Can I Travel Abroad Without a Visa if I Have a Green Card?
Wondering about what benefits you can enjoy with a U.S. Green Card beyond the obvious, that is, living and working in the United States, is common. Many people know that a Green Card is the closest thing to U.S. citizenship and naturalization without being a U.S. citizen. As a result, Green Card holders get to take advantage of many opportunities their American citizen counterparts do, one being the ability to travel freely around the world.
Currently, American citizens can easily pick up and travel to any of the more than 180 countries that allow them to do so without first applying for and being approved for a visa. Green Card holders also have this luxury, albeit in a reduced number of countries.
If you would like more information on how you can become a U.S. Green Card holder and your rights and abilities under this status in the United States, please contact one of our compassionate and experienced Atlanta citizenship lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today.
Traveling Abroad with a Green Card
There are 38 countries that allow a U.S. Green Card holder to have entry without a visa. Some examples would be the Bahamas, Mexico, Canada, Jordan, Costa Rica, and India. A good word of advice is that if you have your U.S. Green Card and are planning on taking a trip, you should always check to see if you can enter into a country on your Green Card status alone and without a visa. This is true even if you have been to a country in the past where your Green Card was acceptable without a visa, as circumstances and laws can change.
Right now, your Green Card allows you to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad and to visit U.S. territories and a specific list of 38 visa-free countries. However, you may not be able to travel to all countries a U.S. citizen can without a visa, as your nationality may play a role in entry requirements.
Certain countries will consider your nationality or passport as a means of entering the country. For instance, the European Union requires a visa for all individuals who are not on the visa-exemption list. In this particular case, your Green Card would not allow you to get into the European Union if your nationality is not on the exemption list. You would require a visa.
The same is true for the United Kingdom. If your nationality normally means that you would need a visa for entry into the U.K., your Green Card will not override this and will not exempt you from the visa requirement.
Speak to an Atlanta Green Card Attorney Today
A Green Card holder does not need a visa to enter 38 countries around the world. Their Green Card will suffice. However, entrance requirements for other countries can be determined based on a Green Card holder’s nationality and passport instead.
For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611. One of our Atlanta, GA, immigration lawyers is here for you and ready to help.
Source:
uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/international-travel-as-a-permanent-resident
