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Relationships

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Original poster

Can I take my DC abroad on my own?

12 replies

BettyFrillyKnickers · 17/08/2017 20:16

Just need a quick answer. Still married but H and I are separated. DC going on hols with me. H fine with it but obv not coming himself. Will I need his written permission at the airport to leave with DC? I only just thought of this. Will border control stop me taking them? Questions asked ?

I don't want to be held up and then they have to try and contact him.

OP posts:

user1499333856 · 17/08/2017 20:30

Do you have the same surname? If not, take the child's birth certificate with you. I recall this is what I had to do before I married DH and would travel with DD.

IamAporcupine · 17/08/2017 20:32

I take my DS with me (and without his dad) very often.
You do not need a written permission, but do take his birth certificate with you.

dementedpixie · 17/08/2017 20:35

Strictly speaking you should have written permission but not everyone gets asked for it.

Original poster

BettyFrillyKnickers · 17/08/2017 20:45

Yes we have the same surname.

What does the birth certificate even prove?

I was slightly worried because also DC don't look like the passport photos! 4 years ago and children change so much from baby pics.

OP posts:

histinyhandsarefrozen · 17/08/2017 20:47

I used to without birth certificate/written letter and different surnames. Only once dc was asked who's this: he said my mum. It was fine. Nowadays I'd probably have something on me, just in case.

Original poster

BettyFrillyKnickers · 17/08/2017 20:50

I'll tuck the BC into their passports. Too much faff asking H for a letter and something for him to start being difficult about, just to mess with me.

OP posts:

user1499333856 · 17/08/2017 20:52

The birth certificate states you are their mother. Passports used to be like this, with dependents listed on the parent's passport rather than children having their own.

Mossend · 17/08/2017 20:57

I've recently got back from Barcelona and there was no issues until we got back to uk and the woman at passport control obviously realised my dc's had a different name, all she did, very nicely, was ask my DD who she had been on holiday with and when dd said her mum and brother she was happy to let us through with no issues.

Original poster

BettyFrillyKnickers · 17/08/2017 21:25

Thanks All!

OP posts:

dementedpixie · 17/08/2017 21:27

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

tribpot · 17/08/2017 21:27

I've been asked for the birth certificate on several occasions - I always carry a letter of permission but have never been asked for it. The birth certificate 'proves' that someone with the same name and date of birth as in your passport (thus very likely to be you) is the mother of the child.

Last time we came back, ds was old enough to go through the automatic passport gates that you can use with a chipped passport. Very pleasant to stroll through without being quizzed about my relationship with him!

StrongerThanIThought76 · 17/08/2017 21:51

Legally you need written permission from everyone with parental responsibility or a residency order stating in your favour.

I have a residency order (after ex went apeshit and refused to allow me to take the kids to Spain for a week and I took him to court) but have never been asked for anything other than passports when travelling abroad with my kids. I've just reverted back to my maiden name so it might be different next time.

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