Travelling with children

This page explains why we may ask you questions when you arrive at the UK border with children. It includes information to help you plan ahead when you travel with children, to avoid being delayed.

We have a duty under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. We take this duty very seriously and work to protect vulnerable children and those who may be trafficked.

If you are travelling with a child (under 18) and are not the child's parent, or may appear not to be the parent (for example, if you have a different family name), we may ask you a few questions about your relationship with the child. Before we allow children to leave the UK border, we want to find out their relationship with the adults who are travelling with them or meeting them on arrival. We will always do this as quickly and sensitively as possible. We do not want to delay your journey any longer than necessary.

These checks do not affect the right to freedom of movement for UK and other EEA citizens.

What you can do

It will help if you carry evidence of your relationship with the child and/or the reason why you are travelling with the child. This evidence could include copies of:

• a birth or adoption certificate showing your relationship with the child;
• divorce or marriage certificates if you are the parent but your family name is different from the child's; or
• if you are not the parent, a letter from the child's parent or parents giving authority for the child to travel with you and their contact details.