Travel with Travel Documents For Protected Persons/Refugees

[Gusmcr]

A Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is not equal to a Canadian passport.

Many countries require a visa even if Canadians normally enter visa-free.
Each country decides whether they accept the RTD and whether a visa is needed.
Airlines can deny boarding if they do not recognize the RTD without the proper visa.

Protected Persons with a Canadian Refugee Travel Document MUST apply for a Schengen C-visa before travelling to:​

• Austria
• France
• Schengen/EU country

Except following Schengen Countries countries in Europe;
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Before traveling to any Schengen country with your Canadian Refugee Travel Document (RTD), always double-check the entry requirements with both the embassy of the country you plan to visit and the airline you are flying with. Even though the RTD is generally accepted for visa applications, different airlines have different boarding policies, and visa rules can change at any time. Confirming in advance can save you from unexpected issues at the airport or at border control.

Not many, MOST of countries need a visa with RTD, despite of some countries taking in account the "place of birth", to consider if you need a visa with the canadian refugee travel document or not. (exemples: Costa rica, Colombia...)

"Except following schengen countries: " Where did you get this list? It's absolutely wrong.

Only 7 Europe countries exempt visa for Canadian RTD:

BG – Bulgaria
DE – Germany
HR – Croatia
IT – Italy
HU – Hungary
SL – Slovenia
SK – Slovakia


https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023XC0927(01)

Hi is it possible to travel malaysia with refugee travel document ? ( no pr card yet) .
any one went before? please give me guidance?

thank you.

As someone posted before >>>

Go to https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/.International Air Transport Association Used by Almost al airlines.

1. Choose your departure airport and destination airport
2. Under Nationality, select your country of nationality
3. Under Country of Residence, choose Canada.
4. For travelling as Select stateless/refugee
5. For Travel Document , select 951 Convention Travel Document.
6. For Issuing Country, choose Canada.
7. Click “check” — the tool will show:
   • Whether a visa is required or visa-free entry is allowed,
   • If the destination country accepts RTDs,
   • And where to apply for a visa if needed.

 

[Rick4Life]

Why you say has nothing to do with your country of origin, of course it has.
You are still citizen, national of your home country and they will apply the rules for that country even if you are refugee. I specific mean this according with the requirements of the visa.
For example, Im citizen/national of a country that other many countries requires us for a visa to travel. So this countries asked me for a visa (not suposition, I applied for the visa, Im speaking from my experience, not reading and article).
Not because you has a Refugee travel document of Canada they will treat you as a canadian. My suggestion to this person was to email, asked to the consulate of the country he/she will travel.
Countries has different rules but in general if they ask visa for your nationality, even with the RTD they will still ask you for the visa.

You are completely mistaken, and the information you are being shared is incorrect. A person’s country of citizenship has no bearing on the visa requirements attached to a Refugee Travel Document (RTD). For example, although I am from a country that requires a visa to enter Italy and Germany, I can travel to both countries without a visa when using my RTD.

Please do not confuse people by mixing the rules of citizenship with the rules governing RTDs. Yes, a protected person remains a citizen of their original country, but that fact does not determine whether an RTD holder needs a visa. Each country has its own policies regarding entry for RTD holders.

If an RTD requires a visa for a specific country, then the holder must apply, regardless of their nationality. If the RTD does not require a visa, then the holder does not need one, even if their original nationality normally would.

It is important not to spread misleading information on this topic.

 

[Flowercita]

You are completely mistaken, and the information you are being shared is incorrect. A person’s country of citizenship has no bearing on the visa requirements attached to a Refugee Travel Document (RTD). For example, although I am from a country that requires a visa to enter Italy and Germany, I can travel to both countries without a visa when using my RTD.

Please do not confuse people by mixing the rules of citizenship with the rules governing RTDs. Yes, a protected person remains a citizen of their original country, but that fact does not determine whether an RTD holder needs a visa. Each country has its own policies regarding entry for RTD holders.

If an RTD requires a visa for a specific country, then the holder must apply, regardless of their nationality. If the RTD does not require a visa, then the holder does not need one, even if their original nationality normally would.

It is important not to spread misleading information on this topic.

Speak whatever you want. I travelled to Ottawa to get a visa because of why I explained in my post. Give your conference in other post. Thanks.

 

[Gusmcr]

For Christ's sake dude are you going to keep insisting in this bs?


I'm talking about the thing I'm 100% sure because I'm involved in this process.


My roommate paid LAST WEEK, 84 $CAD for a Colombian visa APPLICATION and after being approved, he paid more 112$ cad for the ISSUANCE of the visa.


He's a refugee from Nicaragua and BECAUSE OF THAT, HE NEEDS A VISA!!!!!!
Because it's written on his RTD, Managua NIC.

