For some, traveling is easy. You buy a ticket, and that is it. For others, traveling includes applications and processes that are often confusing and time-consuming, in particular when it comes to traveling to Europe.

If you are living in the United States, and you do not know what procedures you should follow to enter Europe, this article will make it clear to you.

Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to Go to Europe?

Currently, US citizens do not need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Europe. However, they will need to apply for an ETIAS starting November, 2023, in order to be permitted to enter any of the Schengen states. ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System and is quite similar to the American ESTA.

You will have to apply for a Schengen visa from the US prior to your trip if you belong to any of the following categories:

• You have been rejected visa-free entry in Europe despite being:
  • A US passport holder
  • A passport holder of one of the countries that have a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area
• You are a national of one of the countries that have not established a visa-free regime with the Schengen states yet

Please keep in mind that you will be able to get a Schengen visa from the US only if you you are a Green Card holder. In case you are there on a visa, you will not be able to apply for a Schengen Visa. Instead, you will have to go to your country of residence in order to be able to apply.

When Should I Submit the Schengen Visa Application From the United States?

You cannot just file your visa application whenever you want to. The earliest you can submit your Schengen visa application is three months prior to your trip to this region. The latest you can do so is two months prior to the date of your planned trip.

However, the most advisable time to file your application is three weeks prior to your trip to the Schengen zone.

How to Apply for Schengen Visa From USA?

Though it might sound like tons of work and requirements; in fact, applying for a Schengen visa from the US is simple, especially if you fulfill the eligibility criteria. As a start, in order to get your application ready, you need to figure out a couple of things as:

1. Choose the type of Schengen visa that you need.
2. Determine where to file your application.
3. Fill the Schengen Visa Application form.
4. Book an appointment.
5. Collect the required documents.
6. Show up at the appointment.

Types of Schengen visas available for applicants in USA

Applicants from the United States can apply for the following visas, depending on the purpose of visiting the Schengen countries:

• Tourist Schengen visa.
• Transit Schengen visa.
• Business Schengen visa.
• Visitor Schengen visa.
• Cultural Schengen visa.
• Medical treatment Schengen visa.

Where to apply for a Schengen visa in United States?

Just because the Schengen states have a common visa policy, it does not mean you can file your visa application at whichever Schengen embassy in the United States.  There are strict rules on where an applicant shall file their application. Before you schedule an appointment, decide:

• How many Schengen countries will you visit?
• If you are planning to visit more than one country:
  • How much you will remain in each?
  • In which country will you step first?

Visiting one country in Europe

If you are going to visit only one country, then file your application at the embassy/consulate/visa center of that country in the United States. For example if you want to visit France, you should submit your application at the nearest French mission (Embassy or Consulate).

Visiting more than one country in Europe

On the other hand, if you will be visiting more than one country, then file your application at the embassy/consulate/visa center of the country in which you will spend most days. If you plan on spending equal time in all the countries that you will visit, then you should apply at the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will land first.

Choosing the mission that processes visa applications

In addition, depending on how your destination country has regulated visa submission, you may have to submit your application at their:

• Embassy.
• Consulate.
• Visa Center.
• Embassy/consulate/visa center of another Schengen country to which your destination country has outsourced visa submission.

Aside from that, in the US, each embassy and each consulate have their own jurisdiction area. This means that where you need to file your application also depends on the jurisdiction area under which you fall.

Fill in the Schengen visa application form

After determining where to apply, you can download the Schengen visa application form from the Embassy/Consulate website. It is free of charge, so you need to make sure not to get scammed by paying for it.

You will have to answer questions for basic information such as your name, date of birth, country of birth, passport number, and nationality; and questions regarding your trip, such as where will you stay, for how long etc.

Book an appointment

After completing the application form you will have to book an appointment with the embassy or consulate in the United States that will handle your application.

