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• Advance Parole, Reentry Permits and Travel Documents (Form I-131)

What is a Refugee Travel Document?

Home » What is a Refugee Travel Document?

July 5, 2021

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Refugee Travel Documents to persons with refugee or asylum status (and in some cases to lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent residence through refugee or asylum status).

Who Needs a Refugee Travel Document

You must have a Refugee Travel Document to return to the United States if you:

• Have refugee or asylum status but are not a lawful permanent resident (green card holder); or
• Are a derivative asylee or refugee.

If you do not obtain a travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

Lawful permanent residents who obtained their status through refugee or asylum status may also apply for a travel document. Although permanent residents can generally enter the United States with the green card (after an absence of less than one year), a travel document may be needed to enter other countries. In this way, the travel document is much like a passport.

An asylum “applicant” cannot obtain a Refugee Travel Document. Instead, asylum applicants may apply for an Advance Parole Document . Advance Parole allows certain aliens to return to the United States without a visa after traveling abroad.

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

To apply for a Refugee Travel Document, file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document . You should file a Form I-131 before you leave the United States and expect processing times of approximately three months. However, it may take longer. Expedited processing may be available for your situation.

Should you need to leave the United States before USCIS grants the travel document or you want to apply outside the United States, please consult with an immigration attorney .

Mistakes on your Form I-131 can cause costly delays or a denial.

Period of validity.

A Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to one year. During this time you can use the document multiple times.

USCIS will not renew your travel document. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a new one with Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Traveling to the Country of Persecution

Traveling back to the country where you experienced past persecution or claim a fear of future persecution is highly discouraged.

RECOMMENDED: Dangers of Refugee/Asylee Travel to Home Country

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Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

• Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
• Countries that DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
• European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document
• European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document
• List of countries that DO NOT ALLOW ENTRANCE for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention
• List of countries that issue travel documents

How to Apply for a Visa

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 visits 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.

N OTE: This list is subject to changes at any time . We recommend double-checking information on the current visa requirements with the embassy of your country of destination before making any travel arrangements or you can start an application with IaM and we can check for you. IaM is not liable for any immigration or other difficulties you may encounter based on the information on this page.

For countries with official sources, there will be a hyperlink, which will be highlighted in orange and underlined. You can click on it to view more information.

Countries that require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina  
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• Jamaica * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• Kazakhstan  
• Norway * (1951 Convention travel documents issued by Malta, Ireland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland have visa-free access to Norway )
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia 
• Thailand*  (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• Turkey   (unless for official visit)
• United Kingdom

Countries that do not require visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention:

• Liechtenstein 
• Netherlands* (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Tunisia * (depending on the country of origin of the traveller)
• Vatican city

European countries that require a visa to travel with a travel document:

European countries that you can travel visa free with a travel document:.

• Liechtenstein
• Monaco* (To be confirmed after Brexit)
• Netherlands* (Depending on your nationality)

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

List of countries that issue travel documents:

• Netherlands *
• Republic of Ireland
• United States of America

All the above countries issue refugee travel documents in one form or another. They allow you to leave the country that issued them and return with the same documents. Some countries allow you to travel to other countries without the need for a visa. Whereas, you may need to obtain a visa for other countries. These arrangements are usually due to agreements between countries.

Please note that in some instances, you may lose your refugee status if you travel to the country from which you sought refuge. You will need to check with the country that issued your travel documents.

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 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 is later discovered, may be punished and deported.

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:

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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 .

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51 Responses

Great article Very informative Just one suggestion in title if you can add UK

Hello, Can I still travel to these countries visa free with a refugee travel document after brexit? Thanks

We are in the process of updating this post. Check with the embassy first to know where you want to go.

The French embassy has been ignoring my email enquiries and their visa centre as well. I am stuck and do not know if I can still travel to France visa free with my refugee blue travel documents with Brexit. Has anyone travelled during this year 2021? did you need to apply for a Schengen visa or did you travel visa free? That would help a lot if someone could share their experience. Many thanks

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

Hi all, I am currently stck in Georgia that entered the UK red list and in need for a buffer place to spend the ten days before flying back to the UK. I would appreciate any suggestions for a visa free destination.

Hi. You can check the UK amber list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-uks-amber-travel-list/ ) or green list ( https://immigrationandmigration.com/uk-travel-update-new-countries-on-the-green-list/ ).

What type of visa do I need to visit a Switzerland for about 2 weeks to visit a friend. And can I travel to Switzerland from Sudan . I live in the uk and I have a refugee travel document. I’m traveling to Sudan in few days then if possible will travel to Switzerland.

You will need a Schengen visa to visit Switzerland to visit a friend. You can check the list above if you are required to apply for this visa.

Hi , I have a Uganda travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Read the blog post above.

Can I still travel to Malta with a refugee travel document from the UK without a visa? I have contacted the relevant embassies but have not had any replies yet.

Hi. We have updated our list. You can check which countries you can travel to visa-free.

Hi CHesca , thanks alot for this information so i have read that Malta does not require visa for Blue refuggee TravelDocument . just some one stuck in Istanbul and have to go to malta to do the 10 days there . thanks

You’re welcome. Glad to help.

Hi , I have a Japanese travel document the Geneva Convention 1951 July 28 If I travel Europe I need visa or not

Check the list above or contact the embassy for more info.

