ireland visa for refugee travel document

Asylum Information Database | European Council on Refugees and Exiles

Travel documents

Republic of Ireland

According to Section 55 IPA, the Minister for Justice and Equality, on application by the person concerned, shall issue a travel document to a qualified person and his or her family member. The Minister for Justice may not, however, issue a travel document if the person has not furnished the required information as requested by the Minister, or the Minister considers that to issue it would not be in the best interests of national security, public health or public order or would be contrary to public policy.

Both refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection in Ireland are entitled to apply for travel documents, which is done by application form to the ISD Travel Document Section. The application requirements differ slightly between the two categories of applicant, in that the applications of subsidiary protection beneficiaries are subject to the Minster’s satisfaction that the applicant is “unable to obtain a travel document from the relevant authority of the country of his or her nationality or, as the case may be, former habitual residence.” [1] While this does not reflect an overt distinction in theory, in practice, it means that beneficiaries of subsidiary protection can be required to demonstrate that they have made every effort to prove that they are unable to obtain a travel document from another relevant authority before they are issued with an Irish travel document.

Beyond that, the travel document application process for both refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection is uniform. Applicants are required to fill out an application form, submit four passport-sized photographs, a copy of documentation from the Department of Justice issuing permission to remain in the state, a copy of the applicant’s Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau registration card, and an €80 application fee. [2]

According to the ISD, the validity of travel documents for a holder of a “1951 Convention Travel Document” (person with refugee status ) is ten years, in line with the validity of Irish passports. [3]

Travel Documents granted on foot of subsidiary protection are issued for the duration of their permission to remain. This is generally for a period of three years from when status is granted under Section 23 of the European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013. [4] The travel document is renewed in line with the period of permission granted after that by the person’s local Registration / Immigration Office. [5] Furthermore, Schedule 3 of the Subsidiary Protection Regulations states that the “maximum validity of a travel document is 10 years.”

The primary limitation on use of travel documents is that the country of origin/persecution of the holder is not permitted for the purposes of travel. [6] Other than that, beneficiaries of refugee or subsidiary protection status in Ireland are both equally entitled to travel in or out of the State with their respective travel documents. While this enables travel to most EU Member States without a visa, it is impressed upon document holders to enquire with the embassy of their intended travel destination in advance, in order to ascertain the necessity to obtain a visa as each State may have individual requirements based on nationality, etc.. [7] Holders of Irish refugee and subsidiary protection documents do not require a re-entry permit upon return to Ireland. [8]

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government advised against all travel outside of Ireland for non-essential purposes. In February 2021, following a significant increase in the infection rate in Ireland, new restrictions targeting non-essential travel overseas were announced by Government. These included fines for those leaving the country for non-essential purposes, as well as mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival from certain destinations. [9] Following a reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases in summer 2021, restrictions on travel abroad were eased. Persons travelling abroad were advised to check the public health advice, document requirements and COVID-19 restrictions that are in place in the country to which they were travelling. Additionally, on return to Ireland, individuals were required to complete a passenger locator form and show proof of being fully vaccinated or having recently recovered from COVID-19. Where a passenger could not demonstrate vaccination status or proof of having recovered from COVID-19, they were required to have a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Following the announcement of further restrictions on travel, the Irish Refugee Council wrote to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, outlining the importance of ensuring continued access to the protection process and raising issues with regard to mandatory hotel quarantine. It was emphasised that access to the protection process at Irish airports should not be affected or curtailed by any of the changes made as a result of banning non-essential travel. Moreover, particular concern was raised in relation to the cost of mandatory quarantine for individuals arriving under family reunification procedures of the International Protection Act 2015 or to seek international protection under the Act. It was requested that both categories of individuals be considered in the bracket of travellers who cannot afford hotel quarantine costs. In addition, it was noted that individuals seeking protection may require particular services, including medical assistance and legal advice and that special supports were likely to be needed for asylum seekers in circumstances where they were required to isolate for 14-days alone in a hotel room. [10]

In July 2022, the State suspended for a period of 12 months visa-free entry for individuals with refugee status traveling on Convention Travel from 20 so-called ‘safe’ European countries. Previously, pursuant to the European Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees, those with refugee status could travel to and within Ireland for up to 90 days without requiring a visa or prior clearance. Following the suspension, those seeking to travel to Ireland are now required to apply for a visa in order to enter Ireland, facing processing times of approximately 8-14 weeks. [11] The measure has been implemented with a view to protecting the ‘integrity’ of the immigration system, according to the government, who cited an increase in those who had already received refugee status in another European country travelling to Ireland applying for asylum. [12] According to statistics released by the Department of Justice, 479 such applications were made, representing 7% of the overall applications for international protection during that period. [13]

[1] Regulation 24(2) European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013.

