Refugee travel document (RTD) – Refugees and protected persons

Protected persons can use a refugee travel document (RTD), issued by the Passport Program at IRCC, to exit and re-enter Canada. A protected person who does not possess a valid passport or travel document from another country and who intends to travel outside Canada must obtain an RTD before leaving Canada by submitting an Adult Travel Document Application (PPTC 190) (PDF, 1.64 MB) or a Child Travel Document Application (PPTC 192) (PDF, 1.76 MB).

The application must be accompanied by one of the following:

• a Notice of Decision letter from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)
• a Confirmation of Permanent Residence
• a Verification of Status (VOS) Document issued by IRCC

The RTD is valid for travel to all countries except the country of persecution. Travellers must return to Canada prior to the expiry date indicated on the RTD and, at that time, they should have the RTD in their possession.

If a traveller is unable to produce an RTD because it was lost or stolen while they were outside Canada, the officer may issue a temporary resident permit (TRP) to allow re entry into Canada. Prior to issuing a permit, officers should question the applicant regarding the loss or theft of the RTD and be satisfied that the circumstances are genuine.