Travel documents issued to refugees [ edit]
- New Zealand Refugee Travel Document
- Estonian travel document for refugees
- U.S Refugee Travel Document (United States) visa not required for Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and Cyprus. [5]
- Australian Convention Travel Document. This document by itself does not allow the bearer to return to Australia; for that, a separate visa must be obtained. [6]
- Swiss Travel Document
Do refugee travel documents allow you to travel?
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.
Can a refugee get a passport without a passport?
Yet it's possible you don't have a valid passport from your home country. A refugee travel document is basically the equivalent of a U.S. passport for asylees and refugees who need to travel outside the U.S. temporarily. (See 8 C.F.R. Part 223 .)
What is the equivalent of a passport for refugees?
Consider the travel document the equivalent of the U.S. passport for refugees and asylees. More than 145 countries recognize the refugee travel document issued by the U.S. government. These countries are members of the Convention Relating to the States of Refugees.
Do you need a visa to travel with a passport?
Some countries require you to have a visa if you are traveling using the passport from your home country, but they do not require it if you have a U.S. passport or travel document. In addition, having a U.S. travel document will make it easier to travel on some airlines.
Does refugee need visa?
A refugee visa is an official authorization that allows you to stay in a foreign country if you are being persecuted from your home country. The reasons for your persecution can vary from religious to political.
Does UK Refugee Travel Document need 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.
Do travel document refugee need visa to Germany?
Holders of the “Refugee Travel Document” (Form I-571) which is issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are not required to obtain a visa to enter the Federal Republic of Germany for purposes of business, tourism, or to visit friends if they stay no longer than 90 days.
How long can I travel with Refugee Travel Document?
1 yearHow long is a Refugee Travel Document valid? A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to 1 year. I have been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States, and I need to travel abroad.
Which countries can I visit with UK Refugee Travel Document?
However, this does not mean that you can visit every country as you wish, there are only a handful of countries where you can go visa-free (or at all) with refugee travel documents....US Refugee Travel Document Visa Free CountriesGermany.Netherlands.Belgium.Croatia.Slovenia.Slovakia.Hungary.Cyprus.More items...
Which countries can I go with UK travel document?
Countries that allow visa-free travel on Refugee Travel documentAlbaniaCroatiaNetherlandsAndorraDenmarkNorwayBelgiumFinlandPolandBosnia and HerzegoniaFrancePortugalBulgariaGermanyRomaniaAug 28, 2018
Can I travel to Turkey with Refugee Travel Document?
Can I travel to Turkey with a refugee travel document instead of a passport? No. All travelers who wish to apply online for their Turkey Visa need to have a valid passport document. If you have a refugee travel document, then you need to contact the nearest Turkish Consulate to apply.
Can I travel to France with UK Refugee Travel Document?
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website says that you can use it to travel to France, as long as you also have a residence document for the UK.
Do I need visa for Spain with UK travel document?
The majority of UK citizens will not need a visa to travel to Spain. The country still permits visa-free access to British visitors for up to 3 months for tourism and business purposes. However, British nationals will soon need a visa waiver to enter Spain.
Can I use travel document instead of passport?
Green Card holders and people who have been granted asylum or refugee status in America, need to get travel documents in order to gain entry into the United States after their trip abroad. You need to remember that travel documents do not replace passports.
How does a refugee travel document work?
Yet, having fled your home country, it's possible you don't have a valid passport from there. A refugee travel document is basically the equivalent of a U.S. passport for asylees and refugees who need to travel outside the U.S. temporarily.
Can you travel with travel document?
You can only remain outside the United States, however, as long as you re-enter the U.S. before the expiration date printed on your travel document. The travel document is valid for one year after it's issued, typically within 150 days (in some cases longer) after submitting your application materials to USCIS.
Does UK travel document need visa to Europe?
You do not need a visa for short trips to EU countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if both of the following apply: you're staying for 90 days or less in a 180-day period. you're visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons.
Can I travel to France with UK Refugee Travel Document 2022?
French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website says that you can use it to travel to France, as long as you also have a residence document for the UK.
Does UK travel document need visa to Germany?
British citizens require a visa and/or residence permit for any stay beyond 90 days within any 180-day period. British citizens may apply to the local immigration office (“Ausländerbehörde”) for their residence permits after arrival in Germany and do not need to have obtained a visa prior to travelling to Germany.
Can I go to Italy with UK travel document?
Who Needs a Visa to Travel to Italy From the UK? Any UK citizen who holds either a full UK passport or a BOTC, BOC, BPP or BS passport can travel to Italy visa-free. However, many non-EU nationals who reside in the UK are still required to get a Schengen visa to travel to Italy.
What is a refugee travel document?
A Refugee Travel Document is a travel document (very similar to a passport) issued to a refugee or asylee that allows him or her to travel abroad and return to the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Refugee Travel Documents to persons with refugee or asylum status ...
How long is a refugee travel document valid?
A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to one year. During this time you can use the document multiple times. USCIS will not renew your travel document. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new one with Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.
What happens if you don't get a travel document?
If you do not obtain a travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Lawful permanent residents who obtained their status through refugee or asylum status may also apply for a travel document.
Do you need a refugee travel document to return to the US?
You must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States if you: Have refugee or asylum status but are not a lawful permanent resident (green card holder); or. Are a derivative asylee or refugee.
Can an asylum applicant get a passport?
In this way, the travel document is much like a passport. An asylum “applicant” cannot obtain a Refugee Travel Document. Instead, asylum applicants may apply for an Advance Parole Document. Advance Parole allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.