[2] Department of Justice and Equality, Travel Document Application Form , available at: https://bit.ly/2MgK7DY ; INIS, Travel Document Photo Requirements , available at: https://bit.ly/2pNZUhK ; INIS, Travel Document Information Note , available at: https://bit.ly/2Ib8miT .

[3] Ibid.

[4] Regulation 23 European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013.

[5] Information provided by INIS, March 2018.

[6] Information provided by INIS, March 2018.

[7] Citizens Information, Travel documents for people with refugee or subsidiary protection status , available at: https://bit.ly/2GjMhlN .

[8] INIS, Travel Document Information Note , available at: https://bit.ly/2Ib8miT .

[9] Irish Times, ‘Covid-19: New restrictions to target foreign travel’, 10 February 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/3qsoJ16 .

[10] Irish Refugee Council, Letter to Government on access to protection process and hotel quarantining recommendations, 12 February 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/2OCOAoO .

[11] European Commission, Suspension of Visa-free Movement Programme for Refugees, 18 July 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3wjqJNu.

[12] Government of Ireland, Government agrees to temporarily require refugees travelling to Ireland from safe European countries to hold visas, 18 July 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3XlNtZc .

[13] European Commission, Suspension of Visa-free Movement Programme for Refugees, 18 July 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3wjqJNu.

Overview of the legal framework
Overview of the main changes since the previous report update
Types of Procedures
List of authorities intervening in each stage of the procedure
Number of staff and nature of the first instance authority
Short overview of the asylum procedure
Access to the territory and push backs
Registration of the asylum application
Regular procedure
Admissibility procedure
Border procedure (border and transit zones)
Accelerated procedure
Identification
Special procedural guarantees
Use of medical reports
Legal representation of unaccompanied children
Subsequent applications
Safe country of origin
First country of asylum
Information for asylum seekers and access to NGOs and UNHCR
Differential treatment of specific nationalities in the procedure
Criteria and restrictions to access reception conditions
Forms and levels of material reception conditions
Reduction or withdrawal of reception conditions
Freedom of movement
Types of accommodation
Conditions in reception facilities
Access to the labour market
Access to education
Health care
Special reception needs of vulnerable groups
Provision of information on reception
Access to reception centres by third parties
Differential treatment of specific nationalities in reception
Grounds for detention
Alternatives to detention
Detention of vulnerable applicants
Duration of detention
Place of detention
Conditions in detention facilities
Access to detention facilities
Judicial review of the detention order
Legal assistance for review of detention
Differential treatment of specific nationalities in detention
Residence permit
Civil registration
Long-term residence
Naturalisation
Cessation and review of protection status
Withdrawal of protection status
Criteria and conditions
Status and rights of family members
Social welfare
ANNEX – Transposition of the CEAS in national legislation

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

How you got to the site
The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
What you click while you are visiting the site

Your rights when you get international protection

Introduction, rights of people with international protection, social welfare, health services, further information.

If you get a refugee or subsidiary protection declaration, you will have rights that are set out in the International Protection Act 2015. Most of these rights also apply if you have permission to remain or came to Ireland as a programme refugee.

This page has information about your rights and information about some of the things you will have to do after you get your declaration. You must register and get an Irish Residence Permit .

After you are declared a refugee or a person with subsidiary protection , you have the right to:

Get a job without needing a work permit or any other permission
Open a business, or work in a trade or profession
Access education and training
Get the same medical care and apply for the same social welfare and housing supports as an Irish citizen
Live in Ireland for 3 years (which can then be renewed). Programme refugees may be granted permission to live in Ireland for a shorter period.
Apply for a travel document
Leave and re-enter Ireland (if you have a travel document)
Apply for family reunification for your family to join you in Ireland

Refugees can apply for Irish citizenship after 3 years or residence. If you have subsidiary protection status or permission to remain, you can apply after 5 years.

