refugee travel document visa to ireland

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ANNEX – Transposition of the CEAS in national legislation

Visa-free travel for refugees coming to Ireland from ‘safe’ European countries to be suspended

Move required to ‘protect the integrity’ of immigration system, says government in statement.

The move is 'not unprecedented: other council of Europe member states have taken similar action previously', said Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Ireland is to require refugees travelling to the State from “safe” European countries to hold visas, citing “abuse” of the system.

In a statement, the Government - which signed off on the move following an incorporeal Cabinet meeting on Monday - said it had been agreed to “protect the integrity” of the immigration system.

It means that people who have been granted refugee status in other countries can still apply to travel to Ireland, but will need a visa to do so. It will involve temporarily suspending the operation of a Council of Europe Agreement for 12 months.

The agreement in question abolished visa requirements for affected refugees when they travel from a country designated as safe under its terms, with governments instead issuing convention travel documents which allowed the refugees to travel to other signatory countries without a visa or prior clearance if the purpose of the journey was solely for a visit of up to three months.

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The Government is citing Article 7 of the agreement for the suspension, which will come into effect from noon on Tuesday. The visa-free travel arrangements for Ukrainian nationals will be unaffected.

The International Protection Office (IPO) has been receiving applications from some people who already have been granted refugee status by other states, the Government statement said. The IPO checks every applicant over the age of 14 against a European database that stores the fingerprints of international protection applicants or people who have crossed a border illegally.

Ireland is notified if a person who has been granted international protection has already been granted the status in another EU member state. From January 2021 to January 2022, there were 760 notifications of someone in receipt of international protection in another state. Of those, 479 came from EU member states whose beneficiaries of international protection are visa exempted. That represents seven per cent of the 6,494 applications for international protection in that period.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the decision was not “taken lightly” but that where there is evidence that there may be abuse of such systems, “the Government must act swiftly to mitigate the risks”.

“The suspension of the operation of the agreement is temporary and will be reviewed in a year’s time.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said the 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. This step is not unprecedented: other council of Europe member states have taken similar action previously.”

Reacting to the announcement on Monday Irish Refugee Council chief executive Nick Henderson described the move as “a regrettable decision”.

“The Council of Europe Agreement is an important way for refugees in Europe to travel to visit family members for a maximum, temporary three month period. In our experience, these are families torn apart by war, who have been scattered to different parts of Europe.

“Requiring a visa application for such a visit adds considerable uncertainty and obstacles for refugee families and is stark contrast to the principle of free movement for EU nationals. Given the low numbers who travel through this mechanism, the suspension of this Agreement risks being disproportionate and regressive,” he said.

Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

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

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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.

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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:

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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 .

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Visa-free travel to Ireland for refugees further suspended

The Government has extended the temporary suspension on visa-free travel for refugees in Europe.

The Council of Europe Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees will be reviewed in 12 months.

The suspension, which in effect means that people with refugee status require a visa to travel to Ireland rather than travelling visa-free with their Convention Travel Document, was originally introduced in July 2022.

The decision to introduce visa requirements for those with refugee status was taken "in light of evidence of people applying for asylum in Ireland who had already received refugee status in another European country". The Government agreed last year to review the suspension in 12 months.

The visa-waiver arrangements for people fleeing the war in Ukraine remains unaffected.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micheál Martin said: “This decision has been taken by Government in the context of unprecedented pressures on our international protection system.

“It is not a decision taken lightly but it is the right one for Ireland at this time to ensure the integrity of our immigration system, to avoid any undue pressure on systems that are already under strain and to make sure that those who need protection in Ireland can get it and get it quickly.”

International protection applications

Ireland continues to see high levels of applications for international protection when compared to pre-pandemic levels. Before the suspension of visa free travel arrangements was introduced in July 2022, there was a 191 per cent increase in applications by the end of June 2022 compared to the same period in 2019.

However, the International Protection Office "has made significant progress in increasing the numbers of decisions made and significantly reducing processing times".

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said:“This is a carefully considered decision that we believe is necessary to protect the integrity of Ireland’s immigration system in the context of continued pressures on our international protection and accommodation systems.

“The visa waiver I introduced for people fleeing to Ireland from Ukraine remains unaffected. Ireland’s commitment to protecting and assisting those in need remains steadfast. We are committed to upholding our international and EU obligations towards international protection applicants and refugees.”

Minister McEntee also recently updated Cabinet on the modernisation programme and also on the accelerated procedure for applicants from safe countries of origin.

Safe countries

Last November, new accelerated procedures for those who arrive in Ireland from safe countries seeking International Protection were introduced.

The changes have ensured that a first instance decision is made within three months in such cases, "a significant reduction from a norm of 17 to 24 months last year". The numbers arriving from these countries has significantly decreased.

Since last November, the numbers arriving from these countries have decreased from 210 applications in November to 64 in May this year – a drop of almost 70 per cent.

"It should be emphasised that the continued imposition of a visa requirement will not prevent travel to Ireland by 1951 Convention document holders. Genuine travel plans will be facilitated through standard visa arrangements.

"Since the introduction of the suspension, there have been 803 Convention Travel Document visa applications, of which 697 were granted and 105 refused."

