Can a child travel to the UK without a passport?

Some form of photo identification is however required and children can travel with their birth cert. Accepted identifications include: Valid passport. Photographic Driving License.



As of February 25, 2026, a child cannot travel to the UK without a valid passport (or a specific Certificate of Entitlement), even if they are a British citizen. New "Permission to Travel" regulations and the full enforcement of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system mean that airlines are strictly prohibited from boarding any passenger, regardless of age, who does not possess an approved travel document. Previously, some children could travel between Ireland and the UK on a birth certificate, but as of late February 2026, even British and Irish nationals on these routes must present a valid passport or Irish Passport Card. For non-British/Irish children, an ETA (costing £16) is required in addition to their passport. There is no longer any provision for children to "ride" on a parent's passport. If a child's passport is lost or expired, parents must secure an "Emergency Travel Document" from a consulate. This policy is part of a broader UK initiative to ensure that every individual crossing the border has a digital record and a verified identity before they even arrive at the gate.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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You'll need to show that your parent or guardian consents to your travel and accommodation arrangements. If you do not need a visa to travel, you'll need to prove this at the border. If you do have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, you'll need to identify the adult travelling with you in your visa application.

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Expired passports cannot be used to travel from the U.S. to an international destination or to travel to a foreign country for any length of stay longer than an airport connection en route to the U.S. or to a U.S. territory.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Children under the age of 16 do not need to show identification when travelling on domestic flights. The adult they are travelling with must travel with photographic identification and be able to confirm their identity.

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If you have been asked to provide a birth certificate and you were born in the UK. You should arrange to obtain an official copy from the relevant registrar's department in the area you were born. If you do not have a birth certificate and you were adopted you can provide your adoption certificate.

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The American Citizen Services Section wants to remind all U.S. citizens not to travel outside the United States without a valid U.S. passport. While dual citizens may be able to travel abroad with alternative documentation, all U.S. citizens are required to present a U.S. passport to re-enter the United States.

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International Travel. Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person. To fill out this application, at least one parents needs to appear.

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A limited-validity passport is any regular passport that is issued for less than the full validity period (10 years for those 16 and older and 5 years for children under 16). The process to apply for a full-validity passport depends on the reason the limited-validity passport was issued.

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