Do a simulation at iatatravelcentre and put your nationality Nicaraguan.

Or email them and ask yourself if a Nicaraguan national needs a visa or not with Canadian RTD.

ctoronto@cancilleria.gov.co

On the other side, I'm also going to Colombia, and I DON'T need a visa, because my country of birth is on the list.

If your country IS NOT on this list, you need a visa for colombia even having a canadian refugee travel document.

"Passengers must have a valid visa issued by Colombia.
Passengers with a Travel Document (Convention of 28 July 1951) issued to refugees, born in Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Isl., Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States), Moldova (Rep.), Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Fed., Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Isl., Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkiye, USA, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vatican City (Holy See) and Venezuela do not need a visa for a maximum of 90 days. They can apply to extend their stay upon arrival for a total of 180 days per calendar year."


THE SAME THING IS FOR COSTA RICA.

Check IATAtravel centre, put Nicaraguan or Indian as NATIONALITY and RTD issued by Canada and they need visa,
Put Mexican or Brazilian and you'll see they don't.

Or email the consulate • vporras@rree.go.cr

I'd have to say that same thing for you, if you don't know a thing, keep quiet.

Flowercita is also Nicaraguan and the requirements for her, she knows better than you or me.

 

[Mancini]

Thank you @Flowercita and @Gusmcr for sharing your own experience and enlightening people.

I think that it depends on each country/region.. For certain Schengen countries, the Canadian RTD is the only factor, and the traveler does not need any visa regardless their country of origin. However, for other countries, the country of origin has a bearing and the traveler should enquire from the embassy/ airline whether a visa is needed or whether the RTD is even accepted in the first place!!

 

[Rick4Life]

For Christ's sake dude are you going to keep insisting in this bs?


I'm talking about the thing I'm 100% sure because I'm involved in this process.


My roommate paid LAST WEEK, 84 $CAD for a Colombian visa APPLICATION and after being approved, he paid more 112$ cad for the ISSUANCE of the visa.


He's a refugee from Nicaragua and BECAUSE OF THAT, HE NEEDS A VISA!!!!!!
Because it's written on his RTD, Managua NIC.

Do a simulation at iatatravelcentre and put your nationality Nicaraguan.

Or email them and ask yourself if a Nicaraguan national needs a visa or not with Canadian RTD.

ctoronto@cancilleria.gov.co

On the other side, I'm also going to Colombia, and I DON'T need a visa, because my country of birth is on the list.

If your country IS NOT on this list, you need a visa for colombia even having a canadian refugee travel document.

"Passengers must have a valid visa issued by Colombia.
Passengers with a Travel Document (Convention of 28 July 1951) issued to refugees, born in Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland (Rep.), Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea (Rep.), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Isl., Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States), Moldova (Rep.), Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia (Rep.), Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russian Fed., Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Isl., Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkiye, USA, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vatican City (Holy See) and Venezuela do not need a visa for a maximum of 90 days. They can apply to extend their stay upon arrival for a total of 180 days per calendar year."


THE SAME THING IS FOR COSTA RICA.

Check IATAtravel centre, put Nicaraguan or Indian as NATIONALITY and RTD issued by Canada and they need visa,
Put Mexican or Brazilian and you'll see they don't.

Or email the consulate • vporras@rree.go.cr

I'd have to say that same thing for you, if you don't know a thing, keep quiet.

Flowercita is also Nicaraguan and the requirements for her, she knows better than you or me.

Stop confusing people, what you are saying is not correct

 

[Rick4Life]

Speak whatever you want. I travelled to Ottawa to get a visa because of why I explained in my post. Give your conference in other post. Thanks.

That does not mean you are correct, just dont pass wrong information

 

[Flowercita]

That does not mean you are correct, just dont pass wrong information

I told you, I had to travel to Ottawa to get a visa . Not because I have RTD I can travel where I want as a canadian citizen can do.
Your country if origin matters unless you become a Canadian citizen.
If you think Im lying, i dont care. Let people do their own research with official sources. They can do it. Not rely on what I said or what you said. Agree?

 

[broccoli13]

I told you, I had to travel to Ottawa to get a visa . Not because I have RTD I can travel where I want as a canadian citizen can do.
Your country if origin matters unless you become a Canadian citizen.
If you think Im lying, i dont care. Let people do their own research with official sources. They can do it. Not rely on what I said or what you said. Agree?

Don’t even answer to this guy. I know you guys are correct, I have contacted the colombian embassy myself for multiple time. Your origin of birth is enough to be exempted from visa requirements.
Thank you for sharing your experience

 

[Starboyy]

Hello,
Anyone traveled to Thailand on RTD with No PR ? If yes then what's the process to get the visa ?
How long it take to get the visa ?

