convention travel document austria

Asylum or subsidiary protection

The interviews are over. The Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum must do its work now. Please be patient. It will take some weeks or months and then you will get a decision. For many children and adolescents it is very hard to wait so long.

What can you do? Talk to your care worker. Meet friends. Tell them how you feel. Do things that are fun. Use the time to learn something new, for example German. Go to school. Look for an apprenticeship.

The Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum needs to respect many laws. The most important law is called “Geneva Refugee Convention”. It says which persons get asylum. Persons who are threatened and unprotected in their home countries will get asylum. For example: Children and adolescents have big problems because of their religion. For example: Boys have to fight with weapons. For example: Girls are forced to marry. For example : Girls shall be circumcised.

Do you want to know more about the Geneva Refugee Convention? Ask your legal representative.

The answer/decision from the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum will be sent to your legal representative by post. The answer is positive or negative. Your legal representative will explain the answer to you.

Did you get a positive decision?

Some children and adolescents call it “großes Asyl” (“big asylum”) or “einen Passport bekommen“ (“getting a passport“).

Austria grants you asylum. Asylum means:

• You can stay in Austria.
• Right of residence for 3 years. After 3 years: You are still threatened in your home country? Then you get an unlimited right of residence in Austria.
• You can start working.
• If you are under 18 years old, you can bring your parents to Austria.
• You can get a passport. The passport is called “convention travel document”. You are allowed to travel.

Subsidiary protection

Some children and adolescents call it “kleines Asyl” (“small asylum”), “Visum” (“visa”) or “Paragraph 8“.

Persons who are not safe in their home countries can get subsidiary protection. For example: In their home country they are not safe because of civil war. For example: Children and adolescents have a serious illness but in their home country they cannot get medication.

Subsidiary protection means:

• You have got a right of residence in Austria. It’s valid only for one year. It can be extended. Your legal representative has to make a request. Please ask your legal representative. If you are already 18 years old you need to make the request yourself. You have to make the request before your right of residence expires. You might then get a right of residence for two years.
• Your right of residence was extended after 3 years? If you are under 18 years of age, you can bring your parents to Austria.
• You get a passport. The passport is called “aliens passport”. You are allowed to travel.

You want to get asylum? Please talk to your legal representative. Together with your legal representative you can make an appeal with the Federal Administrative Court. There is only 4 weeks time. In any case you will keep your subsidiary protection.

Applying for a visa

Table of content, general information.

Third‑country nationals subject to a passport requirement are generally subject to a visa requirement when entering Austria and throughout the duration of their stay. Exceptions may be agreed upon at EU level, for example by means of an Austrian federal law or an agreement between countries. Consult the → list of visa requirements on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior to check which third‑country nationals may enter the country without a visa.

More detailed information about the visa types can also be found at oesterreich.gv.at.

Requirements

General principles and requirements for the issue of visas:

• visa application form
• a travel document valid in Austria, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two empty pages, that was issued within the last ten years
• a passport photo (portrait format, 35 x 45  mm ) in accordance with the specified passport photo criteria
• presentation of an fully comprehensive travel health insurance policy for the planned duration of the stay (amount of cover: 30.000 Euro, valid for the entire Schengen area)
• proof of sufficient means of subsistence for the duration of the intended stay and for the return journey to the country of origin or residence
• other evidence requested by the relevant authorities (hotel reservations, invitations, booking confirmations, return flight ticket, proof of gainful employment etc. ) – as these are adapted to local standards and coordinated with other Schengen representations, the evidence to be provided may vary depending on location
• absence of other grounds for refusal (residence prohibition, alert issued by a Schengen country)

Depending on the circumstances, additional documents may be requested. Please contact the Austrian representation (→ BMEIA ) in advance for more information.

Competent authority

Generally speaking, all visa types are issued by representation offices (→ BMEIA ) abroad or, in specific exceptional cases, by certain border control posts or, where extension of the visa is permitted, by the state police headquarters (Landespolizeidirektion).