Collect the required documents

Here are the documents that you need to submit to apply for a Schengen visa from the USA:

• Schengen Visa Application Form. The form is the same for all countries in Schengen. Fulfill the form with correct information and print it twice. Sign both copies at the end.
• Valid passport. Your passport must be valid for another three months beyond the date you plan to leave the area. It must not be older than ten years and have at least two blank pages.
• Two identical photos. It must not be older than 3 months and fulfill the requirements for a Schengen visa photo.
• Schengen Travel Health Insurance for Europe. In the minimum amount of €30,000, that covers any medical emergencies and repatriation in case of death.
• Proof of Accommodation. You must submit documents through which you prove where you will be staying throughout your time in the Schengen states. That could be:
  • a hotel booking,
  • a letter of invitation, or
  • a rent agreement.
• Flight Itinerary. A document through which you prove you have a saved seat in your flight from the United States to Europe. It also contains the dates you enter and leave Schengen.
• Cover Letter. A letter in which you explain your whole trip in details, what you will be doing, the places you will be visiting, etc.
• Proof of financial means. Evidence that you have the means to support yourself throughout your whole trip in the Schengen Area.

Depending on your employment status you will have to submit the following documents:

• If you are an employee, you need to submit:
  • Leave permission from the employer.
  • Employment contract.
  • Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary.
• If you are self-employed, you need to submit:
  • A copy of your business license.
  • Income Tax Return (ITR).
• If you are retired, you need to submit:
  • Pension statement of the latest 6 months.
• If you are studying at a US university, you need to submit:
  • Proof of enrollment.
  • No objection letter from School or University in the US.
• If you are unemployed and married to a US citizen, you need to submit:
  • Your spouse’s Confirmation of Employment. This document should be issued by the employer of your spouse and must indicate details as the position held by your spouse within the company, as well as the starting date.
  • Spouse’s valid passport.
  • An officially translated marriage certificate. If your marriage certificate is not in English, translation is required. This translation must be certified as a true copy by the Embassy of the country where the marriage took place or by the Legalization Bureau of the Foreign Office in US. In case this Certificate was issued outside the EU, it must bear a stamp by the Foreign Office of the issuing country, or its Embassy in the US.

In addition, you will have to gather specific documents depending on the purpose of your visit.

Remember that despite the fact the Schengen states have a common visa policy, some of the countries may have extra requirements.

Show up at the appointment

Every applicant must show up at the appointment on time, and cannot send someone over to attend the interview on their behalf. Underage applicants must be accompanied by their mother/father/legal guardian.

Providing the documents

At the appointment you will have to submit the file of documents that you have collected to support your application. The visa official will go through your file to make sure that you can proceed with the interview.

Biometrics

If you have never applied for a Schengen visa before, you will have to submit your biometrics. You will have your fingerprints and facial image taken.

The visa interview

The interview lasts around ten minutes. Throughout this time, you will have to answer the questions the visa interviewer asks.

They will ask you about your background, the reasons why you wish to visit the Schengen Zone and other questions related to your trip.

Verifying the details

After the interview, the information that you provided will be entered into the online system and you will receive a printed copy of your application. This process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After you get the printed form, you should verify that all the details are correct and sign the form.

Pay the application fee

The fees for a Schengen visa are the same, no matter where you are applying from. Currently, the fee for a Schengen visa for adults is $69 and $40 for children under 12. Children below the age of 6, are exempt.

In addition, there are categories of people who are exempt from paying the fee, or who only have to pay a lower fee.

Keep in mind that in case of visa rejection or application withdrawal you will not be able to get your money back.

In Case of Schengen Visa Denial

In case you have your Schengen visa application from the United States denied, you can always reapply by fixing the mistakes made during your application. When you get the news on visa denial, the embassy will also provide you with reasons why you were rejected from getting a visa.

You can also appeal the decision by writing a visa rejection appeal letter.

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There are several countries that you can visit with your Green Card, that you otherwise may not be able to. Neighbouring Mexico and Canada are just two of them.

Can All Green Card Holders Travel Abroad Without a Visa?

