NEW ADVICE - Children travelling to the UK

The UK Border Agency has a duty under Section 55 of the Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009 to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. They take this duty very seriously and work to protect vulnerable children and those who potentially may be trafficked.

If you are travelling with a child (under 18) and are not the child's parent, or appear not to be the parent (for example, if you have a different family name), you may be asked a few questions to establish your relationship with the child. This will always be done as quickly as possible and in a way which is sensitive to the interests of the child and the adult involved.

It is not the intention 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 provide contact details if you are not the parent.

UK Border Agency 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. Performing these checks does not affect the right to freedom of movement for UK and other EEA citizens.