Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy the break away from the norm. That said, getting holiday ready can often be stressful with packing, passports, and other preparations. If you and your child have a different surname and are travelling abroad this is another factor you need to consider. Read our Q&A with Abbie Tottle from the JMW family team to make sure you’ve got this covered.

Can I travel abroad with my child if we have different surnames?

Yes, you can take your child abroad with you if they do not have your surname. However, in most cases, you will need the consent of every other person who has parental responsibility for your child.

Even where you have that permission, it’s possible that airline check-in staff and border control officers will ask you to confirm your relationship with your child. In doing this, they may ask you and your child some questions and will likely want to see some documentation which outlines why you have different surnames.

What documents should I take with me?

Carry the physical and original copy of your child’s birth certificate. A clear photograph of the birth certificate (showing all four corners and with legible writing) may also suffice.

Obtain a signed and dated letter from your child’s other parent and/or anyone else with parental responsibility consenting to you taking your child abroad. The letter only needs to be short and should include the following details:

• Contact details of the parent/persons consenting to the trip i.e. full name and telephone number.
• Travel details such as dates, flight number/times and destinations.
• For best practice, the letter could also be witnessed by an independent person (i.e. not another family member but instead a work colleague, a neighbour, or a solicitor).

Any other legal documents that confirm the reason for the difference in surname such as: -

• Marriage Certificate
• Final Divorce Order (previously known as Decree Absolute)
• Adoption Certificate

Is there anything else I need to do?

I’d suggest you double check the airline you are flying with, the destination country you are visiting and any transit countries during layovers as they may have other requirements or specific documents they need to see.

Dependent on your child’s age and their understanding, I would also explain to them that they may get asked some questions at the airport and that there is nothing to be scared of.

Once the formalities are out of the way, all that’s left is to enjoy your holiday and your special time together!