You can only travel internationally with your Green Card if you are travelling to a country that has extended the same rights to US Green Card holders as to American citizens. In other words, if you look at the visa policy of a country, and it claims that US citizens and permanent residents (Green Card holders) are visa-exempt.

However, most countries will first consider your nationality (i.e. your passport) when you travel, so, if you would normally need a visa to go somewhere, then you will need a visa even if you have a Green Card.

What Countries Can Green Card Holders Visit Without a Visa?

Here are the countries that Green Card Holders can visit without a visa:

• Canada
• Mexico
• Costa Rica
• Georgia
• The British Virgin Islands
• Aruba and Curaçao
• The Balkans
• Singapore
• Peru

Canada

If you have a US Green Card, then you can simply jump across the border to Canada – you do not have to apply for a Canadian tourist visa. However, you do have to get an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a quick permit to enter Canada and will allow you to board a flight. It costs around $7 and you can apply for an eTA online.

Once you receive the eTA, you just need to show it to the immigration officers at the entry point in Canada, along with your passport and your Green Card and you’re good to go.

Can Everyone Travel to Canada With a Green Card?

Yes, everyone (regardless of nationality) who has a US Green Card can travel to Canada without having to apply for a Canadian visa. If you are travelling by air or transiting in Canada, you will have to get an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before travelling, but if you’re crossing the border by land, you only need your passport and Green Card.

Mexico

Another US neighbour, Mexico, also allows you to enter without a visa if you show your passport and US Green Card. You don’t have to apply for a Mexico visa, despite your nationality.

However, you still need to get a Mexico Tourist Card, by one of the following ways:

• In the plane, if you are travelling by air. The plane crew will distribute them as you are about to land, and the price of the card will be included on the price of your air ticket.
• Online, after which you must print the Tourist Card and bring it with you when you travel.
• At a Mexico embassy in the US, before you travel
• At an immigration desk at the Mexico airport after you land
• At the Mexico port of call, if you are travelling by sea
• At the point of entry, if you are travelling by land

The fee for a Mexico tourist card if $25-$35.

Can Everyone Travel to Mexico with a Green Card?

Yes, if you have a US Green Card, then you can use it to cross the border to Mexico without having to apply for a Mexican visa, regardless of your nationality. However, you do need a Mexican tourist card, which is different from a visa because you won’t need to go to a Mexican embassy or consulate and make a formal visa application.

Tourist cards for Mexico are obtained much more easily than visas – some airlines actually include them in the flight ticket price and distribute them to the passengers before the plane lands. Alternatively, you can get a tourist card online or on arrival as well.

Costa Rica

Your US Green Card will also allow you to visit Costa Rica, with its beautiful beaches, forests, and rich culture and welcoming people. According to Costa Rican consular services, if you have a Green Card, then you don’t have to apply for a Costa Rica visa to visit this Central American country.  All you need to show the immigration officers at the port of entry is:

• Your passport
• Your Green Card
• A return or onward journey ticket, within the next 30 days

You can stay in Costa Rica visa-free for up to 30 days, but for a period longer than that, you will have to apply for an extension of stay at the Office of Migration in Costa Rica.

Georgia

No, not Georgia the US State – Georgia, Europe. Although it is not at the top of most people’s European destinations, there is a lot to see and do in Georgia. Not only is it home to Europe’s highest village (Ushguli, a very cool place), but you can also visit the mysterious cave cities or take a walk around its capital, Tbilisi, which is like a mix of different cultures. The people are also said to be very friendly and welcoming.

US citizens and Green Card holders can visit Georgia without having to apply for a Georgian visa beforehand. When you travel, you will have to show your passport, Green Card, and a return or onward flight ticket. You can stay for a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period.

The British Virgin Islands

A US Green Card will grant you entry into the British Virgin Islands. Along with your Green Card, you will also need proof you have accommodation in one of the islands (e.g. hotel reservation), proof you have booked a return flight ticket, as well as your passport.

