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Which Countries Accept A UK Refugee Travel Document

Published: November 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Floria Mckim

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Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on which countries accept a UK Refugee Travel Document. The journey of a refugee is marked by immense challenges and uncertainties. Obtaining refugee status in a new country is a significant milestone, granting individuals the right to protection and a chance to rebuild their lives. One essential document that facilitates this journey is the UK Refugee Travel Document.

What exactly is a UK Refugee Travel Document, and why is it important? To put it simply, it is an official travel document issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom. This document serves as an identity proof and allows refugees to travel internationally while ensuring their protection and safety.

For refugees, having the ability to travel is not only a matter of personal freedom but can also be crucial in certain situations. Whether it is reuniting with family members, attending important events, or seeking educational and employment opportunities abroad, the UK Refugee Travel Document plays a vital role in facilitating these journeys.

In this article, we will delve into the countries that accept a UK Refugee Travel Document and explore any potential travel restrictions that may be imposed. We will also provide some valuable tips for traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document, ensuring a smoother and more hassle-free experience.

It is important to note that travel regulations can vary between countries and are subject to change. We recommend consulting with the relevant authorities or embassies of the countries you plan to visit for the most up-to-date information. With that said, let’s explore the world of travel opportunities that await UK Refugee Travel Document holders.

What is a UK Refugee Travel Document?

A UK Refugee Travel Document, also known as a Convention Travel Document, is an official document issued by the UK government to individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom. It serves as proof of identity and travel authorization for refugees, enabling them to travel internationally while enjoying the rights and protections granted to them through their refugee status.

The UK Refugee Travel Document is recognized by numerous countries around the world as a valid travel document, allowing refugees to enter and exit these countries and travel within their borders. It is important to note that this document is not a passport and does not grant the same privileges as a passport held by a citizen of a particular country. However, it serves as a viable alternative for refugees who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country.

The UK Refugee Travel Document is designed to comply with international standards set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It contains essential information about the document holder, including their full name, date of birth, nationality (as “Refugee”), and a photograph. The document also includes a unique document number and is typically valid for up to 10 years, although the exact validity period may vary.

It is crucial to understand that the UK Refugee Travel Document is only issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status by the UK government. Refugees who have been given humanitarian protection or discretionary leave to remain in the UK may not be eligible for this travel document. It is essential to consult with the relevant immigration authorities or seek legal advice to determine eligibility and understand the specific requirements for obtaining a UK Refugee Travel Document.

With a UK Refugee Travel Document in hand, refugees gain the ability to travel internationally, which can be instrumental in a variety of situations. From attending family events and weddings to pursuing educational opportunities or participating in international conferences, the UK Refugee Travel Document opens up a world of possibilities and helps refugees maintain connections and build new lives beyond their country of refuge.

Overview of Refugee Convention Signatories

The international community recognizes the importance of protecting refugees and providing them with the rights and support they need. Several international agreements and conventions have been established to ensure the welfare and safety of refugees, one of which is the 1951 Refugee Convention.

The 1951 Refugee Convention, also known as the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, is an international treaty that outlines the rights and obligations of signatory countries towards refugees. It defines who is considered a refugee and the legal protections they are entitled to receive.

Currently, 149 countries have signed and ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, affirming their commitment to upholding the rights and protection of refugees. These signatory countries are obligated to offer assistance to refugees, including granting them access to legal protection, education, employment, and healthcare, among other essential services.

It is vital to note that not all countries that have signed the Refugee Convention automatically accept the UK Refugee Travel Document. Each country retains the authority to establish its own policies and requirements for accepting travel documents issued by other countries.

When planning international travel with a UK Refugee Travel Document, it is crucial to consider the specific travel regulations and restrictions implemented by each country you intend to visit. While many signatory countries accept the UK Refugee Travel Document, some may have additional requirements or restrictions that need to be taken into account.

It is also worth noting that there are some countries that, despite being signatories to the Refugee Convention, do not accept the UK Refugee Travel Document. Their decision may be based on various factors, including their internal immigration policies or diplomatic relations with the issuing country.

As such, it is imperative to thoroughly research and understand the travel policies of each country you wish to visit. Consulting with the relevant embassies or consulates is highly recommended to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the acceptance of the UK Refugee Travel Document.

Overall, the Refugee Convention and its signatory countries play a crucial role in protecting and supporting refugees worldwide. It is through these international agreements that refugees are granted legal protections and the chance to rebuild their lives in a safe and welcoming environment. Understanding the nuances of each country’s acceptance policies ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for UK Refugee Travel Document holders.

Countries that Accept UK Refugee Travel Document

Refugees who possess a UK Refugee Travel Document have the opportunity to explore and visit numerous countries worldwide. While acceptance policies may vary, the UK Refugee Travel Document is generally recognized as a valid travel document by many nations.

Here are some of the countries that commonly accept the UK Refugee Travel Document:

  • European Union (EU) Countries: Most EU member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, recognize the UK Refugee Travel Document and allow entry for tourism, business, or temporary visits. However, it is essential to check the specific visa requirements or travel restrictions imposed by each country.
  • United States: The United States accepts the UK Refugee Travel Document for temporary visits under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or with the appropriate nonimmigrant visa. However, individuals with refugee status should consult with the U.S. Department of State or the nearest U.S. embassy for detailed information.
  • Canada: UK Refugee Travel Document holders can travel to Canada for tourism, business, or study purposes. They may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on their nationality. It is advisable to check the Canadian government’s official website or consult with the nearest Canadian embassy for precise information.
  • Australia: Australia generally accepts the UK Refugee Travel Document for temporary visits. However, travelers are required to obtain a valid visa, such as an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or another appropriate visa category. It is important to review the Australian government’s official visa information or consult with the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
  • New Zealand: UK Refugee Travel Document holders can travel to New Zealand for tourism, business, or study purposes. They typically need to apply for a visitor visa, which can be done through the New Zealand immigration website or the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate.

It is crucial to note that travel regulations can change, and entry requirements may vary depending on the purpose of travel, nationality, and specific circumstances. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the current travel policies of the desired destination country by consulting with applicable embassies, consulates, or official government websites.

Furthermore, it is essential to be aware that even when a country accepts the UK Refugee Travel Document, there may be additional entry requirements, such as visa applications or proof of sufficient funds to support the trip. Adhering to these requirements and obtaining the necessary visas or permits well in advance can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Overall, UK Refugee Travel Document holders have the opportunity to explore numerous countries and experience different cultures around the world. By staying informed about entry requirements and planning accordingly, refugees can make the most of their travel opportunities and create enriching experiences beyond their country of refuge.

Potential Travel Restrictions for UK Refugee Travel Document Holders

While the UK Refugee Travel Document is generally accepted by many countries, it is important for holders to be aware of potential travel restrictions they may encounter. These restrictions can vary depending on the destination country’s immigration policies and diplomatic relations.

Here are some potential travel restrictions that UK Refugee Travel Document holders may face:

  • Visa Requirements: Some countries may require UK Refugee Travel Document holders to obtain a visa before entering. The visa application process may involve providing additional documentation, such as proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, or financial means to support the trip. It is crucial to check the visa requirements of the desired destination and apply well in advance.
  • Limited Stay Duration: Certain countries may impose limits on the duration of stay for UK Refugee Travel Document holders. It is essential to be aware of these restrictions and comply with the authorized length of stay to avoid legal issues or penalties.
  • Travel Advisories: Travel advisories issued by governments to their citizens may also affect UK Refugee Travel Document holders. If a destination is subject to an active travel advisory, it is important to assess the risks involved and consider whether travel to that particular country is advisable at the time.
  • Transit Restrictions: Some countries may have transit restrictions for individuals traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document. This means that even if the destination country accepts the travel document, transiting through another country en route may not be permitted. It is crucial to check transit requirements and potential restrictions when planning multi-leg journeys.
  • Pre-clearance Requirements: In some cases, UK Refugee Travel Document holders may need to undergo pre-clearance procedures, such as obtaining an entry permit or providing additional documentation, before boarding a flight or entering a specific country. It is essential to verify if any pre-clearance requirements exist for the intended destination and comply with the necessary procedures.

It is important to note that travel restrictions can change over time and can vary between countries. Therefore, it is crucial for UK Refugee Travel Document holders to stay informed about the latest travel advisories, entry requirements, and immigration policies of the countries they plan to visit.

Before embarking on any international trip, it is highly recommended to consult with the relevant embassies, consulates, or immigration authorities of the destination countries. They will provide up-to-date and accurate information regarding any potential travel restrictions, visa requirements, or other necessary documents.

By being proactive and well-informed, UK Refugee Travel Document holders can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience while minimizing any unforeseen challenges or complications that may arise during their journey.

Tips for Traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document

Traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

  • Research Destination Requirements: Before traveling to a specific country, thoroughly research the entry requirements and visa policies for UK Refugee Travel Document holders. Check if a visa is required, the duration of stay allowed, and any other specific documentation that may be needed.
  • Check Travel Advisories: Stay updated on travel advisories issued by authorities of the destination country and your home country. These advisories provide important information about safety concerns, political unrest, natural disasters, and other factors that may affect your travel plans.
  • Ensure Validity of Travel Document: Confirm that your UK Refugee Travel Document is valid for the duration of your planned trip. Some countries require the document’s validity to extend beyond the planned departure date from their territory.
  • Keep Copies of Travel Documents: Make digital and physical copies of your UK Refugee Travel Document and other important travel documents. Keep a copy with a trusted family member or friend and carry a duplicate set with you in case of loss or theft.
  • Contact Embassies or Consulates: Reach out to the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit to confirm any specific requirements or restrictions for UK Refugee Travel Document holders. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Plan Ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to plan your trip, including obtaining visas, booking accommodations, and arranging transportation. Some countries may have lengthy visa processing times, so it is advisable to start the visa application process well in advance.
  • Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, or lost belongings. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case unexpected situations arise during your journey.
  • Stay Informed: Stay informed about the local customs, traditions, and cultural norms of the countries you plan to visit. This will help ensure you respect the local culture and avoid any unintentional misunderstandings.
  • Practice Safety Precautions: Keep your travel documents secure at all times, be cautious of your surroundings, and follow general safety precautions. Familiarize yourself with emergency contact information and the location of your country’s embassy or consulate in each destination.
  • Follow Immigration Rules: Always adhere to the immigration rules and regulations of the countries you visit. Abide by the specified duration of stay, avoid any prohibited activities, and ensure your conduct aligns with the local laws and regulations.

Remember, traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document provides you with unique opportunities to explore new destinations and embrace new experiences. By staying informed, prepared, and respectful, you can make the most of your travels and create lasting memories.

Traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document opens up a world of possibilities for individuals who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom. While there may be potential travel restrictions and varying acceptance policies, the majority of countries recognize the validity of the UK Refugee Travel Document and welcome holders for temporary visits and tourism.

It is crucial for UK Refugee Travel Document holders to familiarize themselves with the entry requirements, visa policies, and travel advisories of the countries they intend to visit. Staying informed about any potential travel restrictions and adhering to the immigration rules of each destination ensures a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

By conducting thorough research, consulting with relevant embassies or consulates, and planning ahead, UK Refugee Travel Document holders can navigate the complexities of international travel with confidence. Keeping copies of important travel documents, purchasing travel insurance, and practicing safety precautions are all essential elements of a successful trip.

The ability to travel internationally with a UK Refugee Travel Document empowers refugees to maintain connections, explore new horizons, and access educational and employment opportunities worldwide. It is a crucial step towards rebuilding their lives and embracing new experiences beyond their country of refuge.

