Europe Visa Requirements for Green Card Holders

This is the most important thing to understand: according to European visa policy, "the Schengen visa is issued based on citizenship, not residency." Your US permanent resident status doesn't change the visa rules that apply to citizens of your home country.

Here's how it works in practice:

• If your citizenship is from a visa-exempt country: You can travel to Europe just like a citizen of that country would, no Schengen visa needed.
• If your citizenship is from a country that requires a visa: You'll need to apply for a Schengen visa, even though you live in the US.

If you're a citizen of one of these countries, you can travel to the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days) without applying for a visa, regardless of your US residency status:

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Other Regions

This isn't a complete list. For the official full list, check the European Commission's visa policy page.

If you're a citizen of one of these countries, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Europe, even with your US green card:

South and Southeast Asia

Africa

Other Regions

If you need a visa, here's the process for applying from the United States as a green card holder:

Step 1: Determine Which Consulate to Apply To

Apply at the consulate of the country where you'll spend the most time. If you're visiting multiple countries equally, apply to the consulate of your first entry point. For example, if you're spending a week in France and then a week in Spain, apply at the French consulate.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll typically need (see detailed list below):

• Valid passport
• US Green Card
• Completed visa application form
• Travel itinerary and accommodation proof
• Financial documents
• Travel insurance

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Book an appointment at the consulate or visa application center. During peak travel seasons, appointments may fill up weeks in advance, so plan ahead.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

Bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to the US, and intent to return.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing typically takes about 15 days but can extend to 45 days if additional documents are needed or during busy periods. Your passport will be returned to you with the visa sticker (if approved).

Here's what you'll typically need to submit for a Schengen visa application as a US green card holder:

• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond your planned return date and two blank pages
• US Green Card valid for at least 90 days after your planned return to the US
• Completed visa application form (varies by country)
• Passport-style photos meeting Schengen specifications
• Travel itinerary showing entry/exit dates and flights
• Accommodation proof (hotel reservations or invitation letter from host)
• Financial documents (bank statements from past 3 months, pay stubs)
• Employment verification (letter from employer stating position, salary, and approved leave)
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage for medical expenses and repatriation

Visa Fees

• Adults: €90 (approximately $100 USD)
• Children ages 6-12: €45
• Children under 6: Free

Processing Time

Standard processing takes about 15 calendar days. However, this can extend to 45 days if:

• Additional documents are requested
• You're applying during peak travel season
• Your application needs additional review

Consulates want to see that you have strong ties to the US and a clear intent to return. Here's how to strengthen your application:

• 1. Demonstrate ties to the US: Show employment, property ownership, family obligations, or anything else that proves you'll return.
• 2. Have a detailed itinerary: Know where you're going, when, and why. Vague plans raise red flags.
• 3. Show sufficient funds: Your bank statements should demonstrate you can afford the trip without working illegally.
• 4. Check your green card expiration: If your green card expires before, during, or shortly after your trip, renew it first.
• 5. Book refundable reservations: Until your visa is approved, use flexible bookings for flights and hotels.
• 6. Prepare for the interview: Be ready to clearly explain your travel plans and why you'll return to the US.

Whether you need a visa or not, once you're in the Schengen Area, you're subject to the same time limits as everyone else: 90 days maximum within any rolling 180-day period. This applies across all 29 Schengen countries combined.

For a detailed explanation of how this works, check out our complete guide to the 90/180 rule.