Convention Travel Document (CTD)

Обновлено: 12 April 2026
Коротко

A CTD is a refugee travel document that replaces a passport. Apply online at gov.uk, costs £102, valid for 10 years. Ready in 4-6 weeks. Required for any travel outside the UK.

£102
Cost
£66.50 for children
10 years
Validity
5 years for children
4-6 wks
Processing
standard
44
Visa-free countries
with CTD

How to get one — step by step

1
Apply online at gov.uk
Go to gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document. You need an eVisa and UKVI account. Fill in the form and pay £102 by card.
2
Post your documents
Send 2 passport photos and your old passport (if you have one or it was returned). That's all. No biometrics needed.
3
Wait for your CTD to arrive by post
Processing: up to 14 weeks. The document arrives by Royal Mail Signed For. Do not plan trips too close to your application date!
⚠️ Do not travel to your country of origin
Travelling to the country you fled from may lead to a review of your refugee status. The Home Office may decide that you no longer need protection.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

What is a Convention Travel Document?

A CTD is a refugee travel document issued under the 1951 UN Convention by the United Kingdom. It replaces a national passport for travel purposes. It looks like a blue passport with "Travel Document" and the UK coat of arms on the cover. It is accepted by airlines and border agencies.

Who can get a CTD?

People with Refugee Status in the UK. NOT eligible: asylum seekers (still awaiting a decision), people with Humanitarian Protection (they receive a Certificate of Travel), people on a regular visa.

How much does it cost and how long is it valid?

Cost: £102 for an adult, £66.50 for a child under 16. Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for children under 16. To renew, you apply again for £102.

How do I apply?

Online at gov.uk → "Apply for a travel document". You need: an eVisa and UKVI account, your status details, and a card to pay £102. After submitting, post 2 passport photos and your old passport (if you have one). No biometrics needed. Processing: up to 14 weeks.

How long does it take?

Standard processing: 4-6 weeks. Urgent processing: ~1 week for an additional fee. The document arrives by post (Royal Mail Signed For). Do not leave your application until the last minute before a trip!

Do I need to hand in my old BRP?

BRP cards expired on 31 December 2024. Your status is now in eVisa. When applying for a CTD you will be asked to provide your eVisa number or details from your UKVI account. You do not need to surrender your old BRP.

Can I travel to my country of origin with a CTD?

Technically, a CTD allows you to travel anywhere (provided you have the required visa). HOWEVER: travelling to the country you fled from may lead to a review of your refugee status. The Home Office may decide that you no longer need protection. This is strongly advised against.

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⚠️ StartNewLife is an information project — not regulated by the IAA (Immigration Advice Authority). We do not provide immigration advice within the meaning of Section 84 of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999. All content is general information only and does not replace advice from a regulated lawyer (IAA / SRA / BSB) about your specific case.