1954 Stateless Person Travel Document: Where Can You Travel? (2026)
What Is a 1954 Stateless Person's Travel Document?
The 1954 Convention Travel Document is issued under Article 28 of the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. It has a red cover and is issued by the UK Home Office to persons who have been recognised as stateless by the UK government.
Physical Description
- Cover colour: Red
- Title text: "Travel Document (Convention of 28 September 1954)"
- Pages: 32
- Issuing authority: UK Home Office
The 1954 Convention has been signed by 96 states. While fewer than the 149 states that signed the 1951 Refugee Convention, recognition of the 1954 document is still widespread, particularly across Europe.
Who Qualifies as Stateless?
A stateless person is defined by the 1954 Convention as someone who is "not considered as a national by any State under the operation of its law." In practical terms, this means no country in the world recognises you as their citizen.
Common reasons for statelessness include:
- Gaps in nationality laws: Born in a country that does not grant citizenship by birth, to parents whose country does not grant citizenship by descent
- State succession: Your country ceased to exist or changed its nationality laws
- Discrimination: Nationality laws that exclude certain ethnic or religious groups
- Administrative failures: Birth not registered, records destroyed, bureaucratic barriers
- Renunciation without acquisition: Lost one nationality without gaining another
The UK has a specific stateless leave route where you can apply to be recognised as stateless and receive leave to remain. If granted, you can then apply for the 1954 travel document.
You cannot get this document if: You have recognised refugee status (you would get a blue 1951 CTD instead), or you hold citizenship of any country (even if that country will not issue you a passport).
How to Apply
The application process is identical to the 1951 Refugee Travel Document:
- Set up your UKVI account with current details
- Complete the online form at visas-immigration.service.gov.uk
- Pay GBP 94.50 (adult) or GBP 61.50 (child)
- Post original supporting documents
- Wait up to 14 weeks for a decision
- Document posted to your UK address
Requirements: Not a British citizen, recognised as stateless by the UK, in the UK when applying, at least 6 months remaining on UK permission, active eVisa.
Costs and Validity
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult fee | GBP 94.50 |
| Child fee (15 and under) | GBP 61.50 |
| Born before 01/09/1929 | Free |
| Max validity (ILR adult) | 10 years |
| Max validity (ILR child) | 5 years |
| Temporary leave | Until permission expires |
| Processing time | Up to 14 weeks |
Visa-Free Countries for 1954 Document Holders
Holders of a UK-issued 1954 Stateless Person's Travel Document (red cover) benefit from visa-free access to Schengen countries under the European Agreement on Travel by Stateless Persons.
The visa-free rules are the same as for the blue 1951 Refugee Travel Document: up to 90 days in any 180-day period across all 29 Schengen countries. See our complete Schengen country table for the full breakdown.
Entry Requirements
Same as 1951 CTD holders: document must have 3+ months validity beyond return date, travel insurance (min EUR 30,000), proof of accommodation, financial means, and return booking.
Red vs Blue vs Black: Full Comparison
| Feature | Red (1954 Stateless) | Blue (1951 Refugee) | Black (Certificate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issued to | Stateless persons | Recognised refugees | Humanitarian protection |
| Schengen visa-free? | YES | YES | NO |
| Adult cost | GBP 94.50 | GBP 94.50 | GBP 300 |
| Max validity | 10 years | 10 years | 5 years |
| Home country restriction | N/A (no nationality) | Cannot visit | Cannot visit fear country |
For the full comparison and Schengen country table, see our 1951 Convention Travel Document guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1954 Stateless Person Travel Document?
A travel document with a red cover, issued under the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. Issued by the UK Home Office to people recognised as stateless.
Can I travel to Schengen countries visa-free?
Yes. Red 1954 document holders have visa-free access to all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in 180 days.
How much does it cost?
GBP 94.50 for adults, GBP 61.50 for children. Same as the blue 1951 document.
Who qualifies as stateless?
Someone not considered a national by any country. The UK has a specific stateless leave route.
What is the difference between red and blue?
Blue = refugees (1951 Convention). Red = stateless persons (1954 Convention). Both grant visa-free Schengen access at the same cost.
How do I apply?
Online at visas-immigration.service.gov.uk. GBP 94.50 fee. Up to 14 weeks processing.
How long is it valid?
Up to 10 years for adults with ILR, 5 years for children, or until your permission expires.
Is this the same as the Certificate of Travel?
No. The red 1954 document grants visa-free Schengen access. The black Certificate of Travel does not. They are different documents.