Anyone gone to Mexico on Green Card?

[SwanRose 86]

Hello Everyone,

I wondered if anyone has crossed into Mexico for surgery just using their Green Card at the border? I'm a Brit married to an American, have been here for 3 years and got my permanent Green Card, and my British passport has expired. From the internet research I've done it looks like I'd be okay, but just wanted to make absolutely certain by asking if anyone here has done it.

I don't have a surgery date yet, but am hoping to go with Dr Quinones, probably in early August.

[asm22 2]

Im curious about this as well. I want my husband to go with me as my support but his passport is about to expire too and and the renewal process is taking forever, hes from Zimbabwe but he has his greencard and what I read thats all he needs to go to Mexico and back to the us even if his passport expires.......but im not sure how trusting I am with that info though

[Travelmego 235]

Going on a green card shouldn't be a problem but definitely check with immigration services. I know certain types of visas (obv a visa is not the same as a greencard) limit how many times a person can enter and exit the country.

asm - I would be leery of him trying to use the green card to get back in if his passport is expired. I don't know though. I wonder if a fully American citizen can get back in the country on an expired passport. I am assuming one could, but would there be some hurdles to jump first? It is an interesting question. Please let us know what you decide to do and what info you find out.

Edited May 17, 2014 by Travelmego

[CrazyCatLady 130]

My hubby went down with me on his green card, no issues. They just wanted to see it and his regular (Canadian) passport.

[WorldTraveler 79]

International Travel as a Permanent Resident

What documents do I need to travel outside the United States?

In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa). For information on foreign entry and exit requirements, see the Department of State’s webpage.

What documents do I need to present to reenter the United States?

If seeking to enter the United States after temporary travel abroad, you will need to present a valid, unexpired “green card” (Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card). When arriving at a port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will review your permanent resident card and any other identity documents you present, such as a passport, foreign national I.D. card or U.S. Driver’s License, and determine if you can enter the United States. For information pertaining to entry into the United States, see U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s webpage.

My husband is from India and will be traveling with me as well as a permanent resident. Though the patient coordinator said he would only need his green card, I see from the uscis.giv website that you do indeed need your green card and your passport or US Drivers License. The info is above and here is the link: http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/international-travel-permanent-resident

Edited May 18, 2014 by WorldTraveler

[SwanRose 86]

Thanks for all the input. There is some confusing information out there! Even the official government websites (US and Mexican) give some conflicting advice. From what I've read, it seems it's okay to fly from Mexico back to the US with a Green Card, but not necessarily okay to drive over the border.

To be on the safe side I'm going to renew my British passport, which is a nuisance and will cost quite a lot, but better safe than sorry!

[Travelmego 235]

Ya - do that. Anyway - it is always good to have an extra passport that is not expired on hand.