Countries that Offer a Visa Waiver for US Green Card Holders

Due to the Visa Waiver Program, holders of US Green Cards enjoy the rare chance to visit several countries without a visa (VWP).

The VWP is an agreement that the US has with 38 other nations that enables visitors from the US to enter participating nations for up to 90 days without the requirement for a visa. This means that you can visit some of the most amazing places on the planet with nothing more than a valid green card.

Introduction to the Visa Waiver Program

Through the Visa Waiver Program, citizens of a select group of nations are authorized to visit the United States for leisure or business purposes without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. The 1986-founded Visa Waiver Program was increased in 2008 to add seven more nations, bringing the total number of eligible countries to forty-eight.

Holders of Green Cards are eligible to go to Canada without a visa because of the United States’ “good neighbor policy”. As long as they enter Canada through a land border crossing or an authorized airport, US Green Card holders are permitted to visit Canada for up to 180 days without a visa under this arrangement.

Furthermore, several nations have agreements or arrangements with the US that let holders of green cards travel within such nations for up to 90 days for business or pleasure without needing a visa. Holders of green cards now have a hassle-free way to go abroad thanks to the Visa Waiver Program.

Eligibility for US Green Card Holders

As a US Green Card holder, you may be eligible for visa-free travel to certain countries. Citizens of the United States, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of certain countries are eligible for Global Entry. Global Entry allows travelers expedited clearance when entering the United States from abroad.

The list of visa-free countries is constantly evolving and currently includes 38 countries. This means that starting in 2023, US Green Card holders won’t need a visa to enter:

• Aruba
• Curaçao
• Sint Maarten
• Caribbean Netherlands.

Most of these countries are in Europe and Africa. The U.S Department of State has more information on Visa Waiver Program Partner Countries and Territories if you want to know more about the countries that offer a visa waiver for US Green Card holders.

Eligibility Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Countries

Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program provide exciting prospects for travelers who have a valid US permanent resident card, sometimes known as a “Green Card.” US Green Card holders can travel visa-free for vacation or business purposes to 40 member nations. Among them are some of the most visited and iconic destinations across Europe and Asia, such as:

• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea

To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, US Green Card holders must have a valid passport from their country of origin and meet certain requirements outlined by each country they wish to visit. In some cases, they may also be subject to additional health screenings upon arrival in their destination country. However, many countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program allow US Green Card holders to stay up to 90 days without a visa.

Countries That Offer a Visa Waiver for US Green Card Holders

38 nations will remove their visa requirements for visitors with genuine US green cards in 2023. These nations include Singapore, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore, Aruba, and Curaçao. In addition to these nations, US green card holders are also exempt from visa requirements while traveling to Canada, Mexico, and a number of US territories.

US Green card holders should be aware that some of the countries where they may acquire a visa waiver have time limits on how long they can stay there. This is true even though there are over thirty countries where they can do so.

For instance, several nations only permit those with Green cards to stay for up to 90 days before requesting further permission. This implies that you should be sure to consult with the local immigration office before going if you want to remain in any nation for more than 90 days.

It is frequently simpler to travel with a current US green card than applying for a visa or other travel authorization from another nation. Before making travel arrangements outside of the US, travelers should be informed of the constraints and prerequisites for each location.

How to Apply for a Visa Waiver?

For those lucky enough to possess a US Green Card, traveling around the world just became much easier! Many countries offer visa waivers for US Green Card holders, meaning you no longer need to apply for a visa for entry. Depending on the country, the length of stay with a waiver may vary from one day to up to 90 days.

To apply for a visa waiver, US Green Card holders should:

1. Check if their destination country provides a Visa Waiver Program by visiting the website of their destination’s embassy or consulate.
2. Carefully review all entry requirements and restrictions that may exist in order to travel without a visa.
3. Learn about each country’s entry/exit systems as citizens of some countries may be eligible for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
4. Fill out any necessary forms and submit them either online or by mail before traveling.
5. Bring documents such as valid identification cards, proof of residence and other relevant information when traveling abroad in order to be granted access into the country and waive off the need for visa applications.

Benefits of the Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) provides US Green Card holders with several advantages while traveling abroad. You can utilize the VWP as a holder of a Green Card to visit the partner countries for up to 90 days during a 180-day span without a visa. This makes it simpler and more convenient to fully enjoy and explore your selected location.

Under the program, US Green Card holders can:

• Enjoy visa-free travel to participating countries
• Take advantage of different types of accommodations, such as hotels or short-term rentals
• Schedule trips with less paperwork and fewer restrictions
• Avoid the hassle of applying for visas ahead of time
• Spend more time exploring and discovering new places without worrying about obtaining the necessary documentation.

Travelers can also apply for a multiple-entry visa through the VWP, which they can use on several journeys without having to reapply. This prevents you from completing paperwork each time you wish to travel overseas, making international travel for US Green Card holders simpler and more practical.

Drawbacks of the Visa Waiver Program

Although US citizens with green cards can benefit from the Visa Waiver Program, there are certain restrictions as well;

• Only Americans are eligible for the program. Green Card holders alone, not other foreign nationals with valid visas. Moreover, when traveling abroad with a US Green Card under this program, extra entrance restrictions and customs rules can apply.
• No matter how long a visitor intends to remain in a nation, some may demand a passport with a minimum validity of six months. Furthermore, visitors may be refused entrance or be subject to additional charges and limitations if they don’t fulfill certain requirements, such as having enough money for their stay in the nation or having the required health insurance coverage.
• Anyone utilizing the Visa Waiver Program should be aware that there are only a select few nations that provide this benefit.

Currently, these include:

• Australia
• Brunei
• Japan
• Singapore
• South Korea.

FAQs on the Visa Waiver Program for US Green Card Holders

It’s natural to have a few questions when considering traveling with a green card and taking advantage of a visa waiver program. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about this process:

• What type of documents do I need for the visa waiver?

• US green card holders must present an up-to-date passport when applying for the visa waiver, along with proof of residency in the host country and other necessary documents. In many cases, you may also need to provide an entry permit from the host country.

• How long does it take to receive my visa waiver?

• The length of time required to receive your visa waiver depends on the country that you are visiting and whether your application was approved. Some countries have specific processing times that must be adhered to, while others may take up to 10 days or even longer to process your request.

• How much does it cost to obtain a visa waiver?

• The cost of obtaining a visa waiver varies by country but is typically quite affordable. Fees can range from a few dollars up to several hundred dollars depending on the location and length of stay requested.

The globe is plenty with amazing destinations for US citizens with green cards to travel to. For US citizens with green cards, several nations provide visa exemptions, enabling them to travel without having to go through the tiresome, time-consuming procedure of applying for a visa.

The Visa Waiver Program includes nations including Colombia, Japan, Canada, and the United States. You may simply go to these locations and take advantage of everything they have to offer with only your valid green card or a re-entry permit.

Other well-known nations like Costa Rica and the Bahamas could need visas to enter, although this procedure is rather simple provided you have the required paperwork in place. Additionally, certain nations may provide visas with longer validity periods and less limitations on the type of employment that may be pursued.

US Green Card holders enjoy additional privileges while visiting other nations, most notably a visa waiver that enables admission into nations that recognize this waiver. These nations include those in South America, Europe, and even further afield. This program enables US citizens and Green Card holders to experience a larger range of cultural activities, from visiting historical sites and monuments to taking in the culinary and contemporary art scenes. The list of nations that provide this waiver is always changing, but US residents and those with Green Cards can use this program to travel the globe in quest of new experiences.