People with refugee status who are living in Ireland may apply for a travel
document to allow them to travel outside Ireland. People granted subsidiary
protection are also eligible to apply for a travel document.
You are eligible to apply to the Minister for Justice and Equality for a travel document if you:
If you are a refugee, you may travel freely in and out of the state with this document. You may travel to most EU states with this document without the need to obtain a visa. However, some countries require a visa, so it is always advisable to check with the embassy of whichever country you intend travelling to about visa requirements. You do not require a re-entry visa to come back into Ireland.
Your children need their own travel document. An application for a child must be accompanied by the child’s birth certificate and evidence that the child is resident in Ireland. Travel documents for children aged from 5 to 17 years are valid for up to 10 years. A travel document for a child aged under 5 is valid for up to 5 years.
If you have do not have refugee or subsidiary protection status but have been granted leave to remain in Ireland, you should apply for a passport to the embassy of your country. In some exceptional cases people who have been granted leave to remain and who do not have a passport, may be issued with an alternative travel document by the Minister for Justice and Equality.
If you are issued with an alternative travel document, it will be valid until the expiry date of your Certificate of Registration (GNIB card). You must obtain a re-entry visa before you leave the State otherwise you may have difficulties re-entering. You also need a visa to enter other EU countries.
Since November 2011 the application fee for a travel document is €80 (was €12).
A single entry visa costs €60 and a multiple entry visa costs €100.
Since November 2011 you apply to the Travel Document Unit of INIS using the new version of the travel document application form (pdf) - see 'Where to apply' below. You can find information to assist you with making your application on the INIS website (pdf). You should include the following with your completed application:
A member of the Garda Síochána must sign and stamp 2 of the photographs when witnessing your form. It will take 4-6 weeks to process your application and your travel document will be sent to you by registered post. If your application is refused you will be informed in writing. You are advised not to make any travel arrangements until you receive your travel document.
Re-entry visas: Before making any travel arrangements you must apply for a re-entry visa using the re-entry visa application form (pdf). You should check the INIS website for information on how to apply and current processing times.
Immigration Services Section
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
1st Floor
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
Homepage: http://www.inis.gov.ie
Email: INIStravdoc@justice.ie
Department of Justice and Equality
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
13/14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
Opening Hours:8.30am - 2:30pm Mon-Fri (excluding public holidays)
Homepage: http://www.inis.gov.ie/