Travel document 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, they can neither leave the country nor legally enter other countries. 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 a travel document be available for foreigners?

The Residence Act ( Section 3 AufenthG ) 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 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 Schengen border controls when traveling within Europe— especially since the reintroduction of internal border controls in 2015 .

Conclusion Travel document for foreigners

The travel document for foreign nationals is a legal fallback instrument for cases of particular 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 obtain 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.