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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

refugee travel document explainer

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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  • For U.S. Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents

Advance Parole, Reentry Permit, and Refugee Travel Documentation for Returning Aliens Residing in the U.S

How to File The alien must file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document, complete with supporting documentation, photos and applicable fees. This form can be downloaded from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) website. See the application for specific filing instructions.

How to File For a Re-Entry Permit If the alien is a permanent resident or conditional resident, he or she must attach:

  • A copy of the alien registration receipt card; or
  • If he has not yet received his alien registration receipt card, a copy of the biographic page of his passport and the page of his passport indicating initial admission as a permanent resident, or other evidence that the alien is a permanent resident; or
  • A copy of the approval notice of a separate application for replacement of the alien registration receipt card or temporary evidence of permanent resident status.

How to File For Advance Parole An alien in the United States and applying for an Advance Parole document for him or herself must attach:

  • A copy of any document issued to the alien by DHS showing present status in the United States;
  • An explanation or other evidence demonstrating the circumstances that warrant issuance of Advance Parole.
  • If the alien is basing his or her eligibility for Advance Parole on a separate application for adjustment of status or asylum, he must also attach a copy of the filing receipt for that application.
  • If the alien is traveling to Canada to apply for an immigrant visa, he or she must also attach a copy of the consular appointment.

How to File For a Refugee Travel Document If the alien is a refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document, he or she must attach:

  • A copy of the document issued by DHS showing the alien's refugee or asylee status and indicating the expiration of such status.

Where to File Where to file the Form I-131 depends upon the benefit sought. See the form instruction page for details.

When to File The alien must apply for the travel document before leaving the United States. Failure to do so may cause the alien to lose permission to re-enter the country, and lead to the denial of any other applications.

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The Regulatory Leash of the One-Year Refugee Travel Document

By Paulina Sosa

Asylees, refugees, and some Lawful Permanent Residents must obtain a Refugee Travel Document (RTD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to travel abroad. These non-citizens cannot use passports from their home country, as doing so could result in a loss of their asylee or refugee status. RTDs are only valid for one year and must be renewed annually until the non-citizen naturalizes, if their holders plan to travel abroad. Because most countries require that a tourist’s travel document have a minimum remaining validity of anywhere from three months to one year, RTD holders are inhibited from completing their business or personal travel for many months out of the year.

Part I of this Note introduces the problem of the one-year validity period and discusses the relevant terms and concepts pertaining to asylum and refugee classifications. Part II then discusses the history of refugee travel documents before and after the enactment of the U.N. Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the related 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees before examining how the United States and other countries comply with their obligations under the Protocol. Part III delves further into the processes of applying for, obtaining, and using a refugee travel document. Part IV discusses how refugee travel documents affect two different kinds of rights: the limited right of reentry into the United States and the right to international travel, both of which also vary according to immigration status. Part V argues for an increased validity period of at least two years and outlines how the change could impact asylees, refugees, and lawful permanent residents. Finally, Part VI outlines the potential barriers to implementing the proposed regulatory reform, such as national security policy and political will.

Download Article

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Travel documents for foreign citizens returning to the U.S.

If you are a citizen of another country and have been living in the U.S., you may need special documents if you leave the U.S. and then return.

Travel documents for permanent and conditional permanent residents

If you are outside the u.s. for less than one year.

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been away from the U.S. for less than one year, you will only need to show your Green Card upon re-entry to the U.S.

If you are outside the U.S. for one year or longer

If you are a permanent or conditional permanent resident who has been outside the U.S. for one year or longer, apply for a re-entry permit before you travel. Use Form I-131 - Application for Travel Document .

  • For permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.
  • For conditional permanent residents, the re-entry permit is valid for two years after the date of issue. Or it is valid up until the date you must apply for removal of the conditions on your status , whichever date comes first.

Travel documents for other foreign citizens living in the U.S.

