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When you submit a UK visa or settlement application to the Home Office, chances are you’ll need to provide supporting documentation such as your passport when you apply.

After a decision has been made on your application, the Home Office will return your documents to you. However, if you have sent your documents with your application and you need them back urgently, you may be able to ask for them to be returned.

How you do this depends on whether you submitted your application from inside or outside the UK, and the type of application you have made. In some cases, asking for your documents back may mean you need to cancel your application. You will be told if you have to do this when you make the request.

If you applied outside the UK

If you submitted your visa application from outside the UK, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to request your documents back.

You will not receive a refund if your application has been processed. You will have three months to collect your passport or travel document once you’ve been told it’s ready for collection. If you fail to collect your passport within the given timeframe, it will be returned to the authority that issues it.

If you applied in the UK

If you applied in the UK, you may be able to use the online return of documents form . If you are eligible to use the form, you will usually receive your documents back within 10 working days.

You cannot use the online form if:

• You no longer have permission to stay in the UK
• Your application to stay in the UK has been refused or rejected
• You want to cancel your application to extend your stay in the UK because you now plan to leave
• You have applied for asylum

If your application has been refused and you do not have permission to stay in the UK, you can contact the Voluntary Returns Service if you want to leave voluntarily or if you cannot use the online form. You will get your documents back at the airport.

Support with your UK visa application

If you have any questions about applying for a UK visa or need some assistance with filing your application, Smith Stone Walters is here to help.

To speak to an immigration advisor, please contact us today .

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Travel Documents UK

There are many non-UK nationals that travel in and out of the UK each year using their passports. However, in certain circumstances, a valid passport from their native country may be unattainable. If so, travellers can apply to the Home Office for a UK Travel Document and if successful, use it as an alternative.

The application process to gain UK travel documents can often be complex and daunting. Different travel documents are available for people in various circumstances, and knowing which one to apply for can sometimes cause anxiety and stress.

However, our team of specialist immigration lawyers can guide you through the entire process from start to finish quickly and easily. For help with your UK travel document application, call us today at  0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

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What is a UK Travel Document?

UK travel documents from the Home Office allow non-UK nationals to travel in and out of the UK without a valid passport providing certain criteria can be met. There are 4 different types of travel documents available and the applicant should apply for the one that best fits their circumstances.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To be eligible to apply for a travel document from the Home Office, applicants must meet certain criteria. Firstly, applicants must be living in the UK for one of the following reasons:

• They have been granted indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency).
• They have been granted permission to stay in the UK as a refugee or stateless person.
• They have been granted humanitarian protection or discretionary leave for a limited time following a failed asylum application.

In addition, applicants must be able to show that they have applied for a passport that has been unreasonably refused by their country’s national authorities. (Unless they have permission to be in the UK as a refugee or stateless person).

Types of UK Travel Documents

There are 4 types of travel documents available for those in different circumstances.

Convention Document (Refugee)

This document is for refugees who are unable to obtain a passport from their own country. The convention travel document allows the holder to travel from the UK and re-enter without issue upon returning. However, it does not allow the applicant to travel back to their home country or any country in which they sought asylum from.

The document is usually valid for ten years if the applicant has settled status (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK, or 5 years if they have permission to stay (leave to remain) or are under 15 years of age.

It costs £75 to apply as an adult or £49 for children aged 15 and under. However, the fee is waived if the applicant was born before 1 September 1929.

Stateless Person Document

This document is for people who are classed as stateless by the UK authorities and therefore cannot obtain a passport. It allows holders to travel to most countries in the world and return to the UK without restriction.

The document is valid for up to ten years if the applicant is settled in the UK and has indefinite leave to remain or 5 years for those that have permission to stay or leave to remain or are under the age of 15.

The fee for this document is £75 for adults (over 15) and £49 for children (15 or under). However, applicants born on or before 1 September 1929 do not have to pay the fee at all.

One-way Document

One-way documents (or IS137) are for non-UK citizens that wish to leave the UK permanently. The document allows them the right to leave the UK but not return. Applicants do not need to have settled status in order to apply. However, there are certain criteria that must be met in order to be considered for this document.

For example, the applicant must not be a British citizen, they must not be able to obtain a passport from their native country, they must not be facing deportation or have any pending criminal proceedings against them in the UK and they must want to leave the UK for good.

The document is valid for 12 months from the date it is issued and cannot be used to return to the UK under any circumstances. The fee for adults or those over 15 is £75, for those 15 and under it is £49 or it is free to apply if the applicant was born on or before 1 September 1929.

Certificate of Travel Document

This document is for those that have been refused a passport by their own nation’s authorities. It allows the holder to leave and re-enter the UK in replace of a traditional passport. To apply one of the following must be true:

• Has settled status or permission to stay in the UK and has been refused a passport by their native country’s authorities.
• In the UK under humanitarian protection and it’s been officially accepted that they are in fear of their native country’s authorities.
• In the UK on a family visa as a dependent of someone with humanitarian protection.
• Born in the UK as a child of a refugee and has permission to stay in the UK but does not have refugee status.
• Has an important reason to travel but the native country’s authorities are unable to process travel documents quickly enough.

If the applicant has an important reason to travel, this and the fact that their native country’s authorities are unable to help must be proven as part of the application. This document is valid for up to 5 years if the applicant has settled status or until the permission to stay in the UK ends. Applicants can travel to most countries using this document except any of those from which they claimed asylum.

The fee for adults is currently £210 for those over the age of 15 and £141 for children aged 15 and under.

Contact us today for assistance with obtaining a UK travel document.

Applying For a Home Office Travel Document

All applicants need to complete an online form on the UK government’s website and then send their supporting documentation to the Home Office through the post. However, if there are exceptional or compassionate circumstances involved, evidence can be sent for consideration via email.

How can IAS Help?

Applying for a travel document can be stressful and time-consuming. It can be difficult to be sure which type of document to apply for depending on your circumstances and mistakes do not get refunded by the Home Office.

Our team of immigration specialists at IAS can tell you your options quickly and accurately, help you fill in your application from start to finish, advising you on all aspects of being granted your travel documents as easily and quickly as possible.

Call us today at  0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

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Need help with an immigration issue? Book a one-to-one advice session with one of our legal caseworkers.

We can complete your visa application on your behalf, taking the stress and hassle out of the process.

Need to submit an application quickly? We can help you complete and send it off in as little as 24 hours.

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal with our legal support and guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get help with my online application form.

There are options available to those that may struggle to complete the online application form if, for example, they do not have internet access or do not feel comfortable whilst using a computer. Applicants are able to access ‘Assisted Digital’ support which can provide advice over the telephone or via face-to-face interviews.

Can my family travel with me?

It is not possible to list dependents on a travel document like it is on a visa. Each travelling family member (including children) must have their own travel document to travel in and out of the UK. If the child was born in the UK, they may be able to become a British citizen and get a traditional passport.

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Home Office Travel Documents

What is a Home Office Travel Document?

A Home Office travel document is a document that allows non-UK nationals to travel outside the UK if they cannot use or obtain a passport from their own country. A person can only apply for a Home Office travel document in certain special circumstances.

Who is eligible?

In order to be eligible to apply for a Home Office travel document, a person must be living in the UK for one of the following reasons:

(i) they have permission to stay as a refugee or stateless person; (ii) they have humanitarian protection for a limited time after a failed asylum application; (iii) they have discretionary leave for a limited time after a failed asylum application; or (iv) they have indefinite leave to remain.

What are the different types of travel documents?

There are four different types of travel documents that a person can apply for, depending on their circumstances and their status in the UK:

1) If a person is a refugee, they can apply for a convention travel document; 2) If a person is stateless, they can apply for a stateless person’s document; 3) If a person is a non-UK citizen that wants to leave the UK and not come back, they can apply for a one-way document (also known as an IS137); 4) If a person has been refused a passport by their own country’s national authorities, they can apply for a certificate of travel.

It is important to note that a person must show that they have formally applied for and been unreasonably refused a passport by authorities in their country. People who have permission to be in the UK as a refugee or stateless person are exempt from this condition.

Applying for a Travel Document:

A person can apply for a travel document online or by post. If a person chooses to apply by post, they must fill in form TD112 BRP and send it to the Home Office. The form states that certain documents must be submitted alongside the application. All submitted documents must be original documents, not photocopies. Failure to provide the original documents will delay the application and may result in its refusal.

The applicant will also need to apply for a biometric residence permit (BRP) if they don’t already have one that’s up to date, as it is part of the travel document application. This is not required if a person is applying for a one-way document. Additionally, all existing non-biometric travel documents can continue to be used until they expire.

It is important to note that some countries will not accept a travel document if a person has less than 6 months’ leave to remain in the UK on the date they travel. The applicant should check that they meet the requirements of the country they are travelling to.

If an applicant’s family is applying at the same time, all postal applications should be sent in one envelope so that they can be dealt with together. A separate application and payment must be made for each person, whether it is online or by post. A person can also apply for a new travel document using form TD112 BRP if their previous document has filled up or expired.

What are the costs?

All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable fee when they send their application to the home office. We have provided an overview of this below. Please note this is separate from the fee we will charge to assist with such an application. The fee an applicant must pay depends on the type of travel document they are applying for and whether they are an adult or child:

How can NA Law Solicitors help?

As specialists in individual immigration, we can help you apply for your desired travel document. If you have any questions about anything mentioned in this article or have specific queries about your immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact us for a 15-minute telephone consultation .

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Emergency Travel Documents Explained (UK)

Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by MyBritishPassport

Emergency Travel Documents Explained (UK) |

Unexpected situations like losing your passport or encountering delays in its renewal while you’re overseas can be quite challenging. However, as a British citizen, you have a fallback – the Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This article breaks down what an ETD is, when you might need one, and how to go about securing it.

Why Might You Need An Emergency Travel Document (UK)?

