With millions of Brits flocking to EU hotspots like Spain, Italy and Greece this Easter – a legal expert has warned that certain parents will need to bring five essential documents

Avoid getting stung by these little-known travel rules parents must follow this half term. It is thought more than two million Brits will be jetting off to sunny hotspots like Spain and Greece this Easter – with a surge of last-minute bookings blamed on the dreary UK weather.

While travelling with children – especially on long-haul flights – can be a nightmarish experience in itself, there is much more that can go wrong than a toddler screaming through take-off. Failing to bring with you a host of essential documents could stop you from being allowed to fly, and dampen everyone’s holiday spirits.

The costly warning comes from Ann Ownes, a consultant solicitor in the divorce law team over at Richard Nelson LLP who has urged separated couples to check which travel documents they need to take their children out of the country. Without these important pieces of paperwork, parents could even be accused of child abduction.

READ MORE: EU warning as UK issues sudden ban on food items being brought into the country

Consent letter from the non-travelling parent

Divorce is hard on kids: but many take light of the fact that they can now enjoy two holidays a year instead of one. But, for a child to be taken abroad – all people with ‘parental responsibility’ will need to agree on the decision. Mothers automatically get parental responsibility at birth, while a father will acquire parental responsibility upon marriage.

“With that in mind, a consent letter from the non-travelling parent is critical,” Ann said, in a statement sent to the Mirror. “A signed letter provides proof that your ex-partner has agreed to you holidaying abroad should you ever be challenged while travelling. The letter will need the other parent’s contact details as well as the details of your holiday, such as where you’re going to be staying. If your child has a different surname to you, the letter should also explain that this is the case.”

Birth or adoption certificate

It might seem a little overboard to travel with this kind of document, but bringing a birth certificate or adoption certificate can help prove your relation to your child. “You may be asked to provide proof of parental responsibility when leaving the UK and entering your holiday destination,” Ann added.

Court order

If your separation wasn’t smooth, and your ex (who has parental responsibility for your child) won’t agree for you to take the children abroad – the court may still grant you permission. Naturally, this can take a while to go through the motions, so make sure you allow for as much time as possible.

“For those who have been successful in gaining permission this way then you must travel with a sealed copy of the Court Order with you,” Ann said. “Border officials may ask for proof of your legal right to take the child abroad at the airport, and if you can’t provide it, you may be turned away at customs.”

Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter

Passports

Now, passports are a bit of an obvious one – but it is this exact reason why so many people end up rocking up at the airport and realise they’ve left theirs at home. You’ll need to make sure you have your and your child’s passport – and need to check it’s valid for the specific destination you’re heading to.

“In the majority of instances, your passport will need to be valid for at least three months after your intended return date,” the legal firm explained. “But for countries like Dubai, Thailand and Australia, it must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into the country.”

Divorce or marriage certificate

Divorces often result in one parent having a different surname to their children – which can sometimes spark suspicion at the border. To avoid any long conversations about why you’re no longer Mrs DiCaprio – it might be wise to just bring our divorce certificate along.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured.