UK Refugee Travel Document After Brexit – Fast Guide 2025

If you hold a UK Refugee Travel Document (RTD), you used to travel across Europe without much trouble. Before Brexit, many EU and EEA countries allowed UK RTD holders to enter without a visa. That freedom ended on 1 January 2021 when the UK became a third country under EU rules.

Now, most European destinations require a visa even for short visits. Many travellers only learned this when airlines refused boarding or embassies asked for extra paperwork. It’s frustrating, but not impossible to manage.

You can still travel internationally if you plan properly. Some countries remain open to RTD holders with straightforward visa procedures. Others need longer processing times or more supporting documents. Knowing which is which will save you time and stress.

Important: This information is current as of November 2025. Always confirm with gov.uk and the embassy or consulate of your destination before applying.

In this guide, you’ll learn where you can travel, how to apply for visas, and how to keep your RTD valid. You still have options. You just need the right information and a clear plan before you go.

2. What You Need to Know About Your RTD

Your UK Refugee Travel Document (RTD), also called a Convention Travel Document or 1951 Convention Travel Document, is issued under the 1951 Refugee Convention. It replaces a standard passport and lets you travel internationally while confirming your refugee status. It also allows you to re-enter the UK after travelling abroad.

The validity of your RTD depends on your immigration status. If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), it’s usually valid for up to 10 years. For children aged 15 or under with ILR, it’s typically valid for 5 years. If you have Limited Leave to Remain, your RTD will expire at the same time as your UK permission to stay. That might mean a few weeks, months, or years of validity.

Travelling to your country of origin using your RTD can lead to loss of refugee status. See the Essential Travel Advice section for more details.

You must have at least six months remaining on your UK permission to stay when applying. Each child under 15 must have their own RTD. They cannot be added to a parent’s document.

3. What Changed After Brexit for UK RTD Holders

Before Brexit, travelling within Europe as a UK Refugee Travel Document (RTD) holder was straightforward. You could visit EU and EEA countries visa-free, often for up to 90 days. Planning a trip felt almost the same as holding a UK passport. The UK also participated in the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which supported consistent asylum and travel policies across Europe. For most RTD holders, moving across borders inside Europe was simple and predictable.

That changed on 1 January 2021. The UK became a “third country” under EU law. This reclassification reshaped travel rules for RTD holders. Most EU and EEA nations now require a visa for entry. You can no longer assume automatic access to any European country. Each visit now needs an approved visa application, supporting documents, and a clear reason for travel.

Expect longer preparation times. Visa processing can take two to eight weeks, sometimes more during busy seasons. You’ll also need to show proof of funds, hotel or accommodation bookings, travel insurance, and a detailed travel plan. The cost adds up too. Most embassies charge €80–€180 per visa, plus service centre fees if you apply through an external agency.

Some things stayed the same. Your RTD validity period still depends on your immigration status. The application and renewal process remain unchanged. The UK continues to recognise the 1951 Refugee Convention, so your document remains internationally valid. You still cannot travel to your country of origin, and this rule is strictly enforced.

There is one silver lining. A Schengen visa covers 26 European countries, meaning one successful application gives you access to most of Europe for the duration of that visa. With careful planning two to three months in advance, international travel remains fully possible.

Brexit made travel harder, not impossible. You just need more time, paperwork, and patience.

4. Which Countries Can You Travel To With Your UK RTD?

A. EU/EEA Countries Requiring Schengen Visa

As of 2025, almost all EU and EEA countries require UK Refugee Travel Document (RTD) holders to get a Schengen visa before travel. The advantage is that one Schengen visa lets you visit 26 member states without separate applications.

France

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Where to apply: French consulate in London or VFS Global.
• Processing: Around 15 to 45 days. Apply at least 2 to 3 months early.
• Cost: About €80, plus £25–35 service fee.
• Purpose: Tourist, business, or family visits.

Germany

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Where to apply: German embassy or VFS Global.
• Known for: Stricter checks and detailed documentation.
• Processing: Around 15 to 45 days. Plan 2 to 3 months ahead.
• Cost: About €80 plus service fee.

Spain

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Where to apply: Spanish consulate or VFS Global.
• Important: The 90-day visa-free rule for UK passport holders does not apply to RTD holders.
• Peak season: Apply 3 months in advance for June to August trips.
• Cost: About €80 plus service fees.

