Electronic Travel Document for Foreigners, Refugees, and Stateless Persons

The electronic travel document 🆔 was introduced in November 2007 to provide foreigners, refugees, and stateless persons 🌍 with a secure and standardized identification method.
This document serves as official proof of identity 📜 and a travel document ✈️ for individuals without a valid passport from their home country.

📝 Application Process

📍 Since June 29, 2009, the travel document also includes two digital fingerprints ✋ for enhanced security.
📍 The digital photo 📸 serves as the primary visual identifier, similar to a passport or national identity card.

📡 The travel document includes:
✔️ Personal data 🏷️
✔️ Digital photograph 📸
✔️ Two digital fingerprints ✋

These biometric features improve fraud protection 🔐 and facilitate identity verification by authorities 👮‍♂️.

✅ Steps to Acquire

1️⃣ Submit an application at the local foreigners authority 🏢
2️⃣ Complete the application forms 📝
3️⃣ Provide identity & status proof 📜 (e.g., refugee status)
4️⃣ Submit biometric data 📸✋ (photo & possibly fingerprints)
5️⃣ Pay the required fees 💳

📷 Photo Requirements

🔍 General Photo Guidelines

✅ Digital photograph as primary identifier 📸
✅ Likely size: 35x45 mm 📏 (standard for German identity documents)
✅ Full frontal view of the face 👤
✅ Face should occupy 70-80% of the image 📐
✅ Sharp image with good lighting 💡

🚫 Restrictions

⛔ Uniform, light-colored background required ⚪ (likely light grey or white)
⛔ Neutral facial expression 😐 (closed mouth, no smile)
⛔ No head coverings, except for religious reasons 🧕
⛔ Religious head coverings: Face must be visible from chin to forehead
⛔ Eyeglasses not allowed, except for medical reasons 👓
⛔ Medical glasses must not cause reflections

📤 Printing & Submission Guidelines

🖨️ Color photo on high-quality photographic paper 📜 (if printed submission is required)
🔍 High resolution for biometric analysis 📊
✏️ No retouching or digital alterations ❌

ℹ️ Why is the travel document important?

✅ Provides identity security for people without a passport 🛂
✅ Facilitates international travel ✈️
✅ Prevents identity fraud & forgery 🔐
✅ Supports secure & reliable identification 📊

The German government enforces strict biometric security standards 📑 to ensure reliable identification of non-citizens.