Quick answer: Yes, you can travel to Canada with a green card. US lawful permanent residents don’t need a Canadian visa or an eTA to visit. You just need two documents: a valid passport from your country of citizenship and your valid green card (or another accepted proof of US permanent residence). This applies whether you fly, drive or arrive by sea.
This guide covers exactly what to bring, which documents Canada accepts if your green card is expired, and what can still get you turned away at the border. It’s part of our green card travel rules hub.
Can I travel to Canada with a green card? The rules in 2026
Since April 26, 2022, US permanent residents have been exempt from Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) for all methods of travel, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Before that change, green card holders from many countries had to apply for an eTA before flying.
| Question | Answer for US green card holders |
|---|---|
| Do I need a Canadian visitor visa? | No. US permanent residents are visa-exempt for visits. |
| Do I need an eTA to fly to Canada? | No. Exempt since April 26, 2022. |
| Can I drive across the border? | Yes, with the same two documents. |
| Do I need a passport? | Yes. A green card alone is not enough. Bring your home country’s passport. |
| How long can I stay? | Visitors are usually admitted for up to 6 months; the border officer decides. |
Documents to bring
Bring a valid passport from your country of nationality, plus one of these proofs of US permanent residence accepted by IRCC:
- A valid permanent resident card (Form I-551)
- An expired green card plus a Form I-797 notice for a pending Form I-90 (renewal)
- An expired conditional green card plus a Form I-797 notice for a pending Form I-751 or I-829
- A foreign passport with an unexpired temporary I-551 (ADIT) stamp
- A foreign passport with a machine-readable immigrant visa showing the temporary I-551 notation and a CBP admission stamp
- A valid reentry permit (Form I-327)
- A Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp and a passport-style photo
Traveling to Canada with an expired green card
An expired green card on its own won’t get you in. But if you’ve filed to renew it, Canada accepts the expired card together with your Form I-797 receipt notice for the pending I-90 (or I-751 / I-829 for conditional residents). Carry the original notice, not just a photo on your phone. For renewal timing, see our I-90 renewal timeline.
Flying vs driving: what to expect
- Flying: the airline checks your passport and green card at check-in. No eTA is needed, so don’t pay a website that offers one.
- Driving: show your passport and green card at the Canadian port of entry. Every passenger needs their own documents.
- Customs declaration: you can complete the optional Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app or on the CBSA website to speed things up at some airports.
- Frequent crossers: US permanent residents can apply for NEXUS, the trusted-traveler card for the US–Canada border.
What can still get you refused at the Canadian border
Being exempt from a visa doesn’t guarantee entry. A Canadian border officer can refuse anyone who is inadmissible. Common reasons include:
- Criminal record, including a DUI. Canada treats impaired driving as serious criminality. If you have one, look into a Temporary Resident Permit or criminal rehabilitation before you travel.
- Missing or invalid documents, such as an expired passport or expired green card without an I-797 notice.
- Doubts about your trip, such as no clear return plans or ties to the US.
Coming back to the US from Canada
To return to the US, show your passport and valid green card to US Customs and Border Protection. A short trip to Canada doesn’t affect your residence. Long stays abroad do: see how long a green card holder can stay outside the US.
Before-you-go checklist
- Valid passport from your country of citizenship.
- Valid green card, or an accepted alternative from the list above.
- No eTA or visa needed. Skip third-party sites selling them.
- Check for anything that could make you inadmissible, like a DUI.
- Know your return plans and carry proof of US ties for longer trips.
FAQ
Do green card holders need a visa for Canada?
No. US lawful permanent residents can visit Canada without a visitor visa, as long as they carry a valid passport and proof of US permanent residence.
Do green card holders need an eTA for Canada?
No. Canada exempted US permanent residents from the eTA on April 26, 2022, for travel by air, land and sea.
Is a green card alone enough?
No. You also need a valid passport from your country of nationality. The green card proves your US status, but it isn’t a travel document for entering Canada.
Can I travel to Canada with an expired green card?
Only if you also carry a Form I-797 notice showing a pending renewal (I-90) or removal of conditions (I-751 or I-829).
Can I drive across the border?
Yes. The same documents apply at land borders: a valid passport and your green card.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Entry rules can change, and the final decision is always made by the border officer. Check IRCC’s official site before you travel.
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