If you are a foreign citizen re-entering the U.S., the documentation you need may depend on your immigration status:

  • Advance parole - You may use advance parole to re-enter the U.S. without applying for a visa. It is commonly used for re-entry by people in the process of applying for permanent residence, applying for a status adjustment, or applying for asylum.
  • Refugee travel document - You may be able to use this document to re-enter the U.S. if you have refugee or asylum status.

If you need help, contact U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) .

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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:

refugee travel document holder

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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

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

i tried to go to france but they send me back

Yes, on our list it says France requires visa.

refugee travel document holder

Greece need a visa as the embassy confirmed

refugee travel document holder

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/ ).

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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/

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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?

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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.

refugee travel document holder

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

refugee travel document holder

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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refugee travel document holder

  • Visas and immigration
  • Seek protection or asylum

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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Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

February 29, 2024, 8:30 a.m. – Ottawa – Canada and Mexico have maintained a deep, positive and constructive diplomatic partnership over the past 80 years. We have worked to ensure North America is the world’s most competitive economic region and maintain strong bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation. To support travel and people-to-people connections between Canada and Mexico, while also preserving the integrity of our immigration system, the Government of Canada is adjusting its travel requirements for Mexican citizens.

As of February 29, 2024, at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time, Mexican citizens who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years and are travelling by air on a Mexican passport will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada. Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. This responds to an increase in asylum claims made by Mexican citizens that are refused, withdrawn or abandoned. It is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems.

The application process for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change. Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labour pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program.

Canada supports ongoing travel, tourism and business with Mexico. We will continue to work with the Government of Mexico to strengthen our regular pathways to immigration, and with our provincial and territorial counterparts to support a system of managed migration as well as to support those in need of protection. Canada is expanding its network of visa application centres in Mexico to better serve these clients. Today’s action will relieve pressure on Canada’s borders, immigration system, housing and social services, while preserving mobility for Mexican citizens who want to come to Canada.

The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) is a vital example of the mutually beneficial migration that we seek to promote regionally and globally. Canada is ready to work with Mexico to build on this program, through the modernization of a new SAWP bilateral agreement, to offer Mexican workers new opportunities, through the incorporation of year-round primary agriculture and seasonal fish, seafood and primary food processing into the program. This will benefit workers and businesses on both sides of the Canada–Mexico relationship.

Canada is continuously monitoring the impacts of its visa policies for both visa-exempt and visa-required countries, as well as asylum claim trends. These challenges are not limited to one country. Any adjustment to Canada’s travel requirements are made to preserve the integrity and sustainability of our asylum and immigration systems.

More information about these changes, including for people in transit or with upcoming flights, is available on IRCC’s website .

“Mexico is an important partner to Canada. We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities. We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Asylum claims made by Mexican citizens reached a record high in 2023 at a time when Canada’s asylum system, housing and social services were already under significant pressure. The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant.

In 2023 alone, asylum claims from Mexican citizens accounted for 17% of all claims made that year from all nationalities around the world. The country’s asylum claim rate has risen significantly since the visa was first lifted in 2016 (from 260 claims in 2016 to 23,995 claims in 2023). 

All eTAs issued to Mexican passports before 11:30 p.m. Eastern time on February 29, 2024, will no longer be valid—except for eTAs linked to Mexican passports with a valid Canadian work or study permit. Mexican citizens travelling to Canada without a valid work or study permit will need to apply for a visitor visa or reapply for a new eTA —if they are eligible.

Mexican citizens holding a valid work or study permit can still travel by air to Canada with their existing eTA as long as it remains valid, and they can continue to study or work in Canada based on the validity and conditions of their permit. Mexican visitors who are already in Canada on an eTA can stay for as long as they are authorized (up to six months from the date they arrive in Canada). However, if they plan to leave Canada and wish to return, they must have the proper travel documents (visa or new eTA). 

Most approved visa applicants receive multiple-entry visas, which allow them to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years, or until their passport expires.

The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to eligible citizens from visa-required countries in 2017. Mexico will now be among 15 countries whose citizens can to fly to Canada on an eTA, instead of a visa, if they meet certain requirements .

