Summer Travel Alert: Key Document Now Required for Brits Traveling with Children Abroad

Britons have been issued an important warning about vital documents they need if they are planning to travel overseas with their children in summer. British parents with trips planned in abroad over the school break have been told that they should not forget the document. And legal experts are cautioning families not to go on vacation without leaving important documents that could cause travel delays or, in some cases their travelling might get cancelled.

The latter becomes even more important when a child is traveling with a relative, like a grandparent or friend of the family, as the letter indicates who has approved of the trip and that the child is traveling by legal means. Without that letter of consent, families could be denied entry at their country, or prevented from getting on the plane.Why the Letter of Consent MattersA letter of consent is a crucial legal necessity while traveling internationally. This document serves as a requirement before entering some laws that seek to avoid the abduction of children or that they are taken out of the country without the permission of both parents or guardians.

Letter of Parental Consent: If the child will be travelling alone with one parent or a guardian who is not a parent, this letter should be signed by the other parent, if possible notarized.

Visas or Travel Authorizations: Certain destinations may require children to have their own visas or travel authorizations. Double-check the requirements of the end destination ahead of time so you don't run into any sudden surprises at the last minute.

When a parentage dispute is likely for your child, keeping with you a birth certificate may come in handy and assist in clearing any confusion regarding parental rights and relationships.

Airline officials can deny boarding to unaccompanied children for failure to confirm parental consent, thereby wasting travel arrangements and costing you non-reimbursable tickets.

A few nations have very strict border policies demanding a parents consent letter when entering or leaving the country. Lack of appropriate documentation may result in border agents refusing entry to the child or parent.

Parents should also consult with the consulate or embassy of the destination country for any additional entry requirements. The UK Passport Office also provides advice for getting or renewing a child passport necessary for travel outside of the UK.

So the takeaway for parents who are thinking of traveling abroad with their kids this summer is to have a letter of consent or whatever documentation they may need. This basic task will keep you from being disturbed unnecessarily and make your holiday experience as calm and hassle-free as you hoped.(Source: Uk Government Website)