Permission to remain

If you were not declared a refugee or a person with subsidiary protection status, the Minister for Justice may grant you permission to remain in Ireland. You have most of the rights that are listed above. You do not have the same right to family reunification as a person with a refugee or subsidiary protection declaration. Your family can apply for a visa to join you , but you must satisfy conditions for the visa to be granted.

You can also only get a travel document if you cannot get a national passport.

Your direct provision normally ends when you get your declaration, but sometimes you can stay in direct provision while you are looking for your own place to live.

You can apply for social housing or look for private rented accommodation .

Social housing

Social housing is housing that is provided either by the local authority or an approved housing body . To apply for social housing you must register at the office of your local authority to go on the waiting list for housing .

Private rented accommodation

If you are on a low income, the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) can help with your rent. You must find your own private rented accommodation and then apply to the local authority for the payment. The local authority makes the HAP payment to your landlord on your behalf. You pay a weekly HAP rent contribution to the local authority, based on your household’s weekly income and your ability to pay.

If you become homeless or you think you may lose your home, you should contact your local authority to access accommodation .

Buying a home

If you have enough money to pay a deposit and a regular income, you can apply for a mortgage to buy a house .

You can apply for social welfare payments . There are different social welfare payments available depending on your situation, for example:

If you are looking for work, you may get Jobseeker’s Allowance .
If you are unable to work due to disability or illness, you can apply for Disability Allowance .
If you are the parent or guardian of a child you can apply for Child Benefit .
If you are parenting alone you can apply for One-Parent Family Payment .
If you are caring for someone who is needs full time care because of an illness or disability, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance .

You have the right to work and there is help available for looking for work and getting a job .

When you start working, you can get information about your employment rights , and there are procedures to assist you to enforce your employment rights .

medical card

gives you and your family access to medical services free of charge (some prescription charges apply).

If you do not qualify for a medical card, you will be asked to pay for certain medical services. Contact your Local Health Office for details of GPs (family doctors) in your area.

All children and young people are entitled to free primary and post-primary education. If you apply to third level (colleges and universities), you may be eligible for the Student Grant.

If you are unemployed, there are different education and training opportunities that include courses specifically for unemployed people.

For information and advice about leaving direct provision accommodation, you can contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a free and confidential service that can help people manage their money.

Manage cookie preferences

Corporate Profile
Terms & Conditions
The IaM Dream Team
Specialist Immigration Advice Regulated by the OISC
British Council Accreditation For Student Services
Canada Registration Authority Immigration Advisors
Review our service
UK Immigration Lawyers
Business Development Managers
Expansion Project
Tier 1 Investor Visa UK
Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa UK
Tier 2 UK General Visa
Tier 2 UK Overseas Qualified Nurses (OQN)
Employment Services
Tier 2 UK Intra Company Transfer Visa
Tier 2 UK Intra Company Transfer Visa (Sub-Categories)
Tier 2 UK Minister of Religion Visa
Tier 2 UK Sports Person Visa
Tier 2 UK Priority Applications Visa
Tier 2 UK Shortage Occupations List
Tier 4 (General) UK Student Visa
Tier 4 UK Student Visa
Tier 4 UK Student Visitor Visa
Tier 4 UK Post-Graduate Visa
Tier 4 (Child) UK Student Visa
Tier 4 UK Doctorate Extension Scheme Visa
Student Services
Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Tier 5 UK Charity Workers Visa
Tier 5 UK Creative and Sporting Visa
Tier 5 UK Religious Worker Visa
Tier 5 UK Government Authorised Exchange Visa
Tier 5 UK International Agreements Visa
Standard Visit Visa
Business Visitor Visa 
Family Visitor Visa
Child Visitor Visa
Marriage Visitor Visa
Domestic Workers Visas
UK Ancestry & Commonwealth
British Citizenship
Family Immigration Visa Applications
EEA Applications
Long Residence
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or Settlement
Replacement Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Application
Visit Russia
All About Schengen Visas
What is the Schengen Agreement?
Schengen Countries
Schengen Visa Types & Validity
Schengen Visa Application Requirements
Who Needs to Apply for a Schengen Visa to Europe?
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Schengen Visa Fees
Schengen Visa News
US Visa Application Form
Switching UK Visas
How to Apply for a British Passport
Embassies, High Commissions, and Consulates in the UK
Full Consultation
Immigration Consultation
Free 30 Minutes Consultation
Free 15 Minutes Consultation
Application Preparation
Fast Track Same Day UK Immigration Applications
Life in the UK
Plane Tickets and Travel Services
Landing Pack
iam learning English
Tenants Right To Rent
Book an Appointment
Working in the UK
Sponsorship Application for UK Immigration
Global Mobility
Businesses and Institutions
Estate & Letting Agents
Landlords Right To Rent
Education Providers

