UK urges families to secure consent letters and renew passports for summer trips

The UK government has issued guidance reminding parents and other adults travelling abroad with children to ensure they have proper consent documentation. A consent letter signed by everyone with parental responsibility, along with supporting records such as birth or adoption certificates, should be treated as part of the main travel pack and kept in a secure backup. Alex Dyer, managing director of Lapland Famille, said: "Treat the consent letter and supporting records as part of the main travel pack, not an optional extra. Check them at the same time as passports and insurance, and keep secure backup copies of emergency contacts and booking details."

Travelers are also warned to verify that their passports meet Schengen entry requirements for popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece. Passports must have been issued within the last ten years and must remain valid for at least three months after the intended departure date. Tim Knighton of Compare the Market noted that more than 700,000 UK passports have less than three months’ validity left, increasing the risk of denial of entry. He advised travelers to check passport dates and renew them if needed before embarking on their summer holidays.