This snapshot, taken on
08/04/2010
, shows web content acquired for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search may not work in archived websites and contact details are likely to be out of date.
 
 
The UK Government Web Archive does not use cookies but some may be left in your browser from archived websites.

Website of the UK government

Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.

Public services all in one place

Main menu

Parents

Parents

Children travelling alone

Is your child ready to go on a long journey alone? While there may be further arrangements that you or your child will want to consider to ensure their safety, here are some of the key issues to think about.

Ferries and trains

Check with individual ferry companies about their policy on children travelling unaccompanied. For information on unaccompanied children travelling on Eurostar visit their website and click on the conditions of carriage link at the bottom of the screen.

Flights

Before booking flights, you should check with the airline what their policy is on children travelling unaccompanied.

Considerations for younger children:

  • write your telephone number, address and the contact details of who the child is meeting
  • give them toys and games to play in their carry-on luggage

For all children:

  • passports for children under 16 are only valid for 5 years, make sure their passport is valid before they travel and that you have obtained any visas necessary for the journey (check with the Embassy of the country to which they are travelling or travelling through)
  • make sure they have a photocopy (or two) of their passport that is kept away from their actual passport — you could keep a copy too that could be faxed anywhere around the world if necessary
  • give your child a copy of their travel arrangements (including return flight details)
  • ensure that your contact details are written in your child's passport
  • ensure they have the name, address and telephone number of the person they are meant to meet at the airport — advise them to go with no one else
  • ensure that your child also has the address of the nearest British Embassy or Consulate in case they need to contact someone urgently
  • give your child some money to phone you if they need to before they leave the airport — make sure they know the country code

Make sure the person collecting your child knows the flight details.

Important

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website is well worth visiting for further details that should be considered before travelling (not every country has this information published on the website).

In this section...

Was this information useful?

Thinking about what you have just read, how useful did you find the information?
Thinking about what you have just read, how useful did you find the information?
500 character limit

Why are we asking for this information?

  • We want to hear what you think about the quality and usefulness of our pages
  • Your comments will help us improve our pages
  • They will also help with the future development of Directgov
  • Telling us what you think will help make sure we give you the very best service

Additional links

Calculate your carbon footprint!

Try the ACT ON CO2 calculator and find out how you can help tackle climate change

Useful contacts

Access keys