Countries that allow 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.

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.

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:

Follow our YouTube Channel ▶️ & Facebook page 📱

For the latest visas & uk immigration updates..

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 .

Latest Posts

How to apply for an adult dependant relative visa to come to the UK - 22 March 2023
India Has Strike Deals To Get Working Holiday Visas For Young Indian - 27 January 2023
The Best European Cities To Move To In 2023 - 1 January 2023

EU-to-Re-Introduce-Restrictions-for-US-Tourists

51 Responses

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

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

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

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

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

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/ ).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Privacy Overview

British passport mat.

Avoid anxieties & confusion with your FREE Step-by-Step DIY Schengen Visa Guide

Schengen mat Form

Be Confident in Your Visa Application

No thanks. I don’t want the FREE guide. I’m happy to miss out on the travel opportunities to Europe.

Avoid Anxieties. Get a clear Uncomplicated Guide!

FREE Step-by-Step DIY Schengen Visa Guide

Avoid visa refusals
Get appointments
Get your visa in time

Yes I want access!

Our history
Our Funders
Advocacy Service
Current Projects
Our Achievements

Know your Rights

Publications
Submissions
Media Centre
Take Action

Travel Documents

If you have refugee status, subsidiary protection or have been granted residence based on being a family member of a refugee or a person with subsidiary protection status you may qualify for a travel document to allow you to travel outside of Ireland. If you have been recognised as stateless, you will also qualify for a travel document. In exceptional circumstances, migrants with other residency permissions may be granted a temporary travel document.

The application form and guidelines for applying for a travel document are available on the ISD website . The cost of a travel document is €80. The website notes that applications for Travel Documents are taking up to 22 weeks to process so please ensure that you apply well in advance of any planned travel.

1951 Convention Travel Documents - Refugees

If you have refugee status, you qualify for a 1951 Convention Travel Document. A 1951 Convention Travel Document gives you certain benefits including the ability to travel to certain countries without a visa. If you are travelling to Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland you do not need a visa for a short-stay (90 days or less).

Please note that Ireland imposed a requirement for holders of Geneva Convention Travel Documents from these countries to enter Ireland to have visas for short stays of 90 days or less.

You can find out more information on suspension of the operation of the Council of Europe Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees (Council of Europe) for a period of 12 months from July 2022 here .

Temporary Travel Documents

If you do not have refugee status or have been recognised as a person eligible for subsidiary protection and you do not have a national passport, the State may, in some very exceptional cases, issue you with a temporary travel document. This may be to allow you to access urgent medical treatment abroad or to help you apply for a national passport from your country of nationality. Many of Nasc’s clients experience difficulties if their passports expire as many countries do not have an embassy or a consulate in Ireland or, even if they do, they cannot print passports in Ireland. We strongly recommend ensuring that you make arrangements to have your passport renewed well in advance of its expiry.

If you are applying for a temporary travel document, you will need to provide detailed reasons as to why you do not have a national passport and what efforts you have made to try to get a national passport. You will need to show that you have made efforts to obtain a national passport and that you has been formally and unreasonably refused by your country of origin.

Examples of the evidence that you should provide with your form includes:

Details of the efforts you made to obtain a passport – letters/faxes/phone calls or emails to Embassy or relevant agencies seeking a passport;
Evidence that the country you have requested the passport from will not issue you with a passport unless you present in person at an Embassy or at a passport office in your country of nationality – letters/faxes/emails from the Embassy addressed to you requiring you to travel to apply for a passport;
Details of the efforts you made to obtain a temporary travel document or laissez-passer from your country of nationality and evidence that this request has been refused.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs publishes a Diplomatic List of all of the embassies and consulates accredited to Ireland. This list is updated regularly and is a useful resource to get information on where your nearest embassy is located.