As acceptance policies and travel regulations can change, it is important to stay up to date and consult with relevant authorities when planning trips. By doing so, UK Refugee Travel Document holders can make the most of their journeys, connect with different cultures, and create remarkable memories along the way.

Remember, traveling with a UK Refugee Travel Document is not just about visiting new places—it is about embracing the spirit of resilience and hope, celebrating newfound freedoms, and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.

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Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

visa free travel with refugee travel documents

  • Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • Countries that DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document
  • European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document
  • List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
  • List of countries that issue travel documents

How to Apply for a Visa

Please note that the information below changes regularly. For example, the UK leaving the EU may change the ability to travel visa-free to European countries. Therefore, you should always check the visa requirements of your country of destination before you travel.

This question comes up when you are considering travelling to one of the European or Schengen Countries or another country. Once you have obtained refugee status, you may wonder where you can travel without the need for a visa.

If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees , you can travel visa-free to a lot of countries. Different countries have their own travel restrictions and require you to have a visa even for short term visits like tourism, even if you have a Refugee Travel Document.

When you are travelling, you will need to make sure that you carry your valid UK residence permit confirming your refugee status together with the Refugee Travel Document.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

N OTE: This list is subject to changes at any time . We recommend double-checking information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of your country of destination before making any travel arrangements or you can start an application with IaM and we can check for you. IaM is not liable for any immigration or other difficulties you may encounter based on the information on this page.

For countries with official sources, there will be a hyperlink, which will be highlighted in orange and underlined. You can click on it to view more information.

Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina  
  • Czech Republic
  • Dominican Republic
  • Jamaica * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Kazakhstan  
  • Norway * (1951 Convention travel documents issued by Malta, Ireland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland have visa-free access to Norway )
  • Philippines
  • Saudi Arabia 
  • Thailand*  (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Turkey   (unless for official visit)
  • United Kingdom

Countries that do not require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • Liechtenstein 
  • Netherlands* (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Switzerland
  • Tunisia * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
  • Vatican city

European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document:

European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document:.

  • Liechtenstein
  • Monaco* (To be confirmed after Brexit)
  • Netherlands* (Depending on your nationality)

List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

  • UAE – Dubai
  • Qatar – Doha

List of countries that issue travel documents:

  • Netherlands *
  • Republic of Ireland
  • United States of America

All the above countries issue refugee travel documents in one form or another. They allow you to leave the country that issued them and return with the same documents. Some countries allow you to travel to other countries without the need for a visa. Whereas, you may need to obtain a visa for other countries. These arrangements are usually due to agreements between countries.

Please note that in some instances, you may lose your refugee status if you travel to the country from which you sought refuge. You will need to check with the country that issued your travel documents.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Getting a Travel Visa

A travel visa is an official document, usually stamped or affixed into the bearer’s passport, that grants the right to legally enter, remain within, or leave a foreign country. A  Schengen visa , for example, allows you to travel to any of the  Schengen countries  as well as other  non-Schengen countries  that allow travellers to enter their countries with a Schengen visa.

Travellers without a valid travel visa will be refused entry into a country. And, if the individual enters the country through illegal means and is later discovered, may be punished and deported.

Each country has their own processes for applying for a visa. Generally, you will need to fill in an application form and submit any requirements that the consulate or embassy asks for, and some even require you to appear for an interview .

There are many factors that could add to your visa being approved or rejected by the consulate, and many find the process of applying for a visa stressful for this reason. You can choose to do this on your own, or get a service like IaM to help you either make the application or check the application that you filled out yourself.

If you want to make your own visa application to any of the Schengen countries , check out our blog posts for our detailed guides:

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

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Do you have a refugee travel document and plan on travelling? Comment below.

IaM  can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a  US visa , a  UK Visa , or  visa to Europe , including help with appointment booking obligations,  IaM  can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at  IaM .

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51 Responses

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Great article Very informative Just one suggestion in title if you can add UK

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hello, Can I still travel to these countries visa free with a refugee travel document after brexit? Thanks

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

We are in the process of updating this post. Check with the embassy first to know where you want to go.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

The French embassy has been ignoring my email enquiries and their visa centre as well. I am stuck and do not know if I can still travel to France visa free with my refugee blue travel documents with Brexit. Has anyone travelled during this year 2021? did you need to apply for a Schengen visa or did you travel visa free? That would help a lot if someone could share their experience. Many thanks

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi all, I am currently stck in Georgia that entered the UK red list and in need for a buffer place to spend the ten days before flying back to the UK. I would appreciate any suggestions for a visa free destination.

Hi. You can check the UK amber list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-uks-amber-travel-list/ ) or green list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-new-countries-on-the-green-list/ ).

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

What type of visa do I need to visit a Switzerland for about 2 weeks to visit a friend. And can I travel to Switzerland from Sudan . I live in the uk and I have a refugee travel document. I’m traveling to Sudan in few days then if possible will travel to Switzerland.

You will need a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland to visit a friend. You can check the list above if you are required to apply for this visa.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi , I have a Uganda travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Read the blog post above.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Can I still travel to Malta with a refugee travel document from the UK without a visa? I have contacted the relevant embassies but have not had any replies yet.

Hi. We have updated our list. You can check which countries you can travel to visa-free.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi CHesca , thanks alot for this information so i have read that Malta does not require visa for Blue refuggee TravelDocument . just some one stuck in Istanbul and have to go to malta to do the 10 days there . thanks

You’re welcome. Glad to help.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi , I have a Japanese travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Check the list above or contact the embassy for more info.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi , thank you for this helpful article but can you please confirm about Turkey and Tunisia as I can see them in countries DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention. do you have any link to show this new update I checked Turkish official website and I think they still ask Refugee travel document holders to apply for visa. please let me know!

many thanks

You can check with the embassy to be sure if you will need a visa or not.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

I,m a refugee in Namibia. I have acceptance status and my traveling document. I would like to visit Canada or Austria. Please how will I get the Visa.

Hi. You can start your application with us here: For Austria: https://immigrationandmigration.com/schengen-visas/ For Canada: https://immigrationandmigration.com/canada-visas/

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi, I been in Portugal in June 21, could I still travel to Portugal with my travel document from UK? Thank you very much.

Check the article above.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi I live in the UK having travel documents. Can I travel to paris without visa please let me know Thanks

You can check the list above for France.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi Juan, can I check if your comment means you travelled to Portugal in June 2021 visa free? I have a flight to Portugal tomorrow and I was under the impression that I could travel without a visa with the same travel document mentioned in the article. Thanks

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

I would also be interested in this question in regards Portugal.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Has anyone with refugee travel document indeed travelled to USA WITHOUT a visa or do we actually need a visa to get in?

According to our list, USA requires a visa.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

My first inquiry: HI, my UK Refugee Travel Documents will expire in 14/11/2021 (that is bit less than 3 months from now). Can I still use it to travel to Europe (Greece or Lithuania)?

My second inquiry: about a week ago I contacted Lithuania (by email) asking if I could visit Lithuania using my Refugee Travel Document (above) visa-free. They confirmed that I COULD! However, in the list above Lithuania is under the “Countries that REQUIRE visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention”. Can you explain how this works please?

You need to make sure that your travel document is valid if you plan to travel. As we have put up in the notice, these restrictions can change at any time so we recommend you check with the embassy.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

I hold a UN Convention Refugee Travel Document issued in the UK, and I am preparing to visit a country that does not require visa from me. I wonder if I need to present my Biographic Residency Permit Card (BRP) at the custom alonsige the travel document?

Yes you will need that to enter the UK.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

I have refugee uganda refugee i need to visit canda how will i go there please help me.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hello, I have a blue passport (1951) issued by Belgium, I live with in Brussels, I would like to go to south Africa, I would like to know if I need or apply for a visa to go there some days of vacation?.. Thanks

You can check our list above and/or check with the embassy to be sure.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Just been to the Portugal Consulate, Refugees now need a Visa to travel to Portugal.

Hi Baba, is this with the 1951 travel document??

Is this with travel document and valid biometric card?

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi I have Uk travel document (black) I want travel Eastern Europe do I need visa or just buy ticket and travel also if not which country accept it ?

Check the list above.

Do I Require visa with UK travel Document and biometric card for Portugal? I am Albanian citizen, but I reside in the UK.

Hi Eduart, Albanian citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal or any Schengen countries.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

You forgot to mention Canada in your list of countries that issue travel documents. Here’s the details about how to get a Canadian travel document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-non-canadians.html

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi, Anyone been able to travel to Italy recently? I tried to go from Birmingham to Milan with Ryanair and they denied me boarding even though I printed embassy website and consulate email confirming that visa is not required. Ryanair’s handling agent at Birmingham Airport, Swissport use IATA TravelCentre to check for visas

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi I am a Zimbabwean national who holds a UK refugee travel document and I just wanted to check if South Africa definitely does not require a visa as the last time a friend travelled there about ten years ago they did require one. At that time it did state that we needed one on their website but this is no longer stated so am guessing this has changed. Checked with the embassy but referred me to vfs global.

Regarding my earlier enquiry just got an email from VFS global South Africa desk and the agent stated that a visa would need to be applied for prior to travel if I hold a UK refugee travel document as a Zimbabwean national.

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Hi , I have a uk travel document the Convention of 28 july 1951 and i wanted to check if i need a visa to travel to belguim. Thanks

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

Belgium is listed above in one of the countries that you need a visa. Check out how to apply for a Belgium visa .

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Home Office travel documents and visa free countries

Tell Us What You Think?  

Under the 1951 UN Convention Refugee Travel Document (blue) is issued by the United Kingdom to a refugee who has been granted asylum in the UK. If someone has been recognised as a refugee then they can apply for a travel document under the 1951 refugee Convention, which is a blue passport-sized document. Information about applying for this travel document is available  on the UK government website .

The Refugee Travel Document Normally is normally issued for up to 10 years for adults and for up to 5 years for children, or in line with limited leave. It also may be issued with a shorter validity if considered appropriate.

Travel documents are normally valid for all countries other than the country asylum is claimed from and/or the country of origin.

Countries that allow visa-free travel on Refugee Travel document

Countries that do not allow entry with refugee travel document.

UAE – Dubai

Qatar – Doha

Stateless person’s travel document

A stateless person may apply for a travel document under 1954 United Nations Convention relating to Stateless Persons. Information about applying for this travel document is available  on the UK government website . For more information on statelessness, see our  fact sheet on statelessness .

The travel document is normally valid for up to 5 years (children) or 10 years (adults) or in line with the leave granted. The stateless travel document is normally valid for all countries.

Certificate of Travel

Certificates of Travel may be issued to individuals who:

  • are permanently resident in the United Kingdom, or
  • have been granted Humanitarian Protection (HP) or Discretionary Leave (DL) to enter or remain in the UK for a limited period, following an unsuccessful asylum application  and  can provide documentary evidence that they have been formally and unreasonably refused a passport by their country of origin.

The certificate of travel is normally valid for up to 5 years or for the length of leave the individual has. The Home Office guidance states that the certificate of travel is normally valid for all countries but there were previously issues with the acceptance of the document in a number of countries, including many European ones. It is recommended that a particular country’s rules should be checked before applying for such a document and travelling to that country.

However, if an individual stay outside of the UK for a period of more than 2 years, that leave to remain (whether indefinite or limited) will lapse. The leave to remain will not lapse if someone comes back and left again during the two-year period – it must be continuous for the leave to lapse.

Disclaimer:

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.

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Does a UK refugee travel document allow entry into any other country?

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

A UK refugee travel document is an immigration document, which has been issued under the UN Refugee Convention by the UK to a person who has been granted asylum in the UK. It is a blue passport-sized document.

If you are a holder of a UK refugee travel document, you may be able to travel visa-free to a number of specific countries. However, you are usually not permitted to travel to the country that asylum is sought from and/or your country of origin.

