The UK issues various travel documents to residents who are not British citizens but need documentation to travel internationally. These travel documents are primarily for individuals who do not hold a national passport, such as refugees, stateless persons, and those granted humanitarian protection in the UK. Here’s a guide covering the different types of UK travel documents, eligibility, and examples of each.
1. Types of UK Travel Documents
The UK government issues several travel document types, depending on the applicant’s status and eligibility:
- Refugee Travel Document: For refugees who have been granted asylum in the UK.
- Certificate of Travel: For individuals with humanitarian protection or exceptional leave to remain in the UK who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country.
- Stateless Person’s Travel Document: For individuals recognized as stateless under the 1954 UN Convention.
Each document allows the holder to travel outside the UK, though travel permissions may vary by document type and country of destination.
2. Refugee Travel Document (Blue Cover)
The Refugee Travel Document is issued to refugees who have been granted asylum in the UK and are unable to obtain a passport from their home country.
- Appearance: Blue cover with “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” and the words “Travel Document” at the top.
- Validity: Typically valid for up to 10 years for adults and 5 years for children, depending on the length of leave granted.
- Usage: The Refugee Travel Document is recognized by many countries worldwide under the 1951 Refugee Convention. However, certain countries may require a visa, so checking entry requirements before traveling is essential.
The Refugee Travel Document allows refugees to travel internationally while under the protection of the UK, but it is generally not valid for travel to the country from which the individual originally sought asylum.
3. Certificate of Travel (Brown Cover)
A Certificate of Travel is issued to individuals who do not qualify for a Refugee Travel Document but have permission to remain in the UK, including those granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave.
- Appearance: Brown cover with “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” and “Travel Document” at the top.
- Validity: Usually valid for up to 5 years, but the duration depends on the individual’s leave to remain in the UK.
- Usage: This document may not be accepted by all countries, and visa requirements vary. Certificate of Travel holders should check with the destination country’s embassy to confirm entry requirements.
The Certificate of Travel is an essential option for residents who cannot obtain a national passport and need a travel document for international travel. However, acceptance of the Certificate of Travel is more limited compared to the Refugee Travel Document.
4. Stateless Person’s Travel Document (Gray Cover)
The Stateless Person’s Travel Document is for individuals recognized as stateless under the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and living in the UK.
- Appearance: Gray cover with “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” and “Travel Document” at the top.
- Validity: Generally valid for 5 years, depending on the individual’s residence status in the UK.
- Usage: The Stateless Person’s Travel Document allows international travel, but entry requirements and visa policies differ by country. Like the Refugee Travel Document, it may not be valid for travel to the country where the individual previously held nationality.
This travel document is essential for those without a country of nationality, enabling them to travel outside the UK for personal or professional purposes.
5. Examples of When UK Travel Documents Are Used
Here are some scenarios where a UK travel document may be required:
- Travel for Refugees: A refugee in the UK may use the Refugee Travel Document to visit family in a third country, attend a conference, or travel for business.
- Emergency Travel for Stateless Persons: A stateless individual working in the UK might use their Stateless Person’s Travel Document to attend a family emergency abroad.
- Holiday for Individuals with Humanitarian Protection: Someone with humanitarian protection status can apply for a Certificate of Travel to visit other countries for tourism.
UK travel documents allow non-citizens to travel internationally when they cannot obtain a passport from their country of origin, helping to address personal, professional, or humanitarian travel needs.
6. Applying for a UK Travel Document
To apply for a UK travel document, applicants generally need to:
- Complete the Application Form: Available on the UK government’s website.
- Provide Biometric Information: Includes fingerprints and a digital photograph.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Such as proof of residency status, reasons for needing the travel document, and any documentation showing the inability to obtain a national passport.
- Pay the Application Fee: Fees vary based on the document type, typically ranging from £75 to over £300.
Processing times vary, and applications may take several months, so planning in advance is recommended.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can UK travel document holders travel to all countries?
No, travel document holders must check with destination countries for entry requirements, as some countries may not accept certain UK travel documents.
2. How long is a UK travel document valid?
Typically, Refugee Travel Documents are valid for up to 10 years for adults, while Certificates of Travel and Stateless Person’s Travel Documents are usually valid for up to 5 years.
3. Can a UK travel document be used for travel to the holder’s country of origin?
In most cases, UK travel documents are not valid for travel to the holder’s country of origin or the country from which they sought asylum.
4. How much does it cost to apply for a UK travel document?
Fees vary by document type but typically range from £75 to over £300.
5. How long does it take to process a UK travel document?
Processing times vary, generally taking a few months, depending on the document type and specific circumstances.
6. Who is eligible for a Certificate of Travel?
Individuals in the UK with humanitarian protection, discretionary leave, or other forms of leave who cannot obtain a passport from their home country may be eligible.