Schengen visas must be issued by the representation office (→ BMEIA ) of the country in which the main travel destination of the visa applicant is located. If the applicant intends to spend an equal amount of time in several countries (for example, when touring), the competent representation office is that of the country in whose territory the main travel destination is located, on the basis of the length and purpose of the stay. If it is not possible to determine a main travel destination, the member country of first entry into the Schengen area is responsible for issuing the visa.

Territorial competence for applications for category A and C visas falls to the representation office in the consular district where the legal place of residence of the applicant is located. A representation office may claim exceptional competence for applications from third‑country nationals legally residing but not registered in their district if the applicant can provide justification as to why they had to submit their application to that particular consulate.

Type D visas, however, must be applied for at the competent Austrian representation. The provisions of Section 8 of the FPG apply to type D visas. In accordance with these provisions, the territorial competence for carrying out official actions in relation to visas is determined on the basis of the foreign national's the place of residence ( i.e. their centre of interest, verifiable by means of e.g. registration forms, residence permit, visa).

A list of all representation offices (addresses, telephone numbers, opening hours, special requirements for issuing visas etc. ) can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs (→ BMEIA ) .

Costs and fees

The consular fees can be found on the list of fees provided by the relevant Austrian representation (→ BMEIA ) .

Further information

Further links.

• List of visa requirements ( → BMI )
• Entry requirements for Austria ( → BMI )

More detailed information about the entry requirements for Austria can be found at www.bmi.gv.at/visa . Should you have any further questions, you can contact the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Department V/B/7, by telephone on +43 1 53126 / 3557 between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m.

A visa can only be extended when the applicant is in Austria in clearly defined exceptional cases.

Legal basis

• Fremdenpolizeigesetz

Link to form

Schengen visa – application

Responsible for the content: Federal Ministry of the Interior

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Travel documents for refugees

Introduction, who can get a travel document, travelling to ireland with a ‘convention’ travel document, how to apply for a travel document, further information.

A travel document allows people living in Ireland who cannot get a passport to travel outside Ireland. People who have been declared a refugee are entitled to a 1951 Convention Travel Document.

You may also be able to get a travel document if you have subsidiary protection status or leave to remain, and you cannot get a national passport from your country of nationality.

Travel documents are valid for a maximum of 3 years.

You may be eligible for a travel document if you:

• Have been declared a refugee
• Have been granted Subsidiary Protection status
• Have been granted permission to live in Ireland following a request by the United National High Commissioner for Refugees (a programme refugee )
• Have been declared stateless under the New York Convention of 1954
• You are the family member of any of the above
• Have permission to remain and need to travel because of an emergency

If you have been declared a refugee following an application for international protection, or you came to Ireland as a programme refugee, you can get a travel document.

If you were declared a refugee following an application for international protection, you can get a refugee travel document. It says “Convention of 28 July 1951” on the front cover. It is sometimes called a ‘1951 Convention Travel Document’. You can travel to most countries in the EU without a visa, and stay for up to 90 days using this travel document. You should check with the embassy of the country where you plan to travel.

Programme refugees cannot get a 1951 Convention Travel Document. Instead, you can apply for a regular travel document.

People with subsidiary protection status

If you were granted subsidiary protection following an application for international protection, ISD may give you a travel document if you cannot get a passport from your country of nationality.

This travel document is valid for up to 3 years (or until your residency is due for renewal). You generally need a visa to enter other countries. You should check with the embassy of the country where you to plan to travel.

Family members

You may get a travel document if you are a family member of someone with refugee or subsidiary protection status. You must show that you have tried to get a passport or travel document from your country of nationality.

Your children need their own travel documents.

People with leave to remain or other residency status

ISD can issue a travel document to other residents, but only in exceptional circumstances, and where you cannot get a passport from your country of nationality. For example, if you have to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment and you are unable to get a passport, ISD may issue a travel document.