If you have been issued with permission to remain in the State on the condition that it will only be renewed once you can provide an up to date passport, we strongly recommend that you begin the process of applying for your passport as soon as possible. It may take a number of months for you to gather the relevant evidence and the application process for the travel document may also take several months.

top stories
Personal stories
Understanding Europe
The European Union
Articles by country:
Afghanistan
Antigua & Barbuda
Bosnia & Herzegovina
British Indian Ocean Territory
Burkina Faso
Canary Islands
Central African Republic
Ceuta & Melilla
Congo - Brazzaville
Congo - Kinshasa
Côte d’Ivoire
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Equatorial Guinea
European Union
French Guiana
Guinea-Bissau
Myanmar (Burma)
Netherlands
New Zealand
North Korea
North Macedonia
Palestinian Territories
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone
South Africa
South Sudan
St. Kitts & Nevis
Switzerland
Trinidad & Tobago
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Vatican City
Western Sahara

Please enable JavaScript in your browser for better use of the website.

From file: Ireland will temporarily suspend visa-free travel for refugees coming from safe European countries. Ukrainians are exempted

border authorities
Council of Europe

Ireland: Visa requirement for refugees changes

Ireland has temporarily suspended visa-free travel for refugees traveling to the Republic from safe European countries. The temporary suspension will last 12 months, and does not include Ukrainians.

Ireland has decided to temporarily suspend its operation of the 1959 Council of Europe agreement, which allows visa-free travel for refugees, who have been granted protection in other European countries. Ukrainians are exempted from the temporary suspension .

Normally, countries within the EU, which are signatories to the Council of Europe Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees, have to allow visa-free travel for holders of refugee travel documents. It allows holders of these travel documents to enter a signatory country for a maximum of three months without a visa or prior clearance.

At the moment, the visa exemption applies to holders of a Convention Travel Document issued by Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, as stated in the Irish government press release.

Change starts on July 19

The suspension came into effect at noon on Tuesday, 19 July. However, for Ukrainian nationals, who are also subject to a special visa-free travel arrangement within the block, free travel is still available.

The Irish government said the move was intended to "protect integrity of immigration and International Protection Systems." It said its International Protection Office had been "receiving applications from some people who already have granted refugee status by other states."

When a person applies for international protection, your fingerprints are checked on the Eurodac database. This tells a country if someone has already applied for this status elsewhere. The Irish press release said that between January 2021 and January 2022, their International Protection Office received "760 notifications on the basis that the person was [already] a beneficiary of international protection in another state."

System open to 'exploitation'

Of these 760 notifications, 479 -- or 63% -- had their protection status already granted in other EU Member States. Those 479 applications accounted for 7% of the overall applications for international protection in Ireland in that period, said the press release.

If you have been granted refugee status in another European country and would like to travel to Ireland, you can apply for a visa in order to do so.

Ireland's Minister of Justice, Helen McEntee, said that the government had not taken this decision lightly. However, she said there "is evidence that there may be abuse of such systems, [and so] the government must act swiftly to mitigate the risks to maintain the integrity of our immigration and international protection systems and uphold public confidence in those systems."

McEntee added that some had been exploiting the system. She said the suspension was "temporary and will be reviewed in a year's time."

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney added that Ireland's decision "will assist in the protection of Ukrainians, and those of other nationalities, who are fleeing conflict, as it will lessen the incidence of abuse of this system."

Run out of beds

Minster Coveney added that Ireland's decision was not "unprecedented" and that "other Council of Europe member states have taken similar action previously."

The news magazine Politico reported that the Irish government had come to its decision after it had reportedly run out of beds for Ukrainian arrivals because they "were being taken by refugees from other nations."

As a result, wrote Politico , "hundreds of Ukrainians, mostly women and children, who have landed in Ireland since Thursday have ended up sleeping on the floor of a disused Dublin Airport building."