There are certain circumstances where an Emergency Travel Document becomes a necessity:

• Your passport has expired, and there’s insufficient time to renew it before your journey.
• You’ve lost or had your passport stolen, and getting a replacement in time is impossible.
• Your passport has sustained damage, and your departure date is approaching.

Remember, an ETD is specifically for such emergencies and is valid for a single journey, expiring within a year. If you foresee more travel within that year, you’ll need a standard British passport renewal.

Securing an ETD from Abroad

The ETD is designed for those unplanned moments when you’re stuck without a valid passport. But before seeking one, you should begin the UK passport renewal process . While this is underway and you haven’t yet received your new passport, you can apply for an Emergency Travel Document .

You will need to apply online. Currently, it costs £100 to apply for an emergency travel document.

You might need to attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate after you apply online. You’ll be told after you’ve submitted your application whether you need an appointment.

You’ll need to give a contact telephone number and email address as part of your application.

Click here to apply:   https://www.apply-emergency-travel-document.service.gov.uk/

Important Points about the Emergency Travel Document

• An ETD permits you to travel to a maximum of 5 countries.
• Depending on the specifics of your application, you might receive the ETD the same day or after a few days.
• The document is only valid for the exact travel details you’ve given during the application.
• The ETD allows transit through up to five countries, but the specifics will be printed on the document itself. Altering your travel route after receiving the ETD will necessitate another application.
• While an ETD facilitates your journey, remember that it doesn’t override visa requirements. You’ll still need to check visa stipulations for countries you plan to visit.

Renewing Your British Passport with MyBritishPassport

An Emergency Travel Document is a stop-gap solution. For any subsequent travel, ensure you have your renewed British passport.  MyBritishPassport makes this process seamless:

• Complete the online application form. Click here to apply online.
• Pay the appropriate fees using a debit or credit card.
• MyBritishPassport will thoroughly check your documents, ensuring they’re in order, and then finalize the application for you.
• We ensure the secure and prompt dispatch of your documents to the relevant UK government office.
• You’ll receive your new British passport at the address of your choice in a few weeks.

Amazing simplicity from start to finish in the completion of my application for Passport Renewal. Excellent communication and responsiveness throughout the entire process. Was amazed at the short turnaround time in receiving my new passport. Thank you for exceeding my expectations and for providing exceptional service. Graham Sore via Google Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get an emergency travel document uk.

Click here to apply: https://www.apply-emergency-travel-document.service.gov.uk/

What is the difference between UK passport and UK travel document?

A UK Passport is valid for 10 years and can be used for multiple international trips. On the other hand, an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) is typically valid for a specific journey and might only allow travel to a limited number of countries (5 countries) before returning to the UK. While a UK Passport confirms your British citizenship and allows consistent travel freedom, an ETD is a temporary solution for unforeseen situations, like if your passport is lost or stolen while abroad.

Conclusion: Being Prepared with ETD Knowledge

Emergencies can happen. If you’re caught overseas without a valid passport, the ETD can be a lifesaver. Always remember, an ETD is a temporary solution. For unrestricted, stress-free travel, ensure your British passport is always up-to-date. Should you have further questions, MyBritishPassport is here to help, with seasoned professionals ready to assist.

Contact MyBritishPassport

Topic: Emergency Travel Documents Explained (UK)

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A member of the U.K.PASSPORTS™ group, MyBritishPassport is the leading international British Passport Service Provider catering to British citizens residing outside of the UK. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has been offering efficient and hassle-free online services for British Passport renewals, replacements, and applications from abroad.

The company has gained a reputation as a leading service provider in the industry, with countless verified five-star reviews from satisfied clients worldwide. This speaks volumes about their excellent service quality.

MyBritishPassport has a highly knowledgeable team of British Passport Consultants who are well-versed in all the requirements of the HM Passport Office. They are continuously updated with the latest rules and regulations governing passport issuance, ensuring that their clients receive the most up-to-date advice and guidance.

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How to Apply for Travel Documents in the UK

Last Updated: February 22, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 5,355 times.

If you live in the UK but aren't a British citizen and can't get a passport from your home country, you might be able to get travel documents from the British Home Office if you need to travel outside the country. Generally, you're only eligible for travel documents if you're staying in the UK as a refugee or stateless person, or if you're settled in the UK permanently (what the Home Office calls "indefinite leave to remain"). You can apply for travel documents online through the Home Office, but you have to mail the completed application along with supporting documentation. If you don't have a biometric residence permit (BRP), you'll need to apply for one of those when you apply for your travel document. [1] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Choosing the Right Travel Document

• This travel document is typically valid for up to 10 years, depending on the validity of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You can travel to any country except your country of origin.

• Stateless travel documents are usually valid for 10 years, although they might be issued with a shorter validity depending on your situation. You can typically travel to any and all countries.
• You're only considered stateless if you are not recognized as a citizen of any country. Some refugees are stateless, but not all. If you're not sure if you've been officially recognized as stateless, you probably haven't. Fewer than 100 people in the UK have been recognized as stateless since the official determination procedure was started in 2014. [4] X Research source

• To get this documentation, apply for a passport using your home country's usual process. When your application is denied, save the original letter you get back from your home country.
• You also need to show why the denial was unreasonable. The Home Office considers a denial reasonable if, for example, you have a criminal record in your home country or did not provide enough evidence to confirm your identity.
• If you are granted a COT, it will typically have 5 years of validity. You can travel to any country with this document except for your country of origin.

• While you do need to provide documentation to confirm your identity, you don't need to apply for a BRP to use this type of travel document.
• This document is issued to any non-British citizen in the UK who doesn't have a passport and wants to leave the country. It can only be used for one journey out of the country and is valid for a year, although it's generally intended to be used immediately. [7] X Research source
• One-way travel documents are typically issued for travel to a specified country. If you have to travel through one country to get to your destination country, that country will also be listed on your document.

Filling out Your Application

• After you provide your location, you'll be asked to select which type of travel document you want to apply for. If you're not sure, click on the question so see who qualifies for each type.

Tip: If you don't feel comfortable using a computer or do not have internet access, you can get help over the phone by calling 03333 445 675. This phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• If you're applying for a one-way travel document, your document will only be valid for travel to the country you specified. However, all other travel documents are typically valid for travel to any country, except your country of origin or the country from which you sought asylum.
• If you're applying for a COT, you'll also need to discuss your process of applying for a passport from your country of origin and the reason your application for a passport was denied.

Tip: If members of your family are also applying for travel documents at the same time, you each have to apply online and pay your fees separately.

• The online application will ask you if you have a BRP. If you do, simply answer "yes." If you answer "no," the BRP application will come up for you to fill out.
• You will have to provide a digital photo and digital fingerprints along with your signature for your BRP. You can get these done at any government service and support center or post office branch. As of January 2020, the fee is £19.20 for biometrics. [11] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Warning: If you already have a BRP but need to amend or replace it, you must do this before you apply for your travel document. You can't use the application included with the travel document application.

• Refugee and stateless person's travel documents are £75 for adults, £49 for children under 15, and £0 if you were born before September 1, 1929.
• One-way travel documents are £75 for all adults (regardless of age) and £49 for children under 15.
• A COT is £280 for all adults (regardless of age) and £141 for children under 15.

Submitting Your Application

• If you're applying for a travel document as a refugee or stateless person, you'll need the British court order or certificate that shows you've been officially recognized as a refugee or stateless person, as well as your BRP.
• If you're applying for a COT, you need documents that prove that you applied for a passport from your home country and that application was unreasonably denied. This might include a letter from your home country's immigration authority or a copy of your passport application. A COT typically requires the most documentation.

Tip: Make a photocopy of your BRP to send with your application — do not send your original BRP. All other documents must be originals.

• There are many translation companies in the UK that offer professional translation services. You can find these companies with a quick internet search. You might also use the search engine provided by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, a professional association of translators. Go to https://www.iti.org.uk/component/itisearch/?view=translators to find a translator who is a member of the association.

• Your signature will be scanned and digitally included on your travel documents.
• After you've signed your declaration page, make a photocopy of your entire application so you have it for your records.

• Scan the document and email it to [email protected] or fax it to 020 8196 0109.
• You still must include the paper originals of any documents you fax or email in your package that you send to the Home Office.

• Send your documents to: Travel Documents Section UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY
• After verifying the information in your application, the Home Office returns documents that don't need to be kept with your application. If you want these documents returned to you by Special Delivery, include a prepaid Special Delivery envelope with your package.
• If you realize after you've sent your package that you left out a document, don't send it separately. Instead, wait to hear back from the Home Office. They will send you a letter to request any documents that are missing from your application package.

• It typically takes 3 to 4 months for the Home Office to process an application for a travel document. [19] X Research source

• If you're writing a physical letter, mail it to: Travel Documents Section UK Visas and Immigration Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY
• You can also send an email to [email protected].

Expert Q&A

• Before you travel, check with the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit and make sure your travel documents will be accepted at the border. You also may need a visa. [21] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• The guidance notes, available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-home-office-travel-document-form-td112-brp , provide more information about the process of applying for travel documents. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't book travel until you've received your travel document in case there are any delays or issues with the approval of your application. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't apply for a travel document if you have less than 6 months' leave to remain in the UK. Your travel document will only be valid to the extent of your leave to remain in the UK and most countries won't accept travel documents with less than 6 months' validity. [23] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/752814/TD112_BRP_Guidance_Notes_11_2018.pdf
• ↑ https://files.institutesi.org/ISI_statistics_analysis_2018.pdf
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-home-office-travel-document/how-to-apply
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/personal-data
• ↑ https://visas-immigration.service.gov.uk/product/travel-document
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/488177/Home_Office_travel_documents_guidance_v6.0EXT_clean.pdf

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Morning Rundown: U.S considers partnership with Taliban, anxious Dems await Biden polling, reporter behind fraud exposé faces jail

Julian Assange leaves jail on his way to enter plea deal with the U.S.

