Certificate of Travel
Certificate of Travel (black cover) — for Humanitarian Protection, Discretionary Leave and those who cannot obtain a passport. Costs £320 — 3 times more than a CTD. Not backed by an international treaty — each country decides whether to accept it. Schengen — does not accept. Visa-free countries — very few.
Where You Can and Cannot Travel
You can travel, but a Schengen visa is required. With a CTD many of these countries allow visa-free entry — with a CoT they do not.
2. Get written confirmation that the CoT is accepted
3. Print the result from IATA Timatic (iata.org)
4. Apply for a visa well in advance — with a CoT the process takes longer
5. Arrive at the airport early — there will be questions
CTD vs Certificate of Travel
How to Apply — Step by Step
Urgent cases: [email protected]
Часто задаваемые вопросы
What is a Certificate of Travel?
A UK travel document (black cover) for those who CANNOT obtain a passport from their country. Issued to those with Humanitarian Protection, Discretionary Leave, Limited/Indefinite Leave to Remain. NOT for refugees (they get a CTD, blue) and NOT for stateless persons (they get a Stateless Person's Document).
Who can apply?
Those with Humanitarian Protection (if fear of authorities is officially recognised). Those with Discretionary Leave or Leave to Remain whose passport has expired and the country refused to issue a new one. Those on family reunion to someone with HP. Those born in the UK to a refugee parent but without refugee status.
Why is the CoT 3 times more expensive than a CTD?
The CTD costs £102 and is based on an international treaty (1951 UN Convention) — 149 signatory countries are obliged to recognise it. The CoT costs £320 and is based only on UK domestic law — each country decides for itself whether to accept it. That is why the CoT is less widely accepted.
Where can I travel with a CoT?
Very few countries accept the CoT visa-free. Schengen (30 countries) — does NOT accept it, a visa is required. UAE, Qatar, South Africa — refuse entry. Possibly accepted: Georgia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania. ALWAYS check with the embassy before travelling.
What if the airline won't let me board?
Airlines use the IATA Timatic system to check documents. The CoT is poorly represented in this system. Advice: print the check result from iata.org/travelcentre, get written confirmation from the embassy of the destination country, arrive at the airport early.
Can I switch to a CTD?
Yes, if your HP is reviewed and you are granted Refugee Status. This happens when HP is renewed (if the situation in the country has not improved) or when applying for ILR after 5 years. CTD — £102, 10 years, far more visa-free countries.
How do I apply?
Online at gov.uk → "Apply for a Home Office Travel Document". You need: eVisa and UKVI account, proof that the country refused to issue a passport (for HP with recognised fear — not required), payment of £320. Processing time: up to 14 weeks.
Can I use my own country's passport?
If you have HP and use your country of origin's passport — the Home Office may interpret this as "seeking protection from your own country". This can affect your status and future ILR application. Strongly not recommended.