Morgane Oger

For many in the United States, the Trump presidency’s implementation of Project 2025  marks a dark turning point for many vulnerable groups, from immigrants and LGBTQ+ people to activists and journalists. For transgender Americans in particular, the surge in discriminatory policies, healthcare restrictions, and rising threats of violence have made staying in the country feel increasingly untenable. As hostility escalates and legal protections seem to erode, more people are asking: Is it time to leave the U.S. for a bit?

With careful planning, it’s possible to build a life abroad—one free from the fear of government-sanctioned discrimination and political persecution. Here’s how.

For U.S. citizens who need to remain outside the country for an extended period and avoid encounters with U.S. border officials, strategic travel planning is essential. Many countries allow Americans to stay for extended periods on visitor visas, but avoiding visa violations and tax residency pitfalls is crucial. Below is a guide to legally staying abroad while minimizing the risk of U.S. passport inspection.

Choosing Countries With Generous Visa Policies

The key to long-term travel on tourist visas is selecting countries with lenient entry rules. Here are some options:

• Mexico and Canada: Both countries allow U.S. visitors to stay up to 180 days visa-free.
• The Bahamas: U.S. citizens can stay up to 8 months visa-free.
• Schengen Area (Europe): Allows stays of 90 days within any 180-day period across 27 European countries.
• Georgia (Caucasus region): Offers one-year stays to U.S. citizens without a visa.
• Thailand: Allows a 30-day stay without a visa but offers extensions and long-term visas.
• Greenland: Allows stays of 90 days within a 180-day period under Danish visa rules.

By rotating between these destinations, travelers can legally extend their time abroad without returning to the U.S.

Avoiding Tax Residency in Foreign Countries

While living abroad, it’s important to avoid accidentally becoming a tax resident in any country. General rules include:

• Limit stays to less than 183 days per year in any single country.
• Avoid establishing significant residential ties (such as owning property, opening local bank accounts, or getting local healthcare).
• Stay mobile and maintain proof of movement to show compliance with tourist visa rules.

Ensuring Passport Safety

To avoid a U.S. border official inspecting your passport:

• Never return to U.S. territory (including Puerto Rico, Guam, or other U.S. territories).
• Use land border crossings where possible (some countries have less rigorous passport checks at land crossings compared to airports).
• Renew your passport abroad at U.S. embassies if necessary, as embassies do not require an exit/entry stamp from the U.S.

Avoiding U.S. Tax and Legal Issues

U.S. citizens are required to file taxes even when living abroad. Consider:

• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): If you live outside the U.S. for at least 330 days in a 12-month period, you can exclude up to $120,000+ (varies annually) of foreign-earned income from U.S. taxes.
• Banking Restrictions: U.S. citizens abroad may have difficulty opening foreign bank accounts due to FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) regulations. Consider keeping U.S. bank accounts open and using online banking.

Final Tips

• Plan an itinerary that balances long and short-stay countries to maintain a legal tourist status.
• Keep track of visa expiration dates and plan departures in advance.
• Use multiple passports if eligible (such as through dual citizenship) to avoid unwanted scrutiny.

Traveling Long-Term with Preschool or School-Age Kids

For U.S. citizens looking to live abroad on tourist visas while avoiding return to the U.S., traveling with children adds an extra layer of complexity—but it’s entirely possible with the right planning.

Education Options

• Homeschooling: Many countries allow foreigners to homeschool, which provides flexibility and consistency for your child’s education. Online accredited programs like Time4Learning or Outschool can keep them on track with U.S. curriculum standards.
• International Schools: Some countries offer English-language international schools, but tuition can be expensive. In Canada, the Vancouver Board of Education offers this, for example. Locations like Mexico, Thailand, and Portugal have affordable options.
• Local Schools: Enrolling in local public schools is possible in some countries, but it may require a temporary residence visa instead of a tourist visa.

Visa Considerations for Kids

• Children must also follow visa rules, meaning their allowed stay length will be the same as yours.
• If moving between countries frequently, ensure that children have valid entry and exit stamps to avoid overstay issues.

Healthcare and Well-Being

• Health Insurance: Many expat families use international health insurance plans from providers like Cigna or GeoBlue. Some countries offer affordable private healthcare, making it easy to access pediatricians abroad.
• Routine Care: Bring a supply of any necessary medications and research local healthcare providers before arrival.

Keeping a Sense of Stability

• Frequent travel can be disruptive for children, so creating routines is essential. Keeping familiar bedtime habits, online classes, and playtime schedules can help maintain a sense of normalcy.
• Socialization: Finding local expat or homeschooling groups on Facebook or Meetup can help your child make friends while abroad.

Long-term travel with children requires additional planning but can be an enriching experience, offering them a global education and a unique perspective on the world.

With careful planning, it is possible to remain outside the U.S. for years while legally traveling on tourist visas and avoiding border inspections.