Travel Outside The Us: What You Need To Know

are you allowed to travel outside the united states

US citizens and permanent residents are allowed to travel outside the United States. However, they must comply with the document requirements of their destination country. Typically, this involves presenting a valid passport, but some countries may have additional entry/exit requirements, such as a visa. US permanent residents may also need to provide their permanent resident card and any necessary visas. In some cases, a re-entry permit may be required for US permanent residents who are unable to obtain a passport.

Characteristics Values
Travel outside the US Allowed for permanent residents
Documents required 1. Permanent resident card
2. Passport
3. Visas required by the foreign country
Reentry Allowed for up to 1 year with a permanent resident card
Reentry permit Required for stays outside the US exceeding 1 year
Returning resident visa Required for stays outside the US exceeding 2 years

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What documents do US citizens need to travel abroad?

When travelling outside of the United States, it is important to carry all the necessary documents and not pack them in your luggage. Here is a list of documents US citizens need to travel abroad:

  • Passport: All US citizens require a US passport book if re-entering by air. For land and sea border crossings, additional documents are accepted, such as US passport cards and Trusted Traveller Cards. It is important to check the passport expiration date, as some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months.
  • Visa: US citizens may need a visa to enter a foreign country. This can be obtained from the embassy of the country they plan to visit.
  • Travel documents for children: Children under the age of 16 may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.
  • Travel consent for minors: When travelling alone with children, custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent may be required.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Some countries may require an IDP, as they do not recognize a US driver's license.
  • Travel insurance: The US government does not provide insurance for its citizens overseas, so it is recommended to purchase travel insurance to cover emergency medical care.
  • Medication: Carry only the medication needed for the trip in its original packaging. Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications are illegal in other countries, so it is important to check with the destination's embassy.
  • Proof of vaccination: Health Precautions and recommendations for vaccinations should be checked before travelling.
  • Travel advisories: It is important to be aware of any travel advisories and alerts for the countries being visited.
  • Travel with pets: When travelling with a dog, a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination are required.
  • Other important documents: Other important documents to carry include receipts for new electronics, a valid license for driving overseas, permits and/or certificates for restricted animal or plant products, and an envelope to hold purchase receipts.

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What is a re-entry permit?

A re-entry permit is a travel document that allows green card holders to maintain their U.S. residence while travelling outside the country for up to 2 years. It is a small booklet with an identification page and blank pages for stamps and visas. It looks similar to a U.S. passport and can be used as a substitute for a passport in many countries.

To obtain a re-entry permit, you must be a U.S. permanent resident and submit Form I-131 with USCIS, along with supporting documentation. You must be physically present in the U.S. when your application is filed and accepted, and you must attend a biometrics (digital fingerprinting) appointment. Additionally, you must intend to depart the U.S. temporarily and maintain the intent to return.

The re-entry permit tells the U.S. government that you plan to return and continue living in the country after your trip. It ensures that your time outside the U.S. won't be counted against you in maintaining your residence. However, it does not guarantee re-entry, and other factors may be considered by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials to determine if you have abandoned your U.S. residence.

The fee for filing Form I-131 is $575, and there is an additional biometric fee of $85 for individuals between the ages of 14 and 79. You can apply for a re-entry permit multiple times, but there is no option to renew or extend it. If your permit expires, you must return to the U.S. and apply for a new one.

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What is the maximum time a US resident can spend outside the US?

US residents with a green card can remain outside the country for up to a year without affecting their permanent resident status. However, if they plan to be outside the US for more than a year, they may be considered to have abandoned their permanent resident status and may be denied entry upon their return. In this case, they would need to apply for a new immigrant visa.

To avoid this, a re-entry permit can be applied for before leaving the US. This is called a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) and can be obtained at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. The re-entry permit is valid for two years or until the expiration of the green card, whichever comes first. It is important to note that this does not guarantee admission back into the US.

If a US resident with a green card has been outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days but less than a year, they must provide evidence of continuing ties to the US and the intention to return. This can include documentation of ongoing employment in the US. If they have been outside the US for more than a year, they will also need to provide this evidence, as well as proof of their continuing ties to the US and that their stay abroad was beyond their control.