Different countries have their own immigration restrictions and may require you to have a visa even for short-term visits like tourism. You will need to check the information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of the country of your destination before you make any travel arrangements.

Information about applying for a UK travel document, as well as what you can and cannot do as a refugee is available on the UK government website .

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to  contact us  for advice, send us an  e-mail , or, alternatively, follow us on  Twitter ,  Facebook , or  LinkedIn  to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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></center></p><h2>The Impact of Brexit on UK Refugee Travel Documents: What You Need to Know</h2><ul><li>By KQ Solicitors</li><li>February 10, 2023</li></ul><p><center><img style=

Since the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) , UK refugee travel documents have been significantly impact. For those seeking asylum in the UK, obtaining a UK refugee travel document is now more complicated than ever.

With so many changes, it’s important to understand how Brexit affects UK refugee travel documents . And what steps must be taken to obtain them? This blog post will discuss the UK refugee travel document after Brexit and what you need to know.

What are the Changes?

The UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) has had significant consequences for refugees and asylum seekers .

As a result of Brexit. It is no longer possible for refugees to travel with a UK refugee travel document issued . Before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020. Such documents are now only valid for travel within the EU . And to some non-EU countries with special arrangements in place with the UK.

For travel to other countries, refugees must now obtain visas or other documents depending on the destination.

What Does This Mean for Refugees?

Here are some of the changes that refugees may face after Brexit:

  • Refugees in the UK will no longer be able to move freely within the EU. Free movement is a key principle of EU membership .
  • The UK will no longer be bound by the Dublin Regulation . Which allows asylum seekers to transfer from one EU member state to another.
  • Asylum seekers may be required to go through more stringent procedures and standards when applying for refugee status in the UK.
  • The closure of the Balkan Route or FRONTEX may make it more difficult for refugees to travel to the UK by sea.

Ultimately, Brexit will mean greater restrictions on the rights and freedoms available to refugees in the UK. For those seeking refugee status in the UK. It will be important to stay informed of any changes . That may affect their ability to seek safety and security in the country.

How Can I Prepare?

The UK government has implemented new regulations for those applying for a UK refugee travel document after Brexit. It is important to be aware of these changes and the implications for asylum seekers in the UK. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for the transition:

  • Check the Home Office website for the latest updates on UK immigration rules and regulations .
  • Contact your local Home Office branch for more information about the application process for a UK refugee travel document after Brexit.
  • Ensure all the relevant documentation is prepared, including copies of your passport, birth certificate, and other necessary documents.
  • Research the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, entry/exit requirements, and other changes to the UK immigration system since Brexit.
  • Consider contacting an immigration lawyer at KQ Solicitors . If you need assistance with your application or have questions about the new regulations.
  • Consider other potential routes into the UK, such as applying for humanitarian protection or family reunions.

What Other Options Do I Have?

For those who have been granted asylum in the UK. The UK refugee travel document (RTD) is the only option for traveling abroad. However, there are other alternatives to consider after Brexit.

If you were grant asylum in the UK before 2021, you might be eligible to apply for a UK passport. To do so, you must meet certain requirements, such as being a British citizen or having Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status in the UK. Additionally, you must provide documentary evidence of your legal status in the UK and have no criminal record.

EU Citizens’ Rights

If you were grant asylum in the UK before 2021, you may be able to retain the rights of an EU citizen, including freedom of movement throughout EU countries. To be eligible for this status, you must demonstrate that you had a lawful residence in the UK for at least five years before December 31, 2020.

If you wish to travel outside the EU, options are still available. Many non-EU countries allow people with refugee travel documents to easily enter their borders. Examples include Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

However, some countries may require additional paperwork, such as a visa and proof of financial support. Additionally, you must not have committed any serious criminal offenses in the past.

After Brexit, the UK refugee travel document will remain the main form of identification for refugees in the UK. However, if eligible, you may also be able to apply for a UK passport or retain the rights of an EU citizen. Additionally, many non-EU countries accept refugee travel documents.

It is important to research your options and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation before traveling.

Grants and Refusal Stats that Impacted Refugee Status

Note: “Other” category primarily includes long residence or discretionary leave. The skill workers’ category was formerly known as Tier 2.

EU Asylum Policy and the UK

The UK’s position on asylum has always been a point of contention, and with the Brexit vote, this issue has become even more pressing. As an EU member, the UK has been subject to the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) , which sets standards and procedures for assessing and granting protection to those seeking refuge in Europe.

EU Immigration to the UK

Table 1: Net Immigration by EU and Non-EU Immigrants

This table shows the net immigration figures for EU and non-EU immigrants from 2004-2015. It shows that when the East European A8 countries joined the EU in 2004, immigration rose significantly, but it fell back during the recession after 2007.

In 2015, net EU immigration was 172,000, comprising 257,000 EU nationals arriving and 85,000 leaving. This is just below the figure of 191,000 net immigrants for non-EU nationals.

Table 2: EU Immigrants Living in the UK

Table 3: EU Nationalities Living in the UK

This table also shows that EU countries now account for 35% of all immigrants living in the UK. Now that the UK has voted to leave the European Union, it is uncertain what the UK’s approach to asylum will be.

The following are some of the main points to consider when it comes to EU asylum policy and the UK:

  • The UK is no longer bound by CEAS and the Dublin Regulation, which governs which EU member states are responsible for processing asylum claims.
  • The UK government has indicated that it will end free movement for EU citizens and has stated that it will seek to limit the number of people entering the UK. This could have a significant impact on asylum seekers and refugees.
  • The UK will also have to decide whether it will opt in or out of the ECHR , which sets out human rights standards for all European countries.
  • The UK will also need to decide whether to adhere to any of the other instruments of the CEAS, such as the Qualification Directive , which sets out the criteria for recognizing refugee status.
  • The UK will also need to decide how it will handle family reunification and relocation of refugees, both within Europe and from outside of Europe.
  • Finally, the UK must decide what rights asylum seekers will have to work and access public services.

Ultimately, until Brexit negotiations are complete, the exact impact on UK refugee travel documents after Brexit is unclear.

The Closure of the Balkan Route or FRONTEX

The closure of the Balkan Route, also known as FRONTEX , has directly impacted UK refugee travel documents after Brexit. This route was traditionally used by refugees to travel to Europe, but it was closed in 2016 due to security concerns and the large number of refugees entering Europe.

This meant fewer safe and legal pathways for refugees and asylum seekers to access Europe, creating a bottleneck in their movement. As a result, those seeking refuge now must find alternative routes, such as those found through the Mediterranean Sea or Eastern Europe, which are both fraught with danger and risk.

Furthermore, the closure of the Balkan Route means that refugees wishing to access the UK must do so through other means, such as applying for a UK refugee travel document after Brexit. This document proves that a person is recognized as a refugee and allows them to travel to the UK safely and legally.

However, obtaining this document is complex and often difficult due to the current immigration policies in the UK. For example, applicants must first apply for refugee status in an EU member state before applying for a UK refugee travel document after Brexit.

Repercussions of Leaving Dublin

The UK’s departure from the European Union will significantly impact the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. The UK is currently a signatory to the Dublin Regulation, which allows refugees to claim asylum in the first EU country they enter. This means refugees cannot move to other EU countries to claim asylum. With the UK’s departure from the EU, this regulation will no longer be applicable.

This has major implications for refugees and asylum seekers traveling from the UK, which means they cannot rely on the Dublin Regulation to claim asylum in another EU country. Without the safety net of the Dublin Regulation, refugees and asylum seekers may struggle to find safe havens within the EU.

Furthermore, this could mean that refugees and asylum seekers are left stranded in the UK without adequate protection.

Additionally, the UK’s withdrawal from the Dublin Regulation could affect how UK refugee travel documents after Brexit are issued. The UK’s exit from the EU could mean that travel documents for refugees and asylum seekers are more difficult to obtain, making it harder for them to travel between EU countries.

It is also possible that the UK government may tighten its borders to limit immigration, which could make it more difficult for refugees and asylum seekers to obtain the necessary documents they need to travel.

The repercussions of leaving the Dublin Regulation may have lasting consequences for refugees and asylum seekers. It is important to keep up with developments in the Brexit negotiations to stay informed on what this means for UK refugee travel documents after Brexit and how it could affect access to protection in the EU.

Asylum Standards and Procedures After Brexit

Brexit has created unprecedented uncertainty and complexity for UK refugees and those seeking asylum. With the UK no longer being a part of the EU, the standards and procedures for obtaining a UK refugee travel document have changed significantly.

The UK government has made it clear that those claiming asylum in the UK must demonstrate that they are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin due to a well-founded fear of persecution. As part of this, they must provide evidence that they are not a threat to public safety or national security.

The following are some of the key changes that refugees and asylum seekers need to be aware of when applying for a UK refugee travel document after Brexit:

  • Refugees must provide detailed information on their reasons for claiming asylum, including any potential risk factors that may arise.
  • They must provide proof of identity, nationality, and documents demonstrating the conditions in their country of origin.
  • All asylum applications will now be subject to strict screening procedures to ensure public safety and security.
  • Those granted asylum status will be issued a UK refugee travel document after Brexit that is valid for five years and renewable upon expiration.
  • The application processing time has increased significantly since the UK’s exit from the EU. It can now take six months to obtain a UK refugee travel document after Brexit.
  • Asylum seekers are also subject to restrictions on their movement and travel within the UK.

Refugees and asylum seekers need to understand the new standards and procedures for obtaining a UK refugee travel document after Brexit. By staying informed about the changes and preparing for the application process, refugees can ensure that they have all the necessary documents and information to successfully apply for asylum in the UK.

FAQs – UK Refugee Travel Document After Brexit

Q: what is a uk refugee travel document.

A: A UK refugee travel document is issued to individuals who have been granted asylum or refugee status in the UK, allowing them to travel internationally.

Q: Can I travel to other EU countries with a UK refugee travel document after Brexit?

A: The ability to travel to other EU countries with a UK refugee travel document after Brexit may be limited. It is recommended that individuals check the specific travel requirements for the country they plan to visit before making travel plans.

Q: Can I travel to Turkey with a UK refugee travel document?

A: Turkey is not a member of the European Union, so travel to Turkey with a UK refugee travel document should not be affected by Brexit. However, it is recommended to check with the Turkish embassy for specific requirements and potential restrictions for individuals with a refugee travel document.

Q: What documents do I need to apply for a UK refugee travel document?

A: To apply for a UK refugee travel document, you must provide proof of your asylum or refugee status in the UK and a valid passport or other valid identification.

Q: How long does it take to process my UK refugee travel document application?

A: Processing times for UK refugee travel document applications may vary, typically within 6 to 8 weeks.

Q: Can I renew my UK refugee travel document?

A: You can renew your UK refugee travel document before it expires.

Q: Can I apply for a UK refugee travel document if my asylum status is still pending?

A: No, you can only apply for a UK refugee travel document after you have been granted asylum or refugee status in the UK.

Conclusion – UK Refugee Document After Brexit

The Brexit referendum has had a major impact on UK refugee travel documents after Brexit. As the UK leaves the European Union, new regulations and policies will be enacted.

These changes can make it harder for refugees to travel within the EU. Refugees must prepare themselves for these changes and understand their options. We hope this blog post has been informative and given you an understanding of what to expect in the coming months. If you found this information useful, please share it with others who may need it.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about UK refugee travel documents after Brexit. If you find this information helpful, don’t forget to share it with your social circle.

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I’ve UK rafugee travel documents . I want which countries I can travel in Europe without visa . Thankyou

Can I travel to Netherlands whit UK refugee travel document whit out Visa.

