Publication date: 21 November 2025

This ad hoc query maps the legislation and current practices in EU Member States regarding the use of the European travel document for the return of irregularly staying third-country nationals (TCNs). It provides an overview of whether the document is used in practice, which third countries accept it, whether established operational procedures exist, and to what extent the document is recognised for transit purposes.
Main theme: Return & Readmission
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: European travel document, use, acceptance