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© 2026 Visa AtlasReviewed continuously. Last sweep: 26 July 2026
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Humanitarian protection — asylum and refugee routes

Humanitarian routes grant residence on the basis of protection needs, not economic factors. This site does not provide legal advice on humanitarian claims — consult a regulated lawyer or UNHCR-recognised organisation.

Typical characteristics

  • Grounded in the 1951 Refugee Convention or national protection statutes.
  • Typically requires applicant to be physically in the destination or at its frontier.
  • Different rules for temporary protection vs. refugee status vs. subsidiary protection.
  • Always seek regulated legal representation.

What humanitarian visa routes does Visa Atlas cover?

Visa Atlas covers 11 humanitarian routes across 11 destinations. Protection routes for refugees, those fleeing persecution, or in need of humanitarian residence.

Verified against UK Home Office on 27 June 2026.

🇬🇧United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland(1 route)

  • Refugee Sponsorship Route (announced)

    Announced UK safe-and-legal refugee sponsorship route, expected to let approved community groups, universities and later employers sponsor eligible refugees.

🇺🇦Ukraine(1 route)

  • Refugee Status or Subsidiary Protection

    Protection route for people seeking refugee status or subsidiary protection on Ukrainian territory.

🇲🇿Republic of Mozambique(1 route)

  • Humanitarian Assistance Visa

    Multiple-entry visa for invited non-profit humanitarian work during declared emergencies or public calamity contexts.

🇩🇿People's Democratic Republic of Algeria(1 route)

  • Medical Visa

    Medical-treatment visa for applicants travelling to Algeria for healthcare or treatment.

🇧🇴Plurinational State of Bolivia(1 route)

  • Temporary Humanitarian Residence (Permanencia Temporal)

    Exceptional temporary permanence for protection, trafficking, medical-accompaniment and certain post-release situations in Bolivia.

🇦🇴Republic of Angola(1 route)

  • Medical Treatment Visa

    Angola medical-treatment visa category for treatment-related stays, with official fee and SME portal references.

🇨🇲Republic of Cameroon(1 route)

  • Refugee Card

    Cameroon's refugee identity card for foreign nationals who benefit from asylum, valid for two years and exempt from stamp duty.

🇭🇳Republic of Honduras(1 route)

  • Special Permanence Permit for Humanitarian Reasons

    Honduras humanitarian Special Permanence Permit for foreign nationals with a responsible person supporting their stay and departure.

🇹🇱Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste(1 route)

  • Asylum

    Timor-Leste asylum protection route under the Migration and Asylum Law.

🇵🇸State of Palestine(1 route)

  • West Bank Volunteer Permit

    West Bank volunteer permission route for foreign nationals supporting an organisation under the current official procedure.

🇳🇷Republic of Nauru(1 route)

  • Temporary Settlement Visa

    Nauru temporary settlement visa framework linked to refugee recognition, derivative status or complementary protection.

Frequently asked questions

How many humanitarian visa routes are there across these destinations?+−

We cover 11 humanitarian routes across 11 of our 233 destinations. Protection routes for refugees, those fleeing persecution, or in need of humanitarian residence.

Which countries offer humanitarian visas?+−

Among our destinations, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, Republic of Mozambique, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Republic of Angola, Republic of Cameroon, Republic of Honduras, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, State of Palestine, Republic of Nauru have humanitarian routes. Open any country group above for its specific routes and official sources.

This is not legal advice

We publish neutral, sourced information about immigration routes. Rules and thresholds change often — always verify details on the official government source linked on this page and consult a regulated immigration advisor before applying.