Personal Immigration
Travel Documents and British Passports
Travel Document
You can apply for a travel document to travel outside the UK if:
- You are not British.
- You cannot use or get a passport from your country of nationality.
- Your country of nationality cannot give you a passport.
1. Refugee Travel Document
If you have Refugee Status, you can apply for a Refugee Travel Document from the Home Office.
This type of travel document serves as a substitute for a passport from your country of nationality.
Who is eligible?
- Refugees residing in the UK.
- You originally came to the UK on a family reunion visa to join someone who has refugee status.
What can I do if I am issued with a Refugee Travel Document?
- Travel documents are primarily used for international travel. They serve as an alternative to a national passport and are essential for crossing international borders if the country recognises it.
What am I NOT allowed to do if I am issued with a Travel Document?
- Return to your Home Country: If you are issued with a Refugee Travel Document, you cannot return to your home country.
- Exception Country: Travel to any country excluded on your travel document.
2. Certificate of Travel
A Certificate of Travel is an international travel document issued by the Home Office.
It is designed for individuals who are not British citizens but need to travel outside the UK and are unable to obtain a passport from their country of nationality.
Who is eligible?
- Asylum seekers who have been granted Humanitarian Protection.
- You originally came to the UK on a family reunion visa to join someone who has Humanitarian Protection.
- You were born in the UK as the child of someone with refugee status and you have permission to stay but do not have refugee status yourself.
- You have an important reason to travel, and your country’s national authorities are unable to issue you with a passport or emergency travel document quickly.
What can you do if you are issued with a Certificate of Travel?
- Certificate of Travel are primarily used for international travel. They serve as an alternative to a national passport and are essential for crossing international borders.
What are you NOT allowed to do if you are issued with a Certificate of Travel?
- Travel to Certain Countries: Some countries may not recognise or accept a Certificate of Travel as a valid travel document.
3. British Passport
A British passport is an official document issued by the UK government, which serves as a form of identification and allows you to travel internationally.
Who is eligible?
- British Citizens
What are the requirements?
To apply for a first British passport, you need to meet certain requirements and provide necessary documents:
- Proof of Identity: You need to provide proof of your identity. This typically includes your birth certificate or adoption certificate.
- Confirmation of British Nationality: If you were not born in the UK, you will need to provide documentation to confirm your British nationality. This may include a Certificate of Nationality, Certificate of Registration as a British citizen, or a Certificate of Naturalisation.
- Photographs: You will need to provide two identical passport-sized photos that meet the UK's photo requirements.
- Referee: You will need 1 referee, to confirm your identity.
- Supporting Documents: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be required to provide additional documents. For instance, if you have changed your name, you should provide evidence of the name change, such as a deed poll certificate or marriage certificate.
Why choose us?
Our highly trained immigration experts have a thorough understanding of the Travel Document and British passport requirements and application process.
We can help you with your application by providing you with:
- An honest opinion on the positives and negatives of your case.
- Advice on the requirements specific to your circumstances.
- A customised evidence checklist.
- Assistance with preparing and submitting your application form and evidence.
