Travel to the UK with children: Entry requirements for families

Babies and children need their own ETA or visa to travel to the UK. Applications must be submitted online before arrival.

This guide covers:

What documents do children need to travel to the UK?

To enter the UK, every child must have:

Families and children cannot use the automated eGates on arrival in the UK. Instead, your family will be directed to a designated desk to complete immigration checks with a UK Border Force officer.

Have all your travel documents ready, including return or onward travel tickets and accommodation details. Visitors to the UK, especially families or those with medical needs, are also advised to take out comprehensive health insurance.

Do children need an ETA to travel to the UK? Yes, babies and children must have their own ETA. The UK ETA is required for visitors from all visa-exempt countries, regardless of age. Only Irish nationals are exempt.

Requirements for single parents and non-guardians travelling with a minor

If visiting the UK with a child, immigration officers might ask questions to establish your relationship and the purpose of your visit. In particular, they might ask for more information if a child is travelling with only one parent or someone who is not their legal guardian.

For this purpose, officers might request proof of the relationship, such as:

Make sure you have printed and digital copies of all documents, and be ready to provide contact details for the other parent/guardian.

How to apply for your child’s UK ETA

There is no family or group application for the UK ETA. Parents or guardians must submit one ETA application per traveller before arriving in the UK.

With Etauk.com, the process is quick, easy, and 100% online. Apply for your child’s ETA from the comfort of your home in 3 simple steps:

You can use the same email address for both your ETA and your child’s ETA. However, decisions might arrive at different times, based on when you submitted each application.

Etauk.com support for your family’s ETA

Etauk.com is your travel partner for hassle-free trips to the UK. Since the ETA system launched in 2023, we’ve been helping travellers worldwide complete the application process efficiently.

We make family travel simple with our:

Extra services for your family’s ETA applications

We’ve got you covered. For extra peace of mind, personalise your family’s ETA applications with our optional add-ons at checkout:

Flying with children to the UK

For families with children, flying is often the most convenient way to travel to the UK. Nonstop flights are available from major cities around the world, including New York City, Sydney, and Toronto.

Family and priority lanes

Many airports have family or assistance lanes at security for parents with young children, buggies, prams, or car seats to pass through.

If you need help, make sure to inform the airport ahead of time. Staff can also help fold larger luggage items like buggies or place children’s items on the security trays.

Rules for pushchairs and baby essentials

If you’re travelling to the UK with a baby or toddler, you can usually take a foldable pushchair right up to the gate, where staff will tag and store it in the plane’s hold. On arrival, you can collect buggies and prams either at the aircraft door or the baggage reclaim area.

You can also bring enough bottles, formula, and baby food for the journey, as these items are generally exempt from the 100 ml liquid restrictions. However, always check your airline’s rules and the regulations at your departure airport, as policies can vary.

Family rest areas

Major airports often have special family lounges and rest areas, including play zones, baby-changing facilities, and nursing spaces.

You can also ask for hot water for bottles and baby food heating facilities at cafés or service desks in the terminal.

FAQs for families about travelling to the UK with children

Travelling to the UK with children comes with specific rules and requirements. Below are some of the most common questions families have about visas, the ETA, and other travel considerations.

What happens if I forget to apply for a UK ETA for my child?

If you forget to apply, you can obtain your child’s ETA in as little as 1 hour with our Express Priority service. The UK ETA is a travel requirement for all visitors from visa-exempt countries. Without it, your child might be refused boarding and entry to the UK.

What are the UK’s immigration rules for children?

Children travelling to the UK must meet the same entry requirements as adults. This includes holding a valid passport and, if applicable, a UK ETA or visa. In certain circumstances, parents or non-guardians might be required to provide additional documents.

What are the UK travel visa requirements for families?

All family members must have the correct travel authorisation to enter the UK. Children cannot travel on their parents’ visa and must have their own documents. Before travelling, check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality and the purpose of your trip.