For US residents seeking naturalisation and US citizenship, extensive travel can disrupt their continuous residency and prevent them from applying. If a resident is outside of the US for 180 days in a row (but less than a year), without permission from the US government, it will be presumed that they have abandoned their residency and can no longer apply for citizenship. This presumption can be overcome with evidence that they intended to remain a permanent resident, such as US tax filings, records related to a home in the US, and a valid reason for the time abroad. If a resident has been outside the US for more than a year, it will automatically terminate their residency status, unless they have received permission or a special exception applies.

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What is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative?

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) is a joint plan by the Department of State (DOS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement a key recommendation from the 9/11 Commission. It was mandated by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, enacted in 2004, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The WHTI was implemented in phases between 2007 and 2009.

The WHTI requires all travelers, including U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, to present a passport or other acceptable documents that denote identity and citizenship when entering the United States. This applies to all persons entering the U.S. by land, sea, or air, regardless of their country of origin. Previously, exemptions from the passport requirement existed for travel within the Americas by nationals of some North American jurisdictions. Before 2007, citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda could enter the U.S. from the Americas (except Cuba) by presenting any evidence of their citizenship, including an oral declaration. Nationals of Mexico could present a Border Crossing Card when arriving from Mexico or Canada.

The first phase of the WHTI came into effect on January 23, 2007, requiring nationals of the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico to present a passport to enter the U.S. by air from the Americas. The second phase, which began on January 31, 2008, eliminated the acceptance of oral declarations as evidence of citizenship. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda now had to present documents establishing their identity and citizenship to enter the U.S. by land or sea.

The third and final phase of the WHTI was implemented on June 1, 2009, and applied the passport requirement for entry by land or sea from the Americas. For entry by land or sea, travelers could present a passport or other acceptable documents, such as a passport card, an enhanced driver's license, or a trusted traveler card. The WHTI strengthened border security while facilitating entry into the U.S. for legitimate travelers, making the process more efficient and convenient.

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What is the process for US citizens driving abroad?

If you're a US citizen with plans to drive while travelling abroad, it's important to be aware of the requirements and best practices for driving in your destination country. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Research Your Destination's Requirements

Before your trip, find out if the country you're visiting requires an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP, also known as an international driver's license, is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages and allows you to drive legally in countries that require it. You can use the Department of State's website to search for your destination country. Look for the "Travel and Transportation" section on the country's page, which will outline the driver's license rules for visitors.

Step 2: Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP)

If an IDP is required, you can obtain one from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the official organisation authorised by the US Department of State to issue IDPs. Be cautious of fraudulent websites claiming to issue international driver's licenses or IDPs. When obtaining your IDP, keep in mind that there may be associated fees and processing times, which can vary depending on the issuing country.

Step 3: Carry Necessary Documents

When driving abroad, always carry the necessary documents with you. In addition to your IDP, you will need to have your US driver's license. Some countries may require you to present both your license and your IDP. Additionally, it is essential to have valid auto insurance that meets the local insurance minimums in your destination country. Check with your insurance company to confirm your coverage while abroad.

Step 4: Familiarise Yourself with Local Driving Laws and Conditions

Driving conditions, road signs, laws, and driving culture can vary significantly from what you're used to in the US. Take time to familiarise yourself with potential hazards, dangerous road conditions, local laws, and driving norms in your destination country. The US Department of State's Country Information pages can provide valuable road safety information. Additionally, foreign embassy or consulate websites, government tourism offices, and car rental companies may also offer helpful insights.

Step 5: Consider Additional Preparations

When planning your trip, consider potential needs such as spare tires, fuel, and a detailed map. Familiarise yourself with local emergency numbers and vehicle safety considerations, such as seat belt requirements. If you plan to rent a car, check the rental company's policies and requirements in advance, as they may have specific documents or requirements in addition to your license and IDP.

Remember to give yourself ample time to complete the necessary steps before your trip, and always prioritise your safety when driving in a foreign country.

Frequently asked questions

You will need 3 documents: 1) your permanent resident card; 2) your passport; and 3) any visas required by the foreign country you are travelling to.

Maybe. If the country you are travelling to accepts a re-entry permit, you can use this instead of a passport, along with your Green Card.

A re-entry permit is a travel document in the form of a small booklet. It can be used in place of a passport when entering and exiting the US and can be stamped and have visas attached to it.

You must be a US permanent resident and submit a Form I-131 with USCIS and some supporting documentation. You must also be physically present in the US when your application is filed and accepted, and attend a biometrics appointment.

You will need to present a valid, unexpired Green Card (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). You may also need to present other identity documents such as a passport, foreign national ID card or US Driver's License.

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