Im a Green Card Holder What Document I Need to Fill for Travel

Entering the U.s.

Before traveling to the United States, yous should familiarize yourself with the rules and procedures at the airport and edge. We explain entry requirements, security regulations, and travel documents and give you important tips for entering the United states of america.

Requirements for a Us trip

Shortly afterward booking your flying, you volition be asked to provide personal data so that the US authorities can verify your eligibility to enter the country.

Further questions and applications and the submission of additional documents will occur around your travel authorization and on the day of your entry. You must meet the following requirements to travel to the The states:

You have a valid passport or Green Carte.
You take a valid ESTA or US visa that matches your passport information (not applicable to Green Card holders).
You lot practice not pose a threat to the Usa or the American people.
You are non subject to an entry ban.
You have the required immunizations and exam results at the time of entry or fall into ane of the exemption groups.
You lot practice non betoken an intent to immigrate (non applicable to Green Carte du jour holders).
U.Due south. Customs and Border Protection border agents deem you lot eligible to enter the United States after a brief interview.

Documents for entry to the United states of america

The nigh of import documents for inbound the Us include your passport and entry permit (e.g., ESTA or United states of america visa). However, depending on your reason for traveling, there is more than paperwork.

Passport for United states travel

To enter the States, you will usually need a passport, which has different requirements depending on the reason for travel and the visa category. ESTA travelers, for case, need a biometric passport, while for a The states visa, a temporary passport is also sufficient.

Convenient: Holders of a Light-green Card ("Permanent Residents") can travel to the USA without a passport, equally the Green Card is considered a "secure document" by the US government.

Passport for traveling to the USA	ESTA	US-Visa	Green Card
Biometric passport	✔️	✔️	✔️
Temporary passport	❌	✔️	✔️
Is entry without a passport possible?	❌	❌	✔️

Passport validity for US entry

Your passport must be valid at to the lowest degree until the twenty-four hour period of your departure from the USA if the issuing land is a member of the and so-called Six Month Society. If your home country is not among the 127 countries in the Six Month Club, and so your passport will exist valid for vi months beyond the appointment of your entry.

ESTA, Visa, or Green Bill of fare?

Whether you lot are better off traveling to the Us with the ESTA electronic travel authorisation or a Usa visa depends largely on the purpose of your trip and your private needs. However, you will need one of each unless you are a Greenish Bill of fare holder or a The states citizen.

Your rights and responsibilities in the U.s.a. vary depending on the type of travel and residency permit. While a Green Card allows you to enter and leave the country freely and gives you (almost) unlimited rights in the USA, a visa only allows you lot to enter for a specific purpose (e.yard., to study on a student visa).

ESTA is the quickest and cheapest of all to obtain, only it limits your stay to 90 days at a fourth dimension for tourist or business purposes. The differences betwixt ESTA, United states of america visa, and Greenish Card at a glance:

Travel authorization United states of america	ESTA	Us visa	Green Card
Application	Online application	US Embassy or US Visa Service	Green Carte Lottery
Waiting time for blessing	maximum 72 hours	several weeks or months (depending on category)	several weeks or months¹
Duration of stay	90 days at a stretch	180 days and more than (depending on category)	unlimited
Validity	2 years	ten years	unlimited²
Rights in the USA	Tourism and short business organization trips	depending on category	unlimited³
Permission to work?	no	depending on category	yes
Permission to reside?	no	depending on category	aye
Permission to study?	no	depending on category	yes

ⁱ When participating in the Green Carte Lottery, it takes a few months from winning to receiving the Greenish Bill of fare.

² The physical Dark-green Bill of fare (document) must exist renewed after x years, but this does non affect the Greenish Card holder's lifelong rights. They remain in effect fifty-fifty if the carte has expired.

³ Except for the correct to vote at the federal level, Dark-green Card holders have the same rights as U.s. citizens.

Entering the USA with a Green Card

For Green Card holders, entry into the USA is the easiest.

Travel forms for The states flights

If you are traveling to the United states, you will need to provide some data for the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Community and Border Protection (CBP), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Therefore, you volition encounter various online and newspaper forms:

TSA data request (Secure Flying)

For security reasons, your airline volition asking personal information such equally date of birth, gender, and passport information on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) when you book your airline ticket.