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  • Link to News Release in Spanish

Contacts for media only:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Branch Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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United States of America, Department of State

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia

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Notarial Services

Resumption of Routine Notary Services

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has resumed limited routine notary services. You can make an appointment at this link .

Notarial services are for all nationalities and are by appointment only. Normally the document to be notarized is for use within the United States, although there may be exceptions. If you have multiple documents to be notarized, you should only make one appointment. You will pay $50 USD in Russian Rubles (9500 Rubles) in cash, at the Embassy on your day of appointment, for each notary seal required.

In order to receive notarial services from the Consular Section you must:

  • Understand your document.   Consular staff cannot explain the contents to you .
  • Complete the document with the appropriate names, places, and dates before you arrive ( but do not sign it; you must sign in front of a Notarizing Officer ).
  • Include  all pages , information and accompanying documents.
  • Pay 9500 Russian Rubles per notary seal.
  • Organize all pages in order and the page(s) that requires the  notary seal  must be clearly flagged on the edge of the document.
  • Ensure name of the individual signing the document matches the name on the presented identification (i.e., passport or other government issued ID).
  • If you are signing on behalf of a corporation, LLC, etc., you must bring proof that you are authorized to sign on behalf of the organization ( e.g., business card and/or articles of incorporation etc).
  • Do not sign  your document until requested to do so by a Consular Officer.
  • If your document requires the presence of witnesses in addition to the notarization, you are responsible for providing these witnesses and any additional information or instructions.   Consular staff cannot act as witnesses.
  • If you are not able to answer simple questions about the purpose of the document or how the document should be executed. Or if you cannot read the language in which it is written, you may be asked to reschedule the service.

Please be aware that a consular officer may  refuse  any notary service when:

  • The document will be used in transactions that may be prohibited by U.S. law, treaty, or foreign law.
  • The host country does not authorize the performance of the service.
  • The document is blank or incomplete.
  • The officer believes that the document is suspicious, potentially illegal, or detrimental to the best interests of the United States.
  • The officer does not understand the document, due to language or any other reason.
  • The officer believes the customer does not understand the document or is acting under duress.
  • The officer providing the notarial service has a disqualifying interest.
  • The officer believes that invalid, inadequate, or insufficient proof of identification is presented, or proof of a corporate title or position is lacking or inadequate.

DS-3053:  To notarize a  DS-3053 Statement of Consent: Issuance of a U.S. Passport To a Minor Under Age 16   (PDF, 345K), please review the instructions listed on the form, the information fields that must be completed, and bring your original, valid, government-issued photo ID as well as a photocopy of both sides. As the U.S. Department of State requires that this form be notarized, this service is performed free of charge.

Guidance on Completing Form DS-3053 with a Russian Notary

  • Please note that it is possible to provide the equivalent of the  Form  DS-3053  in Russian and notarized by a Russian notary, accompanied by a professional English translation, and a photocopy of parent/guardian ID at the time of application.  It is valid for 90 days from the date of notarization. The notarized consent must include the following information:
  • The full name and date of birth of the child;
  • Full name, relationship to the child, phone number, postal, and email address of the absent parent;
  • Clear and unconditional consent of the parent who signs the form;
  • The type of identification presented by the nonappearing parent, the identification number, and the issuance date;
  • A photocopy of that identification;
  • Full name of parent/guardian who will accompany the minor for the passport application.
  • Please note that the U.S. State Department is unable to accept notarized consent forms issued by Russian notaries in Crimea.

Guidance on Affidavits of No Impediment to Marriage (“Marriage Letters”)

You may make a notary appointment to have an Affidavit of No Impediment to Marriage notarized. As an alternative to the Marriage Letter issued by the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, your local city or county clerk office in the United States may provide a similar letter of no impediment to marriage. Should you obtain such a letter from a U.S.-based local or state official, you may consider having it authenticated through the Department of State Office of Authentications .

