Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Child travelling with one parent

7 replies

MabelsBeats · 05/10/2024 08:12

DD and I are going on holiday overseas at half term, but DH (her dad) is not coming. Do I need a letter or a special permission from him, for her to travel just with me?

And if so, if anyone knows exactly what the requirements are, I’d be very grateful!

OP posts:
Soitis83 · 05/10/2024 08:12

No, not at all.

Kioki · 05/10/2024 08:14

No just go have fun.

I've taken my kids on loads of holidays without their dad without a letter.

TickingAlongNicely · 05/10/2024 08:17

Its rare, but sometimes they do ask. I've been asked twice over multiple trips alone with them (once where our names didn't match, and once where they did). I just had a letter with his passport number and telephone number saying he was aware of the trip. Grandparents took similar when they took them on the plane without us.

That was about twice in 20 flights, both into the UK on UK passports incidentally!

writingandspelling · 05/10/2024 08:18

It's hardly ever required in practice, but yes you should take a letter of consent from the other parent. I've travelled solo with my DD a lot (as has my DH) but only been asked for it once (in The Hague where I suppose they are extra hot on these things)
https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

Get permission to take a child abroad

Permission from parents and courts to take a child on holiday abroad and avoid abduction

https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

NorthFaceofthelaundrypile · 05/10/2024 08:23

We’ve both taken DS away on several solo trips and never a problem, even when he was little.
You might find that immigration will often speak to your DC, ask where they’ve been, who they’re with. They do it in a non-intimidating way, such that your child won’t realise there is a purpose to the questions beyond some friendly curiosity.

Daffyyellow · 05/10/2024 08:24

Officially I think you need a letter of consent. A copy of his passport and the child’s birth certificate could also be very useful if asked.

However in 17 years of regular travelling as a single parent I have never been challenged, so I think it’s highly unlikely you’ll be asked, though destination will also have an impact on the chances of being challenged.

Countrylife2002 · 06/10/2024 14:01

Single parent here. I’ve only been asked once, in Paris of all places when dd was 15! The border official advised I carry a copy of her birth certificate in her passport.

neither of us are in touch with her father.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread