Abroad with kids of different surname

[Beetlewings]

Do I really have to get a letter of permission from their dad?
I've just booked a holiday to France and had a wobble about DDs passport being in her dad's name. I have always kept my original surname but so far having different names on passports hasn't been a problem as he's been present (both kids have his surname) is it likely I'll be asked to provide evidence?

In 13 years of travelling abroad (and I don't share a surname with my DC) - I've never been asked anything at all whatsoever.

Fellow expats have had the same experience

Keep seeing these posts recently. The government website is very clear. You may get stopped you may not it’s up to you to take the risk but yes legally you do need permission and it isn’t about surnames it’s about PR.

Yes I agree and I did check the gov website to see where legally I stand, I am still interested in people's real life experiences at borders, we're driving so I expect it to be a little less kerfuffle than flying

It's never been a problem for me. Once I travelled with my OH, my kids and 2 friends of theirs. I didn't take my husband's name. My kids have their dad's name. That's 6 people travelling under 5 different names. Not one question!

That's fab news!