Certificate of Travel (UK): Complete Guide (2026)
What Is a Certificate of Travel?
A Certificate of Travel (CoT) is a UK Home Office travel document issued under UK domestic legislation — not under the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1954 Stateless Persons Convention. It has a black cover and is issued to individuals who cannot obtain a passport from their country of nationality but who do not hold refugee or stateless status.
Physical Description
- Cover colour: Black
- Title text: "Certificate of Travel"
- Issuing authority: UK Home Office
- International recognition: Limited — no international convention backs this document
Because the Certificate of Travel is not based on an international treaty, it does not benefit from the agreements that give convention travel documents their visa-free privileges. This is the single most important fact about this document.
Who Qualifies for a Certificate of Travel?
You may be eligible for a Certificate of Travel if:
- You have limited or indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- You are not a British citizen
- You cannot obtain a national passport because:
- Your national passport has expired and your country's embassy will not renew it
- Your passport is full and your country's embassy will not issue a new one
- Your national authorities have refused or denied your passport application
- Your country does not have a functioning embassy in the UK
- You have humanitarian protection in the UK
- You have urgent, important travel needs that cannot wait for a national passport
You cannot get a Certificate of Travel if: You have recognised refugee status (you would get a blue 1951 CTD instead), you are recognised as stateless (you would get a red 1954 document), or you can reasonably obtain a national passport.
Costs: Why GBP 300?
| Applicant | Certificate of Travel (Black) | Refugee CTD (Blue) for comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | GBP 300.00 | GBP 94.50 |
| Child (15 and under) | GBP 151.00 | GBP 61.50 |
The Certificate of Travel costs more than three times the price of a 1951 Convention Travel Document. The Home Office justifies this because:
- It is not issued under an international obligation
- Applicants are expected to have exhausted all options for obtaining a national passport before applying
- The higher fee acts as a deterrent for those who could obtain a passport but have not tried
Refund policy: Full refund if withdrawn within 7 days. Non-refundable after 7 days or on refusal.
Source: GOV.UK
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Set up your UKVI account at gov.uk and ensure details are current
- Complete the online form at visas-immigration.service.gov.uk
- Pay the fee: GBP 300 (adult) or GBP 151 (child)
- Post your original supporting documents, including evidence that you cannot obtain a national passport (e.g., refusal letter from your embassy, evidence that your country has no embassy in the UK)
- Wait for a decision — up to 14 weeks
- Document posted to your UK address
Key evidence required: You must prove that you have genuinely tried and failed to obtain a national passport. Simply stating that your embassy is difficult to deal with is not sufficient. Provide documentary evidence of refusal or non-response.
Processing Times
- Standard: Up to 14 weeks
- Expedited: Only for compassionate cases with evidence
- Contact: Home Office on 0300 123 2241
Travel Rights: Where Can You Go?
Schengen Countries: Visa Required
All 29 Schengen countries require a visa for Certificate of Travel holders. This has been confirmed by the German Federal Foreign Office for Germany and applies across the Schengen Area.
If you need to visit a Schengen country, you must apply for a Schengen visa through the normal process. See our Schengen visa guide for the full application process.
Non-Schengen European Countries
For countries outside the Schengen Area (Albania, Serbia, Montenegro, etc.), check with the specific embassy whether they accept the UK Certificate of Travel. Recognition varies widely.
Travel Restrictions
If you were granted humanitarian protection, you cannot travel to the country or countries where the threat that led to your protection exists. Doing so can result in the loss of your humanitarian protection status.
Getting a Schengen Visa with a Certificate of Travel
Certificate of Travel holders can apply for a Schengen visa. The process is the same as for any other visa-required traveller:
- Determine which country to apply to (your main destination)
- Book an appointment at VFS Global, TLScontact, or the embassy directly
- Submit all standard documents plus your Certificate of Travel as your travel document
- Pay the EUR 90 visa fee plus service centre fee
- Attend the appointment with biometrics
Tip: Consulates are familiar with UK Certificates of Travel. Ensure you present the document clearly and include a cover letter explaining your travel purpose and UK ties.
See our nationality-specific Schengen guides for detailed application advice: Indian passport | Nigerian passport | Pakistani passport
Certificate of Travel vs Convention Travel Document
| Feature | Certificate of Travel (Black) | 1951 CTD (Blue) | 1954 CTD (Red) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | UK domestic law | 1951 UN Convention | 1954 UN Convention |
| Issued to | Humanitarian protection / can't get passport | Recognised refugees | Stateless persons |
| Schengen visa-free? | NO | YES | YES |
| Adult cost | GBP 300 | GBP 94.50 | GBP 94.50 |
| Max validity | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| International recognition | Limited | Very high (149 states) | High (96 states) |
For a comprehensive comparison of all UK Home Office travel documents including the complete Schengen country table, see our 1951 Convention Travel Document guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Certificate of Travel UK?
A UK Home Office travel document with a black cover, issued under UK domestic law to people who cannot obtain a national passport but are not refugees or stateless. It costs GBP 300 and has limited visa-free travel rights.
How much does a Certificate of Travel cost?
GBP 300 for adults, GBP 151 for children. Over three times the cost of a refugee travel document (GBP 94.50).
Can Certificate of Travel holders travel to Europe visa-free?
No. A Schengen visa is required for all 29 Schengen countries. The Certificate of Travel is not covered by any international visa abolition agreement.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Travel and a refugee travel document?
The refugee travel document (blue) is for recognised refugees and grants visa-free Schengen access. The Certificate of Travel (black) is for those with humanitarian protection and requires a visa for Schengen countries. Blue costs GBP 94.50; black costs GBP 300.
Who is eligible for a Certificate of Travel?
People with UK leave to remain who cannot obtain a national passport and do not have refugee or stateless status. Includes those with humanitarian protection.
How long does processing take?
Up to 14 weeks. Same timeframe as all Home Office travel documents.
Can I get a Schengen visa with a Certificate of Travel?
Yes. Apply through the normal Schengen visa process at VFS Global or TLScontact. The fee is EUR 90 plus service centre charges.
Why is the Certificate of Travel so expensive?
The GBP 300 fee reflects its status as a UK-only document. The Home Office expects applicants to exhaust all national passport options first.