Key Considerations to note before your child travels abroad alone

This blog aims to provide you with key considerations for you to think about before your child travels abroad alone.

Travelling abroad with your child when a Child Arrangement Order is in place 

You can take your child abroad for 28 days, removing them from England and Wales without seeking permission from those who have parental responsibility, if you have a Child Arrangements Order, that states your child lives with you, unless the order expressly states you cannot take the child abroad. It is best practice to notify all those with parental responsibly of any intended holiday plans in case of an emergency. 

Travelling abroad when a Special Guardian Order (SGO) is in place 

If there is a SGO in place, the Special Guardian may remove the child from England and Wales, for a period of up to three months without having to obtain permission of anyone else that holds parental responsibility.  

Children travelling alone 

The Foreign and Commonwealth office have published detailed guidance on children travelling abroad without an adult, it notes the child will be referred to as an “unaccompanied minor”. You should always provide your child and the airline with detailed information on who will be collecting them on arrival and where they will be staying, details of any medications your child requires or allergies they may have, and details of those with parental responsibility. 

It is important to note that each airline has their own rules and procedures in relation to unaccompanied minors. You should always make yourself aware of the rules and procedures of the airline your child will be flying with before arriving at the airport, as it is likely there will be additional requirements depending on the destination your child will be flying to and some airlines require you to complete additional documentation before travel. If in doubt you should contact the airline. 

The guidance details that if your child is aged between 5-12 years old, they are able to fly alone and they must be escorted to the plane by a member of staff or an adult with parental responsibility. The child will be taken care of on the flight by the onboard crew. On arrival the child will then be escorted back to a parent or known adult collecting the child from the airport, where the collecting adult’s ID and documentation will be thoroughly checked. 

Important considerations: 

• Research the airline thoroughly for their own guidelines, rules and procedures.
• Check the government website for detailed advice on travelling abroad; .
• Inform the airline of any allergies or medication your child will need (usage/ other considerations).
• Check the embassy of the destination country for any restrictions, rules and procedures.
• Ensure you have provided your child with, details of the adults collecting them with emergency telephone numbers and details of those with parental responsibility.
• Supply the airline with details of the adults collecting them with emergency telephone numbers and details of those with parental responsibility.
• Ensure your child carries with them a copy of their parents passport with contact information and details of any accompanying adults.