You should note that travel documents take 16 weeks or more to process.

Since 19 July 2022 , if you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland , you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland.

You can apply for a travel document online for a fee of €55.

You can also apply by post. To get a paper form, you must email your request to [email protected]

If your application is successful your travel document will be sent to you by registered post. If your application is refused you will be informed in writing. You are advised not to make any travel arrangements until you receive your travel document.

You can find information about travel documents on the website of the Irish Immigration Service Delivery.

Travel Document Unit

Repatriation Division Immigration Services Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

Re-entry Visa Processing Office

Immigration Service Delivery 13/14 Burgh Quay Dublin 2 Ireland

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If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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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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For the latest visas & uk immigration updates..

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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Obtaining official certificates from abroad

All documents from abroad generally have to be provided by the persons who require these documents either themselves or by relatives, friends, or other persons of trust (translation agencies, lawyers etc.).

If this is not possible, Austrian nationals and stateless persons (who have their residence in Austria) may apply for the provision of foreign civil status documents (birth, marriage, death certificates) directly from the competent Austrian diplomatic representation (no form necessary). NB: The provision of documents is a service provided by the Austrian diplomatic representation. Thus there is no legal claim to such a service.

Important information:

• In many countries official documents may also be provided by certified local translators and/or reputable individuals recommended by the representation authorities. Please contact the competent representation authority for such contact details.
• Experience has shown that due to special local circumstances the provision of official documents by the competent Austrian representation is not possible in some countries (Afghanistan, Australia, China (Taiwan), India (only possible to a certain extent), Morocco, Nigeria, North Cyprus, Pakistan, Venezuela).
• In the following countries the individual who requires official documents has to apply in person or send a person of trust with a proxy: Barbados, Colombia, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guyana, Iran, Panama, Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago and United Arab Emirates (no warranty is undertaken as to the completeness of this list). Please check in advance with the competent Austrian representation authority.
• If it is not possible for the Austrian representation to provide official documents, the applicant will be informed in writing and may subsequently contact the civil status authority in whose jurisdiction his/her place of residence is registered. According to § 35 par. (2) in combination with par. (5) of the “Personenstandsgesetz“ (Civil Status Act) of 2013 (Federal Law Gazette I No. 16/2013) any civil status situation that has occurred abroad must be entered in the civil status register by the competent civil status authority.  
• Japan: Applications for documents from Japan must be filed exclusively by the individual concerned or by a direct next-of-kin (i.e. parents, children, grandparents) with the authority that is responsible for residential law matters under family law.
• USA: Direct, online application for documents from the USA is generally possible – see: Link to US authorities . Where this is not possible, please contact the competent Austrian representation.
• Canada: Applications for documents from Canada must be filed exclusively by the respective party with the Canadian embassy in Vienna .
• Poland: Polish civil status documents can be requested at any registry office in Poland via mail from any country. These can be sent by the professional body to any desired address worldwide via registered post/mail without any additional cost. The payment of the application fee has to be made in advance by bank transfer in the local currency to the Polish registry office.
• Refugees within the meaning of the Convention on the Status of Refugees (“Convention refugees”) who have their domicile in Austria : Provision of documents from abroad by an Austrian representation authority is generally not possible. In cases where the required official document from the refugee’s home country cannot be provided by family members or other contact persons, it is possible to request the entry of a civil status situation in line with § 35 par. (2) in combination with par. (5) of the “Personenstandsgesetz“ (Civil Status Act) of 2013 (Federal Law Gazette I No. 16/2013) by the competent civil status authority.

Asylum Information Database | European Council on Refugees and Exiles

• Travel documents

Republic of Ireland

According to Section 55 IPA, the Minister for Justice and Equality, on application by the person concerned, shall issue a travel document to a qualified person and his or her family member. The Minister for Justice may not, however, issue a travel document if the person has not furnished the required information as requested by the Minister, or the Minister considers that to issue it would not be in the best interests of national security, public health or public order or would be contrary to public policy.