What Is a Refugee Travel Document?
A refugee travel document is a type of document issued to individuals, who are recognized as refugees, for travel purposes. Travel documents for refugees are usually issued from the countries where refugees are seeking asylum from.
How Long Is a Refugee Travel Document Valid for?
The Geneva Convention states that travel documents for refugees should be valid anywhere between two to three years. However, not every country will issue the document with the same validation date.
How long is a refugee visa valid?
For example, a refugee travel document issued by the UK may be valid up to 10 years, provided that you have indefinite leave to remain, while a travel document issued from Australia is valid for one up to two years.
How to apply for a travel document in Australia?
For example, if you are in Australia you have to apply for a travel document by calling the Department of Home Affairs, filling in the form, and calling the Department again to set up an appointment to submit your documents. If you are out of the country, you have to contact the nearest Australian representative office.
Can a country accept a refugee?
However, ultimately, every country can decide whether to accept or reject an individual in their country, this includes you even if you have a valid refugee document.
What happens if you don't get a refugee travel document?
If you do not obtain a refugee travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. For information on how to apply for a refugee travel document, go to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Document page.
Who issues refugee travel documents?
USCIS issues refugee travel documents to people with refugee or asylum status and to lawful permanent residents who obtained their Green Cards based on their refugee or asylee status.
What is a carrier document?
Carrier documentation allows an airline or other transportation carrier to board permanent residents who have temporarily been outside the United States and whose Green Card or re-entry permit has been lost, stolen or destroyed. If you are a permanent resident in this situation, you may need to file a Form I-131A. Go to the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) for more information.
When Are You Eligible for a Refugee Travel Document?
There is a set group of people who can apply for a refugee travel document. Those are:
How many countries recognize refugee travel documents?
More than 145 countries recognize the refugee travel document issued by the U.S. government. These countries are members of the Convention Relating to the States of Refugees. If the country you’re going to travel to is a part of the Convention, then you can use this document instead of a passport.
How long do you have to be away to get a reentry permit?
Only complete this part of the form if you also need a reentry permit. Usually, if you’re going to be away for more than one year , you’d need a reentry permit to enter the U.S.
What documents are needed to file for asylum?
Here are the documents you’re required to submit: Evidence that you hold refugee or asylee status (photocopies of signed orders by an immigration judge would do) An official photo ID that contains your name and date of birth. Two passport-sized photographs that meet all the requirements. Filing fee receipts.
Can refugees travel abroad?
Refugees and asylees staying in the U.S. might have to travel abroad because for personal or official purposes. But since they do not have a proper passport, they will not be able to enter and exit other countries. To help them, the U.S. government is offering something known as a refugee travel document. If you hold refugee status, this will allow ...
Do refugees need a passport?
Refugees and asylees in the United States may feel the need to travel outside of the country. For this, they’ll need a passport. But refugees are often not in possession of a passport issued by their home country. In such cases, a refugee travel document becomes essential. If you want to learn more about the refugee travel document, ...
Can LPRs apply for refugee travel documents?
LPRs need not apply for a refugee travel document. The green card is more than enough to return to the U.S. after overseas travel. But since most of them have fled their native country, they choose not to use that country’s passport. Moreover, using a refugee travel document makes the traveling process much easier.
Which countries require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention?
Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention: Albania. Armenia.
What is 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 to 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 ...
How to apply for a visa in a country?
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.
Does Malta require a visa for Blue Refuggee?
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 .
Is IAM liable for immigration?
IaM is not liable for any immigration or other difficulties you may encounter based on the information on this page.
Does France require a visa?
Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.
Can IaM help with US visa?
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.
What is a refugee travel document?
A refugee travel document is basically the equivalent of a U.S. passport for asylees and refugees who need to travel outside the U.S. temporarily. (See 8 C.F.R. Part 223 .) If you are a U.S. asylee or refugee, and you want to preserve your right to stay in the U.S. after traveling temporarily abroad, you must apply for a refugee travel document ...
How many photos are needed to file for refugee travel?
if filing for a refugee travel document outside of the United States, two passport-style photographs.
How to apply for a US citizenship?
In addition to filling out the Form I-131, you must submit the following with your application: 1 evidence of your refugee or asylee status (for example, copy of an order signed by an immigration judge) 2 copy of an official photo identification with your name and date of birth on it (for example, a valid driver's license or a foreign passport) 3 appropriate filing fee (and a biometrics fee if you are between the age of 14 and 79), which you can p ay by money order, personal check, cashier's check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, and 4 two passport-style photographs (if you are filing for a refugee travel document outside of the United States).
How long does a travel document last?
Your travel document will expire one year from the date when it is issued (unless your refugee or asylee status ends or you are deported or removed before then). Travel documents cannot be extended. So, when planning your travels, make sure that your travel document will not expire before you try to reenter the United States.
How long does it take to get a travel document?
When to Apply for Your Travel Document. It might take two to six months for you to receive your travel document. Therefore, make sure to apply for it several months before you plan to leave the United States.
Do you need a visa to travel to a foreign country?
Some countries require you to have a visa if you are traveling using the passport from your home country, but they do not require it if you have a U.S. passport or travel document. In addition, having a U.S. travel document will make it easier to travel on some airlines.
Can I leave the US without a travel document?
Keep in mind that leaving the U.S. without a valid refugee travel document is risky. If you are outside the U.S., and your I-131 application is denied, you might not be allowed to reenter the United States. Your travel document will expire one year from the date when it is issued (unless your refugee or asylee status ends or you are deported ...
