Why Should I Apply For Citizenship? Traveling with the freedom of a U.S. passport

Holding a United States passport opens doors around the world. While you can definitely travel internationally as a green card holder, becoming a U.S. citizen unlocks new levels of freedom and security when crossing international borders. Let's explore how citizenship can transform your travel experience and give you greater peace of mind wherever your journeys take you.

Benefit #1 Visa-Free Travel

One of the first benefits you'll notice with a U.S. passport is that you can visit more countries without obtaining a visa first. U.S. citizens enjoy visa-free access to over 180 countries and territories, making last-minute trips and spontaneous travel plans much easier.

Illustration of a plane flying over a globe

Example: Planning a European Vacation

Imagine planning a trip to explore multiple European countries. As a U.S. citizen, you can travel throughout the Schengen Area—26 European countries—without applying for separate visas. You simply book your flight and go. Many green card holders, depending on their nationality, would need to apply for a Schengen visa first, a process that can take weeks and require extensive documentation.

Benefit #2 Simpler Border Crossings

Coming home from your travels also becomes significantly easier as a U.S. citizen. Instead of waiting in longer lines for permanent resident processing, you can use:

Dedicated U.S. citizen passport lines
Automated passport control kiosks at major airports
Mobile Passport Control apps at select locations

Plus, the questioning process is typically much shorter and more straightforward for citizens. While permanent residents might face detailed questions about their time abroad and their ties to the United States, citizens generally experience a much smoother entry process.

Benefit #3 Freedom from Residency Requirements

As a permanent resident, you need to be careful about how much time you spend outside the United States. Extended absences can put your status at risk, and trips lasting more than a year can result in the loss of your green card. U.S. citizens face no such restrictions. You can learn more about these restrictions in our guide about Continuous Residence and Physical Presence.

Illustration of a woman with a parent in Brazil

Example: Supporting Your Family Abroad

Maria's elderly mother in Brazil needs long-term care after surgery. As a U.S. citizen, Maria can spend as much time as necessary helping her mother without worrying about losing her status in the United States. If she were still a permanent resident, she'd need to limit her time abroad or risk complications with her immigration status.

More Practical Benefits for International Travelers

U.S. citizenship provides several other advantages when you're traveling abroad:

Access to U.S. embassy and consular services worldwide
Emergency assistance from U.S. diplomatic missions if you lose your passport or face other difficulties
Freedom from reporting your trips or address changes to immigration authorities
The backing of one of the world's most respected diplomatic networks if you encounter problems abroad

Compare: Understanding Your Travel Rights: Permanent Resident vs. Citizen

Let's compare some key travel considerations between permanent residents and U.S. citizens:

	As a Green Card Holder	As a U.S. Citizen
Time Allowed Outside the U.S.	Must be careful about absences over 6 months Trips over 1 year can risk green card status	Can stay abroad indefinitely without losing status
Visa Requirements To Enter Other Countries	Varies by country and your original nationality Often requires advance planning	Access to 180+ countries without needing a visa
U.S. Border Entry	Longer processing lines More detailed questioning	Faster U.S. citizen lines Eligible for Global Entry and other expedited programs
Travel Documentation	Must carry green card May need multiple documents depending on destination	Only need valid U.S. passport Simpler documentation requirements
Consular Assistance Abroad	Limited assistance available	Full access to U.S. embassy and consular services
Emergency Travel	May face delays due to visa requirements and documentation	Can generally book immediate travel to most countries

What This Means for You

Becoming a U.S. citizen transforms international travel from a carefully planned necessity into an opportunity for genuine adventure and discovery. You gain the freedom to:

Take last-minute business trips without visa delays
Spend extended time with family abroad
Accept international work assignments
Travel spontaneously for pleasure
Return home with confidence and ease

Remember, these travel benefits aren't just conveniences—they're expressions of the full participation in American society that citizenship represents. They come with the responsibility to represent the United States positively abroad and to uphold American values wherever your travels take you.