Notreiseausweis für Ausländer beantragen

§ Section 71 (1) AufenthG in conjunction with Section 13 (3) AufenthV

If you are a foreign national and discover shortly before you leave Germany that your travel documents have expired, you can apply for an emergency travel document under certain conditions.

All foreign nationals must have a recognized 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, an emergency travel document may only be issued to you

• 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 I of Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001,
• Countries listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No. 539/2001

if you can prove that you are entitled to stay in 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 temporary residence permit must 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 the passport. You may use it to leave and then re-enter Germany. Further travel to other countries is not possible. The emergency travel document is valid for the duration of the trip, 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: You can find a list of countries that recognize passport replacement documents issued in Germany on the website of the Federal Police. Please note, however, that foreign border authorities can change this practice at short notice.

You will need the following for the application and collection:

• Proof of your identity and citizenship by:
  • expired passport or temporary passport or
  • expired identity card or temporary identity card
• when applying for a child:
  • expired children's passport or
  • Birth certificate (only when applying for a child)
• Proof of authorization for long-term residence:
  • German residence permit in check card format or
  • Residence permit of another Schengen state in check card format
• Current, biometric photo

Note: If this is not available, a photo will be taken at the authorities.

The requirements for issuing an emergency travel document are:

• Your identity and nationality can be established,
• You can prove that you have no other passport or passport substitute,
• You are a citizen or national of one of the above-mentioned countries
• There are no security concerns, exit bans or reasons for passport refusal
• Avoidance of undue hardship or special public interest
• for minors: Consent of the legal representatives

• EUR 18.00
• for a certificate of authorization to return to the federal territory on the emergency travel document: EUR 1.00

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 data to the relevant office electronically beforehand. 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.

It usually takes around 30 minutes to process the application.

The emergency travel document is valid for the duration of the trip, but for a maximum of one month.

• Issue of emergency travel documents
• entry and exit to Germany is only possible with a valid passport for foreign nationals
• in exceptional cases, an emergency travel document can be applied for and issued by the border authorities directly before departure if
  • the travel document (passport or identity card) is no longer valid and
  • the journey is imminent
• the emergency travel document allows you to leave and re-enter Germany
• Validity: The emergency travel document is issued for the duration of the trip, for a maximum of one month
• Recognition abroad: Other countries and airlines do not have to recognize the emergency travel document
• Information from: Federal Police on the website
• Application via: The application for an emergency travel document can be made in person or online at the relevant border authority.
• Responsible: Local border authority

Please contact the responsible border authority.
24-hour hotline of the Federal Police: 0800 6 888 000

The border authority, for example at the airport.
The immigration authority responsible for your place of residence.

Forms: no
Online procedure possible: yes
Written form required: yes
Personal appearance required: yes