Child passports and other travel documents
Does my child need a passport?
Yes. Everyone travelling needs a passport, even very young babies. Getting a passport can take a while, so make sure to apply for one in plenty of time
If your child already has a passport, check to make sure it’s still valid before your trip. If it’s expired or close to expiring it, you’ll need to renew it before travelling.
You can apply for your child’s first passport or renew an old one on the government website. Or, you can use the Check & Send service at your local Post Office branch. They’ll help you complete a digital or paper application and send it off for you.
Do I need any other documents to travel with my child?
If you’re travelling with your child, you always need their passport. If both parents are travelling, you typically won’t need any extra documents.
But if you’re travelling alone with the child or in specific situations, you may need extra documents to show you have the right to take the child abroad.
You might need extra documents if:
- You’re travelling with grandchildren or a child who isn’t your own
- You’re travelling as a single parent without the other parent
- Your surname is different from the child’s
Documents you might need:
- A letter of consent from the other parent or anyone else with parental responsibility. The letter should also include their contact details and details about the trip
- Proof of your relationship with the child, such as a birth or adoption certificate
- A divorce or marriage certificate, if you’re a single parent or your family name is different from the child’s
- A court order, if you can’t get the other parent’s permission
You can find more information on the GOV.UK website.