US Green Card holders are permanent residents who have been granted the liberty to live in, work or build a business in the US. In addition to this, there are several visa free countries for US Green Card holders to travel for business or pleasure.
These countries provide visa alternatives to US Green Card holders making it easy to travel to and spend vacations in these countries. However, it is important to remember that visa free entry requirements can be adjusted periodically. Be sure to check in with the embassy before embarking on your trip.
This article will discuss the visa free countries for US Green Card holders as well as other details like travel restrictions, benefits of having a Green Card and many more.
Benefits of Having a US Green Card
United States permanent residents are known as green card holders and this right conferred on them opens the doors to a range of benefits despite the fact that they are not United States citizens.
As a permanent resident, you get to live in the United States for as long as you want legally and you will enjoy social services like healthcare and education. You will also enjoy restriction free travels in and out of the United States.
In addition, you are qualified for a wide range of employment opportunities so long as your academic qualifications and skill set matches them.
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How Many Countries Can US Green Card Holders Visit Without a Visa?
One of the privileges of having a US Green Card is the ability to travel to many countries visa free or with the visa on arrival clause. The total number of countries in this category however vary from time to time. This depends on the diplomatic relations that the United States have with these countries.
In 2021, US Green Card holders could visit about 180 countries without a visa, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Australia, and New Zealand. Green Card holders could also visit several South American countries, such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, without a visa.
The visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies for Green Card holders however changes over time. It’s always advisable to check the specific entry requirements for each country before traveling.
Also, despite having a Green Card, other travel documents will still be requested of you like your Passport, proof of funds and any other relevant document depending on the incumbent laws in the country.
Can US Green Card Holders Enter Europe?
Having a US Green Card does not automatically grant you the right to enter into Europe as there are several differing policies in different European countries. Although, US Green Card holders can freely enter the Schengen Area which is made up of about 26 European countries. These countries allow green card holder to stay for up to 90 days within every 180 days period without a visa.
The exceptions to this rule include Croatia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ireland and the United Kingdom. This is because they are not a part of the Schengen Area and have different entry requirements.
Although you have to keep in mind that visa and entry policies for these countries can change over time. It’s advisable to always check in with the embassy to clear things up ahead of time.
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Can I Travel To USA With Green Card and No Passport?
A green card and a passport serve two different purposes and one cannot stand in for the other. The green card is proof of your permanent residency status in the United States. Your passport is an essential travel document that shows your nationality and proves your identity.
As a result, you cannot travel to the United States with only a Green Card. When travelling to the United States as a foreign national, you must carry your passport along with your green card. This passport must be valid and issued by your home country.
Countries With Visa On Arrival For US Green Card Holders
A US Green Card holder can travel to several countries before they are granted a visa. Many of these countries offer visas on arrival at the airport.
Some of the countries that offer visa on arrival for US Green Card holders include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Jordan, Laos, Nepal, Tanzania, and Uganda. Cambodia offers a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days, while Ethiopia and Tanzania offer a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 90 days. Jordan and Laos offer a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 60 days. Nepal and Uganda offer a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 90 days.
Again, beware that these terms do change over time so research the current policies before taking off.
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Green Card Holder Travel Restrictions
Green card holders despite being legal permanent residents of the United States still face travel restrictions across certain regions. These travel restrictions are put in place by the Government of these countries to guarantee the safety of its people. This is to also ensure that unauthorized people do not gain entry to the country.
Green card holders cannot travel to countries that do not have certain diplomatic relations with the United States. They would be denied entry if they do not have a Visa.
In addition to a visa requirement, some countries demand for proof of funds, proof of vaccination, health status reports and other travel documents. Also, even with the US, green card holders may be subjected to increased scrutiny if they have stayed outside the country for a very long period of time.
Conclusion on: Visa Free Countries For US Green Card Holders
The United States has strong diplomatic ties with many countries. Thus, green card holders or people with permanent residency status can travel to lots of countries for a short time frame without a visa. Countries with slightly stricter travel laws may offer a visa on arrival instead.
Green card holders can seize this opportunity to travel to as many countries as they desire. They just need to ensure they have the financial means to fund these trips.
