Apply for a passport replacement for foreigners (emergency travel document)
All foreign nationals must have a recognised and valid passport or passport substitute.
German passport substitutes may only be issued to non-German nationals in special exceptional cases, as this interferes with the passport sovereignty of another country.
The emergency travel document is such a passport substitute. If you do not have a valid travel document, you may only be issued an emergency travel document,
- to avoid undue hardship
- or if there is a special public interest.
Only nationals of one of the following countries can obtain an emergency travel document:
- EU and EEA states
- Switzerland
- Countries listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806
- if you can prove that you are authorised to stay in Germany, the EU, the other EEA states or Switzerland (and to return there).
There is no entitlement to the issue of an emergency travel document. It is always a case-by-case decision that is only made in exceptional circumstances. Only the formal framework conditions are listed here.
Note: Citizens of other countries who have a residence permit or a residence authorisation can apply for a"travel document for foreigners" at the foreigners authority before starting their journey. German nationals have their own travel document as a substitute for a passport.
The emergency travel document is not a full replacement for a passport. You may use it to leave and then re-enter Germany. Travelling to other countries is not possible. The emergency travel document is valid for the duration of the journey, but for a maximum of one month.
Please note: Other countries are not obliged to accept the emergency travel document as a travel document. Airlines may also refuse to carry an emergency travel document.
Tip: On the website of the Federal Police you will find a list of countries that recognise passport replacement documents issued in Germany. Please note, however, that foreign border authorities may change this practice at short notice.
Responsible department
The border authority, for example at the airport.
The foreigners authority in whose district you usually reside. Depending on where you live, the foreigners authority is the city administration or the district office.
Details
Prerequisite
The requirements for issuing an emergency travel document are
- Your identity and nationality can be established
- You can prove that you do not hold another passport or passport substitute
- You are a citizen or national of one of the above-mentioned countries
- There are no
- Security concerns,
- Exit ban or
- Reasons for a passport ban
- for minors: Consent of the legal representatives
- Avoidance of undue hardship or special public interest
Procedure
You must apply for an emergency travel document in person at the relevant office.
To obtain the emergency travel document more quickly, you can send your personal and travel details to the relevant office electronically in advance. They will then contact you.
Tip: You can also obtain further information on applying for an emergency travel document as a passport replacement by calling the Federal Police's free 24-hour hotline on 0800 6 888 000.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- Proof of identity and nationality, usually by an expired passport or identity card, in exceptional cases also by
- Copies of the expired passport or identity card or
- Your birth certificate in conjunction with an official photo ID (e.g. driving licence)
- if applicable, proof of authorisation to reside in Germany, the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland (and to return there)
- on collection: a current passport photo
Costs
- EUR 18.00
- for a certificate of authorisation to return to the federal territory on the emergency travel document: EUR 1.00
Miscellaneous
none
Legal basis
Aufenthaltsverordnung (AufenthV):
- § 1 AufenthV (Begriffsbestimmungen)
- § 4 AufenthV (Deutsche Passersatzpapiere für Ausländer)
- § 13 AufenthV (Notreiseausweis)
- § 48 AufenthV (Gebühren für pass- und ausweisrechtliche Maßnahmen)
Anhang II der Verordnung (EU) 2018/1806 (gemeinsame Liste der Staaten)
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Justizministerium Baden-Württemberg, 05.08.2024