Hi , thank you for this helpful article but can you please confirm about Turkey and Tunisia as I can see them in countries DO NOT require visas for the visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention. do you have any link to show this new update I checked Turkish official website and I think they still ask Refugee travel document holders to apply for visa. please let me know!

many thanks

You can check with the embassy to be sure if you will need a visa or not.

I,m a refugee in Namibia. I have acceptance status and my traveling document. I would like to visit Canada or Austria. Please how will I get the Visa.

Hi. You can start your application with us here: For Austria: https://immigrationandmigration.com/schengen-visas/ For Canada: https://immigrationandmigration.com/canada-visas/

Hi, I been in Portugal in June 21, could I still travel to Portugal with my travel document from UK? Thank you very much.

Check the article above.

Hi I live in the UK having travel documents. Can I travel to paris without visa please let me know Thanks

You can check the list above for France.

Hi Juan, can I check if your comment means you travelled to Portugal in June 2021 visa free? I have a flight to Portugal tomorrow and I was under the impression that I could travel without a visa with the same travel document mentioned in the article. Thanks

I would also be interested in this question in regards Portugal.

Has anyone with refugee travel document indeed travelled to USA WITHOUT a visa or do we actually need a visa to get in?

According to our list, USA requires a visa.

My first inquiry: HI, my UK Refugee Travel Documents will expire in 14/11/2021 (that is bit less than 3 months from now). Can I still use it to travel to Europe (Greece or Lithuania)?

My second inquiry: about a week ago I contacted Lithuania (by email) asking if I could visit Lithuania using my Refugee Travel Document (above) visa-free. They confirmed that I COULD! However, in the list above Lithuania is under the “Countries that REQUIRE visas for visitors with the Refugee Travel Document (blue) issued under the 1951 UN Convention”. Can you explain how this works please?

You need to make sure that your travel document is valid if you plan to travel. As we have put up in the notice, these restrictions can change at any time so we recommend you check with the embassy.

I hold a UN Convention Refugee Travel Document issued in the UK, and I am preparing to visit a country that does not require visa from me. I wonder if I need to present my Biographic Residency Permit Card (BRP) at the custom alonsige the travel document?

Yes you will need that to enter the UK.

I have refugee uganda refugee i need to visit canda how will i go there please help me.

Hello, I have a blue passport (1951) issued by Belgium, I live with in Brussels, I would like to go to south Africa, I would like to know if I need or apply for a visa to go there some days of vacation?.. Thanks

You can check our list above and/or check with the embassy to be sure.

Just been to the Portugal Consulate, Refugees now need a Visa to travel to Portugal.

Hi Baba, is this with the 1951 travel document??

Is this with travel document and valid biometric card?

Hi I have Uk travel document (black) I want travel Eastern Europe do I need visa or just buy ticket and travel also if not which country accept it ?

Check the list above.

Do I Require visa with UK travel Document and biometric card for Portugal? I am Albanian citizen, but I reside in the UK.

Hi Eduart, Albanian citizens do not need a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal or any Schengen countries.

You forgot to mention Canada in your list of countries that issue travel documents. Here’s the details about how to get a Canadian travel document: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadian-passports/travel-documents-non-canadians.html

Hi, Anyone been able to travel to Italy recently? I tried to go from Birmingham to Milan with Ryanair and they denied me boarding even though I printed embassy website and consulate email confirming that visa is not required. Ryanair’s handling agent at Birmingham Airport, Swissport use IATA TravelCentre to check for visas

Hi I am a Zimbabwean national who holds a UK refugee travel document and I just wanted to check if South Africa definitely does not require a visa as the last time a friend travelled there about ten years ago they did require one. At that time it did state that we needed one on their website but this is no longer stated so am guessing this has changed. Checked with the embassy but referred me to vfs global.

Regarding my earlier enquiry just got an email from VFS global South Africa desk and the agent stated that a visa would need to be applied for prior to travel if I hold a UK refugee travel document as a Zimbabwean national.

Hi , I have a uk travel document the Convention of 28 july 1951 and i wanted to check if i need a visa to travel to belguim. Thanks

Belgium is listed above in one of the countries that you need a visa. Check out how to apply for a Belgium visa .

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Home Office travel documents and visa free countries

Tell Us What You Think?  

Under the 1951 UN Convention Refugee Travel Document (blue) is issued by the United Kingdom to a refugee who has been granted asylum in the UK. If someone has been recognised as a refugee then they can apply for a travel document under the 1951 refugee Convention, which is a blue passport-sized document. Information about applying for this travel document is available  on the UK government website .

The Refugee Travel Document Normally is normally issued for up to 10 years for adults and for up to 5 years for children, or in line with limited leave. It also may be issued with a shorter validity if considered appropriate.

Travel documents are normally valid for all countries other than the country asylum is claimed from and/or the country of origin.

Countries that allow visa-free travel on Refugee Travel document

Countries that do not allow entry with refugee travel document.

UAE – Dubai

Qatar – Doha

Stateless person’s travel document

A stateless person may apply for a travel document under 1954 United Nations Convention relating to Stateless Persons. Information about applying for this travel document is available  on the UK government website . For more information on statelessness, see our  fact sheet on statelessness .

The travel document is normally valid for up to 5 years (children) or 10 years (adults) or in line with the leave granted. The stateless travel document is normally valid for all countries.

