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Can I use my travel document as a passport?

Author

William Cox

Published Feb 28, 2026

Can I use my travel document as a passport?

Foreign nationals from non-EU countries can be issued with a German substitute passport in the form of a travel document for foreign nationals in the case that it is not reasonably possible to obtain from the authorities of the country of origin a passport or substitute passport.

Considering this, is a travel document the same as a passport?

A travel document is not necessarily a passport. Other types of travel documents include those issued to stateless people and refugees (which look and function like a regular passport). Temporary documents issued to those who are unable to obtain a regular passport from their country in order to return home.

Additionally, can a refugee travel with his country passport? 2. Unlike an ordinary alien, a refugee does not enjoy the protection of the country of his nationality and cannot therefore avail himself of a national passport for travel purposes.

Also Know, can I travel with a travel document?

The travel document allows someone living in the U.S. while awaiting their green card to travel abroad without nullifying their green card application.

What countries can I travel to with a refugee travel document?

India, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan are among the countries who are not parties to the 1951 Refugee Convention. As mentioned above, before you travel to a third country, you must obtain a refugee travel document.

What documents are required to travel abroad?

6 Essential Documents You Should Have When Travelling Abroad
  • Passport : Image Source: migolatravel.com.
  • Visa : Image Source: ndtvimg.com.
  • Forex card/ Foreign currency :
  • Travel Insurance:
  • Air ticket :
  • Proof of accommodation / Hotel Booking:

Which countries accept US travel documents?

According to this official document (Microsoft Excel required), among Schengen countries, US refugee travel documents are accepted for visa-free short term travel to Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy1, Slovakia and Slovenia.

How much does it cost to get a travel document?

$575 for a reentry document or advance parole, plus an $85 biometrics fee for applicants between age 14 and 79 years of age. $135 for a refugee travel document for applicants who are 16 years of age or older, plus an $85 biometrics fee (unless the applicant is age 80 or older)

What documents do you need for international travel?

These IDs include:
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (Global Entry®, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Military ID.
  • Permanent Resident Card.
  • Border Crossing Card.
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license.

Can I travel with a green card and no passport?

Even if you do not have a valid passport, you may still be able to travel using your green card and a reentry permit. Many US permanent residents do not have a valid passport from their country of citizenship. In many cases, they are either unable to get a passport or it would be extremely difficult to get a passport.

Can you travel to your home country without a passport?

Quite often the answer is no, but there are exceptions. If you are on a foreign passport travelling to your home country, an airline can, at their discretion carry you back home; Even if you need to transit, as long as you are “airside” and not entering another country.

Do I need a travel document if I have a green card?

Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. To travel to a foreign country, you will need to present a passport and your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

What does advance parole document look like?

Advance parole works like a visa when entering the U.S. Unlike a Reentry Permit, an Advance Parole Document is printed on a standard, letter-size piece of paper. Immigration officials may refer to it as Form I-512L, Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States.

What are valid travel documents?

For travel within the United States
  • U.S. passport.
  • U.S. passport card.
  • DHS "Trusted Traveler" cards (Global Entry®, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
  • U.S. Military ID.
  • Permanent Resident Card.
  • Border Crossing Card.
  • DHS-designated enhanced driver's license.

Is it safe to travel on advance parole?

When used properly, advance parole is a document that is perfectly legal and safe to use. If you have a pending application for an Adjustment of Status Green Card or a marriage-based Green Card, Advance Parole serves the same purpose as a US Visa, allowing re-entry to the United States upon returning.

Is a visa considered a travel document?

What is a U.S. Visa? A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship.

Can I travel to Europe with US travel document?

U.S. Travelers in Europe
For information on the March 11, 2020 Presidential Proclamation on travel from and transiting through Europe, see our Frequently Asked Questions here. U.S. citizens should carry their U.S. passport at all times when traveling to/from and within the Schengen area.

Do I need visa if I have travel document?

Some countries require you to have a visa if you are traveling using the passport from your home country, but they do not require it if you have a U.S. passport or travel document. But if you plan to stay outside the U.S. for more than one year, you should obtain a travel document before leaving.

Can I travel outside the US with a travel document?

What documents do I need to travel outside the United States? In general, you will need to present a passport from your country of citizenship or your refugee travel document to travel to a foreign country. In addition, the foreign country may have additional entry/exit requirements (such as a visa).

Can I go back to my country after asylum?

It is essential that the asylee not return to her home country until she has become a U.S. citizen and can travel with a U.S. passport. Asylees should understand, however, that even after obtaining legal permanent residence, they will have to use a Refugee Travel Document to travel abroad.

Can refugees go back their own country?

Refugees cannot be deported or otherwise forced to go back to their country of origin as this would be refoulement, which is against international law.

Can an asylum seeker travel abroad?

Technically, asylum applicants CAN travel outside the U.S., but it's usually not a good idea. If you decide to travel anyways, you will need to submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document to USCIS in order to receive “advance parole” (permission to reenter the U.S. before your application is approved).

Can asylum seekers go to any country?

An asylum seeker (also rarely called an asylee applicant) is a person who flees their home country, enters another country and applies for asylum, i.e. the right to international protection, in this other country.

What happens after a refugee claim is accepted?

After your refugee hearing, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) approves or rejects your refugee claim. If the IRB accepts your claim, you get “protected person” status. This means you can stay in Canada, and you can apply to become a permanent resident of Canada.

Can I travel to Canada with US refugee travel document?

If you have a valid Canadian Refugee Travel document, you are exempt from both the visa and eTA requirements. If you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. and don't have a passport, you can apply for an eTA with a valid U.S. Refugee Travel Document (I-571).

How long does it take to get a decision after refugee hearing?

If you are eligible (most claimants are), you can appeal to the RAD. You must file your appeal within 15 days of receiving your Notice of Decision and reasons for decision.

How long can a refugee stay outside UK?

If the answer to that question is yes, then the person will be recognised as a refugee and receive something called refugee status. Refugee status gives a person five years of limited leave to remain in the UK, with permission to work and study, and access to the NHS and benefits.

Can refugee claimants apply for travel document?

If you are a refugee or protected person you may be given a refugee travel document. In some cases you may be given a certificate of identity. Once you have submitted your application form and supporting documents, Passport Canada will decide which document you are eligible for. There are fees for both documents.

Which country need visa with travel document?

Refugee travel documents and visa free travel
CountryVisa required for visitor with 1951 UN Convention Travel Document
Dominican RepublicNo
AzerbaijanYes
HungaryNo
BelarusYes

Which country does not require a visa?

Countries requiring or not requiring a Visa
COUNTRYORDINARY PASSPORTDIPLOMATIC PASSPORT
ICELANDVISA-FREEVISA-FREE
INDIAVISAVISA-FREE
INDONESIAVISAVISA-FREE FOR 30 DAYS
IRANVISAVISA-FREE

Can you travel internationally with a green card?

Permanent residents are free to travel outside the United States, and temporary or brief travel usually does not affect your permanent resident status. To travel to a foreign country, you will need to present a passport and your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

How can I check my travel document status online?

You only have to access USCIS' Case Status Online directly through uscis.gov.
  1. You'll find Case Status Online link on
  2. Case Status Online landing page.
  3. Enter your receipt number.

Can a permanent resident be denied entry?

Lawful permanent residents cannot be refused entry unless their travel was not brief (more than 180 days) or they engaged in illegal activity after leaving the United States as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(13).