Can You Travel Without a Green Card? Essential Steps Explained

Learn what to do if your green card is lost and how to travel safely with a boarding foil from the U.S. Embassy.

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If your green card is lost, you can still travel, but you’ll need to obtain a boarding foil (travel permit) from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. File Form I-131A and schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy. Having a police report documenting the loss can also be beneficial during travel.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a boarding foil? A boarding foil is a temporary travel document that allows you to board a flight to the U.S. after losing your green card.
  2. What should I do if my green card is lost while traveling? If lost while traveling, report it to local authorities and contact the U.S. Embassy to get a boarding foil using Form I-131A.
  3. How long does it take to get a boarding foil? The processing time for a boarding foil can vary, so it's advised to apply as soon as you realize your green card is lost.

Watch More

For more information on immigration-related travel issues, check out our videos on obtaining travel permits and tips for traveling on a green card.

  1. What to Do If Your Green Card Is Missing Before Traveling Learn how to travel safely if your green card is missing and what steps to take for temporary documentation.
  2. What to Do if You've Lost Your Green Card: Steps to Return to the U.S. Find out how to return to the U.S. after losing your green card, including essential steps and documents you need.
  3. Lost Your Green Card? Here’s Who to Contact Learn who to contact and how to replace your lost green card efficiently.
  4. How to Retrieve a Lost Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to report a lost green card and apply for replacement with USCIS using Form I-90.
  5. How to Recover Your Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide Learn the steps to recover your green card, including filing Form I-90 and what to do if it's lost or stolen.
  6. What to Do If You've Lost Your Green Card and Don't Know the Number Learn the essential steps to take when you've lost your green card, including how to apply for a replacement.
  7. What to Do If You've Lost Your Green Card: Step-by-Step Guide Lost your green card? Learn the steps to report it and apply for a replacement with USCIS in this essential guide.
  8. Lost Your Green Card? Here's the Replacement Process Explained Learn the essential steps to replace a lost green card quickly and effectively.
  9. How to Track Your Lost Green Card – Step-by-Step Guide Learn how to track your lost green card easily through USCIS with our step-by-step guide.
  10. How Long to Replace a Lost Green Card: Timeline and Process Discover the timeline and steps for replacing a lost green card, including filing Form I-90 and expected processing times.
  11. How to Find Your Misplaced Green Card Learn essential steps to find your green card if it's lost or misplaced. Save time and avoid confusion with this simple guide!
  12. What to Do If Your Green Card Doesn't Arrive Learn essential steps to take if your green card fails to arrive, including contacting USCIS and checking your case status.
  13. How Long to Replace a Lost Green Card? Timeline and Steps Explained Discover how long it takes to replace a lost green card and the steps you need to take.
  14. What is the Cost to Replace a Lost Green Card? Learn the cost and process for replacing a lost green card, including fees and important steps to follow.
  15. What to Do If Your Green Card Is Approved but Not Received? Learn essential steps to take if your green card is approved but you haven't received it yet.