Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

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, 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.

Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Brazil
Canada
Cuba
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Dominican Republic
Estonia
Hungary
Indonesia
Israel
Jamaica (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
Kazakhstan
Korea (Republic of Korea)
Macedonia
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
Ukraine
USA
These countries DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:
Portugal
Slovenia
Switzerland
Thailand (except for nationals of certain countries)
Trinidad and Tobago (only for nationals of countries entitled to visa free entry) *
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
This list is subject to changes so we recommend to double-check information on the current visa requirements before your travel arrangements.
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IaM can help with your visa application to the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
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- UK Travel Ban Lifted – Essential Travel Permitted from the UK - December 23, 2020