Children travelling to the UK (accessible)
Updated 9 August 2023
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Border Force has 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 potentially 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 to establish your relationship with the child. We will always do this as quickly as possible and in a way which is sensitive to the interests of the child and the adult involved.
We hope you appreciate the importance of the additional checks we carry out for children travelling into the UK and understand the reasons for them should you feel you have been unduly delayed.
We do not wish to delay your journey any longer than necessary. It may help you next time you travel if you could 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/marriage certificates if you are the parent but have a different surname to the child
- a letter from the child’s parent/s giving authority for the child to travel with you and providing contact details if you are not the parent
Border Force officers will seek to establish the relationship between children and the adults who are accompanying them or who are meeting them on arrival in the UK, before allowing them to leave the UK border.
For further information on section 55, please visit the GOV.UK website.