Taking child out of the country by myself - Rules?

[Baj]

Does anyone know if ports / airports still check/ask parents who are travelling with a child if they have permission from the wife to take the child out of the country.

I know my brother has been stopped twice for the same thing and Ive heard from someone else that its happened to them. Flying next week with my eldest and not sure what the rules are.

[Gemmel]

Never heard of that.

Taken mine out by myself a couple of times and no problem - Flying or ferry.

Could it be linked to a database or passport it parents are no longer together?

[View From The Top]

I've never had a problem taking the nipper overseas by myself.

[smithy]

My Mrs and the little fella have flown without me twice with no questions.

[St Landrew]

My Mrs and the little fella have flown without me twice with no questions.

 

Yeah, but it's Father and Son which raises the attention. Security focus goes this way and that, but two males together does seem to raise the antennae. I'm not sure you'll have problems Baj. If you worry too much about it, it will come through in your body language, and you could get pulled aside for checking.

[Robsk II]

If you look like a paedo...

 

But seriously. I'm sure it'll be fine, provided your documentation is all in order and you're not sporting a crusty mac or sweaty tracksuit avec a charlie chester beard...

[Baj]

Thanks for assurances . I should point out that in all cases ive known of, the parents have been different nationalities, as are me and the wife... maybe thats part of it?

[Draino76]

I have the odd problem; usually as my son does not have the same surname as me. Passport control at Stanstead and Heathrow have basically wanted to establish that I am the father. (Who's your daddy?)

[Dog]

I have the odd problem; usually as my son does not have the same surname as me. Passport control at Stanstead and Heathrow have basically wanted to establish that I am the father. (Who's your daddy?)

 

Very good question.

[JustMike]

never knew they ask you that. ive got 4 and we go away next month

[Baj]

Spoke to my dad this morning to confirm the story, he thinks its if the children have different nationality passport from the parent.

[Rattlehead]

usually as my son does not have the same surname as me.

 

Usually? How often does he change his surname?

[Poshie72]

The only time that I have had a problem was last May. I have gone back to my maiden name and returning BACK to this country they told me that I needed either a letter from their father giving permission for me to take them away...(shutting the stable door....), or proof of my relationship to them ie. Birth Certificates etc. Seeing as I dont speak to their father I know what I will be taking with me next year.

 

It seems that problems only arise when it is different name / nationality and appears to be when returning to the UK

[Baj]

The only time that I have had a problem was last May. I have gone back to my maiden name and returning BACK to this country they told me that I needed either a letter from their father giving permission for me to take them away...(shutting the stable door....), or proof of my relationship to them ie. Birth Certificates etc. Seeing as I dont speak to their father I know what I will be taking with me next year.

 

It seems that problems only arise when it is different name / nationality and appears to be when returning to the UK

Thanks Poshie, glad it has happened to others, sorta.