Refugee Travel Documents in 2026: Who Can Apply, Rules, and Fees

Refugees and protected persons in Canada who cannot use their national passport can apply for a refugee travel document. This resource explains who qualifies, what types of travel documents exist, the rules for using them, and the current fee structure.

This resource explains the Canadian refugee travel document system — including the Convention Travel Document (CTD) for protected persons, the Refugee Travel Document for those who cannot use their national passport, and the Certificate of Identity for non-convention cases. It covers eligibility, application requirements, travel restrictions (particularly the prohibition on returning to the country of persecution), fee waivers, and current processing timelines.

Many Afghans and other refugees in Canada cannot safely use their Afghan passport — obtaining one requires contact with the Taliban-controlled Afghan embassy, which may expose them to risk or constitute a de facto return to the authority they fled. A Canadian refugee travel document allows international travel without using the national passport. However, using it comes with strict rules — including a prohibition on traveling to the country in respect of which protection was granted. Understanding these rules is essential before making any travel plans.

• The Convention Travel Document (CTD) is available to protected persons who are Convention refugees — it is recognized by countries that have signed the 1951 Refugee Convention
• The Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is available to persons in similar circumstances who cannot use a CTD — it has more limited international recognition
• A Certificate of Identity may be issued to permanent residents who cannot obtain a national passport for reasons unrelated to refugee protection
• Critically: using a refugee travel document to return to the country in respect of which you received protection may be considered re-availment of national protection and could jeopardize your refugee status and PR application
• Afghans who receive protection in Canada based on Afghan persecution should not travel to Afghanistan using any travel document — including a Canadian refugee travel document