There are at least 5 various benefits that a Green Card provides its holders.. Apart from legally working and residing in the United States, among others, permanent US residents can also travel to destinations like the Balkans or Costa Rica without a visa.
One of the famous travel destinations for the inhabitants of the United States is its neighbor to the south—Mexico. The country is one of many that allow visa-free travel to American citizens. Thus, a valid question arises: do Green Card holders need a visa for Mexico?
In this quick overview, we are going to answer this question so you could fully focus on more pleasant aspects of your travel preparations. Let’s start!
Can Green Card holders travel to Mexico without a visa?
There is good news for the holders of the US Green Card. Those who have obtained a lawful permanent resident status in the US are not required to carry a visa if they wish to visit Mexico.
Even though a visa is not necessary to enter Mexican territory, Green Card holders might need valid identity proof to cross the United States-Mexico border. In this case, a valid foreign passport will be a perfect choice. Moreover, Green Card holders need to prove their lawful residency by carrying their US Permanent Resident Cards at all times.
Thankfully, permanent US residents are treated like American citizens in some aspects, so they are free from obtaining a visa to travel to Mexico. However, Mexican entry requirements state that all visitors must carry a valid travel document—a Mexican Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple). It is a document that allows foreign tourists to enter Mexico and travel within its borders for recreational purposes.
Related readings:
- Traveling within the US with Only a Mexican Passport [Your Questions Answered]
- Ensure your Green Card Photo Meets DV Lottery Requirements
- Passport Expiration Rules for Mexico: When Can You Travel?
- Mexican Passport Renewal in the US: Your Step-by-Step Guide
- Can I Travel if the Names on My Passport and Green Card Don’t Match?
- How Many Passport Photos Do I Need for Green Card Application?
- Can I Travel with a Green Card and Expired Passport?
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While the holders of the US Permanent Resident Cards do not need to carry visas to enter Mexico, valid passports may still be necessary to travel there. If you have noticed that your passport is about to expire or if you wish to take a new passport photo, take a look at our picture transformation tool—Passport Photo Online.
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Do Green Card holders need visa for Mexico: FAQ
To ensure that all the information is clear, we will answer the essential questions about visas to Mexico for Green Card holders.
Do I have to have a visa to go to Mexico if I have a Green Card?
No, you don’t have to have a visa to go to Mexico if you have a Green Card. Mexico allows American citizens to visit their country without a visa and the same applies to Green Card holders. A valid passport and the Mexico Tourist Card are necessary to enter Mexico.
Can Green Card holders travel to Mexico without a visa?
Yes, Green Card holders can travel to Mexico without a visa. While traveling, Green Card holders are treated like American citizens; thus, they do not need a visa to travel to most countries, including Mexico. However, in the case of Mexico, all visitors need to apply for the Mexico Tourist Card.
Can I travel to Mexico with a Green Card in 2024?
Yes, US Green Card holders can travel to Mexico with their permanent resident card in 2024. There is no sign this rule will change soon.
Can I travel to Mexico with just a Green Card?
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.
What are the Mexico entry requirements for Green Card holders?
Green Card holders traveling to Mexico undergo the same rights and entry requirements as US citizens. That being said, owners of US Green Cards do not need a Mexican visa to enter the country. A passport is a must for air travel internationally, and Mexican immigration services require visitors to hold their valid Tourist Cards.
Can you fly to Mexico with a Green Card?
Yes, US permanent residents can fly to Mexico with a Green Card. However, they also need to bring their valid passport with them. This is a requirement for every air travel.
Is Green Card enough to enter Mexico?
No, a Green Card is not enough to enter Mexico. While Mexico’s visa policy is the same for US citizens and permanent residents, all visitors must hold a valid Mexico Tourist Card during their stay in the country.
Do I need a passport to go to Mexico if I have a Green Card?
It depends on the travel type. If you decide to arrive in Mexico by plane, a valid passport is necessary. However, if the US Green Card holders come to Mexico by land or sea, their permanent residency cards and the Tourist Card are enough.
Does a Green Card holder need a visa to Mexico: closing thoughts
Thanks to the Green Card, US permanent residents can visit various countries without a visa. Mexico has its place on the list as well.
Green Card holders do not need to apply for a visa to enter Mexico. However, they must obtain a Mexican Tourist Card, which the Immigration Office requires, and have a valid passport. The latter one is crucial especially for air travel, and it might happen that the immigration officer asks US permanent residents for their passports on the return journey to the US.
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Roxana is a writer with 3+ years of experience. As a Master in psycholinguistics, she blends her passion for language and communication with insights from diverse cultures, making her content resonate with a broad audience.