You can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.

The British Virgin Islands are an archipelago in the Caribbean, part of the British overseas territories. They are known for the reef-lined beaches, sunny weather, and as a popular sailing destination.

Aruba and Curaçao

If you have a US Green Card, then you can enter Aruba, Curacao, and any of the islands that make up the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

• Aruba
• Bonaire
• Curaçao
• Saba
• St Eustatius
• St Maarten

These islands are a great destination for anyone looking to spend time in the sun, and because they are so diverse, there is a lot to do. See more on entry requirements for the Dutch Caribbeans.

Note: You cannot enter the European part of the Netherlands or any other Schengen Area countries with your Green Card.

The Balkans

Several Balkan countries will allow you to travel there without a visa if you already have a US visa or Green Card.

Albania: If you have a US Green Card, you can enter and stay in Albania for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.

Montenegro: If you have a US visa or Green Card, then you can enter or pass through the territory of Montenegro for up to 30 days.

North Macedonia: If you have a US Green Card, you can enter and stay in North Macedonia for up to 15 days.

You wouldn’t think the Balkans is a compelling place to visit, but you’d be surprised. Balkan countries have a wonderful history, a diverse nature for adventure lovers, friendly people, and a lot of ancient historic attractions. And, most importantly, it’s very affordable and has delicious food.

Singapore

A Green Card will also allow you to transit through Singapore for up to four days – but only if you have an Indian or Chinese passport.  Indian and Chinese nationals are eligible for the Singaporean Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) if they fulfil the following requirements:

• They will depart by air or sea
• They have a valid flight ticket or ferry/cruise ticket scheduled leaving Singapore within the next 96 hours
• They have a US Green Card or another valid visa

If you meet the aforementioned requirements, you have to present your case to the Singaporean Immigration Services (ICA) at the point of entry. Remember that you cannot make use of the VFTF twice during the same trip – only once, either on your onward or return journey.

Peru

Another country that you can visit with a Green Card – only if you are an Indian or Chinese national – is Peru. There’s a lot of reasons to visit Peru, especially if you are passionate about ancient history and archaeology since this country is home to countless ancient cultures and civilizations, including Machu Picchu.

You will have to show your passport, the Green Card, and an onward flight ticket to the Peruvian Immigration officers at the entry point. The immigration officers will give you a tourist card, which shows how many days you are allowed to stay Peru – this is usually no more than 90 days.

Unfortunately, if you are not originally from India or China, a Green Card on its own won’t allow you to visit  Peru visa-free (unless, of course, you are already visa-exempt).

Can Green Card Holders Travel to Europe Without a Visa?

That will depend mostly on your passport/nationality. However, if you normally require a visa, then just a Green Card is not enough to give you visa-free access to most European destinations.

What most people mean say Europe, is the European Union (EU) – and unfortunately, you cannot enter most EU countries with just your US Green Card, unless you are on the visa-exemptions list.

But there is more to Europe than the EU, and Green Card holders can travel to some European countries without having to apply for a visa.

Read also: How to Apply for a Schengen Visa from the US

Do Green Card Holders Need Visa for UK?

Yes, they do. If you would normally require a visa to enter the UK, then you will have to apply for one even if you have a Green Card. Unfortunately, a Green Card does not allow the holder to enter the UK just like it does not allow them to enter the European Union.

You can check whether you need a visa for the UK here, and how you can apply for a UK visa if you are in the USA here.

Can I Travel with a Green Card and No Passport?

Probably not. If you do not have a passport, you will not be able to travel internationally. Whether you travel by air or land, when you cross a country’s borders, the immigration authorities there will ask to see your passport, and (if required) a visa or residence permit.

In some cases, there is no need to present your passport when crossing a border but that is very limited. Only nationals of neighbouring countries or countries that have some sort of agreement in place (for example, nationals of Schengen Area countries) don’t need to present a passport when crossing into another country.

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