Remote Online Notarization

A growing number of states accept documents notarized online, making it a convenient and efficient option. If you need documentation notarized for use in the United States, we strongly suggest that you research whether the state in which your documents will be filed accepts documents notarized remotely. The U.S. Embassy does not provide online notaries. Any questions about the process and the applicability of online notarization should be referred directly to the jurisdiction in which your documents will be filed.

Apostilles and Document Legalization

An apostille is the equivalent of an international notarial seal. Any document which bears an apostille is legally valid for use in all countries party to the Hague Convention of 1961 on the legalization of documents. This includes both the United States and Russia.

To obtain an apostille on documents notarized in the United States (including civil records), you must apply to the Secretary of State in the state in which the document was notarized. The Secretary of State’s office will verify the notary public’s or other notarizing official’s signature by placing an apostille on the document.

If you need an Apostille on Russian civil documents, go to the ZAGS office at 10 Griboyedova St. (near metro Chistiye Prudy) in Moscow or the local ZAGS offices in other cities. If you need an Apostille on Russian educational documents, go to the Glavexperttsentr of the Ministry of Education at 33 Shabolovka St., tel. 495-952-0940 of Rosobrnadzor . To obtain an Apostille on court-issued documents as well as documents notarized by Moscow notaries bring them to the branch of the Ministry of Justice at 13 Krzhizhanovskogo St., Bldg. 1.  Justice Administration Offices in other areas of Russia will authenticate the paperwork notarized in those regions and issued by local courts.  Some Russian notaries public offer a combined service of notarization and getting the Justice Ministry’s Apostille stamp on documents.  Russian Regional State Archives are also authorized to Apostille documents which they have issued.  The Prosecutor’s General Office can place Apostilles on paperwork produced by lower level prosecutor’s offices.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow cannot place an apostille on documents issued or notarized in the United States. Various Russian officials sometimes erroneously advise people to go to the American Embassy to get an official Embassy “stamp” on documents for use in Russia. The Embassy is not empowered under U.S., Russian, or international law to perform this function. Therefore, the Embassy cannot legally accommodate such requests. To legalize U.S. documents for use in Russia, you should follow the instructions given above for obtaining an apostille. Russian documents which must be notarized for use in Russia should be executed before Russian notaries public.

Please see the Department of State’s webpage on  Authenticating Your Document  for further information on apostilles, document legalization, and the international treaties governing vital records.

Footer Disclaimer This is the official website of the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia. External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

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  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Residency Determination
  • Travel Document
  • Urgent Permanent Resident Card
  • Urgent PR Card

How to Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document

In order to get back to Canada with an expired PR Card, you may need to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD). Click here for potential ways of avoiding applying for a PRTD .

How to Complete the IMM 5524 PRTD Application

The first thing you need to remember is that if you are overseas with other family members is that everyone who has an expired PR Card and needs a PRTD has to complete their own application form .

In order to get a PRTD, each family member who needs one must complete the IMM 5524 APPLICATION FOR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT (PERMANENT RESIDENT ABROAD) . Here’s how.

First, indicate whether you want service in English or in French. Here is the French version of the application form .

