FAMILIES with newborn babies may be eager to take their child on a first holiday.
However, what you may not realise is that if travelling abroad, they will need a passport in order to confirm their identity. Here’s all you need to know.
1
Can newborn babies travel without a passport in the UK?
Everyone who is travelling abroad needs a passport, even very young babies.
These passports are available for five years.
The Passport Office states it should take three weeks to get a passport, or one week if you use the fast track service.
What documents do you need to get your baby their first passport in the UK?
You will need two suitable passport photos of your child, their full birth or adoption certificate, proof of British nationality and any information regarding court orders.
As passports require a signature, and the baby wouldn’t be able to write competently enough at this point, one of the parents will have to provide one instead.
How to apply for a first child passport in the UK.
You can apply for a child’s passport online by printing off an application form and sending it to the passport office with photos and supporting documents.
Someone with parental responsibility for the child must apply for the passport if your child is under 16.
It costs £53.50 to apply online and £64 to apply with a paper form from the Post Office.
You need to give both parents’ details when you apply.
If you cannot provide the other parent’s details, you need to say why (for example, you’re the only parent named on the birth certificate or you adopted the child on your own).
Do babies under 1 fly for free?
This isn’t necessarily the case.
Parents don’t have to buy an extra seat for their child, and can sit them on their lap for the journey.
However, depending on the airline you choose to travel with, there may be charges for the child to take their sport on the plane, even if they aren’t on a regular seat.