Certificate of Travel

Certificates of Travel may be issued to individuals who:

• are permanently resident in the United Kingdom, or
• have been granted Humanitarian Protection (HP) or Discretionary Leave (DL) to enter or remain in the UK for a limited period, following an unsuccessful asylum application  and  can provide documentary evidence that they have been formally and unreasonably refused a passport by their country of origin.

The certificate of travel is normally valid for up to 5 years or for the length of leave the individual has. The Home Office guidance states that the certificate of travel is normally valid for all countries but there were previously issues with the acceptance of the document in a number of countries, including many European ones. It is recommended that a particular country’s rules should be checked before applying for such a document and travelling to that country.

However, if an individual stay outside of the UK for a period of more than 2 years, that leave to remain (whether indefinite or limited) will lapse. The leave to remain will not lapse if someone comes back and left again during the two-year period – it must be continuous for the leave to lapse.

Disclaimer:

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Connaught Law and authors accept no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Connaught Law. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Connaught Law.

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Follow-to-Join Refugees and Asylees

Important notice about presidential proclamation 9645, important announcement: follow-to-join refugee case processing now centralized.

Due to processing changes, follow-to-join refugee cases processed by Department of State embassies and consulates will only be processed at embassies or consulates offering immigrant visa services, or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) international field offices.  This will mean that cases currently being processed at posts that only adjudicate nonimmigrant visa applications will be transferred and follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries may need to travel to another country in order to be interviewed.  If your case is being transferred, you will be notified by the Department of State. 

The list of U.S. embassies and consulates below reflect some of the processing locations that will no longer process follow-to-join refugee cases, along with the newly designated embassy, consulate , or USCIS international field office to which the cases will be transferred.  For example, a follow-to-join refugee case arising in the consular district of the U.S. Embassy in Bamako, Mali, will now be processed at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. 

For a more complete list, you can visit Visa Issuing Posts in order to confirm whether an embassy or consulate nearest to your residence will process your follow-to-join refugee case. If the location provides “All” visa services, then your follow-to-join refugee case can be processed there, unless there is a USCIS international field office in that country.  Locations marked only as “NIV” will no longer process follow-to-join refugee cases.  Embassies or consulates that only offer nonimmigrant visa (NIV) services will note the designated processing post for immigrant visas (and follow-to-join refugees) on their websites https://www.usembassy.gov/ .  

Please note that the change only impacts follow-to-join refugees.  Follow-to-join asylees can still be processed at locations offering just NIV services.

Is there a process for beneficiaries located in a country without a Dept. of State presence (e.g., Afghanistan)?

USCIS is working closely with the Department of State (DOS) to identify how to process Form I-730 petitions in locations abroad where there is not a U.S. government presence. In situations where the Form I-730 beneficiary has departed a country without the U.S. government presence, we ask that Form I-730 petitioners and beneficiaries provide updated information on the beneficiary's location so either USCIS or DOS can process them in a third country. USCIS has revised the  Form I-730 webpage  with information on contacting USCIS or DOS if the beneficiary’s address has changed. To update your or your spouse or child’s address in the United States, submit a  Form AR-11 online . If the beneficiary is located outside of the United States, you should also contact the  National Visa Center (NVC)  and the U.S. embassy or consulate or USCIS international field office processing the case. Find contact information for USCIS international field offices at the  International Immigration Offices  webpage. Find contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate at the DOS US Embassy webpage, which includes details on whether the U.S. embassy or consulate is open for interviews and additional processing.

What if I was already interviewed?

If you have not been issued a boarding foil, then your case file will be transferred to the regional processing location noted above or on the Visa Issuing Posts page.  

How will I know if my case has been transferred?

The Department of State will notify you if your case is transferred to another location.

What if I choose to have my case transferred to another location, since I am unable to travel to this NEW designated location?

Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries may request to process their cases at another immigrant visa processing U.S. embassy or consulate that is different than the one designated.  If you would like to have your case transferred to a different embassy, consulate, or USCIS international field office, then you must provide justification for the case transfer and show that you can legally be present in the country while your case is being processed.  You will first need to submit a request directly with the National Visa Center (NVC) through the Ask NVC online submission form.  You should select the “How can I request to have my interview scheduled at a different U.S. Embassy overseas?” in the question dropdown list.  In the box entitled “Additional comments or questions not in the above list”, you should include a justification for requesting the different location and note that it is in regards to “follow-to-join refugee centralization.”

Can I use my still valid medical exam at a new processing location?

Yes, the results of a still valid medical exam completed in another location can be transferred to another embassy, consulate, or USCIS international field office.

Spouse and Unmarried Minor Children Abroad Following to Join a Refugee or Asylee in the United States

Welcome to the webpage dedicated to follow-to-join refugee and asylee processing. You have come to this webpage if you have a USCIS approved I-730 petition, and you received an email or letter from the National Visa Center (NVC) telling you that your petition was sent overseas for processing. Find the subject in the list below and click to visit that section of the page.

Overview – Follow-to-Join Refugees and Asylees

Follow-to-join overseas processing steps, overseas interview appointment scheduling, documentation needed for the overseas interview, medical examination and vaccination requirements, how long will it take to process a case overseas.

• Ineligibilities - What if a Beneficiary is Ineligible?