Part 1 – Proving Your Personal Information for the PRTD

  • Family name – your last name as shown on one of the above documents
  • Given name(s) – your first and middle names (if applicable) as shown on one of the above documents, so if your middle name isn’t listed on your PR Card, for example, then don’t include it here
  • Other names (for example, maiden name, son/daughter of, other family name, other given name) – if you married before you landed, for example, you would include your maiden name here.
  • Your sex : Female or Male.
  • Your date of birth : Enter your DOB in YYYY-MM-DD format.
  • Town/City – The city, down or village you were born in
  • State/Province – The province or region you were born in (or, if you’re American, your state of birth)
  • Country – The country you were born in.
  • Country of Citizenship : If you have more than one citizenship, this is the country of citizenship with which you applied for permanent residence in Canada.
  • Passport Number : You need to include both the passport number and the expiry date. The expiry date of your passport may determine the validity of your Permanent Resident Travel Document.
  • Single – Never married
  • Married – Currently legally married, even if you are physically but not legally separated
  • Widowed – You were married but your spouse has died
  • Divorced – You are legally divorced ( not separated)
  • Engaged – You are engaged to be married
  • Separated – You are legally separated but not yet legally divorced
  • Common-law partner – you are in a relationship with a common-law partner and IRCC has information to this effect.
  • Date (YYYY-MM-DD) – The exact date you landed as a Permanent Resident in Canada; if you came as a temporary resident first, do not use that landing date
  • City – The city of the port of entry you landed in, for example if you landed at Pearson Airport, the city is Toronto; if you landed at land crossing and don’t know the exact town, name the land crossing as best you can
  • Province – The province you landed in.
  • The number on your Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Permanent Resident Card : If you have your expired PR Card with you, use that number. If you do not, use the number of your Record of Landing or COPR if you have that with you. If you do not know any of these numbers, leave this field blank.
  • When were you last physically present in Canada (YYYY-MM-DD): DO NOT LIE . If the officer suspects you of lying, a Residency Determination will be initiated and you could lose your status . If you know you are close to not meeting the Residency Obligation , answer the question truthfully and you may be allowed to travel back to Canada (provided you have completed the application correctly) in order to meet the Residency Obligation. If you don’t answer the question truthfully, this could trigger a Residency Determination.
  • When do you intend to return to Canada (YYYY-MM-DD): Your answer to this question may influence the validity of your Permanent Resident Travel Document.
  • Street and no. – The street and number of your house or apartment. If you live in an apartment, include the number here.
  • City – The city, town, village or, if you live in the country, county or region, you live in, in Canada.
  • Province – The province or territory you live in, in Canada.
  • Country – Canada
  • Postal Code – In A1B 2C3 format
  • Telephone no. – If you have a home phone, enter it here. If you do not have a landline, enter your Canadian cell phone (the latter may raise suspicions).
  • Street and no. – The street, number and apartment or room number where you are staying. If you are staying in a hotel, hostel, or other place that you are renting by the day, week or month, indicate here what it is (hotel, hostel, guest house, inn, B&B, airB&B, etc.)
  • City – The city, town or village where you are currently staying – it does not have to be the city of the visa office
  • Province – The province, region or county you are staying in, depending on what kind of sub-national divisions the country you are currently in uses
  • Country – This needs to be a country served by the visa office you are applying to, otherwise they may direct you to a different visa office; if the address and country do not match, your application will likely be rejected
  • Postal Code – If you know the postal code of where you are staying, enter it here; ask staff at your hotel when in doubt
  • Street and no. – The street, number and apartment or room number where you will be staying when your PRTD is sent out
  • City – The city, town or village where you will be staying when your PRTD is mailed to you
  • Province – The province, region or county where you will be staying when your PRTD is mailed
  • Country – The country where you will be staying in when your PRTD is sent out
  • Postal Code – The postal code of where you will be staying, in the correct local format.
  • If we need to reach you while we process your application Your telephone no. (country code, area code and number) – This section must be completed as this is the number they will call if something goes wrong with the delivery of your PRTD
  • Your e-mail address (if available) – As vital as your phone number, do not leave this blank if you have access to email during your stay outside of Canada.
  • Were there any terms and conditions applied to you at the time you were granted permanent residence or landed in Canada? – If this is the case, there would be some indication on your Record of Landing or COPR, or on your PR Card and you may have received some correspondence to this effect
  • Have you ever lost your status as a permanent resident of Canada? – “Yes” only if you have had your PR status revoked and/or been asked to leave Canada at some point since you landed in Canada as a permanent resident
  • Have you ever submitted an appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board against a decision on the residency obligation? – If, while renewing your PR Card, your status was revoked and you appealed, answer “Yes”
  • Have you ever been issued a Returning Resident Permit or a Travel Document? – Have you applied for and were granted a PRTD before? If so, answer “Yes”
  • Your activities and employment : Give details of what you have been doing during the past five (5) years. Include jobs held, periods of unemployment, time spent studying, etc. If you became a permanent resident less than five years ago : list your activities and employment from the time you became a permanent resident to present : This information will help the officer determine whether or not you have met the Residency Obligation . Be as thorough as you possibly can.