WASHINGTON — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was released from a British prison and on his way to a remote Pacific island on Tuesday where he will plead guilty to a conspiracy charge as part of a plea deal with the U.S. Justice Department, according to  court documents .

The agreement will free Assange and end the yearslong legal battle over the publication of a trove of classified documents.

Assange was charged by criminal information — which typically signifies a plea deal — with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, the court documents said.

Wikileaks posted footage to X of Assange boarding a plane at Stanstead Airport near London at 5 p.m. (12 p.m. ET) on Monday.

A letter from Justice Department official Matthew McKenzie said Assange would appear in court in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S.-controlled territory north of Guam, at 9 a.m. local time Wednesday (7 p.m. ET Tuesday) to plead guilty.

A plane believed to be carrying Assange landed early Tuesday in the Thai capital Bangkok to refuel. He will later arrive for what could be a final court hearing after spending five years in a British jail.

The islands are 3,400 miles north of Australia, Assange's country of citizenship, where the Justice Department expects he will return following the proceedings.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that "the case has dragged on for too long, there is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration and we want him brought home to Australia."

Assange's mother, Christine Assange, said in a statement widely reported by Australian media: "I am grateful that my son’s ordeal is finally coming to an end. This shows the importance and power of quiet diplomacy."

His wife, Stella Assange, is currently in Australia with the couple's two children, aged 5 and 7, waiting for his arrival, she told BBC Radio 4. "He will be a free man once it is signed off by a judge," she said, adding that she wasn't sure the deal would happen until the last 24 hours.

She said she was "elated."

Stella Assange, a lawyer, also told the Reuters news agency that she would seek a pardon on her husband's behalf. She said that accepting a guilty plea on an espionage charge created a "very serious concern" for journalists across the world.

U.S. charges against Assange stem from one of the largest publications of classified information in American history, which took place during President Barack Obama's first term.

Starting in late 2009, according to the government, Assange conspired with Chelsea Manning , a military intelligence analyst, to use his WikiLeaks website to disclose tens of thousands of activity reports about the war in Afghanistan, hundreds of thousands of reports about the war in Iraq, hundreds of thousands of State Department cables and assessment briefs of detainees at the U.S. detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

Court documents revealing Assange's plea deal were filed Monday evening in U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Assange was expected to appear in that court and to be sentenced to 62 months, with credit for time served in British prison, meaning he would be free to return to Australia, where he was born.

“This was an independent decision made by the Department of Justice and there was no White House involvement in the plea deal decision,” National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement Monday evening.

Assange has been held in the high-security Belmarsh Prison in east London for five years, and he previously spent seven years in self-exile at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London — where he reportedly fathered two children — until his asylum was withdrawn and he was forcibly carried out of the embassy and arrested in April 2019.

A superseding indictment was returned more than five years ago, in May 2019, and a second superseding indictment was returned in June 2020 .

Assange has been fighting extradition for more than a decade: first in connection with a sex crimes case in Sweden that was eventually dropped, then in connection with the case against him in the United States.

In March, the High Court in London gave him permission for a full hearing on his appeal as he sought assurances that he could rely upon the First Amendment at a trial in the U.S. In May, two judges on the High Court said he could have a full hearing on whether he would be discriminated against in the U.S. because he is a foreign national. A hearing on the issue of Assange's free speech rights had been scheduled for July 9-10 .

WikiLeaks also published hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee that upended the 2016 presidential race. Russian intelligence officers were subsequently indicted in connection with the hacking in 2018 in a case brought by then-special counsel Robert Mueller.

At a joint news conference with then-President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin days later, Trump contradicted the indictment and the intelligence community, saying Putin was " extremely strong and powerful in his denial " that Russians interfered in the 2016 election to help him win.

Manning was sentenced to 35 years in a military prison, but Obama commuted her sentence in the final days of his presidency in 2017. Manning was subsequently held in contempt of court for nearly a year after she refused to answer questions for a grand jury; she was then released after an attempted suicide .

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text   988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at  988lifeline.org . You can also visit  SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources  for additional support.

Michael Kosnar and Ryan J. Reilly reported from Washington, and Patrick Smith from London.

Michael Kosnar is a Justice Department producer for the NBC News Washington Bureau.

Ryan J. Reilly is a justice reporter for NBC News.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Julian Assange freed from UK prison under plea deal with US Justice Department

WikiLeaks says its founder, Julian Assange, has been released from a British prison and has flown out of the United Kingdom.

The announcement followed the release of court documents that revealed Mr Assange would plead guilty to violating US espionage law, under a deal that would allow him to return home to Australia.

Mr Assange is due to be sentenced to 62 months of time already served at a hearing in the Northern Mariana Islands, a territory of the United States in the western Pacific.

He is expected to return home after that hearing, on the island of Saipan.

WikiLeaks posted a statement on social media platform X saying Mr Assange was free and had left the UK on Monday morning local time.

Part of the statement read: "This is the result of a global campaign that spanned grassroots organisers, press freedom campaigners, legislators and leaders from across the political spectrum, all the way to the United Nations.

"This created the space for a long period of negotiations with the US Department of Justice, leading to a deal that has not yet been formally finalised."

The Australian government has long been pushing the US to resolve the case, which has for years been tied up in British courts.

In May, the UK's highest court allowed him to lodge another appeal against his extradition to the US, which was due to be heard in July.

Family grateful ordeal is coming to an end

Mr Assange's parents have expressed joy and relief over their son's release.

"I am grateful that my son's ordeal is finally coming to an end," Christine Assange said.

"This shows the importance and power of quiet diplomacy.

"Many have used my son's situation to push their own agendas, so I am grateful to those unseen, hard-working people who put Julian's welfare first.

"The past 14 years have obviously taken a toll on me as a mother, so I wish to thank you in advance for respecting my privacy."

Mr Assange's father, John Shipton, told ABC Victorian Statewide Mornings his son had spent 15 of his most productive years "in some form of incarceration or another".

"The appearances are that Julian will be able to enjoy ordinary life with his family and his wife, Stella, that's my understanding," he said of the plea deal.

"It looks as though Julian will be free to come back to Australia and my thanks and congratulations to all his supporters in Australia that have made that possible, and of course Prime Minister Anthony Albanese."

In a video message recorded on Wednesday June 19, Stella Assange said she was confident this period of their lives had come to an end.

"By this time next week, I'm confident he will be free," she said.

"Things are moving very quickly and it is very difficult for us to plan or even play out the next few hours and days.

"If everything goes well, Julian will be on a plane on the way to freedom."

She added: "We still need your help, what starts now with Julian's freedom is a new chapter.

"This new chapter in Julian and our lives, we ask for your support. In the coming hours we intend to start an emergency fund for Julian's health and recovery."

WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson also prerecorded a message.

"I can say in earnest that without your support this would have never materialised — this important day of joy, the day of Julian's freedom," he said.

"Thank you so much."

Legal document outlines single criminal charge

An Australian government spokesperson said it was too early to comment on Mr Assange's release, given legal proceedings were ongoing.

"The Australian government continues to provide consular assistance to Mr Assange," the spokesperson said.

"Prime Minister Albanese has been clear — Mr Assange's case has dragged on for too long and there is nothing to be gained by his continued incarceration."

The Australian government has been pushing the US to resolve the case and allow Mr Assange to return home.

In February,  the Lower House passed a motion  — supported by Labor, the Greens, independents and Liberal MP Bridget Archer — urging the US and the UK to drop the case and allow Assange's return to Australia.

And last year, a delegation of MPs from the Labor, Liberal, National and Greens parties and independent Monique Ryan travelled to Washington to lobby members of Congress .

The US Justice Department has long refused to publicly discuss the case. But in April, President Joe Biden said "we're considering it" when asked if he had a response to Australia's request that he end Mr Assange's prosecution.

Filings in the US District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands show that US prosecutors have filed criminal paperwork against Mr Assange that is typically a preliminary step before a plea deal.

The paperwork outlines a single criminal count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified US national defence documents.

Why was Julian Assange in prison?

In 2010, WikiLeaks released hundreds of thousands of classified US military documents relating to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with thousands of diplomatic cables.

The release was the largest security breach of its kind in US military history.

Mr Assange was indicted over the release of the information during former president Donald Trump's administration.

The secret documents were leaked by Chelsea Manning, a former US military intelligence analyst who was also prosecuted under the Espionage Act.

The trove of more than 700,000 documents included diplomatic cables and battlefield accounts, such as a 2007 video of a US Apache helicopter firing at suspected insurgents in Iraq, killing a dozen people including two Reuters news staff.

That video was released in 2010.

The charges against Mr Assange sparked outrage among his many global supporters, who argued that he, as the publisher of WikiLeaks, should not face charges typically used against federal government employees who steal or leak information.

Many press freedom advocates have argued that criminally charging Mr Assange represents a threat to free speech.

• X (formerly Twitter)

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What are you looking for?

Travelling with uk travel documents for short-term stays not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.

Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents may travel to Germany subject to the following conditions.

General entry requirements

Economic activities/ employment on short-term visits, 1951 convention travel document for refugees, 1954 convention travel document for stateless persons, certificate of travel.

Third-country nationals holding UK travel documents travelling to Germany are subject to all Schengen entry requirements. The entry requirements are contained in the Schengen Borders Code and comprise the following:

You need to be in possession of a valid travel document entitling you to cross the Schengen borders. All UK travel documents referred to below are recognized as valid for travel to Germany. On the date of entry into the Schengen member states the travel document must have been issued within the previous 10 years. The document’s validity must extend at least three months after the intended date of your departure from Germany.