APIS data query

A few hours earlier your deviation, the airline must transmit your data and your first stay accost in the USA to the Us authorities. To do then, you must either consummate a separate online form every bit prompted by the airline, or the data will be transmitted automatically based on the data you provide in the (and so slightly expanded) TSA query.

Entry Attestation Form (COVID-19)

While the entry requirements for the Us are tightened due to COVID-19, data on your vaccination status and test results are required before entering the state. The Entry Attestation Form is available in digital form from the airlines as well as in paper form.

In any instance, print your class, including all proof of immunizations and tests, and carry copies with you throughout your trip.

Customs declaration for the The states

With the Customs Declaration (CBP Form 6059B), you declare what goods, means of payment, and nutrient you volition be bringing into the USA. The paper grade has been officially abolished for ecology reasons and replaced by the electronic declaration at passport command. Nonetheless, paper forms are however occasionally seen on flights and in inflow halls.

I-94 grade

Community and Border Protection stores the appointment of your latest departure in an electronic entry grade, the correctness of which yous should briefly bank check. To exercise this, go to the I-94 website and enter your personal information to find your entry.

Attention

An incorrect engagement must be corrected at the US border before you enter the state in order to avert problems when leaving the The states.

USA entry with children

If y'all are traveling to the U.s.a. with minors, they will need their ain ESTA application or visa. You must besides exist able to prove upon request that y'all have the right to travel with the child.

Nosotros recommend carrying the following documents with you lot:

Certified translations of birth certificates
Certified powers of attorney from any other legal guardians
Copies of ID cards and contact details of all guardians
Consent of the kid to travel (signature), if possible

Entry requirements for the USA

Earlier your trip to the USA, read the current entry regulations and be sure to comply with them. In addition to current wellness regulations, they include import requirements for goods, food, and more.

Import regulations for the Us

The CPB are responsible, amid other things, for ensuring that international travelers do not harm the American people and native wildlife and plants. Revenue enhancement evasion cases (due east.m., smuggling valuable goods or big amounts of coin) also autumn under this jurisdiction.

Attach to the following rules for bringing goods, food, and means of payment into the USA and rather over-declare than under-declare at customs:

Import regulations United states of america
Alcoholic beverages	Maximum quantities depend on the U.s.a. state. Check with the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for information.
Cultural artifacts and objects of cultural value	Only with consign permits and receipts
Animal skins	Dog and cat skins, as well as products made from them, are prohibited.
Drug paraphernalia	Carrying drug paraphernalia is prohibited in the United States (exceptions for medical purposes).
Firearms	But through a licensed importer, dealer, or manufacturer with approval from the Agency of Booze, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Wild animals / Game animals	Only with permission from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (as well parts or products such as hides, tusks, bones, feathers, or eggs)
Food	Immune in unopened packages: chocolate and other processed, broiled appurtenances, flour, pasta (without egg), rice, spices, nuts, dried fruits, vegetable oils, coffee, and tea Prohibited: Meat, fresh dairy products, plants, candy with not-edible items, seeds, tubers, meat goop, and soup mixes
Medication	Medications approved (legal) in the USA may be imported for personal employ. Carry a prescription or doctor's letter and contact the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) if you lot are unsure.
Gifts	Allowed up to a value of $ 100
Means of payment	Cash or cash equivalents up to $ x,000 immune
Pets	Special rules depending on species and US state. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more data.

If y'all demand to accept dogs, cats, or other pets with you because yous are emigrating to the United States, you must be able to provide detailed documentation for each animate being when inbound the country.

Your first visit should be to the veterinarian's part to discuss how to proceed in your particular instance. Hither are some things to remember when traveling to the United states with pets:

Blood tests
Vaccinations
Microchips
Special permits (e.yard., for parrots)
Electric current health certificates
Special requirements of your airline

Put the well-being of your four-legged or feathered friend starting time when planning a trip to the Us. Inquire both the airline and the veterinarian the post-obit questions in advance:

How large must or may the transport box exist?
Should or may the creature wing in the passenger compartment?
What are the conditions when flying in the cargo hold?
How much noise is the brute exposed to, and what are the temperatures during the flight?
How long are the flight and waiting times?
Would a gentle sedative be advisable for the pet?

