Please note that 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:
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 at any time. We recommend double-checking information on the current visa requirements for your country of destination before making any travel arrangements.
Getting a Travel Visa
A travel visa is an official document, usually stamped or affixed into the bearer’s passport, that grants the right to legally enter, remain within, or to leave a foreign country. A Schengen visa, for example, allows you to travel to any of the Schengen countries as well as other non-Schengen countries that allow travellers to enter their countries with a Schengen visa.
Travellers without a valid travel visa will be refused entry into a country. And, if the individual enters the country through illegal means and later discovered, may be punished and deported.
How to Apply for a Visa
Each country has their own processes for applying for a visa. Generally, you will need to fill in an application form and submit any requirements that the consulate or embassy asks for, and some even require you to appear for an interview.
There are many factors that could add to your visa being approved or rejected by the consulate, and many find the process of applying for a visa stressful for this reason. You can choose to do this on your own, or get a service like IaM to help you either make the application or check the application that you filled out yourself.
If you want to make your own visa application to any of the Schengen countries, check out our blog posts for our detailed guides:
Do you have a refugee travel document and plan on travelling? Comment below.
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.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
One Response
Great article
Very informative
Just one suggestion in title if you can add UK