Practical examples:

• A traveller arriving on 1 December 2021 for a 20 days stay in Germany with a travel document issued on 2 December 2011 and valid until 2 April 2022 will be allowed entry.
• The same person arriving on 2 December 2021 will NOT be allowed entry.
• You need to be able to justify the purpose and conditions of your intended stay, and you need to have sufficient means of subsistence, both for the duration of the intended stay and for your return to your country of origin or transit to a third country into which you are certain to be admitted, or you must be in a position to acquire such means lawfully.
• You are not a person for whom an alert has been issued in the Schengen Information System for the purposes of refusing entry.
• You are not considered to be a threat to public policy, internal security, public health or the international relations of any of the Member States, in particular where no alert has been issued in Member States’ national databases for the purposes of refusing entry on the same grounds.

As a rule, visa-free short-term visitors may not pursue any economic activity in Germany. However, some professional activities may be carried out without a corresponding visa or residence permit as they are not classed as an economic activity. For details, please click here .

Any other economic activity for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period requires a C visa authorising such activity .

Irrespective of their nationality: holders of Convention Travel Documents for Refugees (1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, dark blue), issued by the United Kingdom , do not require a visa for travel to Germany provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Please note that you may not take up any employment or pursue any gainful economic activity in Germany unless such employment is explicitly authorised by a visa or a residence permit issued by the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) in Germany.

Irrespective of their nationality: holders of Stateless Person’s Travel Documents (1954 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, red), issued by the United Kingdom , do not require a visa for travel to Germany provided that the duration of their stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180 day period. Please note that you may not take up any employment or pursue any gainful economic activity in Germany unless such employment is explicitly authorised by a visa or a residence permit issued by the local immigration office ( Ausländerbehörde ) in Germany.

Holders of British Certificates of Travel (black) require a visa for Germany for any kind of stay. Depending on their nationality they may also require visas for airside transits through a German airport. For details please click here .

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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty in deal with US and be freed from prison

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will resolve a long-running legal saga over the publication of a trove of classified documents.

FILE - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange speaks on the balcony of the Ecuadorean Embassy in London, Feb. 5, 2016. Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will free him from prison and resolve a long-running legal saga over the publication of a trove of classified documents. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

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FILE - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange arrivies at Belmarsh Magistrates’ Court in London, Feb. 7, 2011. Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will free him from prison and resolve a long-running legal saga over the publication of a trove of classified documents. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, files)

FILE - Julian Assange speaks to the media outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London, May 19, 2017. Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will free him from prison and resolve a long-running legal saga over the publication of a trove of classified documents. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

▶ Follow the AP’s latest coverage of Julian Assange’s plea deal .

WASHINGTON (AP) — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will allow him to walk free and resolve a long-running legal saga that spanned multiple continents and centered on the publication of a trove of classified documents .

Assange left a British prison on Monday and will appear later this week in the U.S. federal court in the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific. He’s expected to plead guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defense information, the Justice Department said in a letter filed in court.

The guilty plea, which must be approved by a judge, brings an abrupt conclusion to a criminal case of international intrigue and to the U.S. government’s years-long pursuit of a publisher whose hugely popular secret-sharing website made him a cause célèbre among many press freedom advocates who said he acted as a journalist to expose U.S. military wrongdoing. Investigators, by contrast, have repeatedly asserted that his actions broke laws meant to protect sensitive information and put the country’s national security at risk.

He is expected to return to his home country of Australia after his plea and sentencing, which is scheduled for Wednesday morning, local time in Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands. The hearing is taking place there because of Assange’s opposition to traveling to the continental U.S. and the court’s proximity to Australia, prosecutors said.

Attorneys for Assange didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

In a statement posted on X, WikiLeaks said Assange boarded a plane and departed the United Kingdom on Monday after leaving the British prison, where he has spent the last five years. WikiLeaks applauded the announcement of the deal, saying it was grateful for “all who stood by us, fought for us, and remained utterly committed in the fight for his freedom.”

“WikiLeaks published groundbreaking stories of government corruption and human rights abuses, holding the powerful accountable for their actions. As editor-in-chief, Julian paid severely for these principles, and for the people’s right to know,” WikiLeaks said.

The deal ensures that Assange will admit guilt while also sparing him from any additional prison time. He had spent years hiding out in the Ecuadorian embassy in London after Swedish authorities sought his arrest on rape allegations before being locked up in the United Kingdom.

Assange is expected to be sentenced to the five years he has already spent in the high-security British prison while fighting to avoid extradition to the U.S. to face charges, a process that has played out in a series of hearings in London. Last month, he won the right to appeal an extradition order after his lawyers argued that the U.S. government provided “blatantly inadequate” assurances that he would have the same free speech protections as an American citizen if extradited from Britain.

Assange has been heralded by many around the world as a hero who brought to light military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

But his reputation was also tarnished by rape allegations, which he has denied.

The Justice Department’s indictment unsealed in 2019 accused Assange of encouraging and helping U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published in 2010. Prosecutors had accused Assange of damaging national security by publishing documents that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries.

Prosecutors said in a charging document filed in connection with the plea agreement that Assange conspired with Manning to receive and obtain documents, notes and other writings related to the national defense and to “willfully communicate” those records. The document takes care to note that Assange was “not a United States citizen, did not possess a U.S. security clearance, and did not have authorization to possess, access, or control documents, writings, or notes relating to the national defense of the United States, including classified information.”

The case was lambasted by press advocates and Assange supporters. Federal prosecutors defended it as targeting conduct that went way beyond that of a journalist gathering information, amounting to an attempt to solicit, steal and indiscriminately publish classified government documents. It was brought even though the Obama administration Justice Department had passed on prosecuting him years earlier.

The plea agreement comes months after President Joe Biden said he was considering a request from Australia to drop the U.S. push to prosecute Assange. The White House was not involved in the decision to resolve Assange’s case, according to a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the case and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of violating the Espionage Act and other offenses for leaking classified government and military documents to WikiLeaks. President Barack Obama commuted her sentence in 2017, allowing her release after about seven years behind bars.

Assange made headlines in 2016 after his website published Democratic emails that prosecutors say were stolen by Russian intelligence operatives. He was never charged in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, but the inquiry laid bare in stark detail the role that the hacking operation played in interfering in that year’s election on behalf of then-Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Justice Department officials mulled charges for Assange following the documents’ 2010 publication, but were unsure a case would hold up in court and were concerned it could be hard to justify prosecuting him for acts similar to those of a conventional journalist.

The posture changed in the Trump administration, however, with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2017 calling Assange’s arrest a priority.

Assange’s family and supporters have said his physical and mental health have suffered during more than a decade of legal battles, which includes seven years spent inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

Assange took refuge in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London in 2012 and was granted political asylum after courts in England ruled he should be extradited to Sweden as part of a rape investigation in the Scandinavian country. He was arrested by British police after Ecuador’s government withdrew his asylum status in 2019 and then jailed for skipping bail when he first took shelter inside the embassy.

Although Sweden eventually dropped its sex crimes investigation because so much time had elapsed, Assange has remained in London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison during the extradition battle with the U.S.

___ Tucker reported from Fort Pierce, Florida. Associated Press writer Colleen Long in Washington contributed to this report.

How to apply for a UK Travel Document

• Last Updated: 19 April 2022

IN THIS ARTICLE

A valid passport is usually required for international travel and serves as an important form of official identification that is recognised around the world. However, some people cannot obtain a passport whilst they are living in the United Kingdom for a variety of reasons, such as refugees and stateless people. These individuals may be eligible to apply for a Home Office Travel Document, allowing them to travel outside the UK.

In this guide, we explain what the UK travel document is, who is eligible, and how to apply. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions from Home Office rravel document applicants.

What is a UK travel document?

A UK Travel Document, also known as a Home Office Travel Document, is an alternative form of identification that provides the ability to cross international borders for travel. Whilst it looks like a UK passport, it does not confer the same rights granted to British nationals. Rather, a UK Home Office Travel Document provides a mechanism to permit travel and serves as identification. Holders of UK Home Office Travel Documents must note that they cannot access visa-free international travel in the same way as British citizens and will be subject to the visa arrangements outlined for nationals of their country of origin.

Why is a UK travel document important?

UK Home Office Travel Documents are important as they provide the ability to travel to individuals currently in the United Kingdom who may otherwise incur difficulties obtaining a national passport. For some people, obtaining a national passport can be impossible due to factors such as war, civil unrest, or persecution in their country of nationality. Obtaining a UK Home Office Travel Document also provides a widely recognised form of identification that will be accepted within the United Kingdom for future immigration applications and in daily life.

Who needs a UK travel document?

You will need a UK Home Office Travel Document if you want to have a form of UK identification and seek to travel internationally. You can only apply for a UK Home Office Travel Document from within the United Kingdom. You cannot be a British citizen and you must not be able to obtain a passport from your country of nationality. One of the following must also be true:

• You have Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom as a refugee
• You have Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom as a stateless person
• You have Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom as an individual with humanitarian protection status
• You have Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the United Kingdom but cannot obtain a passport from your country of nationality

What are the different types of UK travel documents?

There are four different types of UK Home Office Travel Documents. You will need to apply for the correct type of UK Home Office Travel Document for your circumstances. These include the Refugee Travel Document, Stateless Person’s Travel Document, One-Way Travel Document, and Certificate of Travel.

Refugee Travel Document – This type of UK Home Office Travel Document is intended for people who have been granted refugee status in the United Kingdom as well as people who came to the United Kingdom via Family Reunion to join a family member who has refugee status. Refugees are eligible for UK Home Office Travel Documents as per the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees. The Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to 5 years for individuals with Leave to Remain and expires in line with your immigration permission. If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain as a refugee, your Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to 10 years. If you are under the age of 15, your Refugee Travel Document is valid for up to 5 years. You can travel anywhere in the world on a Refugee Travel Document except for your country of nationality and/or any country you’ve sought asylum from. Please note that you will still be liable to apply for visa(s) before travelling internationally as you are not considered a UK national with this document. You will also need to be sure that the countries you travel to accept Refugee Travel Documents as a valid form of identification.