Immigration Services

Residence Permission
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De Facto Relationship with an Irish National
Non EEA Parents of Irish Citizen Children
Family Members of Non EEA National Sponsors
Change of Status Applications
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Humanitarian Leave To Remain
The Deportation Process
Family Reunification (Refugees)
Subsidiary Protection
Employment Permits
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Immigrant Investor Schemes
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Travel Documents
Without Condition As To Time

A travel document is an official document which assists qualifying non Irish nationals who are resident in Ireland to travel.

The following persons are eligible to apply for a travel document:

A non-EU national who has been granted full refugee status by the Minister for Justice and Equality is entitled to apply for a travel document to enable him/her to travel outside the State. The issuing of such a document (normally referred to as a Convention Document) is governed by the Refugee Act 1996 which incorporates the 1951 UN Convention on the Status of Refugees.
Programme Refugees who are placed on the Register of Programme Refugees maintained by the Department of Foreign Affairs are also entitled to 1951 Convention travel documents.
Persons who have been granted Subsidiary Protection Status and appropriate family members.
In very exceptional circumstances, the Minister may, at his/her absolute discretion, issue a temporary travel document to a person who has been granted leave to remain in the State and does not have a national passport.

The following documents should be provided with a completed application form:

A fee of €12 which is non-refundable even if the application is refunded or withdrawn;
Two passport size photographs;
Copy of the applicant’s current Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) registration card.

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Visas and immigration
Seek protection or asylum

Apply for a Home Office travel document

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

How long it will be valid for

If you’re settled in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’), your document will usually be valid for up to 10 years. If you’re 15 or under and settled in the UK, it will usually be valid for up to 5 years.

If you have permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’) your document will be valid until the end of your permission to stay in the UK.

Your document may be valid for a shorter time in some cases. For example, because your previous document has been lost.

Countries you can travel to

You can usually travel to all countries except:

the country you’re from
any country you sought asylum from

Before you travel

Check which documents you’ll need before you book your travel.

Ask the authorities of the country you’re visiting or travelling through if:

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

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Information

FAQ - Travel Documents

*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.

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.

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.

Ireland pledging emergency legislation to send asylum seekers back to UK in wake of Rwanda bill being passed

Ireland's justice minister, Helen McEntee, says she will be meeting UK Home Secretary James Cleverly in London on Monday as she promises an "effective immigration structure and system".

By Andy Hayes, news reporter

Monday 29 April 2024 03:27, UK

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Ireland is pledging emergency legislation enabling it to send asylum seekers back to the UK.

More than 80% of recent arrivals in the republic came via the land border with Northern Ireland, Irish justice minister Helen McEntee told a parliamentary committee last week.

Rishi Sunak told Sky News it showed the UK's Rwanda scheme was already working as a deterrent after it finally became law last week.

Read more: Anti-immigrant camp in Dublin 'not about racism', residents say

Ireland's deputy prime minister has said the threat of deportation to Rwanda is causing migrants to head for Ireland instead of the UK.

Micheal Martin said the policy was already affecting Ireland because people are "fearful" of staying in the UK.

The former taoiseach told The Daily Telegraph: "Maybe that's the impact it was designed to have."

Protesters at an 'Ireland Says No' anti-refugee gathering in Dublin. File pic: Niall Carson/PA

Simon Harris, Ireland's latest leader, has asked Ms McEntee to "bring proposals to cabinet to amend existing law regarding the designation of safe 'third countries' and allowing the return of inadmissible international protection applicants to the UK", a spokesman said.

Ms McEntee said she will be meeting UK Home Secretary James Cleverly in London on Monday.

"There are many reasons why we have seen an increase in migration towards Ireland," she told RTE.

"My focus as minister for justice is making sure that we have an effective immigration structure and system.

"That's why I'm introducing fast processing, that's why I'll have emergency legislation at cabinet this week to make sure that we can effectively return people to the UK, and that's why I'll be meeting with the home secretary to raise these issues on Monday."

People are now "worried" about coming to the UK, Rishi Sunak has said.

He told Sky News: "If people come to our country illegally, but know that they won't be able to stay here, they are much less likely to come, and that's why the Rwanda scheme is so important."

Read more: Tory MP and doctor Dan Poulter defects to Labour Humza Yousaf to reject pact with Alex Salmond's Alba Party

Mr Sunak said the comments from Irish politicians show that "illegal migration is a global challenge".

"[That] is why you're seeing multiple countries talk about doing third country partnerships, looking at novel ways to solve this problem, and I believe [they] will follow where the UK has led," he said.

Shadow minister Wes Streeting said it was unlikely a Labour government would bring people back from Rwanda if some are sent there.

"Once people are settled in Rwanda, they're settled in Rwanda," he told Sky News, adding it was doubtful that Labour would "unpick that situation".

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Regarding illegal migration in general, he said it required "putting the money that's gone to Rwanda into the National Crime Agency so we can have proper cross-border policing to tackle the criminal gangs, speeding up the processing of decision-making, making sure we've got serious returns agreements with other countries".

He added: "Those are solutions that can work."