Practical tips for travelling abroad after separation

To try and avoid any difficulties it is recommended that you take the following documents with you:

• court order (if any)
• a letter signed by the other parent consenting to the child travelling overseas (or by both parents if the child is travelling with a non-parent, such as grandparents). The letter should include important details about the travel being undertaken such as dates of travel, countries being visited, who the child is travelling with and the non-travelling parent’s contact details
• copy of the child’s birth certificate; and
• marriage certificate or final divorce order (formerly known as decree absolute) if you have a different surname to your child

Other countries (and airlines) may also have specific requirements for entry/departure.  It is therefore crucial that you are aware of these to ensure you do not run into any difficulties prior to departure, or on your return journey home.  You should check the requirements with the embassy or consulate of the relevant country.  Examples of documents (in addition to the child’s passport and any relevant court order) which you may be asked to provide include: 

A letter of consent is required, preferably in English and notarised, from the non-travelling parent or signed by both parents.  

Copies of the legal custody documents and a letter of authorisation signed by the non-travelling parent (and with that parent’s address and telephone number and a photocopy of their signed passport or national identity card). 

Documentary evidence of the relationship between the child and parent (or other adult travelling), for example birth certificate, guardianship papers or consent letters.

The above is current at the time of publication and is not an exhaustive list.  Where one parent has sole parental responsibility or ‘custody’ then further documents may be required.  It does not take into account any vaccination requirements, including in relation to rules concerning Covid-19 vaccination status. If you have any questions or concerns then you should obtain legal advice well in advance of any intended travel dates.