Visa requirement for Hawaii/Caribbean for AOS & AP

[USAYemen 2]

Hi everyone. My husband is currently under AOS awaiting his green card. He has already received his SSN and I-131 EAD/Advance Parole. We have won a honeymoon trip to either Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. We have narrowed it down to either Hawaii or the Caribbean. Does anyone know if we need visas for either Hawaii or the Caribbean? Can my husband even travel at all? I hold a U.S. passport while my husband does not. In terms of weather, food, expenses and flight which destination is better than the other and costs less. Of course we will end up spending money on vacation but I have heard that Hawaii is generally more expensive about 30%more than the rest of the US states while the Caribbean isn't. Thank you all for your help in advance. If we didn't win this honeymoon we would have not even gone on a honeymoon at all due to our low income.

[GandD 5,966]

Hi everyone. My husband is currently under AOS awaiting his green card. He has already received his SSN and I-131 EAD/Advance Parole. We have won a honeymoon trip to either Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. We have narrowed it down to either Hawaii or the Caribbean. Does anyone know if we need visas for either Hawaii or the Caribbean? Can my husband even travel at all? I hold a U.S. passport while my husband does not. In terms of weather, food, expenses and flight which destination is better than the other and costs less. Of course we will end up spending money on vacation but I have heard that Hawaii is generally more expensive about 30%more than the rest of the US states while the Caribbean isn't. Thank you all for your help in advance. If we didn't win this honeymoon we would have not even gone on a honeymoon at all due to our low income.

You def don't need a passport for Hawaii unless you change planes in another country (like Canada) so be careful with that. I don't believe you need one for US Virgin islands and a few other territories but someone should be along shortly to answer that part more definitively. Make sure you hear something more definitive on the caribbean before going.

**Edit due to my lack of comprehensive reading skills:

Wait, I missed you saying you have received your advanced parole/EAD combo card. That means you can travel outside of the US if you want.

Edited March 4, 2013 by GandD

[Kastrs 723]

Just one thing to keep in mind a green card (possibly the same goes for advance parole) does not give the holder visa free access to any countries except Mexico, and I think Canada, therefore you should keep in mind when making your decision that your non us citizen spouse may need a visa to travel to the Caribbean. I was thinking that maybe that could have some bearing on which destination you chose. If your husband would need a visa to enter the Caribbean using his native passport than he would still need a visa to go there.

Personally, I would rather go to Hawaii. Have a great trip whatever you decide.

Edited March 4, 2013 by Kastrs

[Sarah Elle-Même 660]

Hawaii is definitely more expensive although it is possible to go there and maintain a budget. It depends on the island you are staying on, the type of hotel, and how close you are to grocery stores/shops. If you eat like a resident and not a tourist (ie: lunch and dinner mostly at chain restaurants or dives) you'll save considerably. Hotel prices have gone down recently also because of the recession (fewer tourists can afford to travel there). If you're both physically able, renting bikes is a great alternative to taking taxis everywhere. Worth noting also is that the Caribbean can be expensive too if you stick to the resorts for your eating and entertainment.

In truth I'm rather biased about Hawaii. But I have been to several Caribbean nations too and I just feel like Hawaii has so much more going for it ecologically, especially the Big Island. I plan on taking my fiance there for our honeymoon as well! He's a big Jurassic Park fan . As others have said he won't need a visa to travel within the US. If he leaves the US with only his AP and no green card, I don't know how hard a time CBP will give him upon re-entry. They seem to take a very special interest in Yemenis, and even Americans who have traveled there (speaking from personal experience).

Have an amazing honeymoon!

Edited March 4, 2013 by Sarah and Adnan

[GandD 5,966]

Just one thing to keep in mind a green card (possibly the same goes for advance parole) does not give the holder visa free access to any countries except Mexico, and I think Canada, therefore you should keep in mind when making your decision that your non us citizen spouse may need a visa to travel to the Caribbean. I was thinking that maybe that could have some bearing on which destination you chose. If your husband would need a visa to enter the Caribbean using his native passport than he would still need a visa to go there.

Personally, I would rather go to Hawaii. Have a great trip whatever you decide.

Good point

[USAYemen 2]

Our honeymoon vacation is for 5 days/nights. If we fly out from DC/VA we would lose a day going and lose a day coming so that only gives us 3 days. At least that's what the sweepstakes people told us. Ugh! Thanks for your help all!

[JohnR! 5,495]

Our honeymoon vacation is for 5 days/nights. If we fly out from DC/VA we would lose a day going and lose a day coming so that only gives us 3 days. At least that's what the sweepstakes people told us. Ugh! Thanks for your help all!

Suggestion: Consider Puerto Rico. It is in the Caribbean, it is a beautiful place, and your husband can visit so long as you travel non-stop to/from the mainland and it is not nearly as long a flight from the east coast as HI would be.

Edited March 6, 2013 by Gegel

[USAYemen 2]

Thank you for the suggestions. I have to choose from the following 4 links and to put them in order from the most preferred to the least preferred destination locations. Any suggestions on where to go? We have never been to Hawaii let alone anywhere outside our hometown. What place would be close to everything to avoid renting a car etc? Thanks all!

My link

My link

My link

My link

[Sarah Elle-Même 660]

King Kamehameha - hands down. My parents just stayed there a few months ago and gave glowing report of the place. It was recently renovated. I think it's cheaper than the Royal Kona also but you should check with both and compare. King Kam is right in close walking distance of downtown Kona where all the shops are. They even have a Wal-Mart. The Kona coast on the Big Island is my favorite part of Hawaii. You should definitely make a day trip to Volcanoes National Park and try out the local diving/snorkeling. The Kona coast is also very historically significant to Hawaiian history and culture. The other side of the Big Island (Hilo) is rainy and more humid but they have waterfalls and many other attractions as well.

So excited for you guys! And have to admit I'm super jealous because I still have such a long way to go on our visa journey before I get to plan the honeymoon!

[USAYemen 2]

Sarah, I too was once at that stage you were at (K-1). I know how it feels. At that time the US embassy was closed due to the political things going on which even delayed our cases. I thank god it's over. Once the visa is in the passport you feel so free because you know you can travel then. Without it it's like you are in jail! Thank you Sarah. Soon it will be all over for you guys and you both have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon! Stay in there! Thanks again!