Part 2 Proving You Meet the Residency Obligation

  • Time spent in Canada When were you physically present in Canada? List all periods you spent in Canada during the past five (5) years. If you became a permanent resident less than five (5) years ago : list time spent in Canada from the time you became a permanent resident to present : This is the opposite of what you include on the PR Card renewal application. Figure out when you took your trips outside of Canada and then figure out the days you were physically present in Canada in the last five years by subtracting those trips from the total five year period, using the table in the application form and an addition piece of paper if necessary. If the total number of days is equal to or greater than 730 days , skip to the Declaration : This means you’ve met the Residency Obligation ! You should be granted a PRTD and allowed to return to Canada. The Declaration is below question 18 at the bottom of the last (3rd) page. If the total number of days is less than 730 days , answer the following questions : This means you have not met the Residency Obligation and are now required to prove that you qualified for one of the exemptions in order to get your PRTD and not have your status revoked.
  • No – If this is note the case, proceed to question 17
  • Name of person you accompanied : You need to include the full name of the person so the officer can verify the person is either a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Resident
  • Spouse – You will need to provide a copy of your marriage certificate and a certified translation if the marriage certificate is not in English or French. Include the date of your marriage in the space provided.
  • Common-law – You will need to provide evidence of your common law relationship (shared lease/deed, shared bills, etc.) and may need or want to complete a Statutory Declaration to the effect that you are in a common-law relationship. Include the date you began living together common-law in the space provided.
  • Parent – You will need to provide your long-form birth certificate with the parent’s name displayed on it.
  • Canadian citizen (provide proof of his or her Canadian citizenship) – Provide a copy of the citizen’s Canadian passport , birth certificate or citizenship certificate or card
  • Permanent resident of Canada who is employed outside of Canada on a full-time basis by a Canadian business, or by the federal or provincial public service in Canada. (Provide proof of the person’s status in Canada and proof of employment) – You will need to provide a copy of their valid PR Card and  proof of their employment by one of the eligible organizations, such as an employment contract and a letter on appropriate letterhead from the organization in question
  • List the periods when you were outside of Canada and accompanying the person above during the past five (5) years. If you became a permanent resident less than five (5) years ago : list the periods from the time you became a permanent resident to present : You must have been living together permanently for all the dates listed.
  • No – Proceed to the “calculation” part of this question
  • Yes – You will need to provide proof of employment by one of the eligible organizations such as a contract of employment and a letter on organization letterhead to explain why you have been overseas; all of the included dates must be while you were in the employ of this organization

Calculation

  • Total number of days from question 15 – The total number of days you spent in Canada during the last five years (or since you became a Permanent Resident if less than five years ago), PLUS
  • Total number of days from question 16 – The total number of days you spent overseas living with a Canadian citizen, or living with a Canadian Permanent Resident employed for one of the eligible organizations mentioned above, PLUS
  • Total number of days from question 17 – The total number of days you spent overseas in the employ of one of the eligible organizations mentioned above
  • GRAND TOTAL – Add up the above three lines
  • Humanitarian and Compassionate Grounds If the visa office determines that you do not meet the residency obligation, are there humanitarian and compassionate considerations that would justify the retention of your permanent resident status? If applicable, also include humanitarian and compassionate considerations relating to the best interests of a child who may be directly affected by this residency determination. Use an extra sheet of paper if you need more space : H and C can include things such as being forced against your will to stay outside of Canada. You will have to backup any statements you make in this section.

