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Consent Letter to Travel to United Kingdom With a Child
The short answer: There is no legal requirement, but a letter is recommended. With one parent, the State Department recommends a notarized consent letter from the absent parent, or proof of sole custody. With a grandparent, relative or friend, Border Force suggests carrying a letter from the parents, their contact details and a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child.
At a glance: with one parent, recommended. With a grandparent, relative or friend, recommended.
Traveling to United Kingdom with one parent
No legal requirement. Border Force may ask questions to confirm your relationship and suggests carrying evidence of it, such as a birth certificate. The State Department recommends a notarized consent letter from the absent parent, or proof of sole custody.
If your surname is different from your child's, Border Force suggests bringing a marriage or divorce certificate.
Traveling to United Kingdom with a grandparent, aunt, uncle or friend
No legal requirement, but Border Force may ask an adult who is not the child's parent a few questions. It suggests carrying a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child, a letter from the child's parent or parents giving authority for the child to travel with you, and their contact details.
Does it need to be notarized?
The UK does not require it. The State Department recommends a notarized letter from the absent parent when one parent travels.
What to carry to United Kingdom
- each child's passport and a copy of their birth certificate
- the original consent letter, signed by the parent or parents who are not traveling, and a spare
- copies of each signer's signed passport or ID, attached to the letter
- the parents' phone numbers saved in your phone
Sources: GOV.UK: children travelling to the UK · US State Department: United Kingdom
Common questions
- Do I need a consent letter to take my child to United Kingdom?
- No legal requirement. Border Force may ask questions to confirm your relationship and suggests carrying evidence of it, such as a birth certificate. The State Department recommends a notarized consent letter from the absent parent, or proof of sole custody.
- What does a grandparent or aunt need to travel to United Kingdom with a child?
- No legal requirement, but Border Force may ask an adult who is not the child's parent a few questions. It suggests carrying a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child, a letter from the child's parent or parents giving authority for the child to travel with you, and their contact details.
- Does the letter for United Kingdom need to be notarized?
- The UK does not require it. The State Department recommends a notarized letter from the absent parent when one parent travels.
Want the letters ready to fill in? The Child Travel Consent Kit has Letter A for one parent traveling, Letter B for a grandparent, relative or friend, a notarization checklist and notes for ten destinations. Get the kit for $14.
Related guides
- Do You Need a Consent Letter to Travel With a Child?
- Does a Child Travel Consent Letter Need to Be Notarized?
- Traveling Abroad With Your Grandchildren: The Letter You Need
- Different Last Name Than Your Child? What to Bring to the Airport
- Consent Letter to Travel to France With a Child
This guide explains what official sources say. It is not legal advice, and border officers apply the rules on the day. Check the linked source and your airline's own rules before you fly, and talk to a family law attorney if there is a custody order or a dispute.