The little-known passport rules every parent should know when traveling with children

With school summer break almost upon us, parents are being warned about a little-known passport rule that could hinder their much-needed getaway.

While planning a family vacation can be stressful, there can be nothing worse than not being able to travel because you’ve overlooked a piece of vital documentation.

The rule applies to people traveling with children who don’t have the same surname as their parents – which could lead a border officer to question whether the young person is really theirs.

In the worst case, the holiday must be postponed if the parents cannot provide proof.

And while proof is only requested in some cases, parents may be asked to provide documents such as birth certificates to prove the relationship is genuine.

The strict rules are about protecting young people against child trafficking and child abduction.

Although common, two passports of people from the same family with different surnames can raise concerns at border control under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

The law specifically requires the Home Office to carry out its existing functions in a manner that takes into account the need to protect and promote the welfare of children in the UK.

So if you are traveling with children and you are on the birth certificate, take it with you – if only as a precaution.

If you cannot find the birth certificate, you can order a new one from the government website.

In addition to proving your relationship with your child, if you’re divorced, you’ll also need to prove you have permission to bring the kids – a signed letter stating you have permission from the other parent is a good idea.

In the meantime, if you have a child arrangement that states that your children live with you, you may go abroad with the children for a maximum of 28 days without asking permission from the other parent.

There is a valid reason for this tight passport rule and regulation, but it causes delays and stress for parents (File image)

However, you should always bring a copy of the order with you.

And you may be thinking why having a different surname than your child would ever cause problems for border control.

But the answer is very simple.

Everything revolves around the protection of minors against child trafficking and child abduction.

Although common, two passports of people from the same family with different surnames raise concerns at border control under section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009.

It specifically requires the Home Office to carry out its existing functions in a manner that takes into account the need to protect and promote the welfare of children in the UK.