Child Consent Documents for a UK Visa

When a child under 18 applies for a UK visit visa, the application carries an extra paper chain: proof of who their parent or guardian is, a copy of that parent’s passport photo page, and — if the child is not travelling with them — a signed letter of consent. This guide covers each document. Based on GOV.UK guidance retrieved 2026-09-28.

Who counts as a child

The guidance treats a child as under 18. The document requirements below apply to a child’s application, and the consent letter below applies when the child is not travelling with a parent or guardian.

Proof of relationship

You should show a legal document showing the relationship between the child and at least one of their parents or guardians — for example a birth certificate or adoption papers.

A copy of the parent’s passport photo page

You should show a copy of the photo page of at least one parent’s or guardian’s passport, including their signature and passport number, if they are not also applying for a visa.

A different family name

If the child has a different family name from the parent or guardian, you may be asked to provide evidence of the relationship. That evidence can include a birth or adoption certificate showing the relationship, or a divorce or marriage certificate for the parent or guardian.

Not travelling with a parent or guardian

You should provide additional documents to show that the parent or guardian is aware of the travel plans and gives permission for the child to enter the UK. GOV.UK warns that the application may be refused if you do not. You should provide a signed letter from the parent or guardian confirming the travel arrangements, including:

• the parent’s or guardian’s consent for the child to travel to the UK;
• who is travelling with the child — with their passport number if they are an adult;
• who will look after the child while they are in the UK;
• how the child will travel to the UK.

The signed letter is the point of this route: the consent has to be documented, not simply known within the family.

If the parent has no passport

If the parent or guardian does not have a passport, you should provide another official document that includes their signature.

What is not published

GOV.UK does not publish a template or fixed format for the consent letter, and it does not publish a list of countries where the letter must be notarised. Neither is asserted here. What is published is the four required contents of the letter, listed above.

Related guides

For photographing a young applicant, see baby passport photo and baby and toddler photo. Gather the rest of the papers with the UK visa documents checklist, the US first passport checklist, the short-term study visa documents, or the Ireland and New Zealand visitor visa document lists. Prepare the set with the document scanner and document photo preflight, and if something is turned down read rejected — next steps. The separate rules for a UK child photo are covered in passport photo UK baby and child rules.

Frequently asked questions

Who counts as a child for UK visa documents?
The guidance treats a child as under 18. The requirements below apply to a child’s application; the consent letter applies when the child is not travelling with a parent or guardian.

What proves my child’s relationship to me?
A legal document showing the relationship between the child and at least one of their parents or guardians, for example a birth certificate or adoption papers.

My child is applying but I am not — what do I send?
A copy of the photo page of at least one parent’s or guardian’s passport, including their signature and passport number, if they are not also applying for a visa.

My child has a different family name from mine — does that matter?
You may be asked to provide evidence of the relationship, such as a birth or adoption certificate showing the relationship, or a divorce or marriage certificate for the parent or guardian.

Does my child need a consent letter?
Yes, if the child is not travelling with a parent or guardian. You should provide additional documents showing the parent or guardian is aware of the travel plans and gives permission; the application may be refused if you do not.

What must the consent letter include?
Four things: the parent’s or guardian’s consent for the child to travel to the UK; who is travelling with the child, with their passport number if they are an adult; who will look after the child while they are in the UK; and how the child will travel to the UK.

Source: GOV.UK, “Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents” (gov.uk/government/publications/visitor-visa-guide-to-supporting-documents), retrieved 2026-09-28. Rules change, so confirm the current guidance before you apply.