Italy

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Where to apply: Italian consulate or VFS Global.
• Visit types: Tourist, business, or family.
• Peak season: From April to September, apply early.
• Cost: About €80 plus service fee.

Greece

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Popular with refugees due to family links.
• Summer travel between May and September needs 2 to 3 months of lead time.
• Cost: Around €80 plus service fees.

Portugal

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Where to apply: Portuguese consulate or VFS Global.
• Processing may be slower between May and September.
• Cost: About €80 plus service fee.

Netherlands

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Apply through VFS Global.
• Known for strict checks on financial stability and UK residence.
• Cost: Around €80 plus service fee.

Switzerland

• Visa: Required (Schengen visa).
• Although not in the EU, Switzerland follows Schengen rules.
• Apply through the Swiss embassy.
• Cost: About €80 plus service fees.

Other Schengen countries requiring visas include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Key advantage: A Schengen visa allows free travel across all 26 member states for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Application strategy:

• Apply to the embassy of your main destination.
• If visiting multiple countries for equal time, apply to the embassy of your first destination.
• One visa covers the entire trip.

B. Turkey

• Turkey is not part of the EU, so Brexit did not affect its rules.
• UK RTD holders can often apply for an e-visa depending on their country of origin.
• Applications are made online through the official Turkish e-visa website.
• Processing is usually fast, often completed within a few days.
• Some nationalities may get a visa on arrival, but always confirm first.
• Check your exact eligibility before booking flights.
• Turkey’s visa process is generally simpler than EU visa applications.

C. Non-EU Countries with Established Processes

Canada

• Visa: eTA or visitor visa, depending on your country of origin.
• UK RTD accepted.
• Apply online via the Government of Canada website.
• Processing: Minutes to days for eTA, several weeks for visitor visa.
• Cost: CAD $7 for eTA, CAD $100 for visitor visa.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai)

• Policy is unclear and inconsistent.
• Most reports say UAE does not accept UK RTDs.
• Many visa applications are rejected.
• Official rules require a national passport.
• Contact the UAE embassy in London before booking any trip.
• Expect likely refusal.
• Treat Dubai and the UAE as inaccessible for now.

Australia

• Visa: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or visitor visa.
• UK RTD accepted.
• Apply online through Australian immigration services.
• Processing: Around 1 to 2 weeks.
• Cost: Around AUD $150.

New Zealand

• Visa: NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
• UK RTD eligible.
• Apply online.
• Processing: Around 72 hours.
• Cost: NZD $12 plus NZD $35 levy (about NZD $47 total).

United States

• Visa: B1/B2 visitor visa required.
• RTD holders cannot use ESTA.
• Apply via the US Embassy in London.
• Complete DS-160 form and attend an in-person interview.
• Processing: Several weeks to months.
• Cost: $185 (about £150).
• Apply 3 to 4 months before travel.

Countries generally more accessible:

Some Caribbean, African, and Asian nations have more flexible visa policies. However, each country sets its own rules. Always verify visa details with the relevant embassy in London before paying for tickets or making bookings.

D. Countries You CANNOT Visit

You cannot travel to your country of origin or the country where you first sought asylum. Doing so will result in loss of your refugee status and UK residence rights. See ‘Essential Travel Advice and Restrictions’ for complete details and consequences.

5. How to Apply for and Renew Your UK RTD

Eligibility for New Application

You can apply for a UK Refugee Travel Document (RTD) if you have refugee status or asylum approval in the UK. You must be living legally in the UK with at least six months left on your permission to stay. The Home Office must have no security concerns about you.

Required Documents

• Form TD112 from gov.uk
• Proof of refugee or asylum status such as your Home Office approval letter
• Two passport photos that meet UK passport standards
• Valid ID such as your BRP card or UK driving licence
• Proof of address from the last three months (utility bill, bank statement, or council tax notice)
• Current RTD if you are renewing
• Evidence of your current immigration status

Application Process

1. Download and complete form TD112 from gov.uk.
2. Collect all supporting documents, including copies.
3. Book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre.
4. Pay the fee of £82 and check the current amount on gov.uk before applying.
5. Submit your application online or by post.
6. Attend your biometric appointment for fingerprints and a photo.
7. Wait for processing. Standard processing takes 3 to 7 weeks after biometrics.

