Travelling abroad with children

What you need to take a child abroad from the UK: permission, what to carry if your surnames differ, child passport rules, and a free consent letter you can fill in and print. Checked against GOV.UK on 14 October 2026.

Quick answer: you need permission from everyone with parental responsibility for the child (or from a court). A signed letter from the other parent is usually enough. If your surname differs from your child's, carry their birth certificate, and your marriage or divorce certificate if it explains the difference.

Permission to take a child abroad

You need permission from everyone with parental responsibility, or from a court. Taking a child abroad without it can be child abduction.
If a child arrangements order says the child lives with you, you can take them abroad for up to 28 days without permission, unless a court has said otherwise.
GOV.UK says a letter from the person with parental responsibility is usually enough. Include their contact details and details of the trip.
If you can't get permission, you can apply to a court.

What to carry, especially if surnames differ

Border Force has a duty to safeguard children and may ask questions if you're travelling with a child who isn't yours or doesn't seem to be, for example because your surnames differ. It suggests carrying copies of:

the child's birth or adoption certificate
your marriage or divorce certificate, if you're the parent but have a different surname
a letter from the parent(s) with their contact details, if you're not the parent (for example grandparents)

This is advice, not a legal requirement, but it can make border questions much quicker.

Country rules worth knowing

Canada: a child travelling alone or with one parent should carry a consent letter from the parent(s) not travelling. Canada strongly recommends having it notarised, and original signed letters are best.
South Africa: since November 2019, accompanied children with visa-exempt passports (such as British passports) only need a valid passport, but carrying a birth certificate and consent letter is still strongly advised.
Mexico: you may be asked for evidence of your relationship to the child and the reason for travel.
Check the embassy of the country you're visiting: some count anyone under 18 as a child.

Child passports

Child passports (under 16) last 5 years, and time left on an old passport isn't added to the new one. They cost £66.50 online or £80 by post. Many family holidays go wrong because a child's passport has expired, or doesn't have enough time left for the destination, so check every passport in the family before you book.

Free consent letter generator

Fill in what you know and press Create letter. Everything stays on your device: nothing you type is sent to us. Print it and have each parent who isn't travelling sign it in ink.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a consent letter to take my child abroad?

You need permission from everyone with parental responsibility for the child. GOV.UK says a letter from the other parent is usually enough to show you have permission. It isn't a legal form, but it can save time if you're asked questions at the border.

What if my child has a different surname from me?

Border Force suggests carrying a copy of your child's birth or adoption certificate, and your marriage or divorce certificate if it explains the different surname. It's advisory, not compulsory, but it helps.

Does a consent letter need to be signed by a solicitor?

Not for leaving the UK: GOV.UK simply describes a letter. Some countries recommend more; Canada strongly recommends having the letter notarised. Check the embassy of the country you're visiting.

How long is a child passport valid for?

A child passport (under 16) lasts 5 years, and time left on the old one isn't added to the new one. That catches many families out, so check it against your destination's rules.

Official sources

This letter isn't a legal document and doesn't replace a court order. If there's a dispute about travel, get legal advice.