How to apply

Before you apply

If you have less than 6 months’ permission to stay in the UK (known as ‘leave to remain’), you need to extend it before you apply for a travel document.

If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP)

If your BRP expires on 31 December 2024, you can set up access to your eVisa to prove your immigration status instead.

Your personal details (for example your name, address and phone number) must be accurate in your eVisa before you apply for a travel document. Update your details in your UKVI account if your details have changed.

If you do not have a BRP

Check if you can get access to an eVisa.

Apply

The type of travel document you can apply for depends on what kind of permission to stay you have - for example, if you have refugee status or are recognised as stateless.

You can find what kind of permission to stay you have on your BRP or your Home Office decision letter.

If you apply for the wrong type of travel document, your application will be refused and you will not get a refund. You’ll have to submit a new application and pay the fee if you want to apply again.

How to apply

To apply for a travel document you need to:

  • complete the online form
  • send supporting documents by post

You can get help with completing the online form if you:

  • do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device
  • do not have internet access

You cannot get immigration advice through this service.

Send supporting documents by post

You’ll be told in the online application:

  • which documents to send
  • where to send them

You’ll need to send original documents.

Do not send your BRP - you’ll need to keep this as proof of identity.

Do not send any documents you have not been told to send. They will not be returned.

If you urgently need a travel document for compassionate reasons

You’ll need to send additional supporting evidence by email if you urgently need a travel document for compassionate reasons.

Compassionate reasons for travelling include:

  • you are seriously ill
  • a family member or friend is seriously ill or has died
  • you - or someone you care for - need to travel abroad for medical treatment that is not available in the UK and cannot be delayed

Attach a scan or photo of a letter confirming the reason for your travel. The letter must:

  • be from a doctor or hospital
  • be on headed paper
  • be in English, or be accompanied by a certified translation
  • include your name
  • include, where relevant, the name of the sick or dead person and their relationship to you

You can send a death certificate but it must be accompanied by the letter confirming the reason for your travel.

Where to send your supporting email

Send your email with supporting evidence to the Home Office travel document enquiries team.

Put ‘New application enquiry – urgent compassionate case’ and your name in the subject line.

Home Office travel document enquiries
traveldocumentenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk