Single Parent With Son Returning To Uk

[Stabbo-Lad]

Hi All,

If I wished to return to the UK with my three year old son (dual passports/birth certificates, born in Thailand), what kind of documentation would I need to

a. allow him to fly

b. remain/settle in the UK.

The wife and I are not separated/divorced btw.

SL.

[Mario2008]

Leave Thailand on the Thai passport (unless entered on the British one), enter the UK on the British passport, at check-in show both passports.

It might be wise to take the birth certificate with you and a note from the misses giving you permission to take the child abroad couldn't hurt.

[Stabbo-Lad]

Thanks Mario and sorry for the late response.

It was actually paperwork to show the airline nothing untoward is happening - I don't know if there are any specific forms needed.

A simple letter from the wife is good enough then?

SL.

[Mario2008]

Yes, and it might not even be asked. The airline will check the child passport and visa if needed. If you both have the same last name there is no issue.

Don't forget to show both passports at the airline to show the child doesn't need a visa. let the child leave with the Thai passport stamped (you will need to fill in a depature card for the child), enter and leave the UK with the UK passport and enter Thailand again with the Thai passport to prevent immigration problems. If there is a que you can normally just take the immigration line for Thai nationals with your child.

Edit: add a signed copy of your wife's ID-card to the note.

[JimShortz]

I travelled alone with my four year old son to the UK on holiday last year with no problem (we both have the same surname). I am divorced from his mother and have sole custody of my son and so to be on the safe side took copies of both of these documents. I didn't need them at all, as I was never asked for anything other than passports. I would, however, do as the others advised and take a letter from the mother along with copy of ID Card, just to be on the safe side!

Mario's advice about passports is quite correct, you leave on Thai, and then enter UK on UK passport, but don't feel you have to hide the other passport - they will want to see it too, and there is nothing wrong with holding both passports.

Good luck in the UK!

[selavy59]

Mario's reply is spot on. I left Thailand with my son about 18 months ago. Had no problems. I did have written permission by my Thai partner that was witnessed and signed by a lawyer - just in case.