This travel document is issued to recognised stateless persons under the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons. In France it is the titre de voyage pour apatride (statelessness is also recognised by OFPRA).
With no nationality, passport-based visa-free access does not apply at all: countries look at the issuing country and your residence permit.
Within Schengen the same rule applies as for refugees: a document and residence permit from one Schengen country — visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180. Some Schengen countries exempt documents from non-EU countries; they are listed below.
Some countries (e.g. Hong Kong) explicitly require a visa from all holders of stateless documents.
Countries with specific rules in our database · 51
For other countries the checker applies a general rule: if a country admits almost everyone visa-free, it probably admits you too; otherwise a visa is probably needed.
| Country | Answer | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | No visa needed · up to 90 daysA refugee or stateless travel document issued by an EU country: no visa needed.Only for documents issued by: EU countries | Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs: visa regime for foreigners confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Armenia | Visa on arrival · up to 120 daysA travel document issued by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia or the US: a visa is required but can be obtained online in advance (evisa.mfa.am, up to 3 working days — recommended by the MFA), at the Armenian border or at a consulate. The document must be valid for the whole stay.Only for documents issued by certain countries (9) | Armenian MFA: visa check by issuing country and document type (Travel Document) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Armenia | E-visa needed · up to 120 daysArmenia's visa-free regimes apply only to national passports. For travel documents issued by Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and the US the Armenian MFA explicitly allows an online or border visa; its database has no data for other issuers. Try the e-visa at evisa.mfa.am (it accepts 'passports or travel documents'); if refused, apply at an embassy. | Armenian e-government portal: e-visa for passports and travel documents secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Australia | E-visa neededeVisitor and ETA cannot be obtained on a refugee or stateless travel document, a Titre de Voyage or a certificate of identity. Apply for a Visitor visa (subclass 600) online via ImmiAccount. | Australian Department of Home Affairs: eVisitor (subclass 651), eligible passports confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | No visa neededAccording to the BiH MFA (via Wikipedia), refugees and stateless persons residing in countries whose citizens need no visa for BiH (including the EU) do not need a visa. Does not apply to residents of Central and South America and the Caribbean.Only for documents issued by: EU countries, Schengen countries | reference data secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Bulgaria | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 61 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by certain countries (61) | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Canada | Visa neededWith a refugee travel document (other than a Canadian one) you need a Canadian visitor visa; you cannot get an eTA with it. | IRCC Canada: can I apply for an eTA with a refugee travel document confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Croatia | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 10 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by certain countries (10) | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Cyprus | No visa needed · up to 90 daysA refugee or stateless travel document issued by the EU or Schengen country where you live: no visa needed, up to 90 days in any 180 (Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806). Also carry that country's residence permit.Only for documents issued by certain countries (30) | Regulation (EU) 2018/1806: visa-required and visa-exempt countries confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Cyprus | Visa neededRefugees and stateless persons living outside the EU and Schengen need a visa (Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806), even if citizens of your country are visa-exempt. Exceptions: some Schengen countries admit holders of documents issued by visa-exempt countries (e.g. the US, Canada, the UK) visa-free — shown separately per country. | Regulation (EU) 2018/1806: visa-required and visa-exempt countries confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Denmark | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Finland | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 2 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: United Kingdom, Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| France | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Georgia | No visa needed · up to 90 daysOrdinance No 256 allows visa-free entry for holders of EU/Schengen residence permits without restricting the document type; the French Foreign Ministry confirms it for French refugee documents. For other documents (stateless, TIV, other issuers) check with a Georgian consulate.If you hold: Schengen residence permit | Government of Georgia Ordinance No 256: visa-free entry for visa and residence permit holders secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Georgia | No visa needed · up to 90 daysOrdinance No 256 allows visa-free entry for holders of EU/Schengen residence permits without restricting the document type; the French Foreign Ministry confirms it for French refugee documents. For other documents (stateless, TIV, other issuers) check with a Georgian consulate.If you hold: Schengen permanent residence | Government of Georgia Ordinance No 256: visa-free entry for visa and residence permit holders secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Germany | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 62 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. Germany (§ 18 AufenthV) also requires a right of return in the document valid for at least 4 more months on entry, and no work. