Minors travelling: documents in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Permission is needed from everyone with parental responsibility, and a letter is usually enough as evidence. Whether a child needs their own passport could not be confirmed from the official pages read.

RuleWhat applies
Child needs own passport or ID cardChild travelling across a border⚠ Not yet verified
Consent when travelling with one parentChild travelling across a borderConsent required (written proof advised) [1]
Consent when travelling without parentsChild travelling across a borderConsent required (written proof advised) [1]
Official consent form or declarationChild travelling across a border⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The official pages read did not state this in one clear rule.
  • Applies to anyone taking a child abroad. A court can give permission if the other people with parental responsibility refuse. The letter may be asked for at a UK or foreign border.
  • Border Force may ask questions to establish the relationship with the child. Suggested evidence is a letter from the parent(s) with contact details.
  • The official pages describe a letter. They do not state whether a prescribed form exists.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK: Get permission to take a child abroad - GOV.UK (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.