Traveling to the UK with Thai children

[Jip99]

A friend is visiting the UK with his 2 children from his first Thai marriage.

The children are aged 12 and 11 and will travel in/out of Thailand on their Thai passports and in/out of the UK on their British passports.

Are there any issues to consider with him traveling alone with the two children.

[7by7]

He may not be questioned, but he also may be. Child abduction and smuggling is a major concern.

Thai immigration may want to see one or more of the following:

• their birth certificates naming him as the father; especially if he has a different surname,
• a letter of consent from their mother,
• if he has sole custody, the custody order showing this,
• if their mother is dead, her death certificate

before letting them leave the Kingdom.

On arrival in the UK, he may be asked at the border to prove the relationship between himself and the children.

He can prove this with the same document(s) as above.

[Jip99]

He may not be questioned, but he also may be. Child abduction and smuggling is a major concern.

Thai immigration may want to see one or more of the following:

• their birth certificates naming him as the father; especially if he has a different surname,
• a letter of consent from their mother,
• if he has sole custody, the custody order showing this,
• if their mother is dead, her death certificate

before letting them leave the Kingdom.

On arrival in the UK, he may be asked at the border to prove the relationship between himself and the children.

He can prove this with the same document(s) as above.

Thank you 7x7 that is most helpful.

Fortunately, he is on good terms with his ex so the letter should not be an issue.

Surname the same and obviously birth certs were supplied during the passport application process.

Thanks again.