 

[denizfilizz93]

go to https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/.International Air Transport Association Used by Almost al airlines.

1. Choose your departure airport and destination airport
2. Under Nationality, select your country of nationality
3. Under Country of Residence, choose Canada.
4. For travelling as Select stateless/refugee
5. For Travel Document , select 951 Convention Travel Document.
6. For Issuing Country, choose Canada.
7. Click “check” — the tool will show:
   • Whether a visa is required or visa-free entry is allowed,
   • If the destination country accepts RTDs,
   • And where to apply for a visa if needed. Hope this helps!!

Can Somebody help me please? I have a Canadian RTD, I want to travel Serbia belgrad, can i travel with my Rtd or do i need serbian visa??
Anybody experienced this?

 

[appwarez]

Hello,
Anyone traveled to Thailand on RTD with No PR ? If yes then what's the process to get the visa ?
How long it take to get the visa ?

Refugee Travel Documents (RTD) are holders can travel to Thailand as long as they meet the visa requirements

You can apply for an eVisa to Thailand through the official Thai eVisa website
https://www.thaievisa.go.th

You will typically need the following:
- A valid Refugee Travel Document (RTD).
- Online Visa application filled out.
- Passport-sized photos (usually 2-4).
- Proof of financial means (such as bank statements or financial documents).
- Flight itinerary and hotel reservation (for tourism visas).
- Online Visa fee payment.

Processing Time:

• Normal Tourist Visa: The processing time can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it typically takes 3 to 5 business days for a standard visa.
• Additional Checks: Since RTD holders may face more scrutiny, especially related to refugee status, the process could take longer if additional documentation or checks are required. It might take 7 to 14 days or even longer in some cases.

• After getting your visa, you can travel to Thailand. However, even with a visa, immigration may have further checks at the airport when you arrive. Be prepared to show additional documents, such as proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, or financial support, especially if you are traveling on an RTD.

May your efforts be successful, and we hope you have an unforgettable time exploring and enjoying the beautiful sights of Thailand. Have an amazing trip!

 

[acara1995]

go to https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/.International Air Transport Association Used by Almost al airlines.

1. Choose your departure airport and destination airport
2. Under Nationality, select your country of nationality
3. Under Country of Residence, choose Canada.
4. For travelling as Select stateless/refugee
5. For Travel Document , select 951 Convention Travel Document.
6. For Issuing Country, choose Canada.
7. Click “check” — the tool will show:
   • Whether a visa is required or visa-free entry is allowed,
   • If the destination country accepts RTDs,
   • And where to apply for a visa if needed. Hope this helps!!

How reliable is this website, I am asking because I traveled to mexico with pr and blue rtd without visa and no issues but when I check it out on IATA it says visa required. I'm asking as I'd like to know if I need a visa for either Bahams or Saint Marteen. Please anybody.

 

[appwarez]

How reliable is this website, I am asking because I traveled to mexico with pr and blue rtd without visa and no issues but when I check it out on IATA it says visa required. I'm asking as I'd like to know if I need a visa for either Bahams or Saint Marteen. Please anybody.

The IATA Travel Centre is a private database used by airlines and travel agents. It tries to predict visa requirements, but it doesn’t always include every real-world exemption (like special rules for permanent residents or certain visas).
Relevant Government immigration websites are the actual legal authorities.
So if IATA says visa required but government sites list an exemption for your status (like PR), that government information is generally the correct one.

if you are a Canadian permanent residence (Canadian PR holder)
You do not need a Bahamas & Maarten visa for tourist stays up to 30 days if you travel with:
Valid Passport from your home country and your valid Canadian PR Card.

a Canadian Refugee Travel Document (RTD / “blue book”) is treated very differently from a Canadian passport or PR card.
The Bahamas and Sint Maarten, “visa required” traveling with RTD.
For additional details related to visa requirements, please contact the relevant embassy or consulate in Canada, via email.

 

[cleo007]

How reliable is this website, I am asking because I traveled to mexico with pr and blue rtd without visa and no issues but when I check it out on IATA it says visa required. I'm asking as I'd like to know if I need a visa for either Bahams or Saint Marteen. Please anybody.

that site is almost 99 percent accurate. did you read correct cus ?if you fill in the correct information it gives you this


Visa Requirements


Passengers must have a valid visa issued by Mexico.




Passengers with a permanent residence permit issued by Canada do not need a visa for a maximum of 180 days.




Passengers can enter with a multiple-entry visa issued by Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, USA or a Schengen Member State for a maximum of 180 days. The visa must be valid for the period of intended stay. An visa issued by the USA with an extended validity is not accepted.