Case Inquiries

Using a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, a person who has been granted asylum or refugee status in the United States (the petitioner) may petition to have his or her spouse and/or unmarried children, who are called beneficiaries, join him or her in the United States. Overseas, the beneficiaries of Forms I-730 filed by asylees in the United States are known as  follow-to-join asylees . Beneficiaries of Forms I-730 filed by refugees are known as  follow-to-join refugees .

1.  Petition Filing:  An individual (petitioner) who was granted asylum in the United States as a principal asylee or who was resettled to the United States as a principal refugee can file an I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition, within the first two years of arrival, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), on behalf of his or her spouse and unmarried child(ren) (beneficiary). Further details on petition filing are available on the USCIS website under  Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition .

2.  National Visa Center (NVC) Pre-Processing Case Assignment:  If the beneficiary of an approved petition is located overseas, USCIS sends the approved Form I-730 petition to the  National Visa Center (NVC) . NVC then forwards the case file to the overseas location where the beneficiary will interview. NVC sends the petitioner a letter or email telling him/her which office will interview the beneficiary, how to get in touch with that office, and what steps to take next.   

3.  Beneficiary Interview:  The beneficiary will be interviewed by either a Department of State consular officer or USCIS officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas. This interview will confirm the beneficiary’s identity, claimed relationship to the petitioner, and eligibility to travel to the United States. During the interview process, the beneficiary must provide ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. The beneficiary interview requires careful preparation, including having all required original documents available for the interview. Some beneficiaries also must complete a  medical examination  prior to interview. See the “Documentation Needed for the Overseas Interview” section below for details on what to bring to the interview.

4.  Approval to Travel as a Follow-to-Join Refugee or Follow-to-Join Asylee:  The interviewing officer will tell the beneficiary if he or she has been found eligible to travel to the United States.

5.  After Interview Processing:  Some cases require further  administrative processing , which takes additional time after the beneficiary’s interview. Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries, for example, undergo post-approval processing to arrange for sponsorship by a voluntary resettlement agency in the United States upon arrival. (NOTE: All follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries are required to have a sponsorship assurance from a resettlement agency before travel to the United States in order to receive refugee benefits.)

6.   Issuance of Boarding Foil and Travel Packet:  An officer will place a boarding foil in the approved beneficiary’s passport or other travel document. The beneficiary also will receive a sealed envelope – called a "travel packet" – containing the documents for review by a DHS immigration official when the beneficiary enters the United States.

7.  Travel Arrangements : The beneficiary must enter the United States before the expiration date printed on the boarding foil. The officer who conducted the interview will advise the beneficiary about travel arrangements to the United States. Typically, follow-to-join asylee beneficiaries are instructed to make their own travel arrangements. Travel arrangements for follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries, on the other hand, are required to be arranged and managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries who arrive in the United States without IOM coordination will not receive the reception and placement benefits to which they are entitled.

8.   Entering the United States : The boarding foil issued to the beneficiary allows him or her to travel to the U.S. port of entry to request permission to enter the United States. However, the boarding foil does not guarantee entry into the United States. The DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the U.S. port-of-entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Upon arrival at the port-of-entry, the beneficiary must give the CBP officer his or her passport (or other travel document) with boarding foil and the unopened/sealed travel packet envelope. Beneficiaries should review important information about admission and entry requirements on the CBP website under  Travel .

All follow-to-join refugee and asylee beneficiaries must be interviewed by a USCIS officer or Department of State consular officer at a U.S. Embassy. When a case is ready for interview, the embassy will send the applicant or petitioner a letter with instructions explaining how to schedule an interview appointment. 

Failure by a beneficiary to schedule an interview appointment will result in processing delays. It is critical that the overseas office conducting the beneficiary interview has the current contact information – including physical and mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses – for the petitioner, beneficiary, and if applicable, the representative of record on the case.

For interviews conducted by the Consular Section: Please follow the instructions the U.S. Embassy sends you and the guidance in the below section titled “Documentation Needed for the Overseas Interview.” You can also visit  Interview Preparation – Interview Guidelines  for general information on how to prepare for an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Important: Not all of the documents required for immigrant visa applicants are necessary for beneficiaries of I-730 petitions. The information on this link should be used as a general outline of what an interview is like.

For interviews conducted by an overseas USCIS office: After the interview is scheduled, the USCIS office will send the beneficiary a confirmation notice, which will outline the requirements that the beneficiary must fulfill before his or her interview.

1.  The original and a photocopy of the following civil documents for each beneficiary, as applicable. These documents confirm the beneficiary’s identity and relationship to the petitioner in the United States:

    a. Birth certificate;

    b. Marriage certificate;

    c. Certified adoption decree;

    d. Divorce certificate         (if needed to prove the legal termination of previous marriages);

    e. Death certificate         (if needed to prove the legal termination of previous marriages); and

    f. Documentation of any legal name change.

    g. Six photographs of the beneficiary         (see the photograph requirements); and

    h. A photocopy of the biographical data page of the beneficiary’s passport, if available.

Note: Documents written in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. When the beneficiary is interviewed overseas, the interviewing officer may ask for additional information, such as photographs and other proof that the relationship with the U.S. petitioner is genuine. 

2.  One or more travel document(s) , such as a passport, with a validity date at least six months beyond the beneficiary’s intended date of entry into the United States and/or picture identity card (for example, a refugee travel document).

