What is a travel document?

A travel document is a temporary document issued by the Canadian government to prove your identity and is used for travel to Canada. It proves that you have the right to return to Canada. There are many types of travel documents, and today we will talk about refugee travel documents and permanent resident travel documents.      

What is a refugee travel document?

A recognized refugee in Canada seeks to obtain travel documents to travel abroad and be able to return to it. It can also be issued to children under the age of sixteen.

In general, refugees cannot use travel documents to travel to their country of origin. However, the Canadian travel document or identity certificate will determine whether you can travel to your country or not.

Issuing refugee travel documents requires the signature of a guardian, in addition to two identifiers.

The issuing office decides the validity period of the document.

(PRTD) What are permanent resident travel documents?

It is a document for permanent residents who do not have their permanent resident card and are outside Canada and plan to return to Canada by plane, train, or bus.

The travel document is usually valid for a single entry only. Its primary purpose is to help the person return to Canada.

To approve the issuance of a travel document, you need to prove your compliance with permanent residency conditions.   

If you do not meet the residency requirements, your residency may be revoked due to the submission of a travel document issuance request.

Where can I travel with my refugee travel document?

A refugee holding a valid travel document can travel to a country that does not require a visa or one that requires a visa, as long as he does not intend to stay for more than three months. 

If you are a refugee in a country that has signed the Geneva Convention, your travel document is accepted by every country that signed this agreement.

Refugees can use travel documents to apply for a visitor visa. However, not every country will accept the travel document.  Countries can decide whether to accept or refuse any individual in their country, even if they have a valid refugee travel document.

Refugees should check with the office that issued the document before traveling to see if they can apply for a visa or not.

We advise consulting the consulate of the country you wish to visit (in Ottawa) for more confirmed information about the acceptance of the travel document.  

Can refugees travel to their country of origin?

In general, refugees are not allowed to return to their country of origin after being granted refugee status.

Once you apply for and receive a refugee travel document, the document will state any travel restrictions imposed on you, including the country of origin.