Do babies need a passport to travel from the UK?
FAMILIES with newborn babies may be eager to take their child on a first holiday.
However, what you may not realise is that if travelling abroad, they will need a passport in order to confirm their identity. Here's all you need to know.
Can newborn babies travel without a passport in the UK?
Everyone who is travelling abroad needs a passport, even very young babies.
A child passport is valid for five years.
The Passport Office states it should take three weeks to get a passport, or one week if you use the fast track service.
What documents do you need to get your baby their first passport in the UK?
You will need two suitable passport photos of your child.
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They must be on their own in the photo and not holding anything.
If your child is under six years old, they do not need to be looking directly at the camera or have a plain expression, as any parent will know this can be very difficult to achieve.
Children under one should be placed lying down on a plain light-coloured sheet with the picture taken from above.
To apply for a first passport you will also need their full birth or adoption certificate, proof of British nationality, and any information regarding court orders.
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How to apply for a first child passport in the UK.
Someone with parental responsibility for the child must apply for the passport if your child is under 16.
You can apply for it online or by post.
To submit an application online, go to the and fill in all the details.
You will receive information on which documents are required and if you need someone to confirm your child's identity.
From February 2, 2023, it costs £53.50 to apply online and £64 to apply with a paper form from the Post Office.
You need to give both parents’ details when you apply.
If you cannot provide the other parent’s details, you need to say why (for example, you’re the only parent named on the birth certificate or you adopted the child on your own).
When submitting by post, someone with parental responsibility will need to sign the form for children under 12 years old.
Children aged 12 or will need to sign the form as well.
Do babies under one fly for free?
This isn't necessarily the case.
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Parents don't have to buy an extra seat for their child, and can sit them on their lap for the journey.
However, depending on the airline you choose to travel with, there may be charges for the child to take their spot on the plane, even if they aren't on a regular seat.