What is a Reiseausweis für Flüchtlinge?
It is a blue travel document issued by German authorities to recognized refugees, and it contains a reference to the 1951 Geneva Convention (Agreement of 28 July 1951).
It is used as a substitute for a national passport, because a recognized refugee cannot obtain or use their home-country passport after being recognized as a refugee.

Who is eligible for this document?

• People granted constitutional asylum (Asylberechtigung) under Article 16a of the German Basic Law.

• People granted refugee protection (Flüchtlingsschutz) under the Geneva Convention.

Those who have subsidiary protection or Duldung (tolerated stay) are not entitled to this document and usually need a valid national passport to travel.

Which countries can be entered with a refugee travel document (Reiseausweis)?
This document is accepted by most EU and Schengen countries and by many countries worldwide. Here are the main categories:

Countries allowing visa-free entry (limited period)
Within Europe (Schengen Area):
France
Italy
Spain
Belgium
Austria
Netherlands
Switzerland
Sweden
Denmark
Poland
Czechia
Finland
Slovakia
Hungary
Slovenia
Portugal
Norway
Liechtenstein
Iceland

The permitted stay is typically 90 days within any 180-day period.

Outside Europe (check embassies):

• Turkey: does not allow visa-free entry for Reiseausweis holders – a visa application must be submitted at the embassy.

• United Kingdom: does not allow visa-free entry.

• United States: a full visa is required – you cannot apply for ESTA.

• Canada and Australia: no visa-free entry – a full application is required.

Countries that do not recognize the Reiseausweis or impose strict restrictions:

• Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia: traveling there is generally prohibited because it may lead to the loss of protection status.

• Some Gulf states (e.g., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar): do not recognize the document for tourist travel.

• Many African and Asian countries require a national passport and do not recognize this document, or they require lengthy procedures.

Important notes before traveling

• The document must not be used to return to your country of origin – this may result in the withdrawal of protection by BAMF.

• The travel document does not grant German citizenship and is not a “European passport.”

• You must carry a valid residence permit along with the document when traveling.

• Some countries still require a visa even for holders of this document – always check the destination country’s embassy.

• Do not use your original national passport if you are a recognized refugee – this may be considered a violation of asylum conditions.

Final advice
Before traveling outside Germany, consult:

• the Ausländerbehörde to confirm your legal status is secure, and

• the destination country’s embassy to confirm entry rules for Reiseausweis holders.

The refugee travel document gives you limited but lawful mobility, and using it correctly helps protect your refugee status while allowing you to travel without putting your residence at risk.

Editorial note
The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through thorough research and reviewing multiple sources. However, mistakes may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat the information as initial guidance and always consult the competent authorities for officially confirmed information.