Stateless Person’s Travel Document

This type of UK Home Office Travel Document is intended for individuals who have been recognised by the UK Government as being stateless. Stateless persons are those who lack an officially recognised nationality from any country around the world and therefore are not eligible for the passport of any country. The Stateless Person’s Travel Document is valid for up to 5 years for individuals with Leave to Remain and expires in line with your immigration permission. If you have Indefinite Leave to Remain as a stateless person, your Stateless Person’s Travel Document is valid for up to 10 years. If you are under the age of 15, your Stateless Person’s Travel Document is valid for up to 5 years. You can generally travel anywhere in the world on a Stateless Person’s Travel Document issued by the UK Home Office. Please note that you will still be liable to apply for visa(s) before travelling internationally as you are not considered a UK national with this document. You will also need to be sure that the countries you travel to accept Stateless Person’s Travel Documents as a valid form of identification.

One-Way Travel Document

This type of UK Home Office Travel Document is intended for individuals who are not British, do not have a valid passport from their country of nationality, and seek to leave the United Kingdom permanently. It allows a one-way right of travel out of the United Kingdom to a country of destination. You will not be able to return to the United Kingdom on a One-Way Travel Document, so you will want to apply for a full passport once you leave the UK. The One-Way Travel Document is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Please note that you will still be liable to apply for visa(s) before travelling internationally as you are not considered a UK national with this document. You will also need to be sure that the countries you travel to accept One-Way Travel Documents as a valid form of identification.

Certificate of Travel

This type of UK Home Office Travel Document is intended for individuals who fall under one of the following situations:

• If you have Leave to Remain or Indefinite Leave to Remain and have been refused a passport by your country of nationality
• If you have humanitarian protection status in the United Kingdom with officially recognised fear of the authorities from your country of nationality
• If you are on a Family Reunion visa in the United Kingdom after joining your family member who has humanitarian protection status in the United Kingdom
• If you were born in the United Kingdom to an individual who has refugee status in the UK but you have not been granted refugee status in your own right
• If you have a critical reason to travel and cannot receive a passport from your country of nationality quickly enough
• If you fall under any of the above situations, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Travel. If you are applying for a Certificate of Travel due to a critical and imminent need to travel, you will need to provide details about why you need to travel soon.

What is the application process like for a UK travel document?

The application process for a UK Travel Document is not complex, but you must ensure that you meet the requirements and eligibility criteria before beginning the online application form. If you do not meet all requirements and eligibility criteria for a UK Home Office Travel Document, your application will be refused. You will need to submit a separate Travel Document application for every individual in your family, if you are applying as a family unit.

First, you will need to select the Travel Document application form on the UK Home Office website. You will need to identify if you are inside or outside the United Kingdom and then select the type of Travel Document for which you seek to apply – One-Way Travel Document, Certificate of Travel, Stateless Person’s Travel Document, or Refugee Travel Document. You will then need to provide an email address to the Home Office and click through the email verification link.

Next, you will provide all required personal details for your Travel Document application such as the following:

• Your email address
• Your phone number
• Your home address
• Your sex and relationship status
• Your country of nationality, date of birth, country of birth, and place of birth
• Information about your current Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Your National Insurance Number (NIN)

You will also need to provide details about any criminal convictions, driving penalties, arrests, charges, cautions warnings, reprimands or other out-of-court penalties, civil court judgments, or civil penalties under UK immigration law that have been issued in the United Kingdom or any other country. You must also provide details if you have ever been involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, genoide, terrorist activities, terrorist organisations, held terrorist views, or any other activities that would indicate you are not a person of good character. You must truthfully provide this information or face rejection of your application.

You will then provide details about your immigration and travel history, such as the length of time you have lived in the United Kingdom, any Home Office reference numbers you have been issued, past immigration applications in the UK and abroad. You will also need to provide details about places you plan to travel once you receive your new UK Home Office Travel Document, if you have these details.

Finally, you will need to consent to provide supporting documents. You will be required to send two passport-sized photographs in the post with your name and date of birth written on the back of each photograph. You will also need to send any previous Travel Documents to the Home Office before they will issue your new Travel Document. You will then confirm all information on the Travel Document application and pay the relevant application fee. Once you have paid the application fee, your online application form is complete. You should download and print the Document Checklist to send with your supporting documents in the post.

After you have submitted the online Travel Document application form, you will need to collect all supporting documents. At minimum, you will be required to send two passport-sized photographs and your Document Checklist. If you are submitting an application on behalf of a minor, you will need to provide a consent letter declaring that you agree to apply for your child’s Travel Document. You may be asked to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances, such as:

• Your Leave to Remain grant letter
• Any current or expired Home Office Travel Documents
• Any current or expired national passports
• Any current or expired foreign national identity cards

The Document Checklist will identify if you need to send original copies of these documents or if you can send copies of these documents. If any of these documents are not originally in English, Welsh, or Scottish Gaelic, you will need to include a certified translation alongside the original language.

Once you have collected all of your documents, you should send them with your Document Checklist within 15 working days to the Home Office at the below address:

Home Office Travel Documents Section Lunar House 40 Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 2BY

How much does it cost to apply for a UK travel document?

The cost of your new UK Home Office Travel Document will depend on the type of Travel Document you require and how old you are. Here are the associated costs for the four types of UK Home Office Travel Documents:

You will need to pay the full Travel Document fee at the end of the online application form. If you do not pay the associated fee for your Travel Document, your application will be considered null and void.

How long does it take to receive a decision on my UK travel document application?

Once you have submitted the online application form for a UK Home Office Travel Document and submitted your two passport-size photographs in the post, you will need to wait for your Travel Document to process. Typically, you could wait 3 months to receive your new Travel Document to arrive. However, due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Office advises that it could take up to 6 months for your new Travel Document to arrive. As such, the Home Office strongly advises that you should not plan or book any travel arrangements until you have received your new UK Travel Document.

UK travel document FAQs

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Legal disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law , Tax , Human Resources , Immigration & Employment Law .

Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Commonwealth Visa & BNO Citizens
• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Ukraine Extension Scheme
• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Guide to Family Visas in the UK
• Gill Laing https://www.xpats.io/author/editor/ Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme

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The Return of the Gweagal Spears

On 23 April 2024, the Gweagal Spears were returned to the La Perouse Aboriginal community at a ceremony held in the Wren Library of Trinity College, Cambridge.

On 28 April 1770, the HMB Endeavour commanded by Lieutenant James Cook arrived at Kamay (Botany Bay) in present day Sydney. This was the first encounter between the British and Indigenous Australians of the east coast.

The ship’s arrival was resisted by the Gweagal people, and forty spears were taken without Gweagal consent from a campsite by members of the Endeavour crew. Only four are extant and documented today. They were given by Cook to the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, first Lord of the Admiralty, who presented them to Trinity College in October 1771.

The spears remained in the Wren Library of Trinity College until 1914 when they were deposited at the University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology .

In March 2023, Trinity College agreed to return the spears to the community in Sydney. The decision follows a respectful and robust dialogue over the last decade between the University of Cambridge and representatives of the Gweagal people, the broader Dharawal Nation and leading community organisations, including the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and Gujaga Foundation.

An event marking the formal return of the spears took place in the Wren Library on 23 April 2024, with a delegation from the La Perouse community in attendance, as well as members of the Australian High Commission, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, and National Museum of Australia.

As many who were involved in the ceremony expressed, the return of the spears marked an opportunity to reflect on colonial histories and highlight the role of museums as key sites for communities to reconnect with their material heritage. Returning the spears only enriches the power of the objects as well as their relationship-building potential.

The return ceremony garnered over 3,000 mentions in international media reports and has become exemplary of what can be achieved through collaborative relationships between Indigenous communities, cultural institutions, and the university sector.

Speeches from the event are reproduced below and in full on the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Digital Lab blog .

David Johnson, member of the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal nation:

This year marks 254 years since the Endeavour navigated its way up the eastern coastline of what we now call Australia. I want to give you a different insight to the event that had occurred all those years ago at Kamay, or Botany Bay. Today, I will share our unique insight of the view from the shore. My name is David Johnson, and I am a member of the Gweagal Clan of the Dharawal nation. Our homelands are on the southern part of Kamay including the site were the crew of the HMB Endeavour made contact with my ancestors. I am a direct descendant of one of the warriors who opposed the landing of Captain Cook. Dharawal people, like all Aboriginal cultures, have an understanding and interpretation of existence, knowledge, connections and our place in the universe. We have an ontology that explains our origin and existence as spiritually founded; this is our Dreaming. For our people, knowledge is abstract and theoretical, it doesn’t have to be scientifically proven.  A spiritual explanation is logic for us. When the Endeavour came into view, it was a confusing and surreal event. We know from our oral history; our old people were interpreting this strange event through a spiritual lens. Our old people wondered if the Endeavour with its billowing white sails was a low-lying cloud bringing spirits back from the afterlife. As the Endeavour approached the shores, two men started to oppose the landing on shore. They were hand gesturing to go away while yelling out ‘warra warra wa’ which means ‘they are all dead’. As the crew advanced on shore my old people threw stones trying to discourage the crew from advancing. In our culture it was taboo to come on someone else’s territory without permission. The crew continued so my old people started throwing spears, but they were just landing short, this was intentional to try and discourage further entry. As they were skilled hunters, if they wanted to injure anyone, they could of done it with little worry. As this was seen as a threat, the crew fired on my old people. They returned with a shield but were heavily overwhelmed and retreated to safety. As the crew advanced into the old campground they noticed the canoes, spears and some of our people sheltering in their dwellings trying to avoid contact. In Dharawal culture contact with spirits from the afterlife was mostly avoided by the general community, to engage it would create a spiritual consequence. The crew of the Endeavour constantly experienced these avoidance behaviours and couldn’t understand why our people would not engage with them over the 8 days they stayed. As you can see, this encounter was filled with conflict, misunderstanding and lost opportunity. However, 254 years later, we are here in the Wren Library where the spears were housed after they arrived in England. Instead of conflict we have partnership, and instead of misunderstanding we have a shared vision. Today, we all have an opportunity to celebrate these spears and what they represent for us, Australia and the whole world. Thank you.

Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College, Cambridge:

This is an important day for Trinity and for all parties involved in what’s been a rewarding and respectful process and ultimately a very remarkable journey. This journey comes, as David said, full circle with the rightful return of four Spears presented to the college by our alumnus Lord Sandwich in October 1771, soon after Lieutenant James Cook arrived back in England on HMB Endeavour following that first fateful contact with the Aboriginal people of eastern Australia. 253 years later we’ve come together to officially hand over these artifacts of immense significance to the La Perouse Aboriginal community whose ancestors made them and from whom they were taken. We would like to thank all those who’ve taken part in good faith in the discussions and exchanges that have enabled us to reach this point. When Trinity and the La Perouse Aboriginal community announced their joint endeavour a year ago, the reception was overwhelmingly positive. This is the right decision. Our interactions with the La Perouse Aboriginal community, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Cambridge, the National Museum of Australia and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies have been truly inspiring, and we look forward to the ongoing collaboration.

Professor Nicholas Thomas, Director of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology:

Over the last ten years there has been renewed, often polarised debate about the return of cultural heritage. Some people think nothing should go back. Other people think everything should go back. Some people think treasures cannot go back because they will not be well cared for. Others think that artefacts should go back so that they can decay naturally. In this case, all the stakeholders have an absolute commitment to the care and preservation of the spears, now and in the longer term. Dialogue between the La Perouse community, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and Archaeology, and Trinity College started with that in common. We’ve carried on a conversation, that’s involved honesty, respect, friendship and a shared interest in broader research, which also has involved other museums and universities. Some people think museums are places of the past, but all the curators I know are preoccupied with the potential and power of collections in the present. The power of these exceptional historic artefacts will be enhanced on their return to Australia, and that return will strengthen the relationships between Cambridge and Indigenous Australia. [ Addressed to the La Perouse representatives ] I look forward to welcoming you back, so that we can carry on our work. In the future, my successors at the Museum will welcome back your children, as visitors, as students, as researchers. You will always have a connection here.

Noeleen Timbery, Chairperson of the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I want to start by acknowledging Country and paying respects to Elders past and present. Our people use the word ‘Country’ to describe the lands, waterways and seas that we are culturally, spiritually and traditionally connected to. And back home we perform a Welcome to Country or an Acknowledgement of Country as a modern-day interpretation of our ancient cultural lore of seeking and granting permission to enter lands that are not our own. And we are a long way from home; from our Country. But these beautiful spears have been resting on this country here in Cambridge for over 250 years, so we acknowledge these lands on which they have been. Just as we will soon welcome them back to Country and to the lands where they were created. Getting to this day has been a long journey for our community, and there are many people we need to thank. Firstly, the NMA – the National Museum of Australia were early partners in our journey toward today, and they have provided great expertise, support and advice to our community with regard to the spears and caring for cultural objects. The NMA has worked respectfully with our community to showcase our history and the stories of our ancestors. They were integral in making it possible for the spears to return to Sydney (on loan) 2 years ago, which was the first time since they left the shores of Kamay in 1770. And they have continued to work closely with us on our work toward the spears being returned home for good. We also thank AIATSIS – the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. The help and support AIATSIS has provided through their Return of Cultural Heritage program has been immeasurable. By helping us navigate the complexities and legalities of repatriation, we were able to build confidence in the process and focus on what was important – showcasing the resilience of our people, our continued unbroken connection to country and culture, and ensuring our community had a voice. Trinity College, and importantly the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. We thank you for the care you have provided for these many years. Nick, you really do deserve more than our thanks. This we couldn’t have gotten to today, without your help and support. So, I do I want to thank you from the bottom of the heart and on behalf of our community. Our Elders acknowledged many years ago that without that care these spears would not exist today, and the connection we feel would have been lost. Our Elders passed down this knowledge and so we honour that too. I was fortunate to travel here to Cambridge in 2017 alongside Dr Shayne Williams, respected Gweagal Elder and cultural educator. We visited the spears and other cultural objects, and we spoke with staff and students about their cultural and historic importance, the continuing cultural practice of spear-making and the role these spears have in educating both about where they came from and how the practice of spear-making has evolved. Shayne had first contacted Trinity College about the spears about 22 years ago, and our visit in 2017 was an important part of building an ongoing relationship with the college and the Museum. Now Shayne isn’t here on this trip with us, but he of course is a big part of how we got here. He has proudly wished us well and in line with our practice of passing down knowledge and responsibility, he has handed this work on to his Grandson Quaiden who is part of our delegation. There have been many discussions since that visit in 2017, and our relationship has continued to grow and strengthen. And so we thank Trinity College and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for their commitment to work with our community, now and into the future. And most of all we thank them for understanding that after 254 years, it was time for the spears to return home. We want to assure everyone here today that the significance of this moment, this “handback” has not been lost on any of us. These spears connect us culturally, spiritually and tangibly to our ancestors; they are survivors from a moment in time that marks the beginning of the shared history of Australia. They are significant not only to us and our community but to all Australians. And they are coming home. The spears will return to a new home in museum grade facilities within a new visitor centre being built in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park in Sydney, very near to where they were taken from. They will be showcased and celebrated on country for all to visit and enjoy. We will protect them. We will care for them. We will cherish and honour them. And we will ensure that they and their story is shared for many generations to come. Thank you.

As the speeches testify, the return of the spears was a truly momentous occasion. These objects hold immense significance today and will forever link Cambridge with communities in Australia. The relationships brought into being by the spears will continue for posterity, with the meaning and value of the material enriched by their return.

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Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa

Anne morris.

• 23 August 2020

IN THIS SECTION

When filing an application for a visitor visa with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), there are numerous documents that you will need to submit to evidence your eligibility. Failure to provide adequate or required documentation risks your application being delayed or refused. The following guide for visa applicants examines the eligibility criteria and the documents required for your UK visitor visa application.

What is the UK visitor visa?

If you are national of a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland and you would like to visit the UK for the purposes of business or pleasure you will probably need to apply for a standard visitor visa.

In particular, you will need to apply for a standard visitor visa if you would like to visit the UK for the following reasons:

• For leisure purposes, such as going on holiday or visiting family
• For a business trip, such as attending various meetings
• To take part in a sporting or creative event
• To undergo private medical treatment

If you are granted a UK visitor visa you will usually be permitted to stay in the UK for a period of up to 6 months. However, in the event that you intend to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for what’s known as a long-term visitor visa that lasts for either 2, 5 or 10 years. Under a long-term visa you can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

That said, even where you are granted a long-term visitor visa, you will not be permitted to undertake paid employment in the UK or enrol on a full-time course of study. Further, under any type of standard visitor visa, you must not intend to access medical treatment other than private medical treatment, or to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this in the UK.

What are the eligibility criteria?

The rules relating to the UK visitor visa are set out under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. These rules set out, amongst other things, the standard eligibility criteria for all non-EEA visitors.

To be eligible for a visitor visa you must satisfy the following requirements:

• You will leave the UK by the end of your permitted stay
• You have enough money without recourse to public UK funds to support and provide accommodation for yourself
• You can pay for your return or onward journey

You will also need to provide proof of the purpose for your visit, for example, the nature of any business or tourist activities, not least because you will need to satisfy UKVI that you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose permitted under the visitor route.

Where you are applying for a long-term visitor visa, you will also need to demonstrate that you will not reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive stays, or try to make the UK your main home.

Which documents are required for the UK visitor visa?

First and foremost, when submitting an application for a UK visitor visa, you will need to provide UKVI with a current passport or other valid travel document. This is a mandatory requirement. You will need a blank page in your passport for your visitor visa, and your passport should remain valid for the entire period of your stay in the UK, ie; for up to six months.

You may also want to provide any expired passports or travel documents to evidence your previous travel history, especially where you are applying for a long-term visitor visa and don’t want to risk being perceived as an applicant who is likely to use a visitor visa in an attempt to set up home in the UK.

You will also need to provide documentary evidence in support of the purpose for your visit, as well as each of the eligibility criteria, namely that you will leave at the end of your visit and you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK, as well as for your return or onward journey.

Purpose of your visit

The nature of your visit to the UK will determine the nature and extent of the documentation that you will need to provide here. As a starting point, you should provide a detailed travel itinerary.

If you are coming to the UK for the purpose of undertaking business activities, you will need to provide documentary evidence of your employment or occupation outside the UK, for example, a letter from your employer that specifies the business reason for your visit. You should also provide any letters from inviting organisations, and so on, to evidence your attendance at any meetings or conferences, etc.

By way of further example, if you are coming to the UK to undergo private medical treatment, you will need to prove that you suffer from a medical condition that requires private consultation or treatment in the UK and that you have made or paid for arrangements for a consultation or treatment.

As such, you will need to provide a letter from your doctor or consultant in the UK that includes details of the condition requiring treatment or consultation, the estimated cost and duration of treatment and details of where that treatment or consultation will take place.

You will also need to demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for all of this, in addition to supporting yourself during your stay in the UK, and for your return or onward journey (see below).

Intention to leave

As part of the criteria for any temporary visa, you must show an intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit. As such, you will need to provide documentation of any personal, professional and economic ties outside the UK, including confirmation of your legal residence, as well as details of any employment or studies where you have stated in your application that you are either employed or in full-time education.

This could include an official letter from your employer, printed on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employment or a letter from your education provider confirming your enrolment and leave of absence.

Sufficient funds

In respect of proving that you have sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself while in the UK, you will need to provide proof of earnings or savings by way of wage slips and/or bank statements etc.