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TRAVELLING WITH UK REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT: VISA REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS

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Refugee Travel Document: A Comprehensive Guide

A refugee travel document (also called a 1951 Convention travel document or Geneva passport) is a travel document issued to a refugee by the UK Home Office. Refugee travel document: issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status by the UK government. This document allows them to travel internationally.

A UK travel document refers to various official documents issued by the UK government that allow individuals to travel internationally. These documents include:

  • UK passport : The most common travel document issued to UK citizens, allowing them to travel internationally for both tourism and business purposes.
  • Refugee travel document : Issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status by the UK government. This document allows them to travel internationally.
  • Stateless person travel document : Issued to individuals who are not recognized as citizens of any country but have been granted permission to stay in the UK. This document enables them to travel internationally.
  • Convention travel document : Issued to individuals who are recognized as refugees or stateless persons and are unable to obtain a national passport from their home country. This document allows them to travel internationally.
  • Emergency travel document : Issued to individuals who have lost their passport or had it stolen while abroad. It allows them to return to the UK or continue their journey.

It is important for individuals to check their travel requirements before embarking on international travel and ensure that they have the correct travel document for their specific circumstances.

Refugee travel document

You can apply for a refugee travel document if either:

  • you have refugee status in the UK
  • you originally came to the UK on a family reunion visa to join someone who has refugee status

The Basics: What Are UK Travel Documents?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s start with the basics. UK travel documents are essential papers that grant individuals the right to enter, stay, or transit through the United Kingdom. These documents are a testament to the UK’s commitment to maintaining its borders’ integrity while facilitating legitimate travel.

At Deluxe Law Chambers, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive information to help you navigate the details of UK travel documents. In this guide, we will delve deep into the world of UK travel documentation, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make your journey hassle-free and enjoyable.

How long does it take to get a UK Travel Document?

A: The processing time for a UK Travel Document varies but it usually takes around 3 to 6 weeks from the date of application.

  • £75 for adults (it’s free if you were born before 1 September 1929)
  • £49 for children 15 or under

Why choose Deluxe Law Chambers to help you with your refugee travel document?

Choosing the right and best immigration lawyer for your immigration needs can be stressful. While it could seem like a difficult choice, let us simplify things for you. Here are a few good reasons why you should choose Deluxe Law Chambers to assist you with your UK visas and immigration matters.

Our commitment to affordability means that you can receive expert advice without straining your finances. Our success hinges on transparency. We believe in keeping you informed about every step of the process, ensuring that you understand your options and the potential outcomes.

  • REGULATED – We are regulated and approved immigration lawyers by The Office Of The Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC).
  • EXPERIENCE – Our firm rests on specialist immigration lawyers and solicitors with years of experience. Our well-earned experience distinguishes us from others.
  • EXPERTISE – As your immigration lawyer, we offer unparalleled expertise. We don’t just understand and interpret the law, we keep an eye on the slightest changes.
  • AUTHORITY – Our authority isn’t just about legal powers but is gained through genuine care and successful outcomes for our clientele. So, why choose just a lawyer when you can choose a trusted authority?
  • TRUST – Our commitment to uphold your trust is unwavering. Our transparency and ethical conduct are treatments for the trust placed in us by our clients.
  • DIRECT ACCESS – At Deluxe Law Chambers as your immigration lawyers, you will have direct access to your qualified lawyer 24/7.
  • AFFORDABLE – We are a law firm with an affordable and fixed fee plan. We offer two installments to ensure you can pay easily.

A combination of our rich experience, deep-rooted expertise, trust authority, and unwavering commitment to our clients makes us your best choice.

So, why wait? Take your first step towards a successful immigration application with us.

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Travel documents for refugees

Introduction, who can get a travel document, travelling to ireland with a ‘convention’ travel document, how to apply for a travel document, further information.

A travel document allows people living in Ireland who cannot get a passport to travel outside Ireland. People who have been declared a refugee are entitled to a 1951 Convention Travel Document.

You may also be able to get a travel document if you have subsidiary protection status or leave to remain, and you cannot get a national passport from your country of nationality.

Travel documents are valid for a maximum of 3 years.

You may be eligible for a travel document if you:

  • Have been declared a refugee
  • Have been granted Subsidiary Protection status
  • Have been granted permission to live in Ireland following a request by the United National High Commissioner for Refugees (a programme refugee )
  • Have been declared stateless under the New York Convention of 1954
  • You are the family member of any of the above
  • Have permission to remain and need to travel because of an emergency

If you have been declared a refugee following an application for international protection, or you came to Ireland as a programme refugee, you can get a travel document.

If you were declared a refugee following an application for international protection, you can get a refugee travel document. It says “Convention of 28 July 1951” on the front cover. It is sometimes called a ‘1951 Convention Travel Document’. You can travel to most countries in the EU without a visa, and stay for up to 90 days using this travel document. You should check with the embassy of the country where you plan to travel.

Programme refugees cannot get a 1951 Convention Travel Document. Instead, you can apply for a regular travel document.

People with subsidiary protection status

If you were granted subsidiary protection following an application for international protection, ISD may give you a travel document if you cannot get a passport from your country of nationality.

This travel document is valid for up to 3 years (or until your residency is due for renewal). You generally need a visa to enter other countries. You should check with the embassy of the country where you to plan to travel.

Family members

You may get a travel document if you are a family member of someone with refugee or subsidiary protection status. You must show that you have tried to get a passport or travel document from your country of nationality.

Your children need their own travel documents.

People with leave to remain or other residency status

ISD can issue a travel document to other residents, but only in exceptional circumstances, and where you cannot get a passport from your country of nationality. For example, if you have to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment and you are unable to get a passport, ISD may issue a travel document.

You should note that travel documents take 16 weeks or more to process.

Since 19 July 2022 , if you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland , you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland.

You can apply for a travel document online for a fee of €55.

You can also apply by post using the travel document application paper form (pdf) . If you apply by post you should include the following with your completed application:

  • 4 passport-sized photographs, 2 of which are signed by a member of An Garda Síochána- check the photographic requirements for a travel document (pdf).
  • €55 fee - you can pay the fee by bank draft or postal order, made payable to the Department of Justice.
  • Passport or national identity card
  • Permission letter allowing you to remain in Ireland

Minors will also need:

  • Birth certificate (if applicable)
  • A letter from the minor’s school or GP, confirming that they go to school
  • One of the minor’s passport-sized photos should be signed by their school or GP

If the applicant is not in Ireland (for example, where family reunification has been granted), you can leave the Garda sections blank and send the completed form to the ISD Travel Document Unit. They will send the completed form to the nearest embassy or Irish representative to have the rest of the form completed and witnessed.

If your application is successful your travel document will be sent to you by registered post. If your application is refused you will be informed in writing. You are advised not to make any travel arrangements until you receive your travel document.

You can find information about travel documents on the website of the Irish Immigration Service Delivery.

Travel Document Unit

Repatriation Division Immigration Services Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Re-entry Visa Processing Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Related documents

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  • Your rights when you travel by bus or coach When travelling in the EU by bus or coach, you have rights if there are delays or cancellations. Find out more about what to do if things go wrong. 1139.6877
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If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Travelling with uk travel documents for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.

Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents may travel to Germany subject to the following conditions.

General entry requirements

Economic activities/ employment on short-term visits, 1951 convention travel document for refugees, 1954 convention travel document for stateless persons, certificate of travel.

Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents travelling to Germany are subject to all Schengen entry requirements. The entry requirements are contained in the Schengen Borders Code and comprise the following:

You need to be in possession of a valid travel document entitling you to cross the Schengen borders. All UK travel documents referred to below are recognized as valid for travel to Germany. On the date of entry into the Schengen member states the travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years. The document’s validity must extend at least three months after the intended date of your departure from Germany.

Practical examples:

  • A traveller arriving on 1 December 2021 for a 20 days stay in Germany with a travel document issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 will be allowed entry.
  • The same person arriving on 2 December 2021 will NOT be allowed entry.
  • You need to be able to justify the purpose and conditions of your intended stay, and you need to have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for your return to your country of origin or transit to a third country into which you are certain to be admitted, or you must be in a position to acquire such means lawfully.
  • You are not a person for whom an alert has been issued in the Schengen Information System for the purposes of refusing entry.
  • You are not considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Member States, in particular where no alert has been issued in Member States’ national databases for the purposes of refusing entry on the same grounds.

As a rule, visa-free short-term visitors may not pursue any economic activity in Germany. However, some professional activities may be carried out without a corresponding visa or residence permit as they are not classed as an economic activity. For details, please click here .

Any other economic activity for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period requires a C visa authorising such activity .

Irrespective of their nationality: holders of Convention Travel Documents for Refugees (1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, dark blue), issued by the United Kingdom , do not require a visa for travel to Germany provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Please note that you may not take up any employment or pursue any gainful economic activity in Germany unless such employment is explicitly authorised by a visa or a residence permit issued by the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) in Germany.

Irrespective of their nationality: holders of Stateless Person’s Travel Documents (1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, red), issued by the United Kingdom , do not require a visa for travel to Germany provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Please note that you may not take up any employment or pursue any gainful economic activity in Germany unless such employment is explicitly authorised by a visa or a residence permit issued by the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) in Germany.

Holders of British Certificates of Travel (black) require a visa for Germany for any kind of stay. Depending on their nationality they may also require visas for airside transits through a German airport. For details please click here .

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refugee travel document uk visa free countries

  • Entering and staying in the UK
  • Visas and entry clearance
  • What are acceptable travel documents for entry clearance: ECB08
  • UK Visas and Immigration

ECB08: what are acceptable travel documents for entry clearance

Updated 5 August 2021

refugee travel document uk visa free countries

© Crown copyright 2021

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-are-acceptable-travel-documents-for-entry-clearance-ecb08/ecb08-what-are-acceptable-travel-documents-for-entry-clearance

1. ECB8.1 Why a passport or travel document is needed and what constitutes one

The Immigration Rules state that persons seeking entry to the UK are to be refused entry by an Immigration Officer if they fail to produce a valid national passport or other document satisfactorily establishing their identity and nationality (Rules paragraph 320(3) ).

This applies equally to applicants requesting entry clearance from an ECO.

A bona fide passport or travel document should:

  • contain the photograph, name and date of birth of the holder;
  • state the holder’s nationality (or disclaimer if the holder is stateless or of undetermined nationality);
  • be valid for travel to the UK.

2. ECB8.2 States not recognised by HMG

HMG does not recognise certain ‘states’ and does not recognise the passports or travel documents issued by them. Entry clearances should not therefore be put in such passports or travel documents.

However, this does not mean that an entry clearance may not be issued. If the requirements of the Immigration Rules are met, an entry clearance must be issued on an EU Uniform Format Form (EU UFF).

The UK does not recognise:

  • ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (‘TRNC’)
  • Yemen (Royalist authorities)**.

*Visas may be placed in ordinary Taiwanese passports. But the EU Uniform Format Form should be used when a diplomatic or official Taiwanese passport is presented.

**Passports which may be in circulation although they are being phased out.

3. ECB8.3 Passports not recognised by HMG

Although HMG does not recognise certain passports as evidence of identity and nationality, the Secretary of State does not have the power to tell ECOs which passports to accept. If ECOs are unsure whether a passport is acceptable and can be endorsed then they should contact their regional operations manager.

4. ECB8.4 What to do when a government issues a new form of travel document

When a new type of passport / travel document is first issued by a foreign or Commonwealth government, or an International Organisation decides to issue a travel document, the Post should as a priority:

  • request four specimens.

These examples are required so that the passport / travel document can be formally recognised and notifies the Home Office.

5. ECB8.5 Passports and travel documents in current use

Listed below are passports and travel documents in current use. Although most are acceptable for entry to the UK, some are not.

