Canada is widely known for its strict entry requirements. Think Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), visa-required and visa-exempt country lists, or criminal records regulations. These rules may cause many questions to storm into the travelers’ minds.
As a proud Green Card holder, you might ask yourself, “Can I go to Canada with a Green Card?” Is it enough? Is a passport needed? What about some other documents?
Look no further. This article will address every little doubt you might have about visiting Canada as a Green Card holder.
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- Can I go to Canada with a Green Card only?
- A Green Card holder’s travel to Canada
- Can I go to Canada with a Green Card and no passport?
- Canadian entry requirements
- Traveling by land/sea
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Can I go to Canada with a Green Card only?
Unfortunately, a Green Card may not be enough to enter Canada.
Permanent US residents have to present 2 (two) types of documents: an identity proof and proof of status. While the Green Card is a representation of the latter, visitors are still obliged to prepare the document for the first requirement.
The situation is slightly different for children, though. In the case of travelers under the age of 16 (sixteen), a passport may not be required. A birth certificate, for example, may be sufficient.
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- Benefits of a Green Card
A Green Card holder’s travel to Canada
Canada tempts many tourists worldwide, offering places such as Alberta lakes, national parks, or the famous Niagara Falls.
Are you a Green Card holder wanting to visit one of the most picturesque countries close to the US? While the destination looks like a dream, there are a few requirements that travelers need to meet before entering Canada.
As of 26th of April, 2022, just like US citizens, Green Card holders are no longer required to obtain an eTA before traveling to Canada–it applies to all methods of travel (air, land, and sea). However, a Green Card holder is obliged to prepare the following documents:
- a valid passport from the holder’s country of nationality (or any acceptable travel document)
- a valid Green Card (or any other proof of status, such as a work permit).
It is crucial to make sure that all your documents are not destroyed or torn, and that your passport has not expired before organizing your trip to Canada.
Can I go to Canada with a Green Card and no passport?
As we already know, Canada requires valid identification and travel documents to cross its borders. What if a traveler lacks one of these documents?
While the Green Card provides information about lawful US residence, holders still need to bring documents proving their identity. Does Canada allow tourists to enter the country without a passport? The answer is “yes, but.” There are instances where Green Card holders can go to Canada without a passport. However, they must meet other requirements.
Canadian law demands that travelers always provide a valid identity document regardless of their residence status.
While it is much easier for US citizens–they can present any document issued in the United States–for Green Card holders, the situation is slightly different. If you cannot obtain the passport as a lawful permanent resident, you may request a re-entry permit, for example, which will also benefit your residence status.
Canadian entry requirements
For US Green Card holders, the requirements necessary to cross the Canadian border are relatively the same for all travel methods. Nevertheless, let’s take a quick look at them.
Traveling by air
Using air travel always requires carrying a passport with you. However, as we mentioned, you can replace the passport with another acceptable, equivalent document which proves your identity.
Here, the passport card or the re-entry permit issued by USCIS will be enough. The rules are different for children–regardless of their age, they always have to have a valid passport when traveling by plane.
Traveling by land/sea
These types of trips are much easier as they do not require carrying a passport either from adults or children. Permanent US residents, however, will still need to present proof of their status. When it comes to identification, the documents mentioned above will suffice; for children, it can be a birth certificate.
If you are planning to travel with children to Canada, you have to take care of some other documents, as well. Since the border services are very cautious with children crossing the border, they may demand the following documents:
- copies of legal custody documents
- a consent letter signed by one of the parents in the case of shared custody
- a consent letter signed by parents–if you are not a legal guardian.
Passport Photo Online
Even though Canada accepts other travel documents to prove your identity, a passport remains the universally-acknowledged travel document. It is recognized by every custom service and airline worldwide. Because of this, carrying a valid passport makes traveling much easier.
Is your passport soon to expire? Do you need a new passport photo? Try Passport Photo Online, an application featured by Forbes and National Geographic, for convenient and professional photo taking.
Can I go to Canada with a Green Card: FAQ
Before entering Canada, Green Card holders must ensure that they have met all necessary requirements. To clarify the issues, let’s answer the most critical questions.
Can I go to Canada with a Green Card only?
Yes, to some degree. The Green Card is proof of permanent residence in the US. It is advisable to have yet another document that will prove the traveler’s identity, such as a passport.
Can I go to Canada with a Green Card and no passport?
Yes, you can, under some conditions. The Green Card (or any proof of valid status) and the passport (or any official proof) are required to enter Canada. If you do not own a current passport, you may prepare a different document to present your identity to the customs agents. For Green Card holders, a re-entry permit would be a good option.
