Visa Free Countries for Green Card Holders

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.

You can only fly abroad with your residence permit if you are traveling to a country that grants equal rights to US 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 US 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:

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:

1. You’ll get one from the aircraft crew if you are traveling by plane.
2. Another way is to print your online tourist card and bring it with you.
3. Before you fly, you can get one at the Embassy of Mexico in the US
4. At the immigration office after your arrival in Mexico.
5. If you’re traveling by sea, you can collect it at the port call.
6. 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.

US 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, US 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

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 US 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 US 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 US Green Card holders – wrap up

The US 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

Sources

• [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/

Ledjan Alldashi

Ledjan is a graduate in Business Management and Marketing from Epoka University. His proficiency in French adds an international dimension to his professional skill set, increasing our team’s ability to engage with a diverse, global clientele.