Do I need a letter signed by my wife to take my son to the UK for a holiday?

[brewsterbudgen]

My son only holds a UK passport, although he was born and has lived all his life in Thailand. His mother, my wife is not Thai.

 

He's visited the UK a few times, but always with both me and my wife.  Later this year I'm taking him to the UK for a 2-week holiday, without his mother (too difficult to get her another UK Visitor visa).  

 

Will I need any letter or other documentation from my wife in order to take me son for a UK holiday?   If so, can it just be a free-form letter in English and signed by her, or does it need to be more official?

 

Thanks.

[brewsterbudgen]

Does anyone have an answer for this?

[fredwiggy]

Always best to have that letter, with her phone number so they can call to verify it, as you don't want to go to the airport and be held up. A passport actually is permission for a child to travel, as it's signed by both parents, but when you're dealing with officials that might not know all the ins and outs, it's best to have everything you can. Stamps on his passport help but again. . I had a letter signed and dated by my ex Thai wife, in Thai, just to make sure, along with her phone number. They did call her from the airport.

[brewsterbudgen]

Thanks @fredwiggy  My son is only British (no Thai parents), although he's lived all his life in Thailand.  I was wondering if that makes a difference?  Maybe the Thai authorities have no interest if it's not a Thai child?

 

 

[KannikaP]

6 minutes ago, fredwiggy said:

Getting him a Thai passport would be a good idea also.

Quote from OP. His mother, my wife is not Thai.

[fredwiggy]

Just now, brewsterbudgen said:

Thanks @fredwiggy  My son is only British (no Thai parents), although he's lived all his life in Thailand.  I was wondering if that makes a difference?  Maybe the Thai authorities have no interest if it's not a Thai child?

 

 

That might be true, although they might ask for the birth certificate. Being all western should eliminate the need but I think having a letter from your wife would be insurance.

[fredwiggy]

2 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

His mother, my wife is not Thai.

True, I deleted that.

[Liquorice]

From previous experience.

 

If the surname on the child's same nationality passport is the same as on your passport, then you're never questioned.

I also used to carry my children's birth certificates where I was named as the Father, but they were never requested.