3.  Other evidence of relationship between the beneficiary and petitioner, such as photographs, available school records, family correspondence, phone bills, documentation demonstrating financial support, and other proof that the relationship is genuine.

4.  Completed Medical Examination Report , which will be provided by an embassy-approved panel physician after the beneficiary has successfully completed a medical examination and vaccinations (see below). 

Important Notice : Follow-to-join asylee beneficiaries must complete their medical exam  before  their interviews with a USCIS officer or Department of State consular officer, and they are responsible for paying the cost of the medical examination. Follow-to-join refugee beneficiaries typically are instructed to complete their medical exams after their interviews, and the U.S. Government pays all costs associated with the medical examination.

Before the issuance of a follow-to-join refugee or asylee boarding foil, every beneficiary, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination, which  must be performed by an authorized panel physician. See  Medical Examination  for more information. You can find a list of approved panel physicians by country on our Interview Preparation – Interview Guidelines web page. 

Follow-to-join refugee and asylee beneficiaries are encouraged to get certain vaccinations. Although vaccinations are not required prior to travel to the United States, they will be required when adjusting status to that of lawful permanent resident. Beneficiaries are therefore encouraged to fulfill these vaccination requirements at the time of the medical examination. See  Vaccination Requirements for IV Applicants  for the list of vaccinations.

Once a case has been transferred by NVC to the appropriate USCIS office or U.S. Embassy Consular Section, the length of time needed to complete the case varies according to its circumstances, and cannot be predicted with any accuracy. (It is important to provide correct postal addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses for both the petitioner and the beneficiary to the U.S. Embassy or USCIS office processing the case. See  Case Inquiries  below). Some cases require further  administrative processing , which takes additional time after the beneficiary’s interview.

Please visit  My Case Status  on the USCIS website to obtain a status on an I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. If the case has been transferred overseas by NVC, the petitioner or beneficiary may contact the USCIS office or U.S. embassy processing the case for information.

Ineligibilities

Certain conditions and activities may make the beneficiary ineligible for admission to the United States. If a beneficiary is ineligible, he or she will be informed by the USCIS officer or Department of State consular officer at the time of interview, and advised whether there is a  waiver  of ineligibility and what the waiver process is. Ineligible cases are returned to the USCIS Service Centers that initially approved them for further action.

There is no cost to file a Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition. There is no cost to schedule a Form I-730 beneficiary interview. 

If petitioners, beneficiaries, or representatives have a question concerning a follow-to-join refugee or asylee case in progress at a USCIS office or U.S. Embassy, first contact the appropriate USCIS office or U.S. Embassy for status information. Case status information also is available on the USCIS website under  My Case Status .

Before making an inquiry, petitioners and representatives should carefully review this website for answers to questions. Because of the volume of inquiries received, USCIS and the Department of State cannot promise an immediate reply to an inquiry.

Department of State contact information is available at  Contact Us . USCIS contact information is available at  Contact Us .

More Information

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Refugees and asylum

Learn how to seek refuge or asylum in the U.S. Also find U.S. embassies around the world.

How to seek refuge in the U.S.

To seek refugee status, you must be outside the U.S. and believe you will be persecuted in your country. Find out if you and your family can qualify as refugees and how to apply.

How to seek asylum in the U.S.

To seek asylum, you must already be in the U.S. and believe you will be in danger of persecution if you return to your country. Learn how to seek asylum and sponsor someone else.

Find a U.S. embassy

U.S. embassies act as headquarters for U.S. government representatives abroad. They help U.S. citizens and non-citizens with travel and immigration-related issues.

Refugee Travel Document Guide: How to Get a Refugee Travel Document

If you are in the United States in refugee or asylum status, you will need to apply for a refugee travel document if you wish to travel outside of the United States. A refugee travel document is a small booklet, similar to a passport, and is used by refugees and asylees to reenter the United States after traveling abroad. If you are in the U.S. on refugee or asylum status and you leave without a refugee travel document, you may be unable to reenter the U.S., or you may be placed in removal proceedings .

In this guide, I’ll explain how to apply for a refugee travel document. If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at [email protected] .

• What is a Refugee Travel Document and Why Do You Need One?
• Who is Eligible to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?
• What are the Requirements to Get a Refugee Travel Document?
• How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document (Step-by-Step)
• How Long is a Refugee Travel Document Valid For?
• Refugee Travel Document Processing Time
• Is There Any Way to Speed-Up the Refugee Travel Document Processing Time?
• What Documents to Submit with Your Refugee Travel Document Application
• What is the Refugee Travel Document Fee?
• Traveling Back to the Country of Claimed Persecution

1. What is a Refugee Travel Document and Why Do You Need One?

A refugee travel document is a small booklet, similar to a passport. It has multiple pages and in certain situations, can be used instead of a passport. If you are lawfully present in the United States in refugee of asylum status, and you plan to travel abroad, you need a refugee travel document to reenter the United States. Without a refugee travel document, you may be unable to reenter the country and you may even face removal proceedings.

Please keep in mind that a refugee travel document does not guarantee that you will be readmitted to the United States. You still must undergo inspection by a Customs and Border Patrol officer.

2. Who is Eligible to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document?

• Individuals in refugee or asylum status
• Lawful permanent residents who obtained their permanent resident status as a refugee or asylee in the U.S.