During busy months, it can take up to 3 months. The Home Office asks applicants not to contact them unless 14 weeks have passed since biometrics. There is no fast-track option, so apply at least 3 to 4 months before you plan to travel.

Renewal Process

Renewing your RTD follows the same steps as a new application. You can apply up to 9 months before your current RTD expires. To avoid gaps, apply 6 to 9 months before expiration. Always keep copies of everything you send.

Important:

• If you have less than six months left on your stay, extend your leave first.
• Wait to book travel until you receive your RTD.
• Some countries refuse RTDs with less than six months’ validity.
• Keep your asylum approval letter and immigration papers safe.
• Children under 15 must have their own RTD application.

6. How to Apply for Travel Visas as a UK RTD Holder

General Preparation

Before starting any visa application, check your UK Refugee Travel Document (RTD). It should have at least six months of validity, but nine months is safer. Make sure your UK immigration permission also lasts long enough to cover your entire trip.

Always plan for a 2–3 month process from start to finish. Some embassies take longer. Never book flights or hotels that can’t be refunded until your visa is approved and you have your RTD back in hand.

Schengen Visa Application Process

A Schengen visa lets you travel through 26 European countries with one document. The most common type is the short-stay Type C visa used for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. It usually allows up to 90 days of stay within a 180-day period. You must apply at the embassy of your main destination or your first point of entry into the Schengen area.

Step 1. Determine which embassy to apply to (Week 1)

• If visiting one country, apply to that country’s embassy or consulate.
• If visiting several, apply to the embassy of the country where you’ll stay the longest.
• If staying equal time in each, apply to the embassy of your first entry country.
  

Step 2. Gather required documents (Weeks 1–2)

You’ll need:

• Completed Schengen visa form from the embassy’s website.
• Valid UK RTD with at least three months left after leaving the Schengen area.
• Two recent photos meeting Schengen size rules (35–40mm).
• Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage, valid across all Schengen countries.
• Proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings or an invitation letter.
• Flight itinerary with clear entry and exit dates (use refundable bookings).
• Bank statements for the last 3–6 months showing at least €50–€100 per day of stay.
• Employment letter confirming job, salary, and leave approval.
• Student letter if enrolled in education.
• Proof of UK residence, such as recent utility bills or tenancy agreement.
• Copy of BRP card showing refugee status and visa validity.
• Cover letter explaining purpose, itinerary, and intention to return.

Step 3. Book appointment (Weeks 2–3)

Most Schengen applications go through VFS Global. Book early, especially for May–September. Some embassies have limited slots.

Step 4. Attend visa appointment (Weeks 3–4)

Arrive with all documents and photocopies. Provide fingerprints and a photo (stored in the EU Visa Information System for five years). Pay the €80 visa fee plus £25–35 service charge. Your RTD will be kept during processing.

Step 5. Wait for processing (Weeks 4–8+)

Most visas take 15 calendar days, but complex or busy cases can take 30–45 days. The embassy may ask for more documents. You cannot travel during this time.

Step 6. Collect decision (Weeks 6–8+)

You’ll receive your RTD with the visa sticker inside or by courier. Check all details carefully. If refused, you’ll receive a written explanation and can appeal or reapply with stronger evidence.

Tips for success

• Provide more evidence than required.
• Show strong ties to the UK through job, study, or family.
• Keep all bookings consistent with your cover letter.
• Use professional translations for non-English documents.
• If staying with family or friends, include a notarized invitation letter.
  

Other Visa Applications

United States (B1/B2 Visitor Visa): Apply through the US Embassy London at ustraveldocs.com. Complete the DS-160 form, pay the $185 fee (about £150), and book an in-person interview. Bring your RTD, proof of refugee status, bank statements, travel plans, and evidence of UK residence. Processing can take weeks or months. The US is strict, so prepare comprehensive documents.

General visa application tips

• Always use official embassy websites. Avoid agents charging extra.
• Some countries offer online visas (eVisas) that process faster.
• Apply 3–4 months before travel.
• Provide full documentation.
• Be completely honest. False information leads to bans.
• Always show strong reasons to return to the UK.
• Keep all documents organized and labeled.
• Follow every instruction exactly.
  

