Travelling with a child who has a different surname

GOV.UK says it helps to carry evidence of your relationship with your child, such as a birth or adoption certificate, and a divorce or marriage certificate if your family name is different from your child’s. A small folder of documents that joins the dots gets you through quickly. GOV.UK: taking your child abroad

Keep the folder with the passports. Officers sometimes ask the child a simple question, such as who you are, so it helps to mention it to them beforehand.

You need the permission of everyone with parental responsibility to take a child abroad, or a court’s permission. GOV.UK is blunt about it: taking a child abroad without permission is child abduction. GOV.UK: taking your child abroad

There’s one exception. If a child arrangements order says your child lives with you, you can take them abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent’s permission, unless a court order says you can’t. The rule comes from section 13 of the Children Act 1989. Children Act 1989, section 13

• Book in the passport name. Tickets must match the passport your child travels on, even if their name has changed since it was issued.
• A new passport for a new name. Applying in your child’s new name needs the deed poll and the consent of everyone with parental responsibility, so leave time before you travel.
• Your own passport. If you’ve changed your name but not your passport yet, travel in the name on it and carry the document that links the two. Our guide to changing your name before going abroad covers the timing.