B2 Visa Advice - Travelling with UK indefinite leave to remain with Convention 1951 Travel Document

[Igbowifey]

Hi all,

I am new here, this is my first post and I would really like some advice/information in relation to the subject heading on the Refugee Travel Document.

My husband has this status here in the UK, with the 5 years to remain (due to end in the next 1.5 years). In the past, we have travelled to Europe (France and Spain) with this document and his residence permit. As some may be aware, some airlines are not educated on this type of status so boarding the flight for France with Air France took a while but Barcelona with Jet2 was fine.

I am actually here wondering if anyone with the same status in the UK has used this document to travel to and apply for a visa to either:

1. America
2. Canada
3. Italy
4. Any other country which requires a visa

I really wanted to book a trip somewhere special for my husband but looking for experiences of the American embassy actually granting visas for refugees, do they normally accept or decline?

How about Italy?

What airlines have you flown with and have they understood what your document was or did you need to explain it to them?

Has anyone also used this document to board a cruise ship?

Any replies are welcome, Thank you!

[Olax88]

Oh yes, he most definitely can apply to America and any of those other countries on his document. I have applied for a U.S visitor visa and was issued, which was valid for 2 years and actually just renewed another U.S visitor visa again last month for another 2 years. I have also visited Italy but had to apply for a schengen visit visa which was so straightforward if all required documents are submitted to the embassy, via VFS global centre. I do travel away a lot on holiday and usually experience the same delay at the airport both in the UK and abroad sometimes, due to the fact that some airline/Immigration staff are not familiar with how the documents work. But they let you go through once they carry out their quick checks. The only countries that do not accept the travel document at all, are UAE and Qatar as I enquired with the respective embassies directly to confirm.

[Olax88]

I flew Ryanair to Italy from Stansted airport and British airways back to London city airport with a friend on the same document with no issues at all. I have also used the document on a cruise ship from Finland to Sweden hassle free with friends. I reckon it's fine to use on cruises so long as you have a visa(if required by any of the countries you'll be passing through or visiting.

[Igbowifey]

Hello,

I would really like some advice from anyone who has information on this or has experience travelling to the US under the same way. First, my question is related to the idea that covid goes away and the world goes back to normal. We are not applying for visa anytime soon and won't apply/travel unless things are normal again.

My husband has indefinite leave to remain here in the UK after being a refugee with limited leave to remain for 5 years. He is originally from Nigeria but, is technically not classed as a national of that country anymore because of the refugee status he acquired in the UK.

We want to go on holiday to Disney World in Florida in 2022 and he will be travelling with his convention travel document and resident permit. My questions are:

1. How far in advance to apply for the visa before travel ( was anytime but recommended is 6 months before travel).

2. How long will the visa be valid for from the point he is given the visa. Specifically for him travelling with convention travel document i.e. 1 year, 2 years, 10 years.

I was told in some free legal advice that it would be at least a year but I couldn't get advice directly related to his circumstances without paying £500.00 for a proper consultation.

I actually booked the holiday already (only paid deposit) before realising that he won't be allowed on VWP. I can't leave it too soon before the final balance is due/when I can cancel with only losing deposit so we need to apply at least 6 months before travel.

I should also state that my husband does not have any criminal convictions, we both work full time in the UK, we have lived in the same property for 3 years plus and might own our own home or be in the process of buying a home when we apply for the visa, have a car through finance agreement (HP), have strong family connections (I am a British citizen and so will our son - currently pregnant) and can show employment connections and my enrollment in a PhD programme.

If anyone has any experience of this please respond. Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

[vinny]

They advise to apply as early as possible. Visitors visas appointments are not accepted at the moment, except for emergency cases.