Budget planning

• Schengen visa: about £95–£110 per adult.
• US visa: about £150.
• Canada visitor visa: about £60.
• Travel insurance: £20–£80 per trip.
• Translations: £30–£50 per document.

7. Essential Travel Advice and Restrictions

Before You Travel

Planning timeline

Start visa research 4–6 months before travel. Renew your RTD 3–4 months before departure if needed. Apply for destination visas 2–3 months before you go.

Do not book non-refundable flights or hotels until the visa is approved and your RTD is back with you.

Financial preparation

Set a visa budget of £80–150+ per application. Expect higher totals for non-Schengen trips. Keep 3–6 months of bank statements that show steady income. Many countries ask for €50–100 per day of your stay. Buy travel insurance. Schengen requires €30,000+ medical cover. Typical cost is £20–80 per trip. For family trips, multiply every cost for each traveller.

What to carry

• UK RTD plus 2–3 photocopies kept separate
• All valid visas plus copies
• Refugee status proof and a copy
• BRP and a copy
• Travel insurance policy and emergency numbers
• Printed accommodation confirmations
• Printed return flight tickets
• UK embassy or consulate contact for your destination
• Emergency contacts in the UK
  

During Travel

Leaving the UK

Show your RTD and the destination visa. State your purpose and dates clearly and truthfully. Keep return tickets and accommodation details ready. Keep every boarding pass.

Entering your destination

Present your RTD with a visa. Answer questions honestly, briefly, and politely. Show return tickets and accommodation if asked. Be ready to show proof of funds. Keep your answers consistent with your visa application. Never try to enter without the correct visa. You will be refused and removed.

While abroad

Protect your RTD. Use a hotel safe and carry certified copies when possible. Follow every visa condition. Do not overstay. Do not work on a tourist visa. Keep your insurance details handy. Store digital copies of key documents in secure cloud storage. If staying for a long visit, register with the UK embassy.

Returning to the UK

Show your RTD at the border. Check your BRP expiry date before you fly home. Return before any visa or leave expires. Entry should be smooth if your papers are valid.

Critical restriction: country of origin

You cannot return to your country of origin or the country where you first sought asylum. Doing so can cause loss of refugee status, loss of right to remain, RTD cancellation, and deportation action. You may also lose ILR, future citizenship routes, and contact with family in the UK. The UK granted protection because return is unsafe. Travel back suggests protection is not needed.

Exceptions are extremely rare. Death of an immediate family member or a serious medical emergency may qualify. You must speak to an immigration lawyer before any travel. Even then, your status remains at risk.

Time outside the UK

If you have Limited Leave to Remain, you must return before your leave expires. Allow buffer time for delays. If you have ILR, absences over two years can mean loss of status. Long trips under two years can still raise questions about residency. Keep clear UK ties through employment, home, and family. Keep trips short and linked to a clear purpose. Keep records that show why you travelled.

8. What Happens Next in Your Journey

Family Reunification – Major 2025 Update

As of 4 September 2025, the UK government paused all new applications under the refugee family reunion route. The free, simplified pathway is now closed to new applicants. If you applied before 3pm on 4 September 2025, your case will still be processed under the previous rules.

Any new applications must now go through the standard family visa routes. These require application fees, proof of income, adequate accommodation, and in some cases, English language tests. The process is longer and more complex.

Previously, refugees could sponsor their spouse or partner and children under 18 who were part of their household before fleeing. That process was free and relatively fast. Now, you should monitor Home Office updates and seek legal advice if you need to bring family members to the UK. Adult children and extended relatives already had very limited options, and that remains the same.

After 5 Years of Refugee Status: Indefinite Leave to Remain

After five years from the date your asylum was granted, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Time waiting for an asylum decision does not count.

ILR means permanent residence with no time limit on your stay. You must meet several conditions:

• Continuous residence in the UK, with no absences over 180 days in any 12-month period
• Pass the Life in the UK Test
• Show English ability at B1 level or higher
• Have no serious criminal convictions
• Have not breached immigration laws

The ILR application is free for refugees. You can apply in the final month of your fifth year. Once approved, you can work, study, and access services without restrictions.