  • Collective passports (ECB8.6)
  • Emergency travel documents (ECB8.7)
  • European Union Laissez-Passer (ECB8.8)
  • EU Uniform Format Form (replaced Declaration of Identity form)(ECB8.9)
  • Hong Kong travel documents (ECB8.10)
  • Identity cards of EEA Nationals and Swiss Nationals (ECB8.11)
  • National passports (ECB8.12)
  • Refugee or stateless persons travel documents (ECB8.13)
  • Travel documents issued by International Organisations (ECB8.14)
  • Travel documents issued by the United Nations (ECB8.15)
  • Unofficial and self-styled ‘passports’ (ECB8.16) back to top

6. ECB8.6 Collective passports

6.1 ecb8.6.1 as with national passports, these travel documents are issued by governments. each collective passport must:.

  • be issued by an authority competent to issue passports;
  • be in a form recognised by the Home Office;
  • give the date and place of issue and the name of the issuing authority;
  • certify that all persons included in it are nationals of the country in which it is issued, excepting Italian collective passports (which are not certified in this manner because they never include persons not of Italian nationality) or certain stateless persons (see section below);
  • describe the party (for example, a sports team, a school class);
  • state the country or countries of destination;
  • give the surnames (in alphabetical order), first names, date and place of birth and place of residence for each member of the party;
  • have adequate space for the Immigration Officer’s stamps.

6.2 ECB8.6.2 Amendments or additions to collective passports

Any amendments or additions to a collective passport may be made only by the issuing authority. Immigration Officers will accept the validity of documents upon which deletions have been made provided each alteration is separately authenticated by an ECO.

6.3 ECB8.6.3 A collective passport may be used for travel to the UK provided:

  • All those included in it are to engage in a common enterprise, and full arrangements are made for the visit before arrival.
  • The visit is of a temporary nature and will not exceed six months.
  • The party enter, remain and leave the UK together.

The number of people included on one collective passport must not be less than five or more than fifty.

6.4 ECB8.6.4 Additional requirements for collective passports:

  • Each member of the party who is aged 16 years or over must be in possession of an official identity document bearing a photograph (for example, an identity card, driving licence, certificate of nationality for travel purposes or a passport which has expired not more than three years previously).
  • Alternatively, a certified photograph of each such member may be affixed to the collective passport opposite his / her name. The photographs may be certified by the organising body, or by the leader of the party. After they have been affixed to the passport, each must be stamped by the ECO in such a way that the photograph cannot be removed and replaced by another.
  • It is helpful, but not a requirement, that young persons under the age of 16 years carry with them some kind of official identity document.

6.5 ECB8.6.5 Requirements for the leader of the party travelling on a collective passport:

  • Be at least 21 years of age and remain in company with the party.
  • Be responsible for complying with the immigration requirements.
  • Ensure that the members of the party remain together.
  • Possess an individual passport.

6.6 ECB8.6.6 Authentication of collective passports by ECOs

In addition to being endorsed with entry clearances, when necessary, collective passports must be authenticated by an ECO or Consular Officer.

No authentication is required for collective passports issued by the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey

6.7 ECB8.6.7 Collective passports and Stateless persons

Stateless persons under the age of 21 whose residence in the countries listed above is authorised by the national authorities concerned, may be included on collective passports issued by those national authorities provided:

  • The names of stateless persons must be listed separately from nationals, and their status clearly shown.
  • The collective passport must bear a clear indication at the top that the party includes stateless persons.
  • Each stateless person aged 16 or over carries an identity card bearing a photograph.

The inclusion of stateless young persons on a collective passport commits the issuing government to their readmission without time limit to its own territory, even when the stateless person does not return with the party.

6.8 ECB8.6.8 Advice if a person on a collective passport must unavoidably remain longer in the United Kingdom

Any member of the party who is unable for some unavoidable reason, e.g. illness or accident, to leave the UK with the main party must obtain an individual passport from his/her Consul in the UK. The passport must be sent with a letter giving the reason for prolonging the stay to:

Public Enquiry Office UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY

In addition, when the party leaves the country, the leader should inform an Immigration Officer at the port of entry if any members of the party have been left behind.

6.9 ECB8.6.9 Entry clearance fees for collective passports

Unless entry clearance is to be gratis (see ECB06 Entry clearance fees for guidance) each person travelling should be charged a fee.

7. ECB8.7 Emergency travel documents

Emergency travel documents are issued by governments. They are usually for specific journeys. The ECO should normally consider them satisfactory documents for travel to the United Kingdom

8. ECB8.8 European Union Laissez-Passer

The European Union (EU) provides certain officials and their dependents with a laissez-passer. This laissez-passer is accepted in lieu of a passport or national identity card for entry to any of the EU member states.

9. ECB8.9 EU Uniform Format Form (UFF)

9.1 what is a uff.

The UFF is a document on which a visa can be placed when a travel document is not recognised as a valid travel document by HMG. It is used by all EU Member States.

It replaced the previous Declaration of Identity form (GV3). Unlike the previous GV3 form, the UFF does not confer nationality and neither does it confirm identity.

A UFF is not a statutory declaration in the true sense and may be witnessed by an officer responsible for signing entry clearances.

The ECO should not issue a UFF unless they intend to endorse a visa on it.

9.2 Is a referral to the regional operations manager mandatory?

No, ECOs may issue a UFF after authorisation from an ECM in straightforward cases, that is, first time family reunion or settlement cases or cases where and applicant does not have an acceptable travel document.

*(family reunion guidance) SET10 - Family reunion .

In all other circumstances authority to issue UFFs must be obtained from the regional operations manager. Each region should set up local processes for referring UFF’s for authorisation.

What is the procedure for issuing UFFs authorised by an ECM?

See ECB9.3 (c)

9.3 What period of leave should be granted?

If the applicant is applying under the Family Reunion policy and the sponsor has 5 years Limited Leave (LTR) the applicant should be granted LTE in line with the sponsor’s leave, expiring on the same date. If the sponsor has Indefinite Leave (ILR) the applicant should be granted ILE for 12 months.

The ECO should add the initial and surname of their sponsor in the ‘Add endorsement’ field. If the applicant is applying under a category other than Family Reunion, the visa should be valid for the duration of the category under which they have applied, for example, Settlement 27 months.

The ECO should add the initial and surname of their sponsor in the ‘Add endorsement’ field.

It is important to ensure that a UFF is issued in conjunction with a travel document, wherever possible. But where the applicant does not hold a travel document, the application should be referred to the regional operations manager. See referral procedure above.

As the UFF is personal to the holder and only one visa may be attached to it, the ECO must issue a separate form and vignette for each applicant.

Where appropriate, the ECO may issue a multiple-entry entry clearance on a UFF.

9.4 What is the fee?

The standard entry clearance fees are payable, except for categories which are exempt (see Exempt (EXM) )

There is no fee for the UFF itself.

You can download a (specimen EU Uniform Format Form (UFF) on this guidance page.

For information on the issuing / processing of EU UFF see ECB9.3 .

10. ECB8.10 Hong Kong travel documents

10.1 ecb8.10.1 since july 1998 there have been four different types of hong kong travel documents:.

  • the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport; (ECB8.10.2)
  • the British National (Overseas) passport; (ECB8.10.3)
  • the British Overseas Citizen passport; (ECB8.10.4)
  • the Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes. (ECB8.10.5)

10.2 ECB8.10.2 The HKSAR passport is issued by the HKSAR Immigration Department on the authority of the Chinese Government. It is issued to all Chinese nationals who have right of abode in the HKSAR and hold the Hong Kong permanent identity card. BN(O) passport-holders who are eligible for the HKSAR passport can hold both passports simultaneously.

10.3 ecb8.10.3 the bn(o) passport can be held and used as a travel document by hong kong residents. some 3.4 million hong kong people (mostly chinese nationals) are bn(o)s - a status held for life. bn(o) passports have a ten-year validity and are renewable at the british consulate-general in hong kong, at uk passport offices and at other british consular posts overseas. bn(o)s have visa-free access for visits to the uk., 10.4 ecb8.10.4 the british overseas citizen passport is held by those people, who were formerly british dependent territories citizens and who failed to register for a bn(o) passport before 1 july 1997 and who would otherwise be stateless., 10.5 ecb8.10.5 hong kong documents of identity for visa purposes are issued to residents of hong kong, who do not meet the residence criteria to qualify for the right of abode and thus the hksar passport and / or cannot obtain a national passport., 11. ecb8.11 identity cards of eea and swiss nationals.

EEA and Swiss nationals may use identity cards as travel documents for travel to the United Kingdom.

12. ECB8.12 National passports

National passports are issued by governments to persons who are accepted as their citizens.

Unless there are particular problems with a national passport (in which case Posts will be informed of special handling procedures to be taken) ECOs should treat all such passports as bona fide for travel to the UK.

There are special arrangements for handling entry clearance applications from persons who hold national passports of countries not recognised by HMG [see ECB 8.2 above].

13. ECB8.13 Refugee or Stateless Persons’ travel documents

13.1 ecb8.13.1 refugee or stateless persons travel documents.

Most governments issue travel documents to stateless persons, refugees or others living within their borders who are not eligible for national passports.

The Home Office issues documents as outlined above. These documents are used for entering and exiting th UK.

These documents cannot be renewed. When they expire, the holder must apply for a new document and this can only be done in the UK

13.2 ECB8.13.2 1951 Convention Travel Documents

1951 Convention Travel Documents (CTDs) are issued to refugees by states who are party to the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees. All holders of 1951 CTDs, except those issued by the UK, are required to give a record of their fingerprints on arrival in the UK. Visas endorsed on 1951 CTDs do not confer leave to enter. Instead they are valid for presentation at a UK port for six months, where the holder can seek leave to enter.

Visas endorsed on 1951 CTDs should be:

  • restricted to six months validity, this includes EEA Family Permits; but
  • multiple-entry visit visas can be valid for up to two years.

13.3 ECB8.13.3 Refugees or Stateless Persons entering for longer than 6 months

Those entering for longer than six months, such as students, PBS holders and others, will need to seek an extension from UK Visas and Immigration after their arrival in the United Kingdom.

People granted settlement and family reunion (who would normally be granted indefinite leave to enter on the visa) are limited to six month visas and will need to seek further leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain from UK Visas and Immigration.

13.4 ECB8.13.4 Refugees or Stateless Persons: limited validity, biometrics and fees

The ECO should make applicants aware of their need to seek leave to enter on arrival in the UK and the limited validity of their visas. They should also advise applicants that failure to comply with the requirement to give fingerprints could result in refusal of leave to enter (see ECB1.3 Biometrics in the legislation ).

When assessing applications from 1951 CTD holders, the ECO needs to consider the full duration of the intended stay. Fee charges (usual charges apply) and appeal rights will be in line with the proposed length of stay.

13.5 ECB8.13.5 Travel documents issued by the United Kingdom to refugee or stateless persons

*Refugee Travel Document (1951 Convention)

  • The 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which came into force in the UK on 9 June 1954, provides in Article 28 for the issue of travel documents to refugees lawfully staying in the territories of contracting governments. The Convention defines a refugee as a person who, “owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country”.

The current version of the refugee travel document is in book form, has a dark blue cover and contains 32 pages. There are two gold lines across the top left hand corner of the front cover, each 5mm wide and 3mm apart, and the title ‘Travel Document (Convention of 28 July 1951)’, the official crest and ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’.