Both refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection in Ireland are entitled to apply for travel documents, which is done by application form to the ISD Travel Document Section. The application requirements differ slightly between the two categories of applicant, in that the applications of subsidiary protection beneficiaries are subject to the Minster’s satisfaction that the applicant is “unable to obtain a travel document from the relevant authority of the country of his or her nationality or, as the case may be, former habitual residence.” [1] While this does not reflect an overt distinction in theory, in practice, it means that beneficiaries of subsidiary protection can be required to demonstrate that they have made every effort to prove that they are unable to obtain a travel document from another relevant authority before they are issued with an Irish travel document.

Beyond that, the travel document application process for both refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection is uniform. Applicants are required to fill out an application form, submit four passport-sized photographs, a copy of documentation from the Department of Justice issuing permission to remain in the state, a copy of the applicant’s Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau registration card, and an €80 application fee. [2]

According to the ISD, the validity of travel documents for a holder of a “1951 Convention Travel Document” (person with refugee status ) is ten years, in line with the validity of Irish passports. [3]

Travel Documents granted on foot of subsidiary protection are issued for the duration of their permission to remain. This is generally for a period of three years from when status is granted under Section 23 of the European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013. [4] The travel document is renewed in line with the period of permission granted after that by the person’s local Registration / Immigration Office. [5] Furthermore, Schedule 3 of the Subsidiary Protection Regulations states that the “maximum validity of a travel document is 10 years.”

The primary limitation on use of travel documents is that the country of origin/persecution of the holder is not permitted for the purposes of travel. [6] Other than that, beneficiaries of refugee or subsidiary protection status in Ireland are both equally entitled to travel in or out of the State with their respective travel documents. While this enables travel to most EU Member States without a visa, it is impressed upon document holders to enquire with the embassy of their intended travel destination in advance, in order to ascertain the necessity to obtain a visa as each State may have individual requirements based on nationality, etc.. [7] Holders of Irish refugee and subsidiary protection documents do not require a re-entry permit upon return to Ireland. [8]

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government advised against all travel outside of Ireland for non-essential purposes. In February 2021, following a significant increase in the infection rate in Ireland, new restrictions targeting non-essential travel overseas were announced by Government. These included fines for those leaving the country for non-essential purposes, as well as mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival from certain destinations. [9] Following a reduction in the number of COVID-19 cases in summer 2021, restrictions on travel abroad were eased. Persons travelling abroad were advised to check the public health advice, document requirements and COVID-19 restrictions that are in place in the country to which they were travelling. Additionally, on return to Ireland, individuals were required to complete a passenger locator form and show proof of being fully vaccinated or having recently recovered from COVID-19. Where a passenger could not demonstrate vaccination status or proof of having recovered from COVID-19, they were required to have a PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival.

Following the announcement of further restrictions on travel, the Irish Refugee Council wrote to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee and the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, outlining the importance of ensuring continued access to the protection process and raising issues with regard to mandatory hotel quarantine. It was emphasised that access to the protection process at Irish airports should not be affected or curtailed by any of the changes made as a result of banning non-essential travel. Moreover, particular concern was raised in relation to the cost of mandatory quarantine for individuals arriving under family reunification procedures of the International Protection Act 2015 or to seek international protection under the Act. It was requested that both categories of individuals be considered in the bracket of travellers who cannot afford hotel quarantine costs. In addition, it was noted that individuals seeking protection may require particular services, including medical assistance and legal advice and that special supports were likely to be needed for asylum seekers in circumstances where they were required to isolate for 14-days alone in a hotel room. [10]

In July 2022, the State suspended for a period of 12 months visa-free entry for individuals with refugee status traveling on Convention Travel from 20 so-called ‘safe’ European countries. Previously, pursuant to the European Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Refugees, those with refugee status could travel to and within Ireland for up to 90 days without requiring a visa or prior clearance. Following the suspension, those seeking to travel to Ireland are now required to apply for a visa in order to enter Ireland, facing processing times of approximately 8-14 weeks. [11] The measure has been implemented with a view to protecting the ‘integrity’ of the immigration system, according to the government, who cited an increase in those who had already received refugee status in another European country travelling to Ireland applying for asylum. [12] According to statistics released by the Department of Justice, 479 such applications were made, representing 7% of the overall applications for international protection during that period. [13]

[1] Regulation 24(2) European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013.

