Traveling without passport - just a Green Card - between US and UK?
My passport is with Indian Embassy who are processing a visitors visa but cannot promise to return it prior to a planned visit to UK. I am a British citizen living permanently in USA and in possession of a green card. The question is, can I do a return trip from US to UK using only my green card as my official identification.
Best Answer
So you have three problems:
- Getting into the UK
- Getting back into the US
- The airlines
Getting back into the US is certainly doable. Green card holders do NOT need to show a passport to return to the US - just a Green Card will suffice.
This then leaves us with the UK. As a British citizen, according to info from the Passport Office:
A person who is a British citizen is not subject to immigration control and is free to enter or leave the United Kingdom without restriction. A British citizen who travels on a passport issued by another country will need to apply for a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode to be endorsed in his passport to confirm he has unrestricted entry to this country.
So in theory, 'free to enter or leave' - you would arguably be allowed in. Of course you'll want to be able to prove who you are, and that you're British, and be very aware that you'll likely get questioned about doing this.
Finally, the airlines. This might be your biggest problem. Each airline (and indeed, airline employee) is likely to be different in their handling of this. It's extremely likely that they'll have concern over a person travelling without a passport or ETD - they want to know you're legally allowed into the country they're taking you to, or they can be fined and made to pay to remove you. So if there's any doubt over the matter, they may just say no.
So your steps:
- Find an airline flying direct to the UK, otherwise you're going to have to deal with MORE airlines and countries who might want a passport.
- Contact said airline and get it in writing that it'll be ok under their rules.
- Also contact the home office / embassy and get a note from them about it which you can show to officers who query.
- Bring as much other valid ID as you can.
Alternatively, look into a second passport, or an ETD (Emergency Travel Document).
Pictures about "Traveling without passport - just a Green Card - between US and UK?"
Do green card holders need passport for us?
Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need to show a Permanent Resident Card (Green card). A passport is not required.Can I travel to England with a U.S. 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 US residents travel without passport?
In most countries, you can travel anywhere within your nation's borders without a passport. The only exception is when you leave your home country to enter a foreign nation. However, even if you travel nationally, you will always need photo ID, such as a driver's license or National ID card to board a flight.Do I need travel document if I have green card?
Green Card holders and people who have been granted asylum or refugee status in America, need to get travel documents in order to gain entry into the United States after their trip abroad. You need to remember that travel documents do not replace passports.Can a U.S. Permanent Resident Travel Internationally without a Valid Passport?
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