Do not take your pet on the trip unless you lot have all questions answered in full. When in dubiousness, placement in a loving foster abode is better for the pet than the rigors of travel for temporary stays in the USA.

Process for entering the Usa

On travel twenty-four hour period, get to the aerodrome on time (nearly three hours earlier your flight) to let plenty fourth dimension for all the steps in the entry process. These usually look similar the post-obit:

Online bank check-in or cheque-in at the counter and bag drop
Inbound the security area for a security check (with body scanner, pat-downward, and opening of hand luggage, if necessary)
Arrival at the gate and boarding
Landing and passport command
Baggage claim and going through community

1. Checking in for a The states flight

By checking in, you are registering with your airline for your flight to the Us. In many cases, this tin can exist done online several days earlier your trip. If you're traveling with carry-on luggage merely, online bank check-in can save you valuable time and help you selection a seat early (if you lot haven't already at the fourth dimension of booking).

If you want to drop baggage, you must go to the bank check-in counter or a check-in machine, where yous volition also be handed your boarding pass or have it printed out.

Tip

After checking in online, you will receive your boarding pass as a mobile version. Impress information technology out as a precaution considering yous will not ever exist able to use your smartphone during entry into the USA.

Boarding pass data

Your boarding pass will show your flight number, seat number, deviation time, and the gate where your plane will be departing. Yet, keep an middle on the display boards in the terminal, every bit gate changes happen somewhat oftentimes.

2. Security cheque at the airport

The pre-flying security check includes screening your conduct-on luggage and possibly a pat-down and trunk browse. Go along your boarding pass and passport on hand during this process.

In training for the security bank check, stow pocket-sized amounts of liquids in zilch bags, remove all electronic devices from your baggage, and brand sure you can rapidly remove shoes, belts, and more than.

Place loose items, jackets, belts, hats, and scarves in the plastic trays at the conveyor belt. Electronic devices such as laptops, smartphones, and cameras must be pushed through the Ten-ray machine separately and therefore belong in a separate carrying example. You lot may non take potentially dangerous items such as nail scissors onto the plane. Exist certain to adhere to the no-comport signs in the security area.

Second security check / SSSS endorsement

If you are flagged for a second security check, yous volition have the designation "SSSS" (short for "Secondary Security Screening Selection") printed or written on your boarding laissez passer. In this case, you will get through a detailed interview with Edge Patrol agents in a separate room before entering the United states of america and will be thoroughly screened once more.

The so-called "selectees" for the SSSS are picked by a figurer. The selection may have to practice with your type of flight booking (e.g., one-way ticket) or the timing of the ticket purchase (e.g., right on the twenty-four hour period of the flight). Remain friendly, reply truthfully, and inform the border officials if y'all exercise not empathize English well.

iii. Boarding and flight

Afterwards a short look at the gate, the various passenger groups (e.g., business travelers, families with children, or passengers from seat rows 1-15) will be called i past 1 and allowed to board the aircraft.

Find your seat, properly stow your comport-on luggage in the upper compartments or footwell, and enjoy your flight.

iv. Landing and passport control

Afterwards landing, y'all must remain seated for a short time until the indicate to disembark is given. Then keep to the waiting expanse in forepart of passport command and join the correct queue:

Queuing right at US passport control
Visitors	Foreign travelers without a Dark-green Menu or ESTA
Global Entry	Members of the Global Entry Program
US Citizens, Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents	Green Bill of fare holders and owners of American or Canadian passports
ESTA / Visa Waiver	Foreign travelers with ESTA approval

At some airports, ESTA travelers are immune to apply the "fast lane" for Green Card holders and US citizens. Ofttimes, they are also guided to automatic passport control, which saves a lot of waiting time.

Mobile phone ban at US airports

The border surface area at the airport is a cell telephone-free zone! Be sure to ask permission if you lot need to make an urgent call or send a message.

Automated Passport Control (APC)

If you are directed to the Automated Passport Control, y'all scan your passport on a computer, accept a photo taken, give a fingerprint, and reply a series of questions. Afterwards, you will become a receipt to present to the officers.