On Tuesday, these people are expected to be rehoused in an Irish army-errected "tent village" north of the capital Dublin, reported Politico .

According to Politico , some of the increase in people coming to Ireland is because of the UK's threats to send people to Rwanda . However, it pointed out that this does not directly affect people traveling directly from the UK, as Britain and Ireland have a visa-free travel agreement in place already anyway.

Report by Croatian NGOs denounces illegal push-backs and abuses
France refuses visas to relatives of victims of Channel shipwreck
Video: How useful is legal migration?
Concerns raised over migrant rights at Finland-Russia border

Need Help? Talk to an Expert 1800 998 969

Nationwide Service

[email protected]

1800 998 969

Travel Documents for Ireland

Immigration law is an incredibly complex area. For McGinley, it generally revolves around supporting individuals who need to enter or remain in Ireland. However, once that process is complete, what happens when that individual wants or needs to travel?

This is a rather important question to raise, as people who come to live in Ireland may need to travel to and from the country for a range of reasons. Ultimately, they are able to do that, but some key documentation may be required. More specifically, it might be time to get a travel document in Ireland.

The Irish Immigration Service explains that a travel document helps non-Irish nationals who live in the country to travel, but it adds that there are some important issues that you must bear in mind.

Irish Travel Document Eligibility

One of the key aspects relates to eligibility, as the Irish travel document has been created to support a specific group of people. The Irish Immigration Service details that you can fill in a travel document application form if you are:

A refugee, as outlined by the International Protection Act 2015
Someone who has been granted subsidiary protection under the International Protection Act 2015
A programme refugee under section 59 of the International Protection Act 2015
Stateless, in accordance with the New York Convention of 1954
A family member of a person with refugee status or subsidiary protection
A family member of programme refugees
A person with permission to stay in the state

The service adds that, in some situations, a travel document will only be issued where a person has been unable to get a national passport. It references this in relation to subsidiary protection, being a family member of programme refugees and being a person with permission to stay in the state.

Travel Document Application Form

So, if you fall into any of the categories above, just how do you apply for a travel document in Ireland? The process begins with a key piece of documentation that is available online.

You will need a travel document application form to get started and this can be downloaded from the Irish Immigration Service. It asks for a host of personal information, while you will also need to provide four passport-sized photos with your travel document application form.

There are full details on the photo requirements on the Irish Immigration Service website and if your images do not meet the criteria, your application could be returned. You should familiarise yourself with all aspects, as they include stipulations in relation to pose, expression and other issues like glasses and head coverings.

You also need to pay a fee when completing a travel document application form. This travel document fee is €80 and it can only be paid by:

Postal money order, where you send payment through the postal system.
Bank draft, which is a cheque guaranteed by a bank.

The fee should be made payable to the Department of Justice.

Once you have everything in order, it is time to submit your Irish travel document application form. The Irish Immigration Service outlines that the application should be sent to:

Travel Document Section

Repatriation Division

Immigration Service Delivery

Department of Justice

13-14 Burgh Quay

The Irish Immigration Service adds that people can also apply from outside the state. In this situation, individuals can submit the travel document application form to the address above, but they must leave sections requiring Garda facilitation blank.

They should also provide details on an Irish Embassy that they can attend, as arrangements will be made for their application to be completed there. The travel document will subsequently be sent to the Irish Embassy for collection.

How Can McGinley Solicitors LLP Help Advise Me on Travel Documents for Ireland?

Immigration law is one of our key specialisms here at McGinley Solicitors LLP and we can support you through the entire process of getting a travel document in Ireland. Immigration issues are a tricky area and there is a lot to consider, from matters like Irish citizenship to securing that all-important work permit for use in the country.

We pride ourselves on being able to help in any situation, so we can ensure that your travel document application form is completely accurate and meets the key criteria. In addition, we can offer advice on any areas of concern and provide assistance so that you are in the best possible position when applying for the travel document.

So, if you have questions or want support when completing a travel document application form, please get in touch and speak to our experts today.

Irish Travel Document FAQs

What is a travel document for.

It helps eligible non-Irish nationals who live in Ireland to travel. In some cases, the document may be issued when a person is unable to get a passport.

Who is eligible for a travel document in Ireland?

You can apply for the document if you meet specific criteria and the key issues are listed above.

