Travel passport for foreigners: When it is needed and how to get it

Foreigners who do not have a passport or who are unable to present one for reasons beyond their control often face a problem in Germany: without a valid travel document, neither leaving the country nor legally entering other countries is possible. Naturalization is also often more difficult. In these cases, the immigration authorities can, under certain conditions, issue a so-called travel document for foreigners - a substitute document that serves as a passport ( Section 5 of the Residence Ordinance ). In doing so, the authorities are deeply encroaching on the so-called "passport sovereignty" of the home country. This is a delicate matter under international law - and is therefore handled very restrictively in Germany . There is therefore no entitlement to such a travel document; rather, it is a very limited exception.

When will there be a travel passport for foreigners?

The Residence Act ( Section 3 of the Residence Act ) stipulates that foreign nationals must generally have a valid passport or passport substitute. If they are unable to present one, for example because their home country refuses to issue one, the immigration authorities can, under certain circumstances, issue a travel document for foreign nationals. However, this only applies if the person concerned can prove that they have done everything reasonable to obtain a passport from their home country – and have objectively failed to do so. The issuance does not happen automatically, but rather after careful examination of each individual case. In practice, such a travel document is often only issued for absolutely necessary trips or for leaving the country. For many third-country nationals, access to a travel document for foreign nationals remains difficult.

What do you have to consider?

A travel document for foreign nationals is not a full replacement for a passport. Many countries do not recognize it or only recognize it to a limited extent, especially when it comes to visa-free travel or the issuance of a national visa . The same applies in Germany: While a travel document generally allows return to Germany, it does not necessarily facilitate entry into other countries. Anyone wishing to apply for such a document should therefore seek legal advice.

EU citizens generally do not require a travel document. An identity card, which is recognized in Germany as a passport substitute, is sufficient for them. Third-country nationals, however, must strictly adhere to the requirements of the Schengen border controls when traveling within Europe – especially since the reintroduction of internal border controls in 2015 .

Conclusion Travel passport for foreigners

The travel document for foreign nationals is a legal fallback instrument for cases of exceptional hardship – not a substitute for the absence of a passport requirement. It can only be issued if all reasonable efforts to obtain a passport have demonstrably failed. In practice, access remains severely restricted, particularly for third-country nationals. Anyone wishing to apply for such a passport replacement should seek information and legal advice early on – also because a travel document is often not recognized outside of Germany and therefore has only limited use as a travel document.