Passport control by a border guard

A border agent may question y'all upon entry into the USA. The master purpose is to rule out any clearing intent by travelers who do not agree an immigrant visa.

Typical questions in the entry interview are:

"Why are you visiting the Usa?"
"How long are you staying?"
"Where will you exist staying?"
"What's your first address in the States?"
"Who are you visiting?"

Answer briefly, accurately, and truthfully. If you have whatsoever comprehension problems, tell the border agents at the offset of the questioning and they will accept it into account.

First The states entry with a Green Bill of fare

The first entry into the United states of america as a new "Permanent Resident" (Us immigrant visa holder) is non however with the Greenish Card in paw, simply with an immigrant visa endorsement from the embassy in your passport.

This is because the issuance of the concrete Greenish Carte du jour must first be activated by entering the USA and handing over important documents at the border. Therefore, the offset entry is called the "activation trip."

Shivers downward your spine

The Greenish Card activation trip holds a special moment for the newly arrived U.s. residents: instead of a stern wait and probing questions, the edge agent looks up and says, "Welcome home!"

Should you lot detect people slipping mysteriously sealed envelopes beyond the counter to border agents and then bursting into tears of joy, you lot are probably witnessing the first entry of contempo Dark-green Card winners.

Transit in the USA

If you accept a stopover within the United states, you lot must collect and recheck your baggage. If the stopover is exterior the United States, this rule unremarkably does not employ. As a precaution, bank check with the ground staff for the current procedures.

Waiting times for entry at the US drome

Whether you lot have ESTA, a U.s. visa, or a Dark-green Card, y'all will need to allow some fourth dimension after landing before finally setting foot on American soil. Travelers with a Green Card ordinarily get across the edge the fastest. For current expect times, check the MyTSA app.

5. Baggage claim and customs

But like passport control, you can expect expect times at the baggage carousel after arriving in the US. In one case you have picked up your suitcase from the conveyor belt, proceed to the community area.

Customs search in the U.s.

Fifty-fifty if you accept not indicated any declarable goods in your customs declaration, you may be subject to further inspection of your luggage. When opening, unpacking and repacking your luggage, follow the instructions of the customs officials carefully and ever remain friendly.

After passing through the customs area, you will be allowed to get out the airport. Welcome to the United states!

Tips for entering the USA

During your travel preparations and your entry into the USA, you can relieve time and money with the following tips:

If you want to lock your suitcase, use an official TSA lock from the Transportation Security Assistants. This will prevent having your lock destroyed for searches, as the government take a TSA master central.
Weigh your suitcase before you go and declare whatever excess baggage to the airline via an online application. The fees will be cheaper than checking in your baggage at the airport.
A bank check-in machine can save you long waits at the counter and even includes baggage check-in at a designated station.
If yous want to get rid of application processes, long waits, and interviews once and for all, participate in the Greenish Card Lottery! Every yr, the US regime gives away 55,000 immigrant visas.
Point out any language barriers in all conversations with American officials or airport employees. Time-consuming misunderstandings and stressful situations tin can be eased this style.
To avoid lengthy questioning and inspections upon entry, review and clean up your social media presence before a trip to the The states. Overly disquisitional comments or jokes about the US government can go you in problem.
Exercise not carry work credentials in your bear-on luggage unless you lot are officially inbound the The states on a work visa or as a Permanent Resident. Border officials may otherwise suspect that you are attempting to work illegally.

The states entry denied: what at present?

The US border is ane of the toughest in the globe. In a typical year, more than than 270,000 travelers are denied entry. The reasons are varied, and sometimes information technology's merely a vague gut feeling of Border Patrol agents.

Mutual reasons for denial of entry include:

A criminal tape
A history of illegal employment in the United States
Medical problems that may pose a adventure of harm
Lack of immunizations and health tests
Current travel bans/entry suspensions
Misrepresentations in ESTA and visa applications
Expired visas or ESTA approvals
Missing documents
Foreign or suspicious behavior

If a border amanuensis does non believe yous are fit to enter the state, they volition inquire a colleague for a second assessment. If that second officer too denies your entry, this determination is last, and y'all will accept to fly back home for now.

Upon your return domicile, contact the Section of Homeland Security (DHS) and use the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program online form to asking details of the decision and assistance in the proceeding.