Do I need to pay any fees?

There is a travel document fee of €80 and this can only be paid in one of two ways. You can pay it by postal money order, or alternatively opt for a bank draft.

Can I apply for a travel document from outside Ireland?

This is possible and requires the involvement of an Irish Embassy. Once the process is complete, you can head to your chosen Embassy to collect the travel document.

Where can I get a travel document application form?

You can download the travel document application form from the Irish Immigration Service website. The site also includes other information including details on photo requirements.

Yes, I agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland

Our Ministers

Please be advised that this page has moved and this content is no longer being updated. Up-to-date information is now available at Ireland.ie/dfa/visas-for-ireland .

Visas for Ireland

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is warning of the existence of a fraudulent telephone phishing visa scam purporting to come from this Department seeking personal information and requesting significant cash amounts to process visas. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not seek funds additional to the typical fee when processing visas. You will find advice on phishing scams on the website of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission . If you are a victim of such a crime report it to your local Garda Station and the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service . January 2018

If you want to enter Ireland, you may need a visa. Find out more about getting a visa to come to Ireland .

In Ireland, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) is primarily responsible for dealing with immigration and visa matters.

Requirements

Application, visa and documentation.

Whether you need a visa to enter Ireland depends on what country you're from, see Schedule 1.

S.I. No 473 of 2014 groups countries into five different categories (schedules).

Note : A Schengen visa or UK visa is not valid for travel to Ireland. For exceptions to this, please see Schedules 2 and 3 below.

Remember…

If you're a citizen of a non-EEA country, whether you need a visa or not, you will be subject to immigration control when you enter Ireland.

Schedule 1 - Check if you need an Irish visa

Find out what you need to enter Ireland based on your nationality on the INIS website .

Convention travel documents

If you hold Convention travel documents issued by certain EEA state, please refer to Section 3. (b) (i) of S.I. No 473 of 2014 (short-stay visits only) or visit the INIS website for more information.

Schedule 2 - Visa waiver programme

Check if you meet Visa Waiver Programme requirements on the INIS website , if so you may be able to travel on to Ireland from the UK without the need to obtain a separate Irish visa.

If not, you'll need to apply for an entry visa before you travel to Ireland.

Schedule 3 - British Irish Visa Scheme (BIVS)

Check if you are eligible for this Scheme on the INIS website .

Schedule 4 - Transit Visas

Check if you will need to apply for a transit visa on the INIS website .

Submitting your application

Please ensure you have completed the correct application form and supplied all the required documentation. A full list of the different application forms and the necessary documents can be found on the INIS website .

The processing times for visa applications vary depending on the visa type and the Office to which the application is lodged. Visa applications are considered in as speedy a manner as possible but timeframes for decision can be dependent on a number of factors including, the number of applications received and the resources available to process them at any one time.

While the vast majority of applications are dealt with within a much shorter timeframe it is recommended that applicants allow as much time as possible when applying for a visa. Just in case further enquiries have to be made, we advise you to apply for your visa 8 weeks before the date you plan to travel.

NOTE: Applicants planning on a long term or permanent stay in Ireland, such as, in the case of joint family visa applications, should be aware that they will require more in-depth consideration than short-stay visa applications and it is recommended applicants make their applications 12 weeks prior to their proposed dates of travel.

You need to:

1. Complete the online application form ( Guidance is available in several languages ) 2. Gather your supporting documentation, passport photograph and fee 3. The online application system will automatically request you to submit your documentation to one of the following:

Your appropriate Irish Embassy or Consulate
The dedicated Visa Offices in Abu Dhabi, Abuja, Beijing, London, Moscow and New Delhi & Ankara
Direct to INIS, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland

If you submit false or misleading information in support of your application, it will result in the refusal of your visa application and may have a negative impact on any future applications made.

How long does it take?

If you’re applying for a business visa and it’s being processed in an Irish Embassy or Consulate, you should have a decision within 10 working days, provided all your documentation is in order.

Some categories of visa (eg Study, Visit or Join Family visas) can take longer, depending on the time of the year.

Tracking your application

Track your application by contacting the Embassy or Consulate to which it was submitted, quoting the reference number from your application.

