Where can U.S. green card holders travel without a visa?

Jennifer Paulino, New York managing attorney | Marble Law

New York & immigration managing attorney at Marble Law

Published April 28, 2025 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

Green card holders can visit countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and several Caribbean nations without a visa.
You must travel with a valid green card, foreign passport, and any destination-specific documents.
Trips abroad should last less than 6 months to avoid issues with your permanent resident status.
Travel delays or extended absences can affect naturalization timelines and reentry requirements.

Countries where U.S. green card holders can travel without a visa

As a green card holder, you can enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries. However, each destination has different rules for how long you can stay and what documents you need.

Mexico (with border card): You can visit for up to 180 days with a valid green card and passport, especially within the border zone.
Most Caribbean islands: Enjoy varying stay durations across islands like the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Barbados—usually for tourism.
Costa Rica (90 days): You can stay for up to 90 days without a visa if you show your green card and passport.
Georgia (1 year): Enter Georgia visa-free for up to a year—but return to the U.S. within 6 months to protect your residency status.
Canada (with eTA): Green card holders flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a valid passport, and a green card.
Belize (30 days): Visit Belize for up to 30 days visa-free with proper documentation.
Dominican Republic (tourist card): You can buy a tourist card upon arrival. No visa is needed for short visits.
British Virgin Islands (30 days): You can travel for up to 30 days with a valid green card and entry documents.
Panama (30 days): Stay visa-free for 30 days for tourism purposes.
Aruba (tourist stay): Entry is allowed with specific documents and limits based on the purpose of the visit.

Documents needed to travel outside the United States with a green card

Before traveling abroad, you’ll need to bring more than just your green card. Here’s what to carry:

Valid permanent resident card: Your green card must be current and unexpired.
Valid foreign passport: Your passport should have at least six months of validity beyond your return date.
Required country entry visa: Some destinations still require a visa, even if you’re a U.S. resident.
Proof of U.S. residence: Bring documents showing ties to the U.S., like utility bills or a lease.
Return flight ticket: Show that you intend to return to the U.S.
Passport-sized photos: Useful for unexpected border requirements.
Travel insurance documents: Some countries may require proof of insurance.
Entry permits if needed: Some countries have special permits or online registrations for green card holders.

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How long can you stay outside the United States with a green card?

To keep your green card status secure, limit trips abroad to under 6 months. Stays longer than that may cause problems:

Under 6 months: You’ll usually face no issues reentering the U.S.
6 to 12 months: You may need to show proof that you intended to return to the U.S. and didn’t abandon your residency.
Over 12 months: You must apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) before leaving the U.S. If not, you risk losing your permanent resident status.

Does travel outside the U.S. affect the naturalization process?

Yes—extended trips can delay or jeopardize your eligibility for U.S. citizenship. There are two key requirements:

Continuous residence: More than 6 months of absence may break your continuous residency, which is required for naturalization.
Physical presence: You must be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before applying (or 18 months out of 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).

Even if your trip is under a year, it’s best to keep it short and bring evidence that you didn’t abandon your U.S. ties—like home ownership, job contracts, or family connections.

Why you should consider a lawyer for green card travel questions

If you're planning to travel abroad as a green card holder—especially for over a few months—it's smart to speak with an immigration lawyer first. Marble Law can help you understand the impact of international travel on your permanent residency and citizenship eligibility. We’ll also help you gather the right documents, apply for re-entry permits if needed, and ensure you're protected if you're questioned at the border. With the right legal advice, you can travel confidently and protect your immigration status.