Can I go to Canada from the US with a valid Green Card?
Yes, you can. A valid Green Card is evidence that you are a lawful US resident.
Can I go to Canada from the US with a valid Green Card?
Yes, you can. A valid Green Card is evidence that you are a lawful US resident.
Can I go to Canada with a Green Card: closing thoughts
As complicated as it may seem, visiting Canada does not require more preparation from a Green Card holder than from any other tourist. The most crucial thing is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents prepared.
And if you need to apply for documents that require professional photos, Passport Photo Online will help you meet all the requirements, as it has over 1 (one) million people worldwide.
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Roxana Grabowska
Roxana Grabowska combines her passion for language and biometric photography to craft reader-friendly content. Her work provides a clear guide to creating suitable photos for identity documents, making the process more accessible. Roxana’s background in linguistics and love for travel have made her appreciate the importance of high-quality biometric photos in ensuring smooth travel experiences.
FAQs
Can I Go to Canada With a Green Card? ›
A United States Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) can travel to Canada without the need for a Visitor Visa.
What is required to cross the border into Canada as a green card holder? ›Requirements For US Green Card Holders To Enter Canada
You must have the following documents at the border: MUST have a valid passport from their country of nationality. a valid green card from the United States. OR valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
Can I travel outside the U.S. with a green card? Yes, you can travel abroad as a green card holder — that's one of the many benefits of being a permanent resident. However, your trip must be temporary and you cannot remain outside the United States for more than 1 year.
Can I get into Canada without a passport? ›Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.
Can you pass the border with green card? ›Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) of the U.S. must present a Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card", Form I-551), a Reentry Permit (if gone for more than 1 year), or a Returning Resident Visa (if gone for 2 years or more) to reenter the United States.
Can I use my US Green Card to enter Canada? ›As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the United States must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and. a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
Is green card enough to enter Canada by land? ›Even if Canada normally requires individuals of your nationality to give biometrics in order to get a Canadian Visa, as long as you present your US Green Card at the border along with your passport you should not need a travel visa to gain entry to the country.
Can I go to Canada with a green card and no passport? ›No. As of April 26, 2022, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. must show the following documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or an equivalent acceptable travel document) and. a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States)
Can green card holder be denied entry? ›There are quite a few reasons why a permanent resident might be denied entry in the United States. In most of those cases, it happens because the terms of the visa have been violated in some manner. Here are some of those violations: Committing certain crimes.
How many countries can you visit with a US green card? ›Currently, there are about 38 VISA-FREE countries for US green card holders. A US green card is a pathway to a US passport. While you wait for your US passport, your US green card is already making your current passport strong. Not as strong as a US passport but quite strong.
What documents do I need to enter Canada? ›
All international travellers must carry acceptable identification and a valid visa (if necessary) when entering Canada. A passport is recommended because it is the only reliable and universally-accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel.
What documents do you need to enter Canada from the US? ›American citizens, including American-Canadian citizens, must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. You do not need a Canadian passport, a Canadian visa or an eTA to enter Canada if you are travelling with a valid U.S. passport.
Can I go to Canada with my driver's license? ›U.S. citizens and permanent residents entering Canada by land are required to possess the requisite documentation, such as a passport, driver's license, and other valid identification documents. They must also meet other criteria, such as passing security measures, before they are allowed entry into Canada.
Can you travel with green card only inside us? ›If you should be stopped by police while driving or under any other circumstance, you will be glad that you are readily able to prove your legal immigration status. If you have a green card, it's not necessary to carry a passport with you for domestic travel within the United States.
What is the 6 month rule for green card? ›An absence of more than 6 months (more than 180 days) but less than 1 year (less than 365 days) during the period for which continuous residence is required (also called “the statutory period”) is presumed to break the continuity of such residence.
Can you travel in the US with a green card and no passport? ›Lawful permanent residents must continue to present a valid Permanent Resident Card. A passport is not required. Click 'Share This Page' button to display social media links.
What documents do I need to cross the US border from Canada by car? ›Travel by land or water
a valid passport. a Trusted Traveler Program card. an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EIC) from a province or territory where a U.S. approved EDL/EIC program has been implemented.
Absence of More than 6 Months (but Less than 1 Year) An absence of more than 6 months (more than 180 days) but less than 1 year (less than 365 days) during the period for which continuous residence is required (also called “the statutory period”) is presumed to break the continuity of such residence.
Can I drive in Canada with a US license? ›What Do You Need to Drive a Car in Canada? If you're visiting Canada from the US, you don't need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) or obtain a Canadian license to drive. Your US driver's license and proof of auto insurance are all that you need to rent a car and drive here.