[2] Department of Justice and Equality, Travel Document Application Form , available at: https://bit.ly/2MgK7DY ; INIS, Travel Document Photo Requirements , available at: https://bit.ly/2pNZUhK ; INIS, Travel Document Information Note , available at: https://bit.ly/2Ib8miT .

[3]   Ibid.

[4] Regulation 23 European Union (Subsidiary Protection) Regulations 2013.

[5]  Information provided by INIS, March 2018.

[6] Information provided by INIS, March 2018.

[7] Citizens Information, Travel documents for people with refugee or subsidiary protection status , available at: https://bit.ly/2GjMhlN .

[8] INIS, Travel Document Information Note , available at: https://bit.ly/2Ib8miT .

[9] Irish Times, ‘Covid-19: New restrictions to target foreign travel’, 10 February 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/3qsoJ16 .

[10] Irish Refugee Council, Letter to Government on access to protection process and hotel quarantining recommendations, 12 February 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/2OCOAoO .

[11] European Commission, Suspension of Visa-free Movement Programme for Refugees, 18 July 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3wjqJNu.

[12] Government of Ireland, Government agrees to temporarily require refugees travelling to Ireland from safe European countries to hold visas, 18 July 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3XlNtZc .

[13] European Commission, Suspension of Visa-free Movement Programme for Refugees, 18 July 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3wjqJNu.

Table of contents

• Overview of the legal framework
• Overview of the main changes since the previous report update
• Types of Procedures
• List of authorities intervening in each stage of the procedure
• Number of staff and nature of the first instance authority
• Short overview of the asylum procedure
• Access to the territory and push backs
• Registration of the asylum application
• Regular procedure
• Admissibility procedure
• Border procedure (border and transit zones)
• Accelerated procedure
• Identification
• Special procedural guarantees
• Use of medical reports
• Legal representation of unaccompanied children
• Subsequent applications
• Safe country of origin
• First country of asylum
• Information for asylum seekers and access to NGOs and UNHCR
• Differential treatment of specific nationalities in the procedure
• Criteria and restrictions to access reception conditions
• Forms and levels of material reception conditions
• Reduction or withdrawal of reception conditions
• Freedom of movement
• Types of accommodation
• Conditions in reception facilities
• Access to the labour market
• Access to education
• Health care
• Special reception needs of vulnerable groups
• Provision of information on reception
• Access to reception centres by third parties
• Differential treatment of specific nationalities in reception
• Grounds for detention
• Alternatives to detention
• Detention of vulnerable applicants
• Duration of detention
• Place of detention
• Conditions in detention facilities
• Access to detention facilities
• Judicial review of the detention order
• Legal assistance for review of detention
• Differential treatment of specific nationalities in detention
• Residence permit
• Civil registration
• Long-term residence
• Naturalisation
• Cessation and review of protection status
• Withdrawal of protection status
• Criteria and conditions
• Status and rights of family members
• Social welfare
• ANNEX – Transposition of the CEAS in national legislation

Non-citizen travel documents

Can i get a passport if i’m not a citizen.

• Who gets a Convention Travel Document (CTD)?
• Who gets a Certificate of Identity (COI)?

Can I get a CTD or COI overseas?

Can i get a ctd or coi if i’m unlawful, how do i choose between a ctd and a coi, how long are ctds and cois valid for, how do i apply for a ctd or coi, how do i get interpreting assistance, what documents do i need.

