New US Passport - Can I get a passport if I am a permanent resident?

by Lydia
(Washington)

Hello, I have been living in America for a while and now have enough money to travel outside the country. I want to go to Chile for vacation and to visit my friends but I'm not sure if I need a new US passport.

The reason I am asking about this is because I am a permanent resident. So do I even qualify for a US passport or do I use my old one from my country? Or do I just take my green card and birth certificate?

Sorry I haven't traveled in a long time since I was child so I'm clueless right now on what documents are needed. Thank you!


ANSWER:

Hi Lydia, I can certainly help you out with that. I'm not sure what country you are originally from. Feel free to reply to this and I can give you a more detailed explanation about travel requirements to Chile.

But to answer the main question you have...you will not be able to get an American passport. Even though you have a green card, technically you do not qualify as a citizen according to the government.

You will need to use the passport that is from your country of origin. You most likely will need to have your permanent resident card as well.

Let me know what country you are from as there may be specific steps to take to get into Chile with your citizenship. It is possible also that you will need a transit visa going to and from Chile. Hope that helps, have fun on your vacation!