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by certain countries (62) | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Hong Kong | Visa neededHong Kong Immigration Department: all holders of 'stateless' travel documents need a visa. Apply to the Immigration Department (by post or through a local sponsor) or at a Chinese consulate. | Hong Kong Immigration Department: visa requirements by country confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Hungary | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 60 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity.Only for documents issued by certain countries (60) | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Iceland | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 4 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Hong Kong, Ireland, Macao, Taiwan | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| India | Visa neededThe e-Visa is not available on travel documents other than a passport — apply for a regular visa through an Indian mission. | Government of India: countries eligible for e-Visa confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Indonesia | E-visa needed · up to 60 daysOn Indonesia's official e-Visa portal, refugees (Convention and non-Convention) and stateless persons get no visa on arrival or visa exemption — only the C1 tourist visa (single entry, up to 60 days) or the multiple-entry D1, applied for online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before travel. | Indonesian Immigration, e-Visa portal: visa types available by nationality confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Ireland | Visa neededIreland has suspended visa-free travel for refugees under the 1959 Agreement: with a Convention travel document you need an Irish visa. Other non-national documents need a visa anyway. | Government of Ireland: visa-free travel for refugees (1959 Agreement) suspended confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Israel | Visa neededIsrael MFA: visa exemptions apply to national and official passports only, not to other travel documents. Get a B2 visa from an Israeli consulate. | Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs: tourist visa requirements for foreign nationals confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Italy | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 61 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by certain countries (61) | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Japan | Visa neededJapan's MOFA describes visa exemption only for passport holders of listed countries; it says nothing about refugee or stateless travel documents. Such documents usually need a visa from a Japanese embassy — confirm before travelling. | MOFA Japan: visa exemptions for short-term stay secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Kosovo | No visa needed · up to 15 daysA refugee (1951 Convention) or stateless (1954 Convention) travel document, or a travel document for foreigners, issued by an EU or Schengen country, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia or Japan: entry, transit and stay without a visa for up to 15 days. Source: the archived Kosovo MFA site; the ministry's new site is unavailable.Only for documents issued by: EU countries, Schengen countries, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Japan | Kosovo MFA (archived site): special categories exempted from visa requirements confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Liechtenstein | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity.Only for documents issued by: United Kingdom | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Lithuania | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 2 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: United Kingdom, Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Luxembourg | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity.Only for documents issued by: United Kingdom | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Malaysia | Visa neededThe Malaysian Immigration Department explicitly lists 'Titres de Voyages' (refugee and stateless travel documents) and Certificates of Identity among travel documents that require a visa to enter Malaysia, regardless of nationality. Apply at a Malaysian embassy. | Immigration Department of Malaysia: visa requirement by country confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Malta | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption.Only for documents issued by: Taiwan | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Montenegro | No visa needed · up to 30 daysA refugee or stateless travel document issued by an EU country or the US: visa-free for up to 30 days.Only for documents issued by: EU countries, United States | Government of Montenegro: visas and visa-free entry with other visas and permits confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Morocco | Visa neededThe Moroccan e-visa is issued only on ordinary passports: the eVisa terms explicitly exclude refugee and stateless travel documents and other travel documents. Apply at the Moroccan embassy or consulate general for your place of residence. | Morocco, official portal acces-maroc.ma: e-visa conditions confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Nepal | Visa neededWith a refugee travel document, visa on arrival is not available — get a visa from a Nepalese embassy in advance. | Embassy of Nepal: visas (nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival, fees) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Netherlands | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity.Only for documents issued by: United Kingdom | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| New Zealand | E-visa neededVisa waiver and NZeTA apply only to travellers on a passport from a visa waiver country. With a refugee or stateless travel document you need a Visitor Visa, applied for online. | Immigration New Zealand: Visa Waiver Visitor Visa confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| North Macedonia | Visa neededSources disagree. North Macedonia's MFA allows 'third-country nationals' with an EU or Schengen residence permit to enter visa-free for up to 15 days without specifying the travel document. The French Foreign Ministry (updated 15 Sep 2026) states explicitly that holders of a French refugee or subsidiary protection travel document must obtain a visa and should contact the North Macedonian embassy in Paris in advance. Until the embassy confirms in writing, it is safer to assume a visa is needed. The UK Foreign Office likewise requires a visa for UK refugee travel documents. We found no traveller reports of entering with a titre de voyage without a visa.Only for documents issued by: France | French Foreign Ministry travel advice: North Macedonia — entry (updated 15 Sep 2026) sources disagreeCheck → |
