbour, Mexico, also allows you to enter without a visa if you show your passport and US Green Card. You don’t have to apply for a Mexico visa, despite your nationality.
However, you still need to get a Mexico Tourist Card, by one of the following ways:
- In the plane, if you are travelling by air. The plane crew will distribute them as you are about to land, and the price of the card will be included on the price of your air ticket.
- Online, after which you must print the Tourist Card and bring it with you when you travel.
- At a Mexico embassy in the US, before you travel
- At an immigration desk at the Mexico airport after you land
- At the Mexico port of call, if you are travelling by sea
- At the point of entry, if you are travelling by land
The fee for a Mexico tourist card if $25-$35.
Can Everyone Travel to Mexico with a Green Card?
No of your nationality, you can cross the border to Mexico with a US Green Card without a visa. However, you will need a Mexican tourist card, which does not require a visa application at a Mexican embassy or consulate.
Tourist cards for Mexico are easier to get than visas; some airlines include them in the trip ticket price and distribute them before the plane lands. You can also get a tourist card online or upon arrival.
Costa Rica
Your Green Card from the United States will also allow you to visit Costa Rica, which has stunning beaches, woods, a rich culture, and kind people. If you have a Green Card, you do not need to apply for a Costa Rica visa to visit this Central American country, according to Costa Rican consular authorities. All you have to show immigration agents at the border is:
- Your passport
- Your Green Card
- A return or onward journey ticket, within the next 30 days
You can stay in Costa Rica visa-free for up to 30 days, but for a period longer than that, you will have to apply for an extension of stay at the Office of Migration in Costa Rica.
Georgia
Not Georgia. Georgia, Europe—US State. Georgia is not on most European travelers’ bucket lists, yet it has much to see and do. Europe’s tallest settlement, Ushguli, is cool, but you may also see the enigmatic cave cities or meander around Tbilisi, a blend of civilizations. Friendly and welcoming folks are also said.
Green Card holders and US residents can visit Georgia without a visa. You must provide your passport, Green Card, and return or onward flight ticket when traveling. You can spend 90 days in 180 days.
The British Virgin Islands
You can enter the British Virgin Islands with a US Green Card. Along with your Green Card, you will need to show proof of accommodation on one of the islands (e.g., a hotel reservation), proof of a return flight ticket, and your passport.
Without a visa, you can stay for up to 30 days.
The British Virgin Islands are a Caribbean archipelago that is part of the United Kingdom’s overseas territories. They’re well-known for their reef-lined beaches, bright weather, and popularity as a sailing destination.
Aruba and Curaçao
If you have a US Green Card, then you can enter Aruba, Curacao, and any of the islands that make up the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:
- Aruba
- Bonaire
- Curaçao
- Saba
- St Eustatius
- St Maarten
These islands are a great destination for anyone looking to spend time in the sun, and because they are so diverse, there is a lot to do. See more on entry requirements for the Dutch Caribbeans.
Note: You cannot enter the European part of the Netherlands or any other Schengen Area countries 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: If you have a US Green Card, you can enter and stay in Albania for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Montenegro: If you have a US visa or Green Card, then you can enter or pass through the territory of Montenegro for up to 30 days.
North Macedonia: If you have a US Green Card, you can enter and stay in North Macedonia for up to 15 days.
You wouldn’t think the Balkans is a compelling place to visit, but you’d be surprised. Balkan countries have a wonderful history, a diverse nature for adventure lovers, friendly people, and a lot of ancient historic attractions. And, most importantly, it’s very affordable and has delicious food.
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 the Singaporean Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) if they fulfil the following requirements:
- They will depart by air or sea
- They have a valid flight ticket or ferry/cruise ticket scheduled leaving Singapore within the next 96 hours
- They have a US Green Card or another valid visa
If you meet the aforementioned requirements, you have to present your case to the Singaporean Immigration Services (ICA) at the point of entry. Remember that you cannot make use of the VFTF twice during the same trip – only once, either on your onward or return journey.
Peru
Peru is another Green Card-accepting country for Indians and Chinese. Peru’s many old cultures and civilizations, notably Machu Picchu, make it a great place to visit for archaeologists.
At the entry point, Peruvian Immigration agents will require your passport, Green Card, and onward flight ticket. A tourist card from the immigration officers will indicate how long you can stay in Peru, usually 90 days.
Unless you are visa-exempt, a Green Card won’t let you visit Peru visa-free if you’re not from India or China.
Can Green Card Holders Travel to Europe Without a Visa?
That mainly depends by your passport/nationality. However, if you ordinarily require a visa, a Green Card will not provide you with visa-free travel to most European countries.
Most people refer to Europe as the European Union (EU), and unless you are on the visa-exemptions list, you cannot enter most EU nations with just your US Green Card.
However, Europe is more than just the EU, and Green Card holders can travel to some European countries without a visa.
Do Green Card Holders Need Visa for UK?
Yes, they do. If you would normally require a visa to enter the UK, then you will have to apply for one even if you have a Green Card. Unfortunately, a Green Card does not allow the holder to enter the UK just like it does not allow them to enter the European Union.
Can I Travel with a Green Card and No Passport?
Most likely not. International travel is impossible without a passport. When crossing borders by air or land, immigration authorities will ask for your passport and, if needed, a visa or residency permit.
Some borders don’t require a passport, but that’s rare. Only nationals of neighboring countries or nations with an agreement (such as Schengen Area countries) don’t require a passport to travel borders.