Apply for a travel document as a passport replacement

In the event of an emergency, you can be issued with an emergency travel document by the border authorities (Federal Police) before you travel, provided that you are a national of Germany or another EU Member State or have a secure residence status.

With an emergency travel document (travel document in lieu of a passport or emergency travel ID), you can leave and then return to Germany. In principle, it is only valid for the duration of the trip, but in any case not for more than 3 months (travel document in lieu of a passport) or 1 month (emergency travel ID). It is thus not a full substitute for a passport. A temporary passport may also be issued at short notice, at least on weekdays, by the relevant passport authorities.

Other countries are not obliged to accept an emergency travel document as a fully-operational travel document. Airlines may also refuse to carry passengers with an emergency travel document.

On the website of the Federal Police, there is a List of countries that fully recognise the travel document in lieu of a passport or the emergency travel ID, or recognise these documents in conjunction with photographic ID that has expired (for example, a passport or identity card). Please note, however, that the border authorities in other countries can change this practice at any time and at short notice.

There is no legal entitlement to the issue of a travel document in lieu of a passport or an emergency travel ID.

Bundespolizeipräsidium
Heinrich-Mann-Allee 103
14473 Potsdam

Tel. +49 331979970
Email: bpolp@polizei.bund.de

Please contact the relevant border authority.

Federal Police 24-hour hotline:
Tel. +49 8006888000

• Forms: N/A
• Can I apply online? Yes
• Do I need to do it in writing? Yes
• Do I need to attend in person? Yes

• It must be possible to establish the identity and German nationality or EU citizenship or the secure residence status of the person travelling.
• There are no 
  • security concerns;
  • grounds for a ban on leaving the country; or
  • grounds for refusing to issue a passport;

and non-recognition by the country of destination is not known.

• For minors, the consent of the legal representatives must be available.

• Contradiction

You must apply for an emergency travel document in person directly to the border authority (for example, to the Federal Police at the airport).

• If you wish to receive your emergency travel document more quickly, you can transmit your personal and travel details electronically, in advance, to the relevant border authority. Usually they will then contact you.
• You can also find more information on how to apply for a travel document in lieu of a passport on the Federal Police 24-hour hotline: +49 8006888000.

On the website of the Federal Police you will find a list of countries that recognize the travel document as a passport substitute without restriction or in conjunction with an expired photo ID (e.g. passport or identity card). Please note, however, that foreign border authorities may change this practice at short notice.