If you sent your application to Dublin, you should contact INIS directly .

Notification

If you applied at an Embassy or Consulate, they will contact you once a decision has been made.

If you applied directly to INIS in Dublin, or if your application was referred to INIS for a decision, you can check the INIS Visa Decision Weekly Listing using your reference number.

Need more information?

Visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website to find out what you need to know before you apply for a visa

If you’re in Ireland and want to apply for a re-entry visa or have other queries, contact the INIS Visa Section

What sort of Visa do I need?

A comprehensive list of the different visa types that are available, and the documentation required in respect of each, is available from the INIS website .

For ease of reference, separate links for some of the most common visa types are set out below.

Travelling to Ireland as a tourist

If you are a Visa-required national and you would like to visit Ireland for a short period (90 days or less) you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for Visit/Holiday Visa applications from INIS .

For further information on tourism in Ireland please visit the website of Tourism Ireland .

Travelling to Ireland as a Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens seeking to apply under Directive 2004/38/EC (Free Movement Directive)

Please refer to INIS for details and comprehensive information regarding these types of applications.

Travelling to Ireland on business

Business meeting.

If you are a Visa-required national and coming to Ireland for a business meeting you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for Business Visa applications on INIS .

If you are a Visa-required national and coming to Ireland for a conference, you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for Conference Visa applications on INIS .

Starting a Business in Ireland

If you are a Visa-required national and you wish to set up a business in Ireland, you will require Business Permission from the Department of Justice and Equality, prior to applying for your visa. Find more information on the INIS website .

Studying in Ireland

If you require an entry visa for Ireland and would like to study here, you will find useful guidelines and details of requirements for Study Visa applications on INIS .

For further information on studying in Ireland:

Immigration Regime for Full Time Non-EEA Students
Irish Council for International Students
Immigration and Visas - A guide for international students

Standard visa fees

Standard non-refundable visa application processing fees are:

Other charges

You may also have to pay communications charges.

More information

Contact your local Embassy or Consulate for more details on fees and payment methods.

No fee required

Some applicants don’t have to pay a fee for their visa. These include visa-required spouses and certain family members of EEA citizens (including Irish nationals). You must provide proof of the relationship with the application.

In addition, applicants from the countries listed on this page don’t have to pay a fee.

You may be charged an administration or communications fee if you’re apply from some of these countries. Other charges

My application has been refused.

If your application has been refused and you still want to travel to Ireland, you can:

Appeal the decision or
Make a new application

If you decide to make a new application, your previous application history may be taken into account.

Appealing the decision

You'll be sent a letter outlining the reasons for refusal. You can appeal this decision within two months of receiving the refusal notice. You will find further information on how to make an appeal on INIS .

Immigration control

A visa is a form of pre-entry clearance which allows for travel to Ireland. It does not guarantee permission to enter Ireland. Permission to enter Ireland is granted by an Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

All non-EEA citizens, whether they need a visa or not, will be subject to ordinary immigration controls at the port of entry.

Additional documents

As well as your visa, an Immigration Officer may ask to see additional information such as:

Accommodation bookings
Return flights
Contacts in Ireland

Length of stay

The Immigration Officer at the port of entry will decide your length of stay by stamping your passport; which will reflect the purpose of your journey and the amount of time you are allowed to stay in the State.

The validity period shown on your visa indicates the dates between which you must travel to Ireland. These dates are NOT the dates between which you’re permitted to remain in Ireland.

Staying over three months

If you need a visa to enter Ireland and you want to stay longer than 90 days, apply for a 'D' type visa before you travel. Permission to enter on the basis of a 'C' type visa will not give you permission to remain beyond a 90 day period.

Registration

If you’re a non-EEA national and you want to stay longer than three months in Ireland, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau and apply for permission to remain in Ireland.

Conditions of your visa

Under Irish law, you’re not allowed to engage in any activity or to remain in Ireland for any purpose other than that for which your visa or permission to remain was granted.

Overstaying your visa

If you stay in Ireland longer than your permission to remain permits, you could be liable for prosecution and/or deportation.

Change of activity

If you want to undertake any activity in Ireland other than that for which your visa was granted you must leave the county and apply for a new visa. You can’t return to Ireland while you’re waiting for a decision on your new application.