Certificate of Travel

Certificate of Travel for Stateless Persons and Non-Refugees in the UK

If you are living in the UK without refugee status and have not been recognised as a stateless person, but are unable to obtain a passport from your country of nationality, you may be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Travel. This important travel document will grant you permission to travel abroad and return to the UK, provided you meet the necessary eligibility requirements.

A Certificate of Travel serves as an alternative to a traditional passport for those who cannot obtain one from their home country due to their stateless status or because they have been refused a passport. However, the application process and the eligibility criteria are specific, and it’s important to fully understand them before you apply.

Eligibility to Apply for a Certificate of Travel

To be eligible for a Certificate of Travel, you must meet the following key requirements:

1.Stateless or Unreasonably Refused Passport: You must either be a stateless person or have been formally and unreasonably refused a passport by the authorities of the country of which you are a national. Statelessness is defined as someone who is not recognised as a national by any country’s laws.

2.In the UK: You must be present in the UK when applying for the Certificate of Travel. You cannot apply for this document if you are outside the UK.

3.No Refugee Status: If you have been granted refugee status in the UK, you are not eligible for a Certificate of Travel. Refugees are given specific travel documents (e.g., a refugee travel document), which would be more appropriate for your travel needs.

4.Valid UK Residency: You must have permission to stay in the UK for at least 6 months from the date you make your application. This is because countries may not accept your Certificate of Travel if your permission to return to the UK will expire in less than six months.

If your current permission is set to expire in less than 6 months, you will need to apply to extend your stay before applying for a Certificate of Travel.

Restrictions on Travel with a Certificate of Travel

There are several restrictions on the use of the Certificate of Travel, so it’s important to understand where you can and cannot travel with it:

•Cannot Travel to Your Country of Origin: Except in exceptional circumstances, you cannot use the Certificate of Travel to travel to your country of origin, or to the country from which you sought asylum. This is because you are not considered a national of that country, and using a Certificate of Travel for such travel could raise legal and safety concerns.

•Check Travel Acceptance: Some countries do not accept the Certificate of Travel as a valid travel document. Before applying for a Certificate of Travel, you should check with the authorities of the country you wish to visit to ensure that they will accept it. This is especially important if you plan to travel to countries that have strict entry requirements.

Duration and Validity of the Certificate of Travel

The duration of the Certificate of Travel you receive depends on your immigration status in the UK:

1.For Adults with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR):

•A Certificate of Travel issued to an adult will typically be valid for up to 5 years if you have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK.

2.For Adults with Limited Leave to Remain:

•If you have Limited Leave to Remain (temporary permission to stay), your Certificate of Travel will usually be valid for the same period as your Limited Leave to Remain. This means that if your temporary stay is renewed, the travel document will also be renewed in line with the new leave granted.

3.For Children:

•Children cannot be included on the travel document of their parent or guardian. If a child is eligible for a Certificate of Travel, they will need to have their own individual document. A Certificate of Travel issued to a child is generally valid for up to 5 years if the child has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. If the child has Limited Leave to Remain, the certificate will be valid for the same period as their leave.

Application Process for a Certificate of Travel

The process of applying for a Certificate of Travel is similar to that of applying for a passport, but there are some differences, especially regarding eligibility and supporting documents. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

1.Application Form: You will need to complete the application form for a Certificate of Travel. The form is available online or can be requested from the Home Office. Be sure to provide accurate and truthful information, as providing false information could result in delays or refusal of your application.

2.Supporting Documentation: You must provide several supporting documents as part of your application, which may include:

•Proof of your statelessness or evidence that you have been unreasonably refused a passport by your country of nationality.

•Proof of your immigration status in the UK, such as a copy of your visa or leave to remain.

•Evidence of residence in the UK, such as utility bills or tenancy agreements.

•Photographs that meet the required specifications for travel documents.

3.Processing Time: The processing time for a Certificate of Travel can vary depending on individual circumstances, but it generally takes several weeks. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to avoid delays.

4.Interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. This is typically to confirm your identity and the details of your application.

Why You Need Legal Assistance

Applying for a Certificate of Travel can be a complex process, especially if you are stateless or have been refused a passport. Our immigration lawyers can help you through each stage of the application, ensuring that you meet all the eligibility requirements and submit all necessary documentation.

Our services include:

•Eligibility assessment: We will help you determine if you qualify for a Certificate of Travel and guide you through the requirements.

•Document preparation: We assist with gathering and organising the correct supporting documents to ensure your application is complete.

•Application submission: We can help you navigate the application process to avoid mistakes that could cause delays.

•Travel restrictions advice: We will inform you of any travel restrictions and help ensure your document is accepted in your destination countries.

Contact Us Today

If you are looking to apply for a Certificate of Travel and need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our expert immigration lawyers are here to guide you through the process and help ensure a smooth application experience. Whether you are stateless or unable to obtain a passport from your home country, we are here to help you secure the travel document you need. Let us assist you in your journey to travel safely and legally while in the UK.