3. What are the Requirements to Get a Refugee Travel Document?

1. must be a refugee or asylee or lawful permanent resident.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you must either be in the U.S. in refugee or asylum status . Alternatively, you must be a U.S. permanent resident (green card holder) who obtained their lawful permanent resident status as a refugee or alysee.

If you have applied for refugee or asylum status and it is not yet approved, you are not eligible for a refugee travel document. If you are in any other status, you are ineligible for a refugee travel document.

2. Must be physically present in the U.S. when your refugee travel document application is filed

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you should be in the United States when your refugee travel document is filed, received, and accepted by USCIS. Additionally, you should remain in the U.S. until your biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment is completed. Leaving the U.S. before your biometrics appointment may result in a denial of your case.

In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a refugee travel document if you are outside of the United States. To do this, your application must be filed within 1 year of your last departure from the United States. If you are applying from outside of the United States, you will have to include with your application an explanation of why you left the U.S. without first applying for a refugee travel document. The USCIS Overseas District Director with jurisdiction over your region will have discretion regarding whether to approve or deny your application. For this reason, it is best practice to apply for a refugee travel document before you leave the U.S.

3. Must file Form I-131, submit the required supporting documents, and attend a biometrics appointment

To be eligible for a refugee travel document you must submit a Form I-131 to USCIS and include the required documentation with your case. We will discuss this in more detail later in this guide.

To qualify for a refugee travel document, you must also attend a mandatory biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment is where your digital fingerprints are taken.

4. How Long is a Refugee Travel Document Valid For?

A refugee travel document is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued.

5. How to Apply for a Refugee Travel Document (Step-by-Step)

Step 1. file form i-131 along with supporting documents.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you must file a Form I-131 with USCIS. The Form I-131 is Application for Travel Document. As mentioned earlier, it is best practice to be physically present in the U.S. when this form is filed. Otherwise, there is greater potential for the application to be denied.

Step 2. Attend Biometrics Appointment

After the I-131 is filed, USCIS will send you a notice requiring you to attend a mandatory biometrics appointment. The biometrics appointment I where your digital fingerprints are recorded. This is a mandatory step to get a refugee travel document.

6. Refugee Travel Document Processing Time

This answer is best divided into 4 separate segments:

1. Issuance of USCIS Receipt Notice (1 to 3 Weeks from Filing)

Once you file the Form I-131 with USCIS, you are issued a receipt notice. The receipt notice is the confirmation from USCIS that your application was received and accepted. In addition, the receipt notice contains a unique receipt number. You can use your receipt number to track the progress of your application through the USCIS case status checker . You should receive the receipt notice within 1 to 3 weeks of filing the refugee travel document application.

2. Issuance of Biometrics Appointment Notice (6 Weeks from Filing)

About 6 weeks after filing your refugee travel document application, you will receive a biometrics appointment notice from USCIS. The biometrics appointment notice contains the time, date, and location of the biometrics appointment. This notice also contains instructions regarding what you must bring with you to the biometrics appointment. If needed, you may reschedule the biometrics appointment by following the instructions on the appointment notice.

3. Biometrics Appointment Date (8 Weeks from Filing)

Your actual biometrics appointment will take place about 8 weeks after filing your refugee travel document application. Make sure to bring a valid I.D. along with the actual biometrics appointment notice with you to the appointment (along with any other documents specified on the appointment notice).

4. Issuance of Refugee Travel Document (2 to 5 Months from Filing)

Your actual refugee travel document will be issued about 2 to 5 months from the date you file the Form I-131. You may choose to have the travel document delivered to your U.S. address, to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, or to your immigration lawyers office (if you are working with an immigration lawyer).

You are not required to remain in the U.S. until you receive the physical travel document. If necessary, you may leave after completing your biometrics appointment. You can then have the travel document sent to a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad as mentioned above.

7. Is There Any Way to Speed-Up the Refugee Travel Document Processing Time?

Yes, in certain situations, USCIS may grant expedited processing of a refugee travel document application. Here is a link that goes over the situations in which USICS may grant expedited processing of a case . It is at the discretion of USCIS whether or not to expedite a case.

Here are some reasons USCIS may expedite a case:

• Severe financial loss to a company or individual
• USCIS error
• Compelling USCIS interest
• Humanitarian reasons

8. What Documents to Submit with Your Refugee Travel Document Application

The specific documents you should submit with your refugee travel document application will depend on your particular case. With that disclaimer, here are some general document you should include:

• Copy of valid government issued photo I.D. (such as passport, lawful permanent resident card, driver’s license)
• Copy of USCIS document showing your status as a refugee or asylee and the date the status expires.
• 2 passport photos

9. What is the Refugee Travel Document Fee?

There are 2 fees associated with applying for a refugee travel document:

• I-131 Filing Fee: ($135 for people age 16 and older and $105 for people under 16 years old)
• Biometrics Fee: $85 (the biometrics fee is only required for people from the ages of 14 to 79 years old)

10. Traveling Back to the Country of Claimed Persecution

Traveling back to your country of claimed persecution can have severe consequences to your refugee or asylum status in the United States.

If you have asylum status in the United States and you travel back to your country of claimed persecution, your asylum status may be terminated. Traveling back to your country of claimed persecution could be seen as a change of circumstances surrounding your grant of asylum. Alternatively, it could be seen as a demonstration that your fear of persecution is not genuine. In addition, it may be seen that you have voluntarily availed yourself of the protection of your country of nationality.