Special attention is drawn to the following points about the refugee travel document issued in the UK:

  • It is normally made valid for travel to all countries except the country of origin and/or from which the holder sought asylum.
  • The period of validity varies with the holder’s immigration position in the UK. (It may be as short as 6 months for a holder on time conditions or as long as 10 years for one who has achieved settlement). The holder’s immigration position will be apparent from the Home Office endorsements on the visa pages.
  • While valid, the holder can use the document to return to the UK without requiring a visa. However, this does not guarantee entry and the holder will still need to satisfy the Immigration Officer on entry to the UK.

The holder of an expired refugee travel document who has taken up permanent residence in another country should be advised to apply to the authorities of that country for a replacement travel document (note 2 on inside front cover of document). Similarly, if he / she has obtained a national passport, by re-availing himself / herself of the protection of the country from which he / she sought refuge or by acquiring another nationality, he/she may not be issued with further CTD’s. In either case it should be explained that withdrawal of the UK travel documentation would not in itself affect the outcome of any application he / she may make for a visa to re-enter the UK.

It is not possible to re-new Home Office travel documents outside the UK. Those wishing to return to the UK and who are not in possession of their travel document (lost / stolen) should, once satisfied that they meet the criteria after following the guidance in ECB8.9 and notifying travel document section, be considered for a EU UFF (See ECB8.9 above).

13.6 ECB8.13.6 Travel documents issued by the United Kingdom to stateless persons

  • Stateless Persons’ Travel Documents (1954 Convention)

Under the terms of the 1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, which came into force on 6 June 1960, the Home Office issues a Stateless Person’s Travel Document similar to the refugee document but having a red cover and valid for travel to all countries. The rules regarding periods of validity, return to the UK without a visa and extensions abroad are the same as for the refugee document.

13.7 ECB8.13.7 Certificates of Travel issued by the United Kingdom

*Note: Issued since 17 March 2008

  • This travel document, which is in the form of a 32-page booklet with a black cover, is issued to resident foreign nationals who need to travel abroad and can show that they have formally and unreasonably been refused passport facilities by their own national authorities. It is normally made valid for travel to all countries except the holder’s country of origin and/or the country from which asylum was sought.

Its validity, upon issue in the UK, varies with the holder’s immigration position. For a holder who is settled, it would normally be made valid for up to 5 years; for one on time conditions it would normally be in line with that leave. Where these documents have been issued exceptionally, they are usually valid for 12 months.

The holder’s immigration position should be apparent from the Home Office endorsements on the visa pages.

Prior to 17 March 2008, Certificates of Identity were issued instead of Certificates of Travel. The criteria for issue were the same as for the Certificates of Travel and these documents had a brown cover**. **There will no longer be any valid Certificates of Travel in circulation.

13.8 ECB8.13.8 Document of Identity (1S 137) issued by the United Kingdom

The 1S 137 is a single journey document issued solely to facilitate repatriation from the UK. It is not a renewable document.

13.9 ECB8.13.9 Home Office documents issued to stateless seamen

It is very rare to see one of these.

Stateless seamen resident in the UK who hold Discharge Books (Continuous Certificates of Discharge) issued by the Home Office and which are endorsed as valid for return to the UK without a visa may be issued with a Stateless Persons Document (SPD) if he fulfils all the following conditions:

  • When last given leave to enter the UK he was given indefinite leave to enter.
  • He has remained continuously in sea employment since last leaving the UK.
  • He has not been granted permission to take up residence in any other country.
  • He is not on any Home Office data bases or otherwise known to be undesirable.
  • He has not been in sea employment outside the UK for a period longer than four years.

Any cases of this nature should be referred to the Travel Document Section (TDS) in Croydon.

13.10 ECB8.13.10 How to deal with the loss of Home Office travel documents

Persons who claim to have lost their Home Office issued Travel Document should be treated as applicants for visas to be issued on a UFF (see ECB9.3(b) ). For all lost travel document applications the ECO must email the Travel Documents Section giving the following details about the applicant:

  • Any Home Office reference number
  • The number of the document
  • Surname and all forenames
  • Date and place of birth
  • Date of last embarkation from the UK
  • Circumstances of stay abroad
  • Ties with the UK
  • The applicant’s address in the UK
  • The circumstances of the loss of the document and details of the police report
  • Any available document or information which would help identification * Authorisation should only be sought from the regional operations manager once the travel documents section have confirmed that they have taken the appropriate action.

13.11 ECB8.13.11 Can Home Office travel documents be issued abroad?

On no account should applications for Home Office travel documents be accepted from persons outside the UK, unless instructions to do so have been received from the Home Office. Only in very exceptional cases, by prior arrangement, will the Home Office issue a replacement document to such a person overseas and where this is agreed, the new document will be sent to the nearest Entry Clearance Issuing Post.

14. ECB8.14 Travel documents issued by International Organisations

The African Development Bank (ADB), the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the International Red Cross issue travel documents.

  • Only the Red Cross document may be considered acceptable for travel to the UK.

15. ECB8.15 Travel documents issued by the United Nations

15.1 ecb8.15.1 there are two types of travel documents issued by the united nations:.

UN Certificate Do not endorse a UN Certificate with an entry clearance. Holders should be asked to obtain a national passport or other travel document.

UN Laissez-passer This allows the holder to travel to the United Kingdom on official business without a national passport or entry clearance. However, when holders travel to the UK for any other reason, they should use their national passports (and visas will be required by visa nationals).

Exceptionally, the following may use UN laissez-passer when not on official business:

  • Members of the staff of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and their families, based in London;
  • Stateless persons genuinely unable to obtain any other form of travel document (in such cases visas should be attached to the UN laissez-passer).

15.2 ECB8.15.2 Spouses, civil partners and children of holders of UN laissez-passer

The inclusion of the names of spouses, civil partners and children in a UN laissez-passer merely indicates their right to claim immunities and privileges.

Spouses, civil partners and children of holders of UN laissez-passer must carry national passports or other suitable travel documents. If they are visa nationals, they are not exempt from UK visa requirements.

When accompanying the holder of a UN laissez-passer travelling on official business the spouses, civil partners and children may be granted a gratis visa.

16. ECB8.16 Unofficial / self-styled passports

An organisation calling itself ‘The United Nations Office Inc’ issues so-called ‘passports’ which are not acceptable.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2024 edition]

Updated: March 21, 2024 533 Comments

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa

One of the frequent questions I get is which countries can I visit with a UK visa. The short answer is the UK. The long answer is you can travel to 40 countries and territories VISA-FREE with UK visa.

I encourage you all to get a US visa or at least a Canada visa first. Both these visas are long-term visas. These visas offer VISA-FREE travel to quite a few countries. But if you happen to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than not having any visas at all. There are about 40 countries and territories you can visit with a UK visa.

UK tourist visas are mostly short-term (C-Type) visas valid for 6 months. The UK does issue long-term visas for 5/10 years but it would cost an arm and a leg.

The UK visa application is not the most difficult, but it can be stressful due to its lengthy processing times and lack of customer service.

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER Visa requirements change constantly but we make every effort to keep the information accurate and up to date. We provide links to official sources wherever necessary, so you can conduct your own due diligence to verify the visa requirements before planning your trip. We shall not be held liable for any damages incurred as a result of using the information in this article. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.

Which UK Visas are eligible?

United Kingdom UK Tourist Visa Image

Depending on the country, any of the below UK visas can be used.

  • UK Visitor Visa (Standard visitor and Short-term study)
  • UK Student Visa (Tier 4)
  • UK Work Visa (Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5)
  • UK Transit Visa (DATV and Visitor in Transit)
  • UK Family Visa (Spouse)
  • UK Residence Permit (ILR and BRP)

Refer to each country below for permitted UK visa types. Some countries require the UK visa to be multiple-entry and have been used at least once to travel to the UK.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

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North America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Guanajuato Mexico

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities
  • Permitted visas: All used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
  • Permitted resident permits: All valid ILRs (permanent resident cards)
  • Entry granted: Up to 180 days
  • UK visa or residence permit must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
  • Passport must be valid during the entire stay in Mexico
  • Official source: National Institute of Migration, Mexico

WARNING UK BRP cards are NOT ACCEPTED to enter Mexico. Only valid/unexpired UK visas (visa sticker in the passport) or UK ILR cards (permanent residency) are accepted. Also, if you are from the African continent (ex: Nigeria, Ghana, etc.), please check with Mexican authorities before planning your travel. I’m hearing a lot of stories of entry refusals and deportations at Mexican airports.

RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with a US visa in 2024

Central America

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Panama City

02. Costa Rica

  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry Tier 1, 2, 4 or 5 visas (student and work only)
  • Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs
  • Entry granted: 30 days
  • IMPORTANT: UK standard visitor visas are NOT accepted
  • UK Tier 1, 2, 4, 5 visas or BRPs must be valid for at least 3 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington DC, USA
  • Permitted visas: All valid used multiple-entry UK visas
  • UK visa or residence permit must have been used at least once to enter the UK before
  • UK visa or residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Must show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of 500 USD
  • Original sources: Embassy of Panama in the USA

RELATED: 38 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Canada visa in 2024

Beach of Catalina Island in Dominican Republic

04. Anguilla (British Territory)

  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas
  • Entry granted: 90 days
  • Official source: The Government of Anguilla

05. Antigua and Barbuda

  • Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident permit)
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL (VOA)
  • VOA fee is 100 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
  • UK Visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Department of Immigration, Antigua and Barbuda
  • Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR and BRPs (applies to all nationalities)
  • Official source: Netherlands Worldwide

07. Bahamas

  • Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR (permanent resident card)
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas

08. Bermuda (British Territory)

  • UK visa or residence permit must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
  • Passport must be valid for a minimum of 45 days beyond the date of departure from Bermuda
  • Official source: Government of Bermuda

09. Bonaire (Dutch Territory)

10. british virgin islands (british territory).

  • Permitted residence permits: None
  • Entry granted: 180 days
  • Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Government of the Virgin Islands (British)

11. Cayman Islands (British Territory)

  • Entry rule: Must arrive in the Cayman Islands directly from the UK. Arriving from a third country is not permitted.
  • Official source: Cayman Islands Customs and Border Controls

12. Curaçao

13. dominican republic.

  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
  • Entry rule: If arriving by land or sea, must pay a departure tax of 20 USD before departing. If arriving by air, the departure tax is included in the airfare.
  • Official source: Embassy of the Dominican Republic in the UK

14. Jamaica

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Dominican Republic
  • Entry rules: UK visa must be valid for at least 30 days from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Immigration Department of Jamaica

15. Sint Maarten

16. turks and caicos (british territory).

  • Official source: Ministry of Border Control of Turks and Caicos

RELATED: 53 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with Schengen visa in 2024

South America

Machu Picchu Peru

  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

RELATED: 18 countries you can visit VISA-FREE with an Australian visa or PR in 2024

Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia

18. Albania

  • Permitted visas: All valid USED multiple-entry UK visas
  • Entry rule: UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania

19. Armenia

  • Marshall Islands
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Solomon Islands
  • Timor-Leste
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkmenistan
  • Entry granted: 21 or 120 days
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL
  • VOA fee is 3,000 AMD, valid for 21 days, single-entry (OR) 15,000 AMD, valid for 120 days, single-entry
  • Visa must be a STICKER in the passport, E-Visa prints are not accepted
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia

20. Georgia

  • UK visa must be valid on the day of arrival in Georgia
  • Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia

21. Gibraltar (British Territory)

  • UK visa must have been issued for at least 6 months or more
  • UK residence permit must have been issued for at least 12 months or more
  • Official source: Gibraltar Borders & Coastguards Agency

22. Ireland

  • North Macedonia
  • Permitted visas: A valid used multiple-entry UK short-stay standard visitor visa
  • Entry granted: 90 days or until the exit date on your UK entry stamp, whichever is shorter
  • Must enter the UK first before entering Ireland
  • Must enter and exit Ireland within the exit date on your UK entry stamp (this is different from the visa expiry date)
  • Can enter Ireland directly from the UK or elsewhere, but must enter Ireland within the exit date on the UK entry stamp
  • Official source: Department of Justice of Ireland

23. Moldova

  • Central African Republic
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • South Africa
  • Entry rule: The UK visa or BRP must be valid for the intended period of stay
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova

24. Montenegro

  • Entry rule: UK visa must be valid for the intended period of the stay
  • Official source: Government of Montenegro

25. North Macedonia

  • Entry granted: 15 days
  • UK visa must be valid for at least 5 days beyond the intended period of stay
  • Total duration of consecutive stays must not exceed 3 months in any 6 months period
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Macedonia
  • UK visa must be valid for the entire duration of the stay
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria (those aged 15-18 and 35-65)
  • North Korea
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Turkey e-Visa online
  • eVisa fee is 43 USD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey

If you hold a UK visa or BRP, you can follow this  step-by-step guide to apply for Turkey e-Visa . This guide has step-by-step instructions and screenshots to help you fill out the application, pay the visa fee and download your approved e-Visa.

