Travel To Ireland With A Uk Refugee Document?

If you are a refugee in the UK, you can apply for a UK refugee travel document. This document allows you to travel outside the UK to most countries except your country of origin and any countries you sought asylum from. Since July 2022, if you are travelling to Ireland with a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland, you will need to apply for a visa to enter. This is due to the Irish government's suspension of visa-free entry for refugees travelling on Convention Travel from certain European countries. It is important to check the specific requirements and restrictions for your destination country, as each country may have its own unique entry requirements.

Travel to Ireland with a UK refugee travel document: Requirements

If you hold a UK refugee travel document, you can apply for a visa to enter Ireland. However, there are specific requirements and procedures to follow. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Eligibility

Firstly, you need to ensure you are eligible to apply for a travel document. According to the Irish government, you must fall under one of the following categories:

• Declared a refugee by the Irish Government under the International Protection Act 2015.
• Granted subsidiary protection status under the International Protection Act 2015.
• Declared a programme refugee under section 59 of the International Protection Act 2015.

Application Process

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can proceed with the application process. The application requirements vary slightly depending on whether you are a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection.

Refugees

If you have refugee status, you are qualified for a 1951 Convention Travel Document. This document allows you to travel to certain countries, including most EU member states, without a visa. However, it is always recommended to check with the embassy of your intended destination for specific travel requirements. The application process involves submitting an application form, four passport-sized photographs, a copy of documentation from the Department of Justice granting permission to remain, a copy of your Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau registration card, and paying the applicable fee.

Beneficiaries of Subsidiary Protection

For beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, the application process is similar, but there is an additional requirement. You must demonstrate that you are unable to obtain a travel document from the relevant authority of your country of nationality or former habitual residence. This means providing evidence of your efforts to obtain a travel document or passport from your country of origin.

Processing Time and Validity

It is important to plan ahead, as the processing time for travel document applications can take up to 26 weeks or more. The validity of travel documents for refugees (1951 Convention Travel Document holders) is ten years, while for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, it is issued for the duration of their permission to remain, generally up to three years.

Recent Developments

It is worth noting that as of July 2022, Ireland suspended visa-free entry for individuals with refugee status traveling from certain European countries. As a result, all refugees seeking to travel to Ireland from these countries must now apply for a visa, with processing times of approximately 8-14 weeks.

In summary, traveling to Ireland with a UK refugee travel document requires careful planning and adherence to specific requirements and procedures. By following the outlined steps and staying informed about the latest developments, you can navigate the process successfully.

Travel to Ireland: Visa requirements

If you are a refugee travelling to Ireland with a UK refugee travel document, there are a few things you need to keep in mind regarding visa requirements. Firstly, it's important to understand that the visa requirements for refugees travelling to Ireland may differ depending on their specific circumstances and documentation. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the visa requirements for travelling to Ireland with a UK refugee travel document:

UK Refugee Travel Document:

If you have been granted refugee status in the UK, you can apply for a UK refugee travel document. This document allows you to travel to countries that accept it and is typically valid for up to 10 years for adults and 5 years for those under 16. However, always check with the Irish authorities or the Irish Embassy in your country for the most up-to-date information.

Visa Requirements for Ireland:

When travelling to Ireland with a UK refugee travel document, it is essential to note that Ireland has specific requirements. Since July 2022, Ireland has imposed a visa requirement for holders of Geneva Convention Travel Documents (also known as "1951 Convention Travel Documents") from certain European countries for short stays of 90 days or less. Therefore, if your UK refugee travel document falls under this category, you will need to obtain a visa before travelling to Ireland. Contact the Irish Embassy or check the Irish government's website for the latest information.

Travel Document Application Process:

To apply for a UK refugee travel document, you can visit the UK government's website and fill out the application form. The cost of the document is £82 for adults and £53 for children aged 15 or under. The processing time for these documents can vary, so make sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel.

Entry Requirements for Ireland:

When entering Ireland, British nationals are not legally required to show a passport, but it is recommended to carry one as proof of identity. However, Irish immigration officers can ask for proof of British nationality, and ferries and airlines may have their own ID requirements. Additionally, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Ireland, but there are strict rules about goods you can bring into the country, and you must declare cash or traveller's cheques over 10,000 euros.

Travelling from Ireland to Other Countries:

If you plan to travel from Ireland to other countries, it is important to check the specific visa requirements of those countries. The 1951 Convention Travel Document allows visa-free travel to most EU countries for short stays, but each country may have its own regulations. Always verify the entry requirements with the embassy of your intended destination.

Travel to Ireland: Application process

Who can apply for a travel document?

You may be eligible to apply for a travel document if you hold any of the following permissions:

• You are declared a refugee by the Irish Government under the International Protection Act 2015.
• You are declared a programme refugee under section 59 of the International Protection Act 2015.
• You are granted subsidiary protection by the Irish Government under the International Protection Act 2015.

Application process

If you are applying for a travel document, you will need to follow these steps:

• Check that you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above.
• Fill out an application form. You can apply online or by post. The application form and guidelines are available on the ISD website.
• Submit four passport-sized photographs.
• Provide a copy of the documentation from the Department of Justice issuing permission to remain in Ireland.
• Include a copy of your Garda Naturalisation and Immigration Bureau registration card.
• Pay the application fee. The cost of a travel document is €55.
• If you are applying from outside Ireland, you will need to send your application form and all required documentation to the Travel Document Section, Repatriation Division, Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 XK70.
• You will then need to attend your nearest Irish Embassy to complete your application.

Please note that it takes 22 to 26 weeks to process applications for a travel document, so make sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel.

Travel to Ireland: Cost of application

The cost of applying for a travel document to enter Ireland is €55. This fee is non-refundable, and can be paid online with a debit or credit card.

The application process for a travel document can take up to 26 weeks, so it is important to apply well in advance of any planned travel. The application can be made online or by post. To apply by post, you must email [email protected] to request a paper form. The application form and guidelines can be found on the ISD website.

If you are applying from outside Ireland, you will need to submit your application by post. You will also need to attend your nearest Irish embassy to complete your application. If your application is successful, your travel document will be sent to the embassy for collection.

It is important to note that a travel document is different from a visa. A travel document allows refugees who cannot obtain a passport to travel outside Ireland. A visa, on the other hand, is a document that allows a person to enter a country. Since July 19, 2022, if you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland, you must apply for a visa to enter Ireland.

Travel to Ireland: Time taken for processing

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in the UK, you will need a refugee travel document to enter Ireland. This is a small booklet, similar to a passport, and is necessary for travel. The application process for a travel document can take some time, so it is important to plan ahead.

The first step in the process is to file an application with the relevant authorities. The application form can be accessed online or by requesting a paper form. The cost of the application is €55. Once the application has been submitted, it will take approximately 22-26 weeks for it to be processed. This means that the entire process, from submitting the application to receiving the travel document, can take up to six months.

It is important to note that this processing time is an estimate and can vary depending on various factors. In some cases, the process may be expedited due to urgent or exceptional circumstances. Additionally, the time taken to receive the travel document may be affected by the current workload of the issuing authority.

To avoid any delays, it is recommended that applicants ensure their application is complete and all necessary documents are included. Incomplete applications will be returned, causing delays in the processing time. Applicants are also advised not to purchase travel tickets until they have received their travel document.

It is also important to keep in mind that, as of 19 July 2022, if you have a refugee travel document issued by a country outside Ireland, you must apply for a visa to enter the country. This is a separate process that may have additional requirements and processing times. Therefore, it is crucial to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for both the travel document and visa applications, if required.

Frequently asked questions