Australian passports are only for Australian citizens. However, we issue other travel documents to certain non-citizens:

• stateless people
• non-citizens who for other reasons can’t get travel documents from their country of nationality.

The types of travel documents we issue to non-citizens are:

• Convention Travel Documents (CTDs)
• Certificates of Identity (COIs).

These travel documents don't confer Australian citizenship or Australian consular protection. They're not evidence of any right to re‑enter or remain in Australia. They exist simply to facilitate overseas travel for people who would otherwise have no travel document.

You’ll need to meet the visa and travel document requirements of the countries to which you intend to travel. COIs are accepted in fewer overseas countries than CTDs.

Who gets a Convention Travel Document?

You may be eligible for a Convention Travel Document, also known as a Titre de Voyage, if:

• you’re in Australia, and
• you’re not an Australian citizen, and
• the Department of Home Affairs has recognised you as a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Who gets a Certificate of Identity?

You may be eligible for a Certificate of Identity if you’re:

• not an Australian citizen, and
• about to leave Australia, and either
• stateless, or
• unable to obtain a valid travel document from your country of nationality.

Outside Australia, it’s difficult to replace a Convention Travel Document or Certificate of Identity if it's lost, stolen, expired or damaged.

You can’t apply for these documents if you’re outside Australia and you’ve never held either of them before.

You don’t have to.

When we receive your application, we’ll assess your situation and work out which document you’re eligible to receive.

Convention Travel Documents are usually valid for one or two years.

Certificates of Identity are usually valid for two years. If you return to your home country and are eligible for a travel document from that country, your Certificate of Identity becomes invalid immediately.

The only way to get an application form is to call us on 131 232. Select option zero (0) to be connected with an operator.

When you’ve filled in the form and have all the documents we require, you’ll need to call us again on 131 232 to make an appointment to lodge your application at a capital city passport office . You have to go to a passport office, not Australia Post.

If you’re overseas, contact your nearest Australian diplomatic or consular office to discuss whether you’re eligible to replace an existing CTD or COI.

When you lodge the application, we’ll ask you to sign a letter to confirm:

• that you understand the terms of issue of the document
• tell the Department of Home Affairs about your new travel document, and
• confirm with every country you intend visiting that you meet their entry requirements.

You’ll need to tell the Department of Home Affairs about your new document so that:

• it can update your visa with your new travel document
• it can inform you about the travel conditions of your visa and whether you’ll be able to re-enter Australia
• it can approve your travel, if your visa conditions require you to seek permission .

If you breach your visa conditions, your visa could be cancelled.

If you need interpreting assistance to speak to us about your application, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. TIS will arrange an interpreter in the language you speak and transfer your call to us at no cost to you.

When you apply for a Convention Travel Document (CTD) or Certificate of Identity (COI), you’ll need to bring us:

• identity documents, and
• any previous CTD or COI we’ve issued to you, and
• a record of your current visa status.

The record of your visa status can include:

• a Document for Travel to Australia (DFTTA) issued at the time you first travelled to Australia
• a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) printout
• a Department of Home Affairs visa grant letter.

If you’re not a refugee, you’ll need to show us that you have overseas travel plans, for instance a draft itinerary or a travel booking quote. However, you should wait until you have your COI or CTD before you make firm travel arrangements or commit any funds for travel.

Unless you’re a refugee living lawfully in Australia, or you’re stateless, you need to show to us that you can’t get a travel document from the country of your nationality.

If you claim to be stateless in accordance with the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, we’ll confirm your claim with the Department of Home Affairs. An Australian immigration document that shows ‘stateless’ as your nationality is not enough to prove that you’re stateless. If you’re applying for a CTD or COI for a child, you’ll also need to meet our requirements for parental consent . There are special instructions if the child is a ward of the Immigration Minister .

More information from the Department of Home Affairs:

• Request permission to travel