Can You Travel with a Green Card and No Passport (2025)

If you are a lawful permanent resident of the US, your Green Card can be used as an identification document and, in some cases, as a travel document. Hearing this, you might be asking “can I travel with a Green Card and an expired passport?”. Well, it depends.

In this article, we’ll go over all the details of traveling with a permanent resident card and an expired passport. Keep reading to clear all your doubts.

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Can I travel with a Green Card and an expired passport in the US?

It’s fundamental to underline that an expired passport is NEVER an acceptable form of ID or travel document. Once a document’s validity runs out of course, it needs to be renewed before any kind of use.

However, for domestic trips, American authorities do not require a passport. When traveling inside the United States by air, land, or sea, the TSA allows lawful permanent residents to use their Green Card to board transport.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a Green Card will still be accepted after the Real ID Act deadline on May 3, 2023.

So, for domestic flights, authorities will accept the following documents:

valid passport
valid Green Card
Real ID driver’s license
trusted traveler card
DoD identification
border crossing card.

Can I travel with a Green Card and an expired passport outside the US?

While a Green Card holder can enter the United States without any other documents, having a US or foreign passport is mandatory to travel to other countries.

Even in neighboring countries, such as Canada or Mexico, international travel with valid green cards and expired passports is not an option.

There are some exceptions for closed-loop cruises, but the rules change on a case-to-case basis. For final confirmation, it’s advisable to contact the cruise line.

In case a legal permanent resident is unable to get a passport from their country of origin, it’s possible to apply for a reentry permit. This temporary travel document allows you to travel abroad and come back to the United States, also without applying for a returning resident visa.

However, before traveling, it’s important to check if the foreign country of destination accepts a reentry permit in place of a passport. To apply for this permit, it’s advisable to check in with an immigration law firm to see if you qualify.

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Travel with a Green Card and an expired passport: FAQ

To conclude, we’ll answer some recurring questions about traveling with a Green Card and no passport.

Can a Green Card holder travel abroad with an expired passport?

Generally no, US permanent residents need to provide a valid passport for international travel. After the expiration date, a passport cannot be used. In some cases, it’s possible to get a reentry permit, but it’s only accepted by a limited number of countries.

I have a Green Card and an expired passport, how can I fly abroad?

For most countries, you need to get a new passport to enter. In some cases, it’s possible to apply for a reentry permit, contact an immigration attorney to see if you qualify.

Can I travel with a Green Card and an expired Philippine passport?

Only inside the US, you need a passport for international travel.

As a Canadian citizen and US Green Card holder, can I travel with an expired Canadian passport?

You can use your Green Card to travel inside the US, but a valid passport is mandatory to travel abroad. Border authorities might allow you to cross the border back to Canada on land if you can provide valid evidence of Canadian citizenship.

Can I go to the Cayman Islands with a Green Card and an expired passport?

No, a valid passport is mandatory to travel to the Cayman Islands.

Can I travel to England with a Green Card and an expired passport?

No, passengers need to have a valid passport to board international flights.

Can I travel to Italy with a Green Card and an expired passport?

No, to leave the US, you need to provide a valid passport.

Can I travel to Canada with a Green Card and an expired passport?

As a Canadian citizen, you might be allowed to cross the border on land. If you are not a citizen, you need a valid passport.

Is coming back to the US as a Green Card holder with an expired passport possible?

Generally yes, permanent residents can reenter the United States without problems if they stayed away for less than 12 (twelve) months. However, the airline you are flying with will likely require a valid passport.

Can I use an expired passport with my valid Green Card for reentry into the US?

US border officials will let Green Card holders in without the need for a passport. However, airlines require a passport to let passengers board an international flight.

With a US Green Card and an expired passport, what do I need to travel to Canada?

Permanent US residents need a valid passport and an unexpired Green Card to be allowed into Canada. No other documents will be accepted.

Can I travel to Mexico with a Green Card and an expired passport by land?

No, Mexican authorities require all travelers to have a valid passport.

Can I run into any trouble getting into the United States with a valid Green Card and an almost expired passport?

No, if you stayed away for less than a year, you’ll be allowed back in without problems.

Can I go on a cruise with a Green Card and an expired passport?

On a closed-loop cruise, you might be allowed to go with just a Green Card, depending on the individual cruise line. In any other case, if the ship leaves US territory, it’s mandatory to have a valid passport.

Can I travel to the Philippines with an expired passport and only a Green Card?

No, since Philippine authorities do not accept a US reentry permit, it’s necessary to have a valid passport.

Can I travel to Nigeria with an expired passport but a valid Green Card?

No, traveling to Nigeria requires a valid passport. For urgent travel, you can inquire at the Nigerian Embassy to obtain an emergency travel certificate.

Can I travel to Canada by land with a Green Card and an expired passport?

No, crossing the Canadian border requires a valid passport.

Can I enter Morocco with a Green Card if my passport expired?

No, traveling to Morocco requires a valid passport.

If my passport is expired, is there any way to go to Bangladesh and come back to the US if I have a Green Card?

You need a valid passport to travel to Bangladesh, you can see if you qualify for urgent processing at the nearest Consulate or Embassy. US border officials will let you back in as a permanent resident, but they might inquire about the circumstances.

Travel with a valid Green Card and an expired passport — closing remarks

If you have permanent residence in the United States, you can use your Green Card to travel inside the country. To travel abroad, authorities always require a passport. The only exception is if you qualify for a reentry permit issued by the USCIS, not all countries consider it a valid travel document, though.

To get pictures for your new documents, trust Passport Photo Online to take them from home with 100% guarantee of compliance with the guidelines.

Sources

[1] https://citizenpath.com/faq/can-i-file-form-i-485-with-an-expired-passport/

Riccardo Ollmert

Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.

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