Do both parents have to agree to take a child abroad?

Yes, if both hold parental responsibility - unless a 'lives with' child arrangements order holder takes a trip of 28 days or less, or the court orders otherwise.

What happens if I take my child abroad without consent?

It can amount to child abduction, a criminal offence, and the other parent can seek an order for immediate return.

Children · Family · England and Wales

Taking your child abroad: the consent rules, the letter, and the court route

GOV.UK's rule is blunt: "You must get the permission of everyone with parental responsibility for a child or from a court before taking the child abroad." If everyone with parental responsibility agrees, you don't need anything more than good communication - though a written record is still wise. If they don't agree, taking the child anyway is a criminal offence (child abduction) even for a week's holiday.

Who has to say yes

Every person with parental responsibility - typically both parents if both are on the birth certificate (or married at the time), plus anyone with a child arrangements "lives with" order.
A person with a child arrangements order stating the child lives with them may take the child abroad for up to 28 days without the other parent's consent - but written agreement is still the sensible route, and it never covers removal that breaks the other terms of the order.
Border forces increasingly ask for evidence of consent when one parent travels alone - a signed letter avoids a ruined holiday.

The consent letter that works

There is no official form, but border staff look for: the travelling parent's details, the child's details, travel dates and destination, the consenting parent's name and signature, and a contact number. Attach a copy of the child's birth certificate. Keep it short, signed, and dated. Our position-statement guide's formatting rules apply equally - typed, dated, signed.

If the other parent refuses

Ask why, in writing, and propose conditions (itinerary, flights, contact during the trip) - refusals over fixable details are common.
Mediation first: the £500 mediation voucher can cover most of the cost (GOV.UK), and MIAM rules apply before any application.
If still refused, apply for a Specific Issue Order (part of the C100 process - C100 guide here, £270 fee) asking the court to permit the trip.
Conversely, if you fear the child will not be returned, you can apply for a Prohibited Steps Order - see our protection-orders guide for how injunctions work.

FAQ

Can I take my child abroad without the father's permission?: Only if he has no parental responsibility, or you hold a child arrangements "lives with" order and the trip is under 28 days. Otherwise, no - permission or a court order is legally required.
Does a consent letter need to be notarised?: No UK law requires notarisation, but some border forces and airlines favour notarised or witnessed letters; a signed letter plus birth certificate copy is normally sufficient.

General information about child travel in England and Wales, not legal advice. Sources: GOV.UK "Permission to take a child abroad" (checked 5 Oct 2026); Children Act 1989 s.8 and s.13(1)(d) (28-day rule); Child Abduction Act 1984.