What is the “Blue Passport”?
The “blue passport” is an international travel document issued to refugees under the 1951 Geneva Convention. In Germany, it is issued by the Foreigners’ Office (Ausländerbehörde) in coordination with the BAMF, once a person is granted:
Political asylum (Asylberechtigung) under Article 16a of the German Basic Law, or
Refugee status (Flüchtlingsstatus) under the Geneva Convention.
Who is not eligible for the blue passport?
Typically not eligible are people who have:
Subsidiary protection (Subsidiärer Schutz)
A tolerated stay (Duldung)
A humanitarian residence permit (e.g., § 25 (5) AufenthG) without refugee status
These individuals generally cannot receive a Reiseausweis für Flüchtlinge and instead need a valid national passport or another recognized travel substitute.
Key advantages of the blue passport
Internationally recognized travel document: travel to many countries without relying on the home-country passport
Official proof of identity: useful for banking, administrative procedures, and visa applications
Validity period: often 3 years, renewable if needed
No need to deal with the home embassy: no passport renewal through your embassy
Travel within Europe: often 90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area
Helpful for family reunification: can be used as part of the application documents
Where can you travel with the blue passport?
Within the Schengen area:
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Finland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Portugal, and more.
Condition: usually a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period, and typically not for work or study purposes.
Outside Schengen:
Many countries require a visa (e.g., Turkey, the USA, Canada, the UK, Gulf countries, Australia). You apply through the relevant embassies using the Reiseausweis.
Countries that may not recognize it or impose restrictions:
Some Asian and African countries may not allow entry without a visa or may reject applications depending on their rules.
Most important warning: Do not travel to your country of origin
If you received refugee protection because you faced danger in your home country, returning there can be considered a serious violation.
Possible consequences:
Withdrawal of protection by the BAMF
Loss of residence status
Problems with naturalization
in certain cases even deportation
How do you get the blue passport?
After receiving a positive recognition decision from the BAMF
Apply at the Ausländerbehörde
Provide biometric photos and proof of residence
Pay a small fee (often around €60–€100)
Does it replace a residence permit?
No. The blue passport is only a travel document. You must always carry a valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) when crossing borders.
Summary
The blue passport can provide recognized mobility and legal dignity for refugees without depending on the home-country passport. However, it comes with major responsibility—especially not returning to the country you fled.
Editorial note
The writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources; however, mistakes may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat this as initial guidance and always consult the relevant authorities for confirmed information.
