Travel With a Residence Permit
A visa is not the only way to unlock visa-free travel 🛂. Several countries let you enter if you already hold a residence permit or visa from a major destination such as the Schengen area, the United States, the United Kingdom or Canada, even if your nationality would normally need a visa.
These agreements are a shortcut built on trust: the destination assumes you have already been vetted. The rules below were verified against official government sources in October 2026, but countries change them often, so always double check before booking.
With a Schengen or EU residence permit
| Destination | Stay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 90 days | Multiple-entry Schengen visa used at least once, or a valid residence permit. Leave 3 days before the document expires. Not available to Iranian nationals. |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30 days per entry | Valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit from a Schengen country, an EU member state or the US. Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period. |
| Georgia | 90 days in 180 | Valid Schengen or EU visa or residence permit. Travel medical insurance of at least 30,000 GEL is required since January 2026. |
| North Macedonia | 15 days per entry | Valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, or an EU or Schengen residence permit. |
| Montenegro | 30 days | Valid Schengen visa or residence permit. Stay cannot exceed the expiry date of the document. |
| Serbia | 90 days in 180 | Valid Schengen or EU visa or residence permit, within the validity of the document. |
With a US visa or green card
| Destination | Stay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 90 days | Multiple-entry US visa used in the US, or a US residence permit. Leave 3 days before the document expires. |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 30 days per entry | Valid multiple-entry US visa or residence permit. |
| Costa Rica | 30 days | Multiple-entry US visa or green card, normally valid for 6 or more months on arrival. B1/B2 visas are exempt from the 6-month rule. |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days | Any valid US visa or residence card, for tourism. |
| Georgia | 90 days in 180 | Valid US visa or residence permit. Travel medical insurance required since January 2026. |
| Mexico | 180 days | Any valid US visa or green card. |
| Montenegro | 30 days | Valid US visa or residence permit. |
| North Macedonia | 15 days per entry | Valid multiple-entry US visa. Temporary measure valid until 31 December 2026. |
| Panama | 30 days | Valid US visa or green card. In practice, carry a multiple-entry visa that has been used at least once. |
| Philippines | 30 days | For Indian passport holders: a valid US, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or UK visa or residence permit. |
| Saudi Arabia | 90 days | US visa used at least once. Tourist e-visa or visa on arrival. |
| Serbia | 90 days in 180 | Valid US visa or residence permit. |
With a UK visa or eVisa
| Destination | Stay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 90 days | Multiple-entry UK visa used in the UK, or a UK residence permit. Electronic documents are accepted. |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days | Valid UK visa or residence card, for tourism. |
| Georgia | 90 days in 180 | Valid UK visa or residence permit. Travel medical insurance required since January 2026. |
| Mexico | 180 days | Valid UK visa, or permanent residence in the UK. |
| Montenegro | 30 days | Valid UK visa or residence permit. |
| North Macedonia | 15 days per entry | Valid multiple-entry UK visa. Temporary measure valid until 31 December 2026. |
| Panama | 30 days | Valid UK visa. |
| Saudi Arabia | 90 days | UK visa used at least once. Tourist e-visa or visa on arrival. |
| Serbia | 90 days in 180 | Valid UK visa. |
| Turkey | 30 days | Conditional e-visa for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Sri Lankan and other listed nationalities holding a physical UK visa or residence permit. |
With a Canadian visa or PR card
| Destination | Stay | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 30 days | Canadian multiple-entry visa or PR card, normally valid for 6 or more months on arrival. |
| Dominican Republic | 30 days | Valid Canadian visa or residence card, for tourism. |
| Georgia | 90 days in 180 | Valid Canadian visa or residence permit. Travel medical insurance required since January 2026. |
| Mexico | 180 days | Valid Canadian visa or PR card. |
| North Macedonia | 15 days per entry | Valid multiple-entry Canadian visa. Temporary measure valid until 31 December 2026. |
| Panama | 30 days | Valid Canadian visa. |
With a Japanese visa
A valid Japanese visa or residence permit is accepted by Georgia (90 days), Mexico (180 days) and Panama (30 days), and by the Philippines (30 days) for Indian passport holders. Japan itself offers e-visas to some nationalities, but no third-country visa shortcut for its own border.
Conditions to keep in mind
- Multiple entry and prior use. Several countries require a multiple-entry visa that has been used at least once in the issuing country, so a brand new unused visa may not qualify.
- Minimum validity. Most destinations want your visa or permit to remain valid for 3 to 6 months beyond your stay.
- Electronic documents. Albania, Georgia and Montenegro accept permits in electronic format. Turkey still asks for a physical sticker visa or card, and since the UK retired BRP cards, some border systems may ask extra questions about your UK status.
- None of this replaces a visa for the EU. A US, UK, Canadian or Japanese visa does not let you enter the Schengen area. Only a Schengen visa, Schengen residence permit or your own nationality's visa-free status does.
- Final word goes to the border officer. Always carry your passport, the qualifying visa or permit, proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Entry rules verified against official government sources in October 2026. Always confirm the current rules with the embassy or immigration service of your destination before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel to Europe with a US visa?
No. A US, UK or Canadian visa does not grant access to the Schengen area on its own. You still need a Schengen visa unless your nationality is visa-exempt, although a valid Schengen residence permit does let you visit other Schengen countries without an extra visa.
Can I visit Albania with a Schengen residence permit?
Yes. Albania allows visa-free stays of up to 90 days for holders of a valid Schengen residence permit, and you must leave at least 3 days before it expires. A multiple-entry Schengen visa that was used at least once also works.
Do I need a visa for Mexico if I have a US visa?
No. Mexico grants visa-free stays of up to 180 days to travellers of any nationality who hold a valid US visa or green card, as well as valid visas or permanent residence cards from Canada, Japan, the UK or any Schengen country.
Can I use my UK eVisa to travel to other countries?
Some countries accept it. Georgia, Albania, Montenegro and others accept valid UK visas or residence permits, while the EU and the Schengen area do not. The UK has replaced BRP cards with online eVisa records, so always carry proof of your status.