Travel Documents: Exploring The World Beyond Borders

Travel documents are necessary for international travel. The type of document needed depends on your immigration status and country of origin. For instance, a Refugee Travel Document issued by the United Kingdom under the 1951 United Nations Convention allows visa-free travel to many countries, but not all. It is important to note that travel restrictions vary across countries, and some may require a visa even for short-term visits. Always check the visa requirements of your destination country before travelling.

Travel documents for refugees

A refugee travel document is a booklet similar to a passport that is issued to refugees by the state in which they normally reside. It allows them to travel outside that state and return. Refugees are unlikely to obtain passports from their state of nationality (from which they have sought asylum) and therefore need travel documents for international travel.

The 145 states that are parties to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees are obliged to issue travel documents to refugees lawfully resident in their territory. The documents are often referred to as 1951 Convention travel documents or Geneva passports. They are usually valid for one year from the date of issue.

In the United States, refugee travel documents are issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible, you must be either a refugee or an asylee, or a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who obtained their LPR status as a refugee or asylee. You must also be physically present in the U.S. when your application is filed and remain there until your biometrics appointment. If you are outside the U.S., you may still be eligible to apply, but you must do so within one year of your last departure from the country and explain why you left without first applying for a travel document.

To apply for a refugee travel document, you must file Form I-131 with USCIS and pay the associated fees. You must also submit supporting documents, including evidence of your refugee or asylee status, a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, and a translation of your identification document if it is in a foreign language.

It is important to note that a refugee travel document does not guarantee readmission to the United States. Upon return, you must still undergo inspection by a Customs and Border Patrol officer. Additionally, you should never travel to the country from which you claimed persecution, as this could result in the termination of your refugee or asylum status.

Travel documents for US citizens

When travelling, US citizens need to carry the correct identification and travel documents. This includes a valid passport, which is the most important document for international travel. Most countries require visitors to have a valid passport for six months after their planned arrival date. Therefore, it is important to always check the passport validity requirements and the expiry date of your passport before travelling.

In addition to a passport, other accepted forms of identification include a national ID card or a driver's licence. It is recommended to have multiple forms of identification when travelling, and if you are uncomfortable carrying several documents, you can consider bringing copies. These can be especially useful if your passport is lost, as they can be used to prove your citizenship at your country's embassy or consulate.

Depending on your destination and personal situation, you may also need a travel visa. A travel visa is an official document that grants the right to legally enter, remain within, or leave a foreign country. Each country has its own processes for applying for a visa, which may include filling out an application form, submitting additional documentation, and attending an interview. It is important to research the specific requirements for your intended destination.

For US citizens with refugee or asylum status, a refugee travel document may be required. This allows individuals to leave and return to the US and can be used for international travel to certain countries without the need for a visa. However, it is important to note that some countries may still require a visa even with a refugee travel document. Additionally, travelling to the country from which you sought refuge may result in losing your refugee status, so it is crucial to check with the issuing country before travelling.

Finally, when travelling, it is essential to have proper travel insurance. This can provide coverage for medical expenses and trip cancellations. Always carry a copy of your travel insurance certificate, which includes emergency contact details. It is also recommended to verify with your insurance provider what is covered under your specific plan.

Travel documents for Canadian citizens

When travelling outside of Canada, it is recommended that Canadian citizens carry a valid Canadian passport. This is because a passport is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves that you have a right to return to Canada.

If you do not have a passport, and are returning to Canada, the following documents can denote identity and citizenship:

• NEXUS card, held by a Canadian citizen, when entering Canada by air (when coming from the U.S.), land, or marine modes
• FAST card (Free and Secure Trade), issued to a Canadian citizen (when arriving by land or marine modes only)
• Canadian emergency travel document
• Canadian temporary passport
• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to present)
• Enhanced driver's license issued by a Canadian province or territory
• Enhanced identification/photo card issued by a Canadian province or territory

Permanent residents of Canada who are members of the NEXUS or FAST programs must travel with a passport and proof of permanent residence, and may be asked to present these documents to the officer upon arrival at the border.

Other acceptable documents for establishing Canadian citizenship include:

• Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
• Certificate of naturalization (issued before January 1, 1947)
• Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
• Provincial or territorial birth certificate (individuals born in Canada)

The following documents may be used to establish your identity:

• CANPASS card (air, corporate air, private air, remote area border crossing), held by a Canadian citizen
• Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
• Provincial and territorial driver's license
• Employment or student card with photo and signature
• Provincial health insurance card
• Provincial identity card
• Canadian Forces identification
• Police identification
• Firearms acquisition certificate
• Vehicle insurance certificate
• Vehicle registration

When travelling by air, Canadian citizens must show one piece of photo identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government with their full name and date of birth or two pieces of identification issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government. Both must have the traveller's name and at least one must have their full name and date of birth.

Travel documents for UK citizens

UK citizens are advised to check the latest entry requirements for their destination country before travelling. Here is a guide to travel documents for UK citizens:

Passports

A valid passport is required for entry to most countries outside the UK. It should be valid for the entire duration of your stay and may need to be valid for longer, depending on the country. Some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Visa

A visa may be required for certain countries, depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. It is important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination country, as well as any transit countries, before travelling.

Travel to the UK

When entering the UK, British citizens can use a range of identity documents, including a valid or expired passport, a Gibraltar identity card, or a UK citizenship certificate. If travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland, no documents are required. When travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland, or Wales, a Border Force officer may ask for proof of identity and nationality.

Travel from the UK

For travel from the UK to other countries, British citizens typically need a valid passport. It is important to check the specific requirements of the destination country, as well as any transit countries.

Emergency Travel Documents

In case of a lost or stolen passport while abroad, British citizens can apply for an Emergency Travel Document online. This document allows them to travel back to the UK or to their country of residence. The process usually takes two working days but can take several weeks in certain cases. It is important to note that the travel plans will be printed on the document, and any changes in plans will require reapplication.

Travel documents for Indian citizens

Indian citizens are required to have a valid passport and visa to enter and exit India. Indian visa rules and instructions change often and with little warning, so travellers should check the website of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. before any travel to India to review the most current information. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates General in India cannot assist travellers who arrive without proper documentation.

U.S. citizens of Indian descent can apply for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards at the Indian Embassy in Washington or at the Indian Consulates in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Houston. Inside India, U.S. citizens can apply at the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). An OCI card, along with a valid U.S. passport, allows individuals to visit India without a visa. OCI cards are similar to U.S. "green cards" in that they allow individuals to travel to and from India indefinitely, work in India, study in India, and own property in India (except for certain agricultural and plantation properties).

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as tourists for less than 60 days may apply for an eVisa at least four days before their arrival. Travellers must enter with a visa in their passport. The visa is valid for 10 years for U.S. citizens. Alternatively, travellers can use an e-tourist visa, which varies in validity.

U.S. citizens seeking to enter India as tourists for longer than 60 days or for any other purpose must apply for a visa from an Indian embassy or consulate. The Government of India has appointed VFS Global to assist with visa services for individuals in the United States. Applicants may apply for Indian visas through the application link.

U.S. citizens of Pakistani origin or descent are subject to additional administrative processing and should expect delays when applying for Indian visas. If you are a dual U.S.-Pakistan national, you must apply for an Indian visa on your Pakistani passport.

U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport when travelling in and out of the United States.

Frequently asked questions