You may also rely on evidence that the necessary financial support will be provided by a third party. You can prove this with a written undertaking from your ‘sponsor’ ie relative, friend, business associate. There must however be a genuine personal or professional relationship and the financial support has to be available to you for the duration of your planned stay in the UK.

There is no set threshold or level of funds required to prove you have enough money to live on during your stay in the UK, but it is sensible to calculate and be able to show that the funds you are relying on, such as income and/savings, are sufficient to cover your existing financial commitments as well as the likely costs you will incur while in the UK without undertaking paid employment or accessing public funds.

The evidence of funds must also include the cost of your return or onward travel arrangements and any costs relating to dependants who will be travelling with you to the UK.

Document formats

All documents submitted in support of an application for a UK visitor visa must be originals rather than photocopies. They must also be in English. If any documentation is not in English, you must provide the original and a full translation that has been independently verified.

Each translated document must contain the following:

• confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• the date of the translation
• the translator’s full name and signature
• their contact details

It is also important to remember that even where documentation is submitted in the correct format, this does not necessarily guarantee your application for a UK visitor visa will be successful. Much will still depend on whether UKVI is satisfied that you have met all of the eligibility criteria and that the stated purpose for your visit to the UK is legitimate.

UKVI will assess your credibility and intentions to visit the UK based on the information contained within your application and the documentation submitted in support. Needless to say, UKVI must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor based on all of this evidence in its totality.

If you refuse to give biometric information, your immigration application will be rejected and it could lead to your deportation from the UK.

How to submit the documents required for a UK visitor visa

Having submitted your online application for a visitor visa from outside the UK, you will be given instructions on how to file your documentation in support. Typically, you will be required to make an appointment at a visa application centre in your country of residence to provide your biometric information, ie; a scan of your fingerprints and digital photograph of your face.

At the appointment, you will also need to submit the necessary documents. The document checklist in your application will explain what to provide.

In the event that you fail to provide one of the recommended documents, this is not, of itself, an automatic ground for refusal, but any failure to provide sufficient evidence in support of your application may lead to a finding that you have not met all of the eligibility criteria.

Please note, some visa application centres may need to keep your passport and other documentation while they process your application.

Refused visitor visa application?

In the event that you fail to submit the necessary documentation in support of your application for a UK visitor visa, or the documents that you submit are not in the correct format, you run the risk of your application being delayed or refused by UKVI and your application fee being non-refundable.

Needless to say, in the event that an applicant for a UK visitor visa is caught submitting falsified documents, or you have otherwise provided false or incomplete information to UKVI, this will constitute a ground for refusal.

If the application is refused, there is no right of appeal against a refusal of a visit visa. The notification letter will detail the grounds for refusal. It is possible to make a new application for a visit visa, but applicants should ensure their new submission addresses the reasons for refusal through, for example, additional information, documentation and evidence.

Documents to travel with?

Even if you are successfully granted a UK visitor visa, this does not necessarily guarantee that you will be allowed into the UK. You may still be refused entry by border officials in the event that they are not satisfied that the reason for your visit is genuine, or that you plan to engage in activities that are prohibited under this route.

As such, in addition to the documentation submitted in support of your application for a UK visitor visa, you should always carry with you some documentary proof of the purpose for your trip.

By way of example, a tourist should have proof of where they are staying, with whom and any travel itinerary, whereas a business visitor should provide proof of any meetings or other business-related activities that they plan to undertake.

It is also sensible to carry some documentary evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK and that you intend to return to your country of residence. Again this should include proof of your earnings and any savings, as well as evidence of any personal, professional and economic ties to your country of residence.

Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. We can also help where you have dependants applying for permission to join you in the UK.

For specialist UK immigration advice, contact us .

Last updated: 20 August 2020

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

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Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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If you’re travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland

You do not need any documents to enter.

If you’re travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales

A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality. You can use any documents that show your identity or nationality, for example:

• a passport (current or expired)
• proof that you’ve been given British citizenship - such as a UK citizenship certificate
• a Gibraltar identity card (current or expired)
• a copy of your passport or Gibraltar identity card that clearly shows your identity and nationality

You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a citizenship certificate. If you’re using an expired passport or identity card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.

You’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

• an Irish passport card

You may also be able to enter the UK with a national identity card issued by an EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Check before you travel.

Your identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK .

If you’re travelling with a passport or national identity card, it should be registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account if any of the following are true:

• you have settled or pre-settled status
• you used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document when applying for a visa

You may be delayed at the border if your passport or national identity card is not registered on your UK Visas and Immigration account .

Check if you can travel with a national identity card

You can only use a national identity card from an EU country , Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein to enter the UK if one or more of the following is true:

• you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme , or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit, or the equivalent from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
• you have a Frontier Worker permit
• you are an S2 Healthcare Visitor
• you are a Swiss national and have a Service Provider from Switzerland visa
• you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national aged 18 or under travelling as part of a French school group using a France-UK school trip travel information form

If you’re waiting for a decision on your application for settled or pre-settled status

You can use your EEA or Swiss national identity card to enter the UK if all of the following are true:

• you’ve applied for settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man’s settlement schemes
• you’ve been issued with confirmation your application is valid
• you’re not applying as a joining family member

You may also need to show evidence that you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 .

If you have not applied for settled or pre-settled status but are planning to

You must enter the UK with either:

• an EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Your family permit or visa could be issued by the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.

You do not need any documents to enter Northern Ireland.

You may need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

A Border Force officer may ask to see proof of your identity and nationality.

If you’re an Irish citizen, you can use any documents that show your identity or nationality. For example:

• proof that you’ve been given Irish citizenship - such as a certificate of naturalisation
• an Irish passport card (current or expired)
• a copy of your passport or Irish passport card that clearly shows your identity and nationality

You can use more than one document - for example, a driving licence with a certificate of naturalisation. If you’re using an expired passport or Irish passport card, it must be recent enough that it’s clear that it’s yours.

If you’re not an Irish citizen, you’ll need to use either a passport or a national identity card, if you’re eligible.

Find out more about travelling to the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man .

You’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

You must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from and the reason for your stay.

Check if you need a visa to come to the UK . You must have your visa before you travel to the UK.

You may also need a visa if you’re ‘transiting’ or travelling through the UK , for example you’re changing flights at a UK airport.

If you need a visa, you’ll need to show your airline or transport provider (your ‘carrier’) either:

• a valid visa
• a ‘visa exemption document’ such as a UK-issued biometric residence card or EU Settlement Scheme family permit

Before you travel, check that your visa is valid and will not expire before you enter the UK.

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you would usually need a visa to come to the UK , you’ll need to show your carrier one of the following visa exemption documents:

• a UK-issued biometric residence card
• an EU Settlement Scheme travel permit

If you do not have an exemption document, you may be able to prove your immigration status online using the view and prove service . Check if your carrier allows this before you travel.

If you have a pending application to the EU Settlement Scheme you must have a valid visa or visa exemption document to travel to the UK.

If you’re travelling from Ireland

You do not need any documents to travel from Ireland to Northern Ireland. You may need a visa if you’re planning to stay in the UK - for example, to work or study.

If you’re travelling from Ireland to England, Scotland or Wales, a Border Force officer may ask to see your passport. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.

If you’re travelling from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man

You only need to show your documents if you’re stopped by a Border Force officer. They may ask to see proof of your:

• permission to come to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, if you need it - for example, a visa, biometric residence permit (BRP) or work permit

You do not have to use a passport, Irish passport card or identity card to prove your identity. You can use other documents instead - for example, a driving licence or armed forces identity card.

Travelling with children

You may be asked at the border to prove the relationship between yourself and any children travelling with you, if you do not seem to be the parent, for example if you have a different surname.

You can prove this with:

• a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child
• divorce or marriage certificates if you’re the parent but have a different surname from the child
• a letter from the child’s parent giving permission for the child to travel with you and providing contact details, if you’re not the parent

Before you board

Your carrier will check your passport and other travel documents. They’ll send this information electronically to Border Force .

You can ask to see the information about you that’s been sent by carriers.

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• Travel Destinations

How Long Does It Take To Receive A Travel Document In The UK

Published: November 1, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Sophey Mashburn

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Traveling can be an exciting and transformative experience, allowing us to explore new cultures, embrace different perspectives, and create lasting memories. However, when it comes to traveling abroad, having the right travel document is essential. In the United Kingdom (UK), there are various types of travel documents that individuals may need, depending on their circumstances and destination.

Whether you are a UK citizen applying for a passport for the first time, a resident seeking to renew your travel document, or a foreign national in need of a visa, understanding the processing times for travel documents is crucial for planning your travel arrangements and avoiding unnecessary stress. While the exact processing times can vary depending on the type of travel document and several other factors, having a general idea of the timeline can help you better prepare and manage your expectations.

In this article, we will delve into the processing times for different types of travel documents in the UK, explore the factors that can affect these processing times, highlight the application process, and provide insights on how to check the status of your application. So, let’s dive in and discover how long it takes to receive a travel document in the UK!

Background on travel documents in the UK

In the UK, travel documents serve as proof of identity and nationality, allowing individuals to travel internationally. The most common travel document for UK citizens is the passport. A passport is a globally recognized travel document that verifies the bearer’s identity and citizenship and facilitates travel across international borders.

For individuals who are not eligible for a passport, there are other types of travel documents available. These include the Certificate of Identity, which is issued to stateless individuals or refugees residing in the UK, and the Convention Travel Document, issued to non-UK nationals who are unable to obtain a passport from their home country but have been granted permission to remain in the UK.

In addition to these travel documents, foreign nationals visiting or residing in the UK may need a visa to enter the country. A visa is a legal endorsement obtained from the relevant UK authorities, granting permission for a specific purpose of travel, such as tourism, work, or study. The processing time for visas can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s circumstances.

It is important to note that travel document requirements and processes may change over time, so it is always recommended to refer to the official government websites or consult with relevant authorities to ensure you have the most up-to-date information before applying.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the different types of travel documents in the UK, let’s explore the processing times for these documents and the factors that can impact these timelines.

