Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you should only currently apply if you have compassionate reasons to travel or are a key worker. You must apply online. You must also send evidence of your need for a travel document by email. Evidence you must include with your email You must attach evidence showing that you have a compassionate reason for travel or that you are a key worker. How to prove you have a compassionate reason for travelling Attach a scan or photo of a letter confirming the reason for your travel. The letter must: be from a doctor, hospital or Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) post abroad 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 one of these letters. How to prove you are a key worker and need the document for ID Attach a scan or photo of a document that proves you’re a key worker. Where to apply Apply using the online form . You can also get help with completing the online form . 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

Report and replace your travel documents

You must report a lost or stolen travel document to the police and to UK Visas and Immigration, even if you do not want a replacement. It is taking longer than usual to process replacements because of coronavirus (COVID-19). You can only replace your document if you’re in the UK. You may be asked to confirm your identity and immigration status with biometric data before you can get your new document. Report and replace your travel document in the UK You’ll need either: a police report and crime reference if you’ve reported the loss of your document details of where and when you last had your travel document You can apply online for a new document. Read the guidance if you need help with your application. Get help to apply online 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 can only use this service if you’re applying in the UK. You cannot get immigration advice through this service. Report your lost or stolen travel document overseas You need to report your lost or stolen document to the nearest UK visa application centre . You’ll need either: the police report if you’ve reported the document lost stolen details of where and when you last had your travel document You may have to give your fingerprints to confirm your identity. You may have to apply for a visa if you want to return to the UK. You’ll get a temporary travel document if you’re allowed to return. When you’re back in the UK you can apply for a new travel document online .

Apply for a Home Office travel document

Overview

You can apply for a document to travel outside the UK if you’re not British and cannot use or get a passport from your country.

At the moment, you must not apply unless you need a document urgently for compassionate reasons or you are a key worker and need it for ID. This is because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Before you travel, check that the country you want to visit will accept a travel document and if you need a visa.

Home Office travel documents and coronavirus

Only apply if you urgently need the document for compassionate reasons or as a coronavirus key worker - for example, a doctor, nurse or school teacher.

Examples of compassionate reasons include:

you are seriously ill
a family member or friend is seriously ill or has died
you need to travel abroad for medical treatment that cannot be delayed, or you are the carer of someone who does

If you have already applied

There may be delays to your application because of coronavirus.

Do not leave your home to do anything for your application, such as getting photographs. Follow government advice on staying at home. Your application will be held until you can supply supporting documents safely.

Home Office cannot return supporting documents at the moment, but they will be returned later.

Eligibility

You must be living in the UK for one of the following reasons:

you have permission to stay as a refugee or stateless person
you have humanitarian protection for a limited time after a failed asylum application
you have discretionary leave for a limited time after a failed asylum application
you’re settled here permanently (known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’)

You must show that you’ve formally applied for and been unreasonably refused a passport by authorities in your country, unless you have permission to be in the UK as a refugee or stateless person.

You’ll also need an up-to-date Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (unless you’re applying for a one-way document).

You’ll need to provide evidence that supports your application - use original documents, not photocopies.

Types of travel documents

There are 4 different types you can apply for, depending on your status.

Your status	Type of travel document	Adult fee	Child (15 or under) fee	Fee if born before 1 September 1929
Refugee	Convention travel document	£75	£49	£0
Stateless	Stateless person’s document	£75	£49	£0
You want to leave and not come back	One-way document (also known as an IS137)	£75	£49	£75
Refused a passport by your own national authorities	Certificate of travel	£280	£141	£280

You will not get a refund if you withdraw your application or if it is refused.

Print entire guide

Apply for a Home Office travel document

Overview

Home Office travel documents and coronavirus

If you have already applied

Eligibility

Types of travel documents

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Apply for a Home Office travel document

Overview

Home Office travel documents and coronavirus

If you have already applied

Eligibility

Types of travel documents

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