| North Macedonia | Visa neededSources disagree: North Macedonia's MFA allows visa-free entry for up to 15 days to holders of EU or Schengen residence permits without specifying the document, while the French Foreign Ministry explicitly requires a visa for French refugee documents. For other countries' documents, ask the North Macedonian embassy in writing. | French Foreign Ministry travel advice: North Macedonia — entry (updated 15 Sep 2026) sources disagreeCheck → |
| Norway | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Portugal | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Romania | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Schengen area | No visa needed · up to 90 daysThe travel document and the residence permit must be issued by the same Schengen country. Then you can travel to other Schengen countries.If you hold: Schengen residence permit | DOFI (Belgium): visa-free travel with Schengen residence permits confirmed by an official source |
| Schengen area | No visa needed · up to 90 daysA refugee or stateless travel document issued by the EU or Schengen country where you live: no visa needed, up to 90 days in any 180 (Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806). Also carry that country's residence permit.Only for documents issued by certain countries (30) | Regulation (EU) 2018/1806: visa-required and visa-exempt countries confirmed by an official source |
| Schengen area | Visa neededRefugees and stateless persons living outside the EU and Schengen need a visa (Article 3(2) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806), even if citizens of your country are visa-exempt. Exceptions: some Schengen countries admit holders of documents issued by visa-exempt countries (e.g. the US, Canada, the UK) visa-free — shown separately per country. | Regulation (EU) 2018/1806: visa-required and visa-exempt countries confirmed by an official source |
| Serbia | Visa neededWith a refugee or stateless travel document you need a Serbian visa obtained in advance (in Paris, at the Serbian embassy). Without it you will be refused at the border, even with a Schengen residence permit or visa. | French Foreign Ministry travel advice: Serbia — entry and stay confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Singapore | Visa neededSingapore ICA: a visa is required when travelling on a refugee travel document or an alien's passport, regardless of nationality. Apply through a local sponsor, an authorised agent or a Singapore embassy. | Singapore ICA: countries whose travel documents require a visa confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Slovakia | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 2 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption.Only for documents issued by: Hong Kong, Macao | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Slovenia | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 32 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by certain countries (32) | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| South Korea | Visa neededKorea's visa exemption and K-ETA depend on holding a visa-exempt country's passport; official pages say nothing about refugee travel documents. A visa from a Korean embassy is usually needed — confirm there. | Korea Ministry of Justice, K-ETA portal: visa-exempt countries and periods of stay secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Spain | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 2 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption.Only for documents issued by: United Arab Emirates, Taiwan | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Sweden | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 1 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Switzerland | No visa needed · up to 90 daysVisa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 with a stateless travel document issued by the country where you legally reside, if it is one of the 2 countries covered by this country's national exemption. The exemption covers entry to this country only, not the whole Schengen area: other Schengen countries need their own visa or exemption. For UK documents: only for UK residents and subject to reciprocity. For Irish documents: if you reside in Ireland.Only for documents issued by: United Kingdom, Ireland | European Commission, Official Journal C 340 of 27.09.2023: national derogations from the visa requirement (table 2.2 — refugees and stateless persons) confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Taiwan | Visa neededTaiwan's visa exemption applies only to formal passports; emergency, temporary and other travel documents are ineligible. Get a visa from a Taiwan representative office. | Taiwan Bureau of Consular Affairs: visa-exempt entry confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| Thailand | E-visa neededThe Thai embassy explicitly excludes refugee documents (Belgian and Luxembourg) from the visa exemption; other countries' documents are most likely treated the same — apply online at thaievisa.go.th. | Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels: visa exemption secondary source · needs confirmationCheck → |
| Türkiye | Visa neededHolders of travel documents (not passports) must obtain a visa in advance from a Turkish mission, whatever the regime for citizens of the country. | Turkish MFA: general information about Turkish visas confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| United Kingdom | Visa neededWith a refugee, stateless or other non-national travel document not issued by the UK, you need a UK visa. | GOV.UK: UK visa requirements for international carriers, updated 3 Aug 2026 confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |
| United States | Visa neededVisa-free travel (ESTA) is only for citizens of programme countries on their national passport. With a refugee or stateless travel document you need a US visa. | US CBP: ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program — passport of a participating country only confirmed by an official sourceCheck → |