Signing the PRTD Declaration

By signing the Declaration, you consent to the following:

  • I certify that the information given on this form and in any documents attached is correct, complete and accurate – And you are acknowledging that if it is not correct, that it can be used against you in determining whether or not you met the Residency Obligation
  • If this form pertains to a child under the age of 14, I certify that I am one of the child’s parents or guardians .
  • I understand the foregoing statements, having asked for and obtained an explanation on every point that was not clear to me : You are acknowledging that you have sought help from an immigration consultant or lawyer or a family member if you don’t understand something. Or you have sought help from a Visa Application Centre
  • I further understand that the information provided by me may be verified and hereby consent to such verification activities : Your records with IRCC and CBSA will be pulled to verify the information and you consent to this.
  • I also understand that it is a serious offence to provide false or misleading information and that the provision of false or misleading information may result in loss of my permanent resident status and may be grounds for my prosecution or removal from Canada.

Sign and date the form.

Where to Submit the IMM 5524 PRTD Application Form

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  16. Refugee travel document

    A sample refugee travel document The bio-data page of an Australian refugee travel document issued to a Chinese refugee The bio-data page of a New Zealand refugee travel document issued to a Chinese refugee. A refugee travel document (also called a 1951 Convention travel document or Geneva passport) is a travel document issued to a refugee by the state which they normally reside in, allowing ...

  17. Countries that allow visa-free travel with Refugee Travel Documents

    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 ...

  18. Apply for a Home Office travel document: Refugee travel document

    the country accepts refugee travel documents; you need a visa to enter the country; Fees. It costs: £82 for adults (it's free if you were born before 1 September 1929) £53 for children 15 or ...

  19. PDF Refugees and Asylees: 2022 NOVEMBER 2023 Annual Flow Report

    ted to the United States, and 8,673 individuals abroad were approved as follow-to-join asylees and issued travel documents to enter the United States. 11. The leading countries of nationality for persons granted either affirmative or defensive asylum were the People's Republic of China (China), Venezuela, and El Salvador. Monthly refugee arrivals

  20. Ukraine war and entry into Finland

    Valid travel documents are required from those arriving via the external border. Visa is required based on nationality. Visa can be issued at the border only in urgent situations evaluated individually. The Finnish Border Guard is in charge of border check at Finland's external borders. The Finnish Border Guard also receives asylum ...

  21. Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada

    The majority of these claims (approximately 60%) were either rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, or withdrawn or abandoned by the applicant. ... The eTA is a digital travel document that most visa-exempt travellers need in order to travel to or transit through Canada by air. IRCC first began expanding its eTA program to ...

  22. Travel Document Requirements for Visitors

    travel document must contain at least two blank pages; persons 15 years and older must possess their own travel document with photo; a child 7-15 years of age, sharing the parent's passport, must have his/her photo in the parents' passport. Children under the age of 7, if entered into a parent's passport, do not need to have a photo in ...

  23. Notarial Services

    Notarial services are for all nationalities and are by appointment only. Normally the document to be notarized is for use within the United States, although there may be exceptions. If you have multiple documents to be notarized, you should only make one appointment. You will pay $50 USD in Russian Rubles (9500 Rubles) in cash, at the Embassy ...

  24. How to Apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document

    Part 1 - Proving Your Personal Information for the PRTD. Family name - your last name as shown on one of the above documents. Given name (s) - your first and middle names (if applicable) as shown on one of the above documents, so if your middle name isn't listed on your PR Card, for example, then don't include it here.

  25. PDF Form I-131, Instructions for Application for Travel Document

    Reentry Permit: The filing fee for a Reentry Permit is $575. A biometrics services fee of $85 is required for applicants ages 14 through 79. Refugee Travel Document: The filing fee for a Refugee Travel Document for an applicant aged 16 or older is $135. The fee for a child younger than 16 is $105.

  26. PDF Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

    2. Application Type. a. I am a permanent resident or conditional resident of the United States, and I am applying for a reentry permit. b. I now hold U.S. refugee or asylee status, and I am applying for a Refugee Travel Document. c. I am a permanent resident as a direct result of refugee or asylee status, and I am applying for a Refugee Travel ...

  27. PDF 2024 Final Fee Rule

    • Form I-131, Refugee Travel Document (for a reentry permit or refugee travel document) • Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, when submitted to CBP ... will be sent to all online account holders ahead of time so you will be aware. This only applies to the N -400.