Does a child need written consent to travel without parents?

Question

My daughter is travelling abroad this summer with her grandma for a couple of weeks. Do we as parents need to provide any form of written consent? It's just that I heard a story the other day that ended with a family friend being held at UK passport control because one of the children he was travelling with was a friend of his son's. As they had no letter of consent from the boy's parents, they were held until the matter was fully investigated, which took a lot of phone calls and an awful lot of time.

Can you tell me if this is a legal requirement?

Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

It would be better to have something in writing to say grandmother is acting  'In loco parentis'  So in an emergency she can give permission if anything has to be done, or one of the kids needed medical treatment.

Answer 2

nope.

just you have to either be with an adult or have the consent of an adult or have an airline guide, but if she's with her grandma you need none of the previous

Answer 3

Its best to have one just in case. I always took a letter with me when I took my foster children on holiday. I was never asked any questions and no one ever asked to see it. Its better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 4

It depends on the age of the child but yes it usually works that way, I'd write a consenting letter anyway, even if it turns out not to be needed atleast they'll have it just incase.

Answer 5

yes. but she cant travel alone if shes under 14

Answer 6

It depends on the age of your daughter and the airline she is travelling with.

A number of airlines do have an unaccompanied minor policy, by which children can travel alone on aeroplanes under the eye of cabin staff. Once she reaches the airport she will be shown through security and immigration on both sides by a member of staff, but I imagine the airport will charge for these services.

With British Airways, I believe that if a child is below the age of 12 and isn't accompanied by anyone 16 or over then the airline must be informed. However these services and regulations may differ between different airlines, so to save yourself hassle later I would call them up and check.

Answer 7

yes i think so under a certain age

Answer 8

You should really find out from the airline your daughter will be flying with, they should know what you need to do as different airlines have different rules.

Hope that helps.

Answer 9

yes. under 18 i think