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Great Britain: Information on whether the United Kingdom issues a "British Travel Certificate" or a similarly worded document

The third secretary of the immigration section of the British High Commission in Ottawa provided the following information (1 Nov. 1994). She was unaware of any document termed a "British Travel Certificate," but did describe a "United Kingdom Certificate of Identity."

This document is issued by the Home Office in the United Kingdom to people who have been granted refugee status, and to certain others whose situations are processed on a case-by-case basis. The document cover is blue-grey, has two black lines along the top left-hand corner, and contains the official crest of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The 40 pages inside include a photograph of standard passport size and biographical information about the holder. There is an entry stating the time period for which the document is valid, and a stamp giving the holder immigration status in the United Kingdom for a limited time period or permanently.

The holder, after having left the United Kingdom, may return there without a visa. The certificate can be extended or replaced if the holder continues to reside in the United Kingdom. If the holder has taken up permanent residence in another country, the holder must apply to the authorities of that country for a travel document. The certificate is normally valid for travel to all countries except the one from which the possessor was determined to be a refugee. The representative was unsure if other countries would require a visa for holders of the certificate.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference

British High Commission, Ottawa. 1 November 1994. Telephone interview with third secretary, Immigration Section.

Topics: Visas, Residence permits, Refugee travel documents,