Processing times for different types of travel documents

The processing times for travel documents in the UK can vary depending on the type of document and several other factors. It is important to note that these processing times are indicative and may change based on fluctuating demand, security checks, or other unforeseen circumstances. However, they can provide a general idea of the timeline involved.

1. Passports: The processing time for a passport application in the UK is usually around 3 to 6 weeks. However, this may vary during peak travel seasons or in exceptional circumstances. For urgent cases, you can apply for the Fast Track or Premium service, which offers expedited processing for an additional fee.

2. Certificate of Identity: The processing time for a Certificate of Identity can take up to 6 months. This is due to the complex nature of the documentation and the verification process involved in determining the applicant’s status as a stateless individual or refugee.

3. Convention Travel Document: The processing time for a Convention Travel Document varies and can take up to 10 weeks. This includes the time required for verification of the applicant’s immigration status and granting permission to travel using this document.

4. Visas: The processing time for UK visas can vary significantly depending on the type of visa, the applicant’s circumstances, and the country of application. Typically, visa processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It is advisable to check the specific visa category and consult the relevant authorities or immigration services for accurate processing time estimates.

It is important to apply for your travel document well in advance to ensure ample time for processing and to avoid any last-minute disruptions to your travel plans. The processing times mentioned above are approximate and can vary, so it is essential to refer to the official government websites or consult with relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information pertaining to your specific travel document.

Now that we understand the processing times for different travel documents in the UK, let’s explore the factors that can affect these processing times.

Factors that can affect processing times

Several factors can impact the processing times for travel documents in the UK. It is important to be aware of these factors to better understand why processing times may vary and to plan accordingly. Here are some key factors that can affect the processing times:

1. Peak seasons and demand: During peak travel seasons, such as holidays or summer vacation periods, the demand for travel documents can significantly increase. This influx of applications can result in longer processing times as the authorities handle a higher volume of requests.

2. Completeness and accuracy of application: One of the most crucial factors is the completeness and accuracy of the application. Any missing or incorrect information can lead to delays as the authorities may need to seek clarification or request additional documents. It is important to carefully review the application form and provide all the required supporting documentation to avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Security checks: The security of travel documents is paramount. As a result, the authorities conduct thorough security checks on all applications. These checks can involve verifying information against databases, conducting background checks, and ensuring that the applicant meets the necessary requirements. Depending on the complexity of these security checks, processing times may be prolonged.

4. Unforeseen circumstances: Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, political unrest, or public health emergencies can disrupt normal processing times. In such cases, the authorities may need to prioritize urgent or essential cases, leading to delays for other applications.

5. Embassy or consular closures: If you are applying for a travel document outside of the UK, it is important to consider embassy or consular closures, particularly during public holidays or local events. These closures can impact the processing times as the authorities may not be able to process applications during these periods.

It is essential to keep these factors in mind when applying for a travel document and to plan your application timeline accordingly. While some factors are beyond your control, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of your application can help minimize delays. By being proactive and allowing sufficient time for processing, you can help ensure a smoother and stress-free experience when obtaining your travel document.

Now that we understand the factors that can affect processing times, let’s explore the application process for travel documents in the UK.

Applying for a travel document in the UK

When applying for a travel document in the UK, it is important to follow the correct procedure to ensure a successful application. Here are the general steps to apply for a travel document:

• Gather required documents: Start by gathering all the necessary documents for your specific travel document. This may include completed application forms, proof of identity and citizenship, photographs, supporting documentation, and any additional requirements specific to your situation. Check the official government website or contact the relevant authorities to ensure you have all the required documents.
• Complete the application form: Fill out the application form accurately and completely. Ensure that all the information provided is correct and matches the documents you are submitting. Any discrepancies or mistakes may lead to delays in processing your application.
• Submit your application: Once you have gathered all the required documents and completed the application form, submit your application through the designated channels. This can normally be done online or by mail. Pay any applicable fees and ensure that your application is securely packaged and sent to the correct address.
• Attend any necessary appointments: Depending on the type of travel document and your circumstances, you may be required to attend an appointment for biometric data collection, an interview, or other verification procedures. Follow the instructions provided by the authorities and attend any required appointments on time.
• Track your application: Utilize the tracking systems provided by the authorities to monitor the progress of your application. This will allow you to stay updated on its status and any additional documentation or actions required from your end.
• Keep copies of all documents: It is important to keep copies of all the documents you submit with your application for your records. This will be helpful in case any documents are lost or in case you need to refer to them at a later stage.
• Wait for the decision: After submitting your application, it is time to patiently wait for a decision. The processing times for travel documents can vary, but typically, you will receive a notification once a decision has been made on your application.
• Collect your travel document: If your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your travel document. Follow the instructions provided, such as collecting it in person or receiving it by mail, depending on the type of document and the options available.

It is important to note that these steps are a general guideline, and the application process may vary depending on the type of travel document and your specific circumstances. It is always recommended to refer to the official government website or consult the relevant authorities for detailed and up-to-date instructions before applying for a travel document.

Now that you know how to apply for a travel document, let’s explore how to check the status of your application.

Checking the status of your application

After submitting your application for a travel document in the UK, it is natural to want to know the progress and status of your application. Fortunately, there are methods available to check the status of your application and stay informed. Here are some ways to do so:

• Online portals: Many government agencies and visa processing centers provide online portals where you can log in and track the progress of your application. These portals typically require you to create an account and enter specific information regarding your application, such as your application reference number.
• Helpline or customer service: If you prefer a more direct approach, you can contact the helpline or customer service of the relevant authority for updates. They will be able to assist you with queries and provide you with information regarding the status of your application. Be prepared to provide them with your application reference number or any other relevant details for verification.
• Email or SMS notifications: Some authorities send email or SMS notifications regarding the progress of your application. These notifications can keep you informed about any updates, such as when your application is received, being processed, or when a decision has been made. Make sure to check your email inbox or SMS messages regularly for any updates.
• Application tracking services: In specific cases, such as visa applications, you may have the option to use third-party application tracking services. These services allow you to track the status of your application using your application reference number or passport number. However, be cautious when using third-party services and ensure their legitimacy and reliability before providing any personal information.
• Consulting an immigration lawyer or advisor: If you have concerns or specific questions about your application, you may consider consulting an immigration lawyer or advisor. They can provide expert guidance and assist you in checking the status of your application through their professional channels.

Regardless of the method you choose to check the status of your application, it is important to remain patient during the process. Depending on the type of travel document and various factors, the processing times can vary. If you have not received a decision within the estimated processing time, it is advisable to contact the relevant authority for further assistance and clarification.

Now that you know how to track your application, let’s explore the timeline for receiving a travel document in the UK.

Timeline for receiving a travel document

The timeline for receiving a travel document in the UK can vary depending on the type of document, the processing times, and individual circumstances. While it is important to note that these timelines are approximate and subject to change, having a general understanding can help you plan your travel arrangements accordingly. Here is a general timeline:

• Submission of application: The timeline begins from the day you submit your application for a travel document. This can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on the type of document and the options available. Ensure that you submit all the required documents and pay any applicable fees at this stage.
• Processing time: The processing time will vary depending on the type of travel document. Generally, the processing time for passports in the UK is around 3 to 6 weeks. However, it may take longer during peak travel seasons or in exceptional circumstances. For other travel documents such as Certificates of Identity or Convention Travel Documents, the processing times can be longer, ranging from a few months to several weeks.
• Biometric data collection or interview: Depending on the type of travel document and your circumstances, you may be required to attend an appointment for biometric data collection or an interview. This step may add additional time to the overall process, and it is important to attend the appointment as scheduled.
• Decision notification: Once a decision has been made on your application, you will be notified of the outcome. This notification can be through email, mail, online portal, or SMS, depending on the method chosen during the application process. The duration between the decision and notification can vary, but it is typically within a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Collection or delivery of travel document: After receiving the decision notification, you will be instructed on how to collect or receive your travel document. This can involve collecting it in person, having it mailed to your address, or using a designated collection point. Depending on the method chosen, the duration for the physical receipt of the document can vary, ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks.

It is important to keep in mind that these timelines are approximate and can vary depending on various factors, including the type of travel document, the processing times, the accuracy and completeness of your application, and unforeseen circumstances. To ensure a smooth and timely process, it is recommended to apply for your travel document well in advance of your intended travel dates and to follow the instructions provided by the relevant authorities.

Now that we have covered the timeline for receiving a travel document, let’s conclude.

Obtaining a travel document is a crucial step for individuals wishing to travel internationally from the UK. Understanding the processing times and procedures can help you plan your travel arrangements effectively and minimize any potential stress or delays. In this article, we have explored the various types of travel documents in the UK, including passports, Certificates of Identity, Convention Travel Documents, and visas. We have also discussed the factors that can influence processing times, such as peak seasons, application completeness, security checks, and unforeseen circumstances.

When applying for a travel document, it is important to gather all required documents, complete the application accurately, and submit it through the designated channels. Tracking the status of your application through online portals, helplines, or email/SMS notifications can keep you informed about the progress. Throughout the process, it is essential to remain patient and allow sufficient time for processing and decision-making.

Finally, we outlined a general timeline for receiving a travel document, starting from the application submission to the collection or delivery of the document. It is important to note that these timelines are approximate and can vary based on individual circumstances and processing times. Therefore, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates and consult official government websites or authorities for the most up-to-date information.

By understanding the application process, tracking the status of your application, and allowing ample time for processing, you can ensure a smoother experience when obtaining your travel document and be well-prepared for your journey. Remember to always check the official government websites or consult with relevant authorities for the most accurate and current information regarding travel documents in the UK.

Now go ahead, follow the necessary steps, and get ready to embark on your exciting travel adventure with the peace of mind that comes from having the right travel document in hand!

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