28. United Kingdom (Of course!)

  • Includes all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
  • Includes British Crown Dependencies: Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (Bailiwick of Jersey and Bailiwick of Guernsey)

RELATED: 5 ways to get proof of onward travel for your next trip

Middle East

Dubai Global Village at Night

29. Bahrain

  • Entry granted: 14 days or 30 days
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Bahrain eVisa
  • Single-entry VOA fee is 5 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
  • Multiple-entry VOA fee is 12 BD, valid for 3 months, entry up to 30 days
  • Single-entry eVisa fee is 9 BD, valid for 14 days, entry up to 14 days
  • Multiple-entry eVisa fee is 16 BD, valid for 1 month, entry up to 14 days
  • For VOA, the UK visa must be valid for the entire stay in Bahrain
  • For eVisa, the UK visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Bahrain eVisa Portal
  • Burkina Faso
  • Congo, Dem. Rep. Of
  • Congo, Rep. of
  • Cote d’Ivoire
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Sudan
  • Permitted visas: None
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Jordan E-Visa
  • The ILR or BRP must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Jordan E-Visa Portal
  • El Salvador
  • Entry granted: 10 or 30 days
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Oman 26M or 26N Tourist Visa online
  • 26M eVIsa fee is 20 OMR, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
  • 26N eVIsa fee is 5 OMR, valid for 10 days, single-entry only
  • Official source: Sultanate of Oman, Royal Oman Police
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for A3 Visa online on the Hayya portal
  • A3 Visa fee is QAR 100, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
  • Must provide hotel booking for the entire stay reserved through the Discover Qatar website
  • UK visa or BRP/ILR must be valid on the day of the A3 Visa application
  • Official source: Qatar Tourism Board

33. Saudi Arabia

  • Permitted visas: Valid USED multiple-entry UK standard visitor visa (other visas not accepted)
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL or Saudi Arabia eVisa
  • VOA or eVisa fee is 300 SAR, valid for 1 year, multiple-entry (plus service fee and insurance fee)
  • UK visa must have been used at least once to enter the UK
  • Official source: Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority

34. United Arab Emirates

  • Permitted residence permits: All valid ILR, BRP and spouse visas
  • Entry granted: 14 days
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all UAE airports
  • VOA fee is 100 AED, valid for 14 days, single-entry only
  • UK residence permit must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Embassy of UAE in London, UK

RELATED: How to turn your weak passport into a strong passport (with examples)

Old Medina Marrakech Morocco

  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to obtain Visa ON ARRIVAL at all international airports
  • VOA fee is $25 USD, valid for 30 days, single-entry only
  • UK visa must have been used to enter the UK at least once
  • Official source: Egypt Tourism Department

36. Morocco

  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Morocco e-Visa
  • E-Visa fee is 770 MAD, valid for 180 days, single-entry only
  • UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 90 days from the day of arrival
  • Official source: Morocco E-Visa Portal

RELATED: How to book flight tickets with 24 hour FREE cancellation on Expedia: A step-by-step guide

Travel Countries VISA-FREE with UK visa - Carabao Island in Philippines

  • Permitted visas: Valid multiple-entry UK RESIDENT visas such as student, work, etc.
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for  Japan eVisa
  • eVisa fee is JPY 3,000, valid for 90 days, single-entry only
  • Must submit  proof of residence  to prove that you reside in the UK
  • Must show the visa issuance confirmation via the eVisa website on your phone at the immigration (Prints and PDFs are not accepted)
  • Must enter Japan by flight only
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

38. Kyrgyzstan

  • Permitted visas: All valid used/unused LONG-TERM multiple-entry UK visas, issued for at least for 3+ years
  • Entry granted: 7 days
  • UK visa must be a long-term visa issued for 3 or more years, visas issued for less than 3 years are not accepted
  • After entering Kyrgyzstan this way, you can only reenter Kyrgyzstan again after 21 days
  • Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan

39. Philippines

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure
  • Official source: Embassy of the Philippines in India

40. Singapore

  • Entry granted: 96 hours (4 days)
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to obtain Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF) upon arrival
  • Must be traveling to or from the country of passport. Example: Must be traveling to a third country from India via Singapore or traveling to India from a third country via Singapore. An example itinerary would be India-Singapore-Bali or Bali-Singapore-India.
  • Both arriving and departing flights in Singapore must be on the same itinerary
  • UK visa or BPR/ILR must be valid for at least 1 month at the time of arrival
  • Official source: Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

41. South Korea

  • Eligible nationalities: All nationalities (except these 23 countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameron, Cuba, Egypt, Gambia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Uzbekistan and Yemen)
  • Entry rule: Must be traveling to/from the UK through South Korea
  • Official source: South Korea Embassy in Washington DC, USA
  • Permitted visas: All valid/expired used/unused single/multiple-entry UK visas, except transit
  • Permitted residence permits: All valid/expired ILR and BRPs
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT but are eligible to apply for ROC Travel Authorization Certificate online
  • ROC Travel Authorization Certificate is free of charge, valid for 90 days, multiple-entry
  • If using an EXPIRED UK visa or residence permit, the visa or residence permit must have expired in the last 10 years
  • Official source: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)

43. Thailand

  • Permitted residence permits: A valid ILR or BRP
  • Entry granted: 60 days
  • Visa is NOT EXEMPT, but are eligible to apply for Thailand e-Visa online
  • E-Visa fee is 40 USD, valid for 90 days or 180 days, single or multiple-entry
  • Must submit  proof of residence in the UK such as driver’s license, utility bill, etc
  • Thai E-Visa Portal

So, there you have it! 43 countries and territories you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa.

Do you know any other country (I haven’t listed here) where you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa? Let me know in the comments below.

Change history:  For those who are interested, here are the changes to this list.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

You can manage money internationally in over 70 currencies using  Wise . With a Wise card, you can store and withdraw cash in 40 currencies with zero ATM fees. 

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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FAQ - Travel Documents

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*The following process also applies to Ukrainian nationals that have been rejected and haven’t obtained the Temporary Protection status.

You can use this article to find basic info on the rights you'll get with a Travel Document, including:

  • Where can you travel

Applying for a Travel Document and delays

Working or studying outside of greece, lost documents, travel documents for minors, where can i travel with my asylum seeker status, which countries can i visit with the greek travel document without a visa which countries ask for a visa.

According to police, if you hold a Greek Travel Document, you don't need a visa to go to EU countries that have signed the Schengen Treaty. Here's a sample list of some countries you can visit without a visa:

  • Netherlands

However, in practice, you may find some conflicting information:

  • Some countries, although visa-free, may not allow you to enter if your Travel Document expires in less than six months. If you want to travel, you need to apply to renew your Travel Document at least six months before it expires.
  • Other countries, European and Schengen countries included, have specific regulations regarding the visa requirements for Refugee Travel Document holders .
  • Ireland and Serbia, for example, require visas for refugees with Travel Documents.
  • The Italian Embassy will decide whether you need a visa based on your nationality. You can check an online questionnaire before making a personal appointment at the embassy.
  • As these requirements regularly change, you must contact the country's embassy before making travel arrangements.
  • Most countries' embassies in Greece do not reply to visa requests over the phone. You need to go there in person or make a personal appointment during specific visiting hours.

Find contact information for all Embassies in Greece .

Can I travel to non-EU countries without a visa? What about Arabic-speaking countries where I have a family?

Most non-EU countries, including Arabic-speaking countries, require visas for travellers with a Greek Travel Document. You have to consult the embassy or the consulate of the country you wish to visit to ask about visa requirements and procedures. Most countries have different regulations and processes, depending on your nationality.

I want to travel to the UK. Can I go without a visa?

The UK long ago issued a regulation that requires a visa from all refugees with a Travel Document. You can see more information on the UK Government website here .

However, our research found conflicting information among the most competent Greek authorities regarding this. We contacted the Airport Passport Control Police Authority several times over the last few months, and confirmed that they are not aware of this UK regulation. They consider the UK to be among  similar to EU countries that are visa-free.

This means they will allow refugees with a Greek Travel Document and without a visa to fly out of Greek airports to the UK. Be careful — you will be sent back once you reach a UK airport without a visa.

Please note that the British Embassy in Greece does not deal with visa enquiries. All applications for a visa to the UK need to be made online, through the Visa4UK website .

Find more information about applying for a Visa to the UK here . Alternatively, you can call this UK phone number: 0044 3001232241 (press option 4 and then option 4 again)

What documents do I need to have with me while traveling?

You need to have your Travel Document , your Residence Permit , and a visa, if the country you visit requires it.

How long can I stay outside of Greece?

If you travel without a visa within the Schengen area, you cannot stay outside Greece for more than 90 calendar days within a six-month period.

Important Note:  If your travel document or residence permit expires while you are abroad, you cannot return to Greece! Therefore, it is advised to come back to Greece before the expiry date to complete the renewal procedures. 

I have a Greek Travel Document. Can I visit my home country?

If you have refugee status in Greece, you cannot visit your country of origin, and stateless refugees cannot visit their country of former habitual residence. Even if there is no explicit prohibition or geographical restriction written on your Travel Document, visiting your country of origin could jeopardize your refugee status.

If you are a subsidiary protection holder (without a national passport), you are also restricted from travelling to your home country,. Again the restriction is not one of explicit prohibition that one that might result in a change of status. You can contact a lawyer if you're uncertain about your specific case.

I was granted subsidiary protection and was allowed to keep my national passport. Can I visit my country of origin?

You were granted subsidiary protection because authorities determined that it is unsafe for you to return to your country of origin. If you travel back to your country of origin, Greek Asylum authorities might consider this proof that the danger of serious harm no longer exists.

Greek authorities can track your recent travel history and data through online databases.

As a Syrian, I am allowed to go to Turkey without a visa. As a Greek Travel Document holder, will I be treated the same?

You will be treated as a holder of a Greek Travel Document and will not be allowed to use your national passport for as long as you hold refugee or subsidiary protection status. People who live in Greece and have a non-Greek passport will have to ask for a visa. You can use your national passport if you are a beneficiary of subsidiary protection.

Why isn't it possible to use my refugee Residence Permit to travel in the Schengen countries?

If you are a recognized refugee, your ID card is the Residence Permit. It shows that you are staying legally in Greece, but it does not give you the right to travel. You need to either have a valid passport or a Travel Document to be able to travel.

If I get my Travel Document and travel to Germany, will I go through a police investigation at the airport?

It is highly possible that German airport police will run security checks when you arrive and they might record the date you entered the country.

Why do you need to return to Greece every three months when you travel with a Greek Travel Document?

