Travelling to Costa Rica with a green card

[Brightstar 0]

Hello all,

Back in May 2009, I received a two years green card in my married name. I applied for a new passport (thailand) since it was expiring but it came back in my maiden name. The Thai Embassy wouldn't let me change it to married name because I wasn't considered married in Thailand so there is really no way to change to married name on the passport without flying back to Thailand which I don't have a plan to. Anyway, so now my name on passport and green card doesn't match. Well, I need to travel to Costa Rica for 9 days with my school over the Spring Break. My question is will I face a difficulty returning back to the United States? Will a marriage certificate be an enough proof? What else should I bring with me to prove my situation?

Thanks!

-Brightstar

[Anh map 2,098]

Book your ticket in the name on the passport.

Use the green card when entering the US. Carrying a copy of your marriage certificate is what many people do.

Should not be a problem.

[meant2b2009 0]

Book your ticket in the name on the passport.

Use the green card when entering the US. Carrying a copy of your marriage certificate is what many people do.

Should not be a problem.

Also check with the Embassy of Costa Rica in Thailand to see if you need any extra docs, I think you will be ok. Good luck

[Brightstar 0]

Thank you so much guys!

And I just check with the Costa Rica Embassy and this is what I found.

New Visa Regulations

Effective February 16, 2009, nationals of countries that require a consular visa to enter Costa Rica are no longer required to apply for the visa, if the visitors are holders of:

* A valid tourist visa, crew member’s visa, or business visa to enter the U.S., Canada or the countries of the European Union. The tourist visa must be stamped in their passport and valid for at least 3 more months.

OR

* A permanent residence (green card), student visa (F1, J1), work visa (H1B, G4, etc.), or refugee status in the United States, and/or in any country member of the European Union or Canada, valid for a minimum of 6 months. Residency extensions stamped on passport are not accepted.

The passport expiration date needs to be over 6 months from the day of arrival to the country

Visitors are allowed to remain in the country for up to 30 days. All visa extensions should be requested at the Immigration Office in San José, Costa Rica

I think I understand the context but I still would like a confirmation. I believe it applied to me that I do not need to apply for a visa, am I correct on this?

[Krikit 1,163]

Yes, that's correct. You don't require a visa. I was in Costa Rica last month too! I also have my greencard in my married name and my passport in my former name. Absolutely no problem whatsoever returning. In fact, I have travelled outside the US 20+ times since I've been here and not once have I had an issue with the difference in names. You're good to go.