Due to these potential consequences, it is best practice to avoid travel back to your country of claimed persecution.

11. Conclusion

A refugee travel document is necessary if you are in refugee or asylum status in the U.S. and you plan to leave the country. Without a refugee travel document, travel outside of the U.S. could result in an inability to return to the U.S. and may also result in being placed in removal proceedings. For these reasons, a refugee travel document is highly important. If you need assistance applying for your refugee travel document, feel free to email me directly at [email protected] . I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer, and I would be happy to help you.

• USCIS Expedite Criteria
• INA Act 208 - Asylum
• USCIS Case Status Tracker
• USCIS – Form I-131
• USCIS Fact Sheet Re: Traveling Outside the United States as an Asylum Applicant, an Asylee, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum Status
• I-131 Instructions  

Related Posts

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UNCLASSIFIED (U)

9 FAM 203.7 

Refugee Travel documents

(CT:VISA-1746;   04-03-2023) (Office of Origin:  CA/VO)

9 FAM 203.7-1  Issuance of Refugee Travel Documents

(CT:VISA-1576;   07-07-2022)

a. DHS issues refugee travel documents on Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document, to implement Article 28 of the United Nations Convention of July 28, 1951. Form I-571 entitles refugees to return to the United States, provided such persons have not abandoned their residence, lost their refugee status, or become excludable.  A valid Refugee Travel Document issued to an asylee, refugee or LPR should be regarded as a reentry permit.  In some instances, an LPR may be issued a refugee travel document, but only upon surrender of any prior reentry permit.  Occasionally, consular sections receive issued refugee travel documents for delivery to refugees abroad temporarily.  Posts should follow the same delivery guidance as for re-entry permit delivery (see 9 FAM 202.2-4(D)(2)).

b. Posts are occasionally contacted by individuals who were admitted to the United States as refugees or who were granted asylum, and who later departed without obtaining a Form I-571, Refugee Travel Document.  If such a person has been outside of the United States for one year or less, they may be eligible to file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to apply for a Form I-571. To be eligible, the RTD request must be filed with USCIS within one year of the individual's last departure from the United States. 

c. If the individual is eligible to file, you should refer them to the USCIS Form I-131 website for instructions on where the RTD application must be filed. They must pay the applicable Form I-131 filing fee(s) to the cashier at the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the individual's location and include the fee receipt when submitting their application package to USCIS.  USCIS international offices do not accept the filings of or process RTD applications. USCIS has the discretion to decide whether to accept the Form I-131 filing from abroad.

9 FAM 203.7-2  Refugees with Other Travel Documents

(CT:VISA-1746;   04-03-2023)

a. If an individual has been outside of the United States for more than 1 year, they are not eligible for an RTD.  They may instead apply for parole by filing a Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with appropriate fee(s) with the USCIS Lockbox, following the Form I-131 instructions.  While the same form is used for both RTD and parole applications, you should refer the individual to the USCIS website "Humanitarian or Significant Public Interest Parole for individuals Outside of the United States" or the USCIS I-131 website for information on how to apply for parole for urgent humanitarian reasons.  If travel is urgent, they should be directed to follow the I-131 instructions for expedited processing.  See also 9 FAM 202.3-3(B)(1) for more on parole requests filed by individuals outside of the United States.

b. Refugees and asylees who have become LPRs may use different documents when traveling abroad, depending on their circumstances.  An LPR who traveled abroad but who is unable to return due to having an expired, lost, or stolen Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card, may choose to apply for an RTD or a Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation), if they have been outside of the United States for less than one year.  If the LPR is not eligible for a waiver of documentary requirements and does not have an unexpired immigrant visa, reentry permit or other valid entry document, or has been outside of the United States for more than one year, the LPR is also potentially eligible for an SB-1 visa.  See also 9 FAM 502.7-2(C) for more on processing returning resident cases.  If they are ineligible for an SB-1 visa, parole may be an option.  Refer such LPRs to the USCIS Form I-131 or I-131A website for instructions on how to apply for these travel documents.  See also 9 FAM 202.2-4 for more on LPR travel with Form I-551, including situations involving expired lost or stolen I-551 cards, boarding foils, and other documents.

9 FAM 203.7-3  Lost Refugee Travel Documents

When an individual claims to have lost Form I-571 while traveling abroad and wishes to apply for a new RTD within one year of their last departure from the United States, you should direct them to the USCIS I-131 website for instructions on how to apply for a new RTD.

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Apply for a Home Office travel document

Refugee travel document.

You can apply for a refugee travel document if either:

• you have refugee status in the UK
• you originally came to the UK on a family reunion visa to join someone who has refugee status

How long it will be valid for

If you’re settled in the UK (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’), your document will usually be valid for up to 10 years. If you’re 15 or under and settled in the UK, it will usually be valid for up to 5 years.

If you have permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’) your document will be valid until the end of your permission to stay in the UK.

Your document may be valid for a shorter time in some cases. For example, because your previous document has been lost.

Countries you can travel to

You can usually travel to all countries except:

• the country you’re from
• any country you sought asylum from

Before you travel

Check which documents you’ll need before you book your travel.