This is an obligation established for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Greek citizens with a national passport also have a similar obligation when staying longer than three months within a six-month period in countries allowing visa-free travel. It is a legal requirement that you must adhere to during your travels.

How can I apply for a Travel Document?

You can learn about how to apply for a Travel Document and how much it costs on our website here .

I am in Athens, but I've applied for a Travel Document in Samos. It's now ready, but I can't travel to Samos. Is there a way to receive it in Athens?

According to a more recent Circulation of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum issued on the 10th of July 2020, you must declare from which Asylum Office you wish to receive your Travel Document. According to a Decision of the Asylum Service, only two Regional Asylum Offices will be responsible for delivering the Travel Documents (Athens and Thessaloniki). However, before going to a Regional Asylum Offices, check with the Asylum Office or at the Asylum Service's site to make sure which office is competent for your case.

To receive your Travel Document you have to go in person to the competent Asylum Office on the day of your appointment. You can find the day of your appointment by following up with the regular announcements uploaded every Friday on the Ministry of Migration and Asylum website. In some special cases, a representative who holds a Power of Attorney could pick it up for you. Send us a message on Facebook for more information, or contact the competent Regional Asylum Office.

Why is it taking so long to get a Travel Document, and how can I check the reasons for the delay?

The application process for a Travel Document requires a thorough national and international criminal background check, which can cause delays. An international criminal record check is a complex procedure and may take up to three months or more. A national screening could also take several months.

I need to travel for health reasons, and my Travel Document is still not ready. Can I ask for a faster procedure?

Unfortunately, having a health problem is often not a valid reason to accelerate the process except for special cases, such as surgery abroad. In these special cases, you need to go through a medical assessment at a public hospital that confirms you can only receive medical treatment abroad. The Police Passport Department, where you submitted your application for a Travel Document, can decide whether to accelerate the procedure.

I got my Travel Document and want to get my national passport back from the Greek Asylum Service. Is this possible?

If you have been issued a Greek Travel Document, you cannot use your national passport for as long as you hold refugee or subsidiary protection status.

Please note that if you still hold a passport from your country of origin, the Greek Asylum Service requires you to hand it into them. You may jeopardize your status if you have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection and use your national passport while holding a Greek Travel Document.

airplane

Am I allowed to work in other European countries if I have a Greek Travel Document?

The Travel Document gives you the right to travel; it doesn't give you the right to live permanently or work in the country you visit.

To work in any country, you need a work permit, and each country has different laws and procedures on getting a work permit.

If you have a job offer in another European country, your future employer should help you apply for a work permit and a residence permit there for as long as you work for them.

Does a Greek Travel Document allow me to study in another European country, Canada or the United States?

In any country, you first need to get accepted to a university. Then, the university that has accepted you can help you apply for a student residence permit. Some EU countries require that you provide:

  • Proof of university registration
  • Proof that you can cover your financial needs
  • Health insurance
  • Social insurance

I lost my Travel Document. What do I need to do?

You need to report it immediately to the Greek Asylum Service and the closest Passport Police Department.

Read the police passport issuance instructions and find out more about lost documents on our website.

Rasha relocation

Can children under 18 apply for a Travel Document? If they get it, can they travel alone?

Children under 18 who have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection can issue a Travel Document with full consent of both parents.

Children cannot travel alone. They need to be accompanied by their legal guardian.

They can only travel alone with permission from parents or legal guardians and with special arrangements that need to be made with the travel agency and the airline company.

Could an unaccompanied minor apply for a Greek Travel Document?

An unaccompanied child below 15 years old cannot apply for a Travel Document alone. The child's temporary guardian (the public prosecutor or the person appointed by the public prosecutor as temporary guardian) has to agree to issue a Travel Document for an unaccompanied minor. Minors above 15 years of age can submit the application for the issuance of travel documents by themselves.

Unaccompanied minors do not easily get Travel Documents since the public prosecutor is unlikely to give consent except for very special reasons.

Children accompanied by one of the parents, can they issue a Greek Travel Document?

In the case of children granted refugee status, who are in Greece accompanied by one of their parents. This parent practises the custody because of legal or objective reasons registered by the authorities of their country of origin, e.g. death of the other parent, divorce where the parent accompanying the child has full custody or the other parent is missing, the parent has to present documents from his/her country to prove that he/she has full custody. If the parent cannot provide Asylum Service with this kind of document, he/she has to provide a declaration on oath from a public notary or the competent judge (Eirinodikis).

In case of children granted refugee status, who are in Greece accompanied by one of their parents, and this parent practises the custody because of legal or objective reasons registered by the authorities of a third country other than their country of origin, and he/she has the possibility to address these authorities and issue the relevant certificates, the parent has to present the required documents issued by this country legally certified to prove that he/she has full custody or have a relevant decision from a Greek court.

In the case of children granted subsidiary protection, who are in Greece accompanied by one of their parents, and this parent practises the custody because of legal or objective reasons registered by the authorities of their country of origin or a third country other than their country of origin, the parent has to present the required documents issued by his/her country of origin or the third country legally certified to prove that he/she has full custody or have a decision from the Greek Court.

In any case, it would be better to consult with a lawyer before following any procedure.

My child didn't give fingerprints because he was under 6 years old. But now he is six. What should I do?

If your child was under 6 years old at the time of the application, it will give its fingerprints the next time it renews its Travel Document. (Over 6 years old, they can give fingerprints; over 15 years old, they can apply by themselves. )

How will I issue a travel document for my newborn?

If your child was born in Greece, you first need to follow the procedure that is explained here in the "Birth registration in Greece" article in order to register the birth of your newborn with the Registry Office and subsequently with the Asylum Service.

Once the ADET decision for your newborn is ready, you will need to make an appointment with the competent police department to submit the application for the issuance of a residence permit and travel document. For more information on the procedure that will be followed before the Passport Office, check our relevant article with all the details on Travel Documents in Greece.

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COMMENTS

  1. Which Countries Accept A UK Refugee Travel Document

    European Union (EU) Countries: Most EU member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, recognize the UK Refugee Travel Document and allow entry for tourism, business, or temporary visits. However, it is essential to check the specific visa requirements or travel restrictions imposed by each country.

  2. Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

    If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, you can travel visa-free to a lot of countries. Different countries have their own travel restrictions and require you to have a visa even for short term visits like tourism, even if you have ...

  3. Apply for a Home Office travel document

    the country accepts refugee travel documents; you need a visa to enter the country; Fees. It costs: £82 for adults (it's free if you were born before 1 September 1929) £53 for children 15 or under

  4. Visa-free countries with a UK Refugee travel document

    the country accepts refugee travel documents; you need a visa to enter the country; Post-Brexit, any visa-free travel agreements that may have existed with individual EU countries for refugees who hold a Convention travel document issued by the UK are no longer valid. As well as checking the entry requirements directly with the country(ies) you ...

  5. Home Office travel documents and visa free countries

    [email protected]. Awais has an extensive experience of advising high net-worth individuals on all types of immigration matters, ranging from investor and entrepreneur visa applications to appeals and judicial reviews in the Immigration Tribunal and the High Court. Under the 1951 UN Convention Refugee Travel Document (blue) is issued by ...

  6. Refugee travel documents and visa free travel

    Refugee travel documents and visa free travel. Gherson. European Union, Global, United Kingdom August 9 2017. Individuals who are granted refugee status in the United Kingdom are eligible to apply ...

  7. UK visa requirements (accessible version)

    A seafarer travelling on duty, who is a visa national (including those in transit through the UK) does not need a visa if they hold a valid seafarer's book issued by one of these countries which ...

  8. Does a UK refugee travel document allow entry into any other country?

    A UK refugee travel document is an immigration document, which has been issued under the UN Refugee Convention by the UK to a person who has been granted asylum in the UK. It is a blue passport-sized document. If you are a holder of a UK refugee travel document, you may be able to travel visa-free to a number of specific countries. However, you ...

  9. UK Refugee Travel Documents: Navigating Changes

    It is no longer possible for refugees to travel with a UK refugee travel document issued . Before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020. Such documents are now only valid for travel within the EU . And to some non-EU countries with special arrangements in place with the UK. For travel to other countries, refugees must now obtain ...

  10. Travelling With Uk Refugee Travel Document: Visa Requirements and

    TRAVELLING WITH UK REFUGEE TRAVEL DOCUMENT: VISA REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS The holders of the Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees can travel visa free to many countries all over the world. However, many counties have their own restrictions and ...

  11. Travel documents: Home Office travel documents (accessible ...

    Home Office travel document fees and refund policy. This page explains the cost of applying for a Home Office travel document (HOTD), ways to pay, and the travel documents section's (TDS) refund ...

  12. PDF Uk Visa Requirements

    If a visa national has a 'certificate of entitlement to the right of abode' label in their valid passport they do not need a visa. Holders of non-national and refugee travel documents If the passenger holds a refugee travel document issued by the UK they do not need a visa. If the passenger holds any other non-national or refugee travel ...

  13. Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

    If you am an karteninhaber of one Refugees Travel Document issued at the Joined Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Meetings Relating to the Status of Refugees, you ca travel visa-free on a plot of countries. Varied countries have their own travel limited and require you to have a visa also in short term visits like tourism, even if you have ...

  14. UK Visa Free Countries 2024: Which Countries Can Travel to the United

    UK visa-free countries for refugees. If a passenger holds an official refugee travel document issued by the United Kingdom, they can enter the UK without needing a visa. However, if they possess any other non-national or refugee travel document, a visa is still required for their visit to the UK. UK visa waiver countries 2024

  15. Refugee Travel Document: A Comprehensive Guide

    A refugee travel document (also called a 1951 Convention travel document or Geneva passport) is a travel document issued to a refugee by the UK Home Office. Refugee travel document: issued to individuals who have been granted refugee status by the UK government. This document allows them to travel internationally.

  16. paperwork

    However, the UK withdrew from this in 2003, so Germany is no longer obligated under this treaty to accept UK refugee travel documents for visa-free travel as it was from 1968 through 2003. ... Was your travel document issued by a country not on the list? If so, you do need a Schengen visa for your trip to the Netherlands. ...

  17. Travel documents for refugees

    It is sometimes called a '1951 Convention Travel Document'. You can travel to most countries in the EU without a visa, and stay for up to 90 days using this travel document. You should check with the embassy of the country where you plan to travel. Programme refugees cannot get a 1951 Convention Travel Document.

  18. Travelling with UK Travel Documents

    Travelling with UK Travel Documents for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period. Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents may travel to Germany subject to the following conditions. Please note that other Schengen member states may not recognise UK travel documents or that different visa requirements may apply.

  19. ECB08: what are acceptable travel documents for entry clearance

    A bona fide passport or travel document should: contain the photograph, name and date of birth of the holder; state the holder's nationality (or disclaimer if the holder is stateless or of ...

  20. Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

    If you are a holder of a Refugee Travel Document spending by the Joint Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relational to which Status are Refugees, to can travel visa-free at a lot of countries. Other countries have his owned travel restrictions the require you the have an visa even for short item visits similar tourism, even if ...

  21. 43 countries you can travel VISA-FREE with UK visa [2024 edition]

    The long answer is you can travel to 40 countries and territories VISA-FREE with UK visa. I encourage you all to get a US visa or at least a Canada visa first. Both these visas are long-term visas. These visas offer VISA-FREE travel to quite a few countries. But if you happen to have a UK visa or applying for one, then it is still better than ...

  22. FAQ

    Other countries, European and Schengen countries included, have specific regulations regarding the visa requirements for Refugee Travel Document holders. Ireland and Serbia, for example, require visas for refugees with Travel Documents. The Italian Embassy will decide whether you need a visa based on your nationality.

  23. Visa Free Countries

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