Posted on 19 September 2016

Are you planning a trip overseas with a child who has a surname different to your own?

Doing so can be problematic if you aren't prepared. If you are not the child's parent, or if you are but you have a different last name, you may need to present certain documents in order to leave the country.

The UK Border Agency carries out certain checks to prevent children from being abducted.

Border Agency staff may wish to establish the precise relationship between you and the child by asking a few questions. Having any explanatory documents to hand which can prove your relationship is not mandatory but could certainly speed up the process.

These documents might include:

• A copy of a birth/adoption certificate detailing your relationship with the child
• Divorce/marriage certificates if you are the mother or father but have a different surname
• A letter from the child's parent(s) giving consent for them to travel. This may be of help even if you have the same surname – e.g. if you are the grandparent.

A letter of authority or consent is no guarantee that a child will be allowed to travel abroad. Each country has different rules governing children travelling abroad with people who have different surnames.

The Home Office provides a template for the letter of consent, which can be downloaded here.

This letter could also be useful if the child requires medical attention while overseas and you have a different surname or are not the child's parent.

Visiting the USA?

The United States has strict rules on children travelling with adults who are not the child's parent, or who has a different surname. Even the absence of one parent could cause a problem. A letter of consent is not mandatory, but the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) website "strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child travelling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating: ‘I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is travelling out of the country with my son/daughter. He/She/They has my permission to do so'.”

Person with parental responsibility cannot be reached?

In this case, permission to travel must be granted by a court. Learn more about this topic on the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

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