Travelling abroad

This section tells you whether you can travel abroad while you have permission to be in the UK. It also explains how you may be able to travel abroad if you cannot use a passport issued by your own country.

Do I have the right to travel abroad?

Our immigration officers at ports and airports decide whether to allow arrivals at the UK border through immigration control, on a case-by-case basis.

If you have temporary permission to stay in the UK (known as 'limited leave to remain'), you are free to travel abroad and return here. When you return, you must be able to show the immigration officer at the port or airport:

• a valid visa allowing you entry to the UK; and
• evidence that you are re-entering for the same purpose as is stated on your visa.

(If you have settled in the UK, you are free to travel abroad and return here, provided you can show the immigration officer evidence in your passport or travel document that you have permanent residence - known as 'indefinite leave to remain' - in this country.)

Before you travel abroad, you should contact the embassy of the country you want to visit, to check whether a person with your immigration status will be allowed to enter that country.

Can I travel without a passport from my own country?

If you need to travel outside the UK but you cannot use a passport issued by your own country, you may be able to obtain a Home Office travel document which will give you permission to travel. For more information, see the Travel documents section.