Path to a British Passport

Refugees can apply for British citizenship and later a British passport, but it takes several steps.

1. Get ILR after five years of refugee status.
2. Hold ILR for 12 months, unless married to a British citizen. If you are married to a British citizen, you can apply immediately.
3. Apply for naturalisation as a British citizen. You must meet the good character, English, and Life in the UK Test requirements.
   • Application fee: around £1,330 (as of 2025).
   • Processing time: 6–12 months.
4. Once approved, apply for a British passport.
   • Cost: £88.50 online or £100 on paper.
   • Processing: around 3 weeks.

In total, the journey takes about 6–7 years from your initial refugee grant.

A British passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 190+ countries, full voting rights, and the ability to pass citizenship to your children. It also removes travel limits imposed by your RTD.

How Long You Can Stay in the UK

• Refugee status: valid for 5 years.
• After 5 years: eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
• With ILR: you can stay in the UK permanently.
• After holding ILR for 12 months (or immediately if married to a British citizen): you can apply for citizenship.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel to France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, Netherlands, or Portugal visa-free with my UK Refugee Travel Document?

No. All Schengen countries now require UK RTD holders to apply for a Schengen visa. One visa covers all 26 Schengen member countries.

Can I travel to Canada with my UK Refugee Travel Document?

Yes, but you need either an eTA or a visitor visa. Which one applies depends on your country of origin. Check the official IRCC website.

Does Dubai or the UAE accept UK Refugee Travel Documents?

No. The UAE does not accept UK refugee travel documents and requires a national passport.

Can I travel to the USA with my UK Refugee Travel Document?

Yes, but you must apply for a US B1/B2 visitor visa. An in-person embassy interview is required. UK RTD holders cannot use ESTA.

Can I travel to Turkey with my UK Refugee Travel Document?

Yes. Many UK RTD holders can get a Turkish e-visa online, depending on their country of origin.

Can I go back to my home country if I have asylum in the UK?

No. Travelling to your country of origin will end your refugee protection and UK residence rights.

Can a refugee get a British passport?

Yes. After five years as a refugee, you can apply for ILR, then citizenship, then a British passport. The full process takes around six to seven years.

What date in 2025 does ETIAS start?

ETIAS is still delayed. The latest estimate is mid-to-late 2025 or early 2026. There is no confirmed date.

How long can I stay outside the UK with my Refugee Travel Document?

If you have Limited Leave to Remain, you must return before your permission expires. If you have ILR, avoid staying abroad longer than two years.

Can a refugee bring family to the UK?

No new applications are accepted under the refugee family reunion route as of 4 September 2025. You must apply through standard family visa routes.

What happens after five years of refugee status in the UK?

You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Once granted, you can later apply for British citizenship and a British passport.

10. Conclusion and Next Steps

Check your Refugee Travel Document (RTD). It must be valid for at least six months before you travel. If it expires soon, renew it first. Confirm your UK immigration permission is valid for the entire trip.

Use official embassy websites to check visa requirements for every destination. Avoid using unverified online sources. Create a clear budget that covers visa fees, travel insurance, and proof of funds. Apply for your visas two to three months before travel to allow enough time for processing.

Collect all required supporting documents before you apply. Include bank statements, accommodation confirmations, travel insurance, and evidence of UK ties such as a job letter or tenancy agreement. Keep strong links to your work, home, and family in the UK. These show your intention to return and help support your visa applications.

When to Seek Professional Legal Help

• You plan to travel to your country of origin, even for an emergency.
• Your visa application is refused and you want to reapply or appeal.
• Your RTD application is delayed for more than 14 weeks.
• You are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British citizenship.
• You need advice on bringing family members to the UK after the September 2025 changes.
• You are facing immigration enforcement issues.
• You have overstayed a visa or breached immigration conditions.
• Your circumstances are complex or uncertain.

Final Encouragement

Travel is still possible for refugees in the UK with the right preparation. Plan early, stay organised, and keep all documents accurate and up to date. Manage your budget carefully and check every visa rule on official sources before you apply.

Your refugee protection remains secure. These visa processes are administrative steps, not risks to your status. With early planning, complete documentation, and the right advice, you can travel confidently while continuing to build a stable life in the UK.