As a refugee, you may look for ways to travel safely and legally abroad. Fortunately, the UK government has provided an essential document designed for this purpose. The essential document is UK Refugee Travel Document.
In this article, we’ll explain a refugee travel document, who can apply for it, and how to obtain one to help make your next journey overseas as stress-free as possible. So, if you’re ready to take control of your journey and explore beyond the borders of Great Britain, read on.No Win, No Fee Family Lawyers In The UK will help you with UK refugee travel documents.
What is a UK Refugee Travel Document?
The UK Refugee Travel Document is an official travel document issued by the Home Office to individuals granted refugee status or those with humanitarian protection living in the United Kingdom. The document allows refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection to travel outside the UK for up to 12 months and is valid for five years from the issue.
A Refugee Travel Document is essential for refugees living in the UK who wish to travel abroad. Issued as a blue passport, this document can also be referred to as a 1951 Convention Travel Document or Geneva Passport. It is necessary for:
- Refugees wishing to travel outside the country
- Syrian refugees arriving through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement program
- Family members coming through refugee family reunion schemes.
Obtaining a Refugee Travel Document is the first step to traveling abroad for refugees living in the UK.
How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?
To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, you must submit an online application to the GOV.Uk website. So, You must provide supporting documents to prove your identity, nationality, and status as a refugee.
You will also need to pay the relevant fee and attend an appointment at your nearest Home Office Immigration Centre. Your application will proceed once you have provided all necessary documents and attended your appointment. You will receive your Refugee Travel Document by post.
Who Can Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?
You can apply for a refugee travel document if you have:
- Refugee status in the UK
- Arrived with a family reunion visa to join someone who has refugee status
- Must have permission to stay in the UK for at least six months from the date you make your application.
How Long will the UK refugee Travel Document be Valid?
It will be valid for five years if you have temporary permission to stay. If you have permission to stay permanently in the UK, it will be valid for ten years.
How much is the UK Refugee Travel Document Application Fee?
The refugee travel document application fee is £75 for adults and £49 for children (15 or under).
How Do I Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?
Getting started with a Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is simple and straightforward. To apply, refugees living in the UK must fill out an application form and submit it to the Home Office.
The form will ask for personal details such as name, date of birth, address, and other relevant information. Supporting documents may also need depending on the individual’s circumstances.
This could include proof of identity, nationality, and status as a refugee. Once you fill out the form and submit all necessary documents, applicants must attend an appointment. At their nearest Home Office Immigration Centre.
Which Countries Allow Visa-Free Travel with Refugee Travel Documents?
These countries allow visa-free travel with refugee travel documents:
Can You Travel to any Country if You have Refugee Travel Document?
No. You cannot usually travel to the country you are from, nor any other one in which you have sought asylum.
What to Do if You Lose Your Refugee Travel Documents?
You need to take immediate action if you have lost or stolen your travel document. To protect your identity and rights, it is important to contact the Home Office as soon as possible.
Email at traveldocumentenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
When emailing the Home Office travel document enquiries team, include the following:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
It is also helpful to provide any additional details that you may have, such as your:
- Travel document number
- Home Office reference number
- Biometric residence permit (BRP) number
- Police report and crime reference number
All these can help the home Office team speed up the process of issuing a new travel document. Taking immediate steps to report a lost travel document will protect your identity and rights.
FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the document?
A: Those recognised as refugees or with humanitarian protection in the UK are eligible.
Q: How do I apply for the document?
A: Applicants should visit their local UK visa application centre for the application process.
Q: Is there a fee for the document?
A: Yes, there is a fee for the document, and the exact amount will vary depending on the document type and the applicant’s circumstances.
Conclusion
The UK refugee travel document is essential for refugees living in the UK who wish to travel abroad. It is a blue passport and can be referred to as a 1951 Convention Travel Document or Geneva Passport. If you are a refugee and plan to travel outside the UK, you must apply for a Refugee Travel Document.
You can do so by submitting an online application on the GOV.UK website. Be sure to have all supporting documents ready and the fee required to attend your appointment at the Home Office Immigration Center. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact KQ Solicitors.