Ask the authorities of the country you’re visiting or travelling through if:

• the country accepts refugee travel documents
• you need a visa to enter the country
• £82 for adults (it’s free if you were born before 1 September 1929)
• £53 for children 15 or under

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Travel Documents

If you wish to return to the United States lawfully after traveling outside the United States, you generally must have a:

• Valid entry document, such as a Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or nonimmigrant visa; or
• Valid and unexpired travel document.

The type of document you need varies depending on your immigration status (including lawful permanent resident status) or if you have a pending immigration benefit request.

You generally need to apply for and obtain a travel document before you leave the United States. Before planning travel, please consider USCIS processing times . If you have an urgent need to travel outside the United States, see our Expedite Request and  Emergency Travel  pages for additional information.

File  Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , to request travel documents, including:

• Advance parole document for noncitizens in the United States seeking to return after temporary travel abroad (including advance permission to travel for Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) long-term residents);
• Refugee travel document;
• Reentry permit; or
• Temporary Protected Status travel authorization.

If you are already outside the United States and need to return, but do not have your reentry permit, Green Card, advance parole document, or Temporary Protected Status travel authorization document because it was lost, stolen, or destroyed, see Form I-131A, Application for Carrier Documentation.

NOTE:  If you file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, to request an advance parole document to authorize your return to the United States after temporary travel abroad and  you depart the United States before we issue your advance parole document, we will consider your Form I-131 application abandoned unless you were previously issued an advance parole document that remains valid for the entire time you are outside the United States.

Travel outside of the United States may have severe immigration-related consequences.

Admission or parole into the United States is not guaranteed even if you have the appropriate documents. You are still subject to immigration inspection or examination at a port of entry to determine whether you may be admitted or paroled into the country and whether you are eligible for the immigration status you seek.

Additional cautions for people in certain circumstances are summarized below.

If you are a nonimmigrant

If you have been admitted as a nonimmigrant and have filed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , to change to a different nonimmigrant status, we generally will consider your Form I-539 abandoned if you leave the United States before we make a decision on your application, though there are some exceptions.  Having an advance parole document does not prevent abandonment of the change of status application. When you return to the United States, you are likely to be denied admission if your current status has expired.

If you have a pending Green Card application

In general, if you are applying for adjustment of status (a Green Card) and leave the United States without the appropriate travel documentation (for example, an advance parole document), you may not be allowed to reenter the United States when you return. Even if you are allowed to reenter, you may be found to have abandoned your pending application for adjustment of status.

If you have unlawful presence or a removal order

If you have accrued unlawful presence while in the United States or have a removal order, then you may be found inadmissible if you seek admission after a departure from the United States, even if you have a travel document.  We follow the Board of Immigration Appeals decision in Matter of Arrabally and Yerrabelly , which held that travel on advance parole does not constitute a “departure” for purposes of triggering the 10-year unlawful presence bar under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) for applicants for adjustment of status. We also apply this analysis to INA § 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) and to individuals with TPS who travel on TPS travel authorization.  For more information, please see  Section 212(a)(9) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Unlawful Presence and Inadmissibility page. 

Advance parole allows you to travel back to the United States without applying for a visa. A transportation company (airlines) can accept an advance parole document instead of a visa as proof that you are authorized to travel to the United States. An advance parole document does not replace your passport.

Please note that having an advance parole document does not guarantee that you will be allowed to reenter the United States. At the airport or border, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will make the final decision about whether to allow you to reenter the United States.

Advance parole is most commonly used when someone has a pending:

• Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status : If you depart the U.S. while your Form I-485 is pending without first obtaining advance parole, USCIS will deny your case unless you fit into a narrow exception for people with certain nonimmigrant statuses.
• Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal : If you are an asylum applicant and you intend to travel outside the United States and return, you must apply for and receive advance parole. If you leave the United States without first obtaining advance parole, we will assume that you have abandoned your asylum application.

For information on how to apply for advance parole, go to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Document page.

USCIS issues refugee travel documents to people with refugee or asylum status and to lawful permanent residents who obtained their Green Cards based on their refugee or asylee status.

You must have a refugee travel document to return to the United States if you:

• Have refugee or asylee status but are not a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder); or
• Are a derivative asylee or refugee.

If you do not obtain a refugee travel document before you leave the U.S., you may be unable to re-enter the United States or you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

For information on how to apply for a refugee travel document, go to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Document page.

Permanent or conditional residents should apply for a re-entry permit if they will be outside the United States for one year or more. While it is valid, a re-entry permit allows you to apply for admission to the U.S. without having to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Go to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Document page for information on how to apply.

Travel authorization for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries allows you to travel back to the United States and, if you are eligible, be inspected and admitted into TPS. A transportation company (such as an airline) can accept a TPS travel authorization document instead of a visa as proof that you are authorized to travel to the United States. A TPS travel authorization document does not replace your passport.

Please note that having a TPS travel authorization document does not guarantee that you will be allowed to reenter the United States. At the airport or border, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will make the final decision about whether to allow you to reenter the United States.

If we are still adjudicating your application for TPS and you wish to travel outside the United States, you may request advance parole.

For information on how to apply for TPS travel authorization, go to our Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , page.

Carrier documentation allows an airline or other transportation carrier to board permanent residents who have temporarily been outside the United States and whose Green Card or re-entry permit has been lost, stolen or destroyed. If you are a permanent resident in this situation, you may need to file a Form I-131A. Go to the Form I-131A, Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) for more information.