Planning a holiday abroad with your child can be exciting, but if you are travelling solo – as a separated parent or guardian – there are some important legal details to keep in mind.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Do I need the other parent’s permission to travel with our child?”
The answer isn’t always simple, especially if you share parental responsibility, have a child arrangement order in place, or live separately from your child’s other parent. In these situations, border authorities may ask you to show that you have permission to take your child abroad – even if there is no official legal dispute between you.
This is where a consent letter comes in.
Why Consent Letters Matter
A consent letter isn’t always legally required in the UK – but having one can prevent a lot of unnecessary stress. Border officials in the UK and abroad are becoming increasingly cautious about child travel, especially when only one parent is present or if the child’s surname doesn’t match the adult they are with.
Without written proof of consent from the other parent, you may face questioning, delays – or in some cases, be refused boarding or entry altogether.
To help make things easier, we have created a simple infographic explaining the essentials of a consent letter – what it is, when you might need one, and what it should include.
How Legal Advice Can Help
At Grayfords, we help families prepare consent letters that are clear, thorough, and legally sound. We will walk you through what needs to be included based on your family’s circumstances, and – if needed – we can advise on additional protections such as child arrangement orders or passport issues.
If you are unsure whether you need a consent letter or want help preparing one, we are here to guide you. International travel with children doesn’t need to be complicated – as long as you have got the right paperwork and trusted advice behind you – call us at 020 7100 6100 for a free initial consultation.