Baby Passport and Travelling Abroad: UK Guide for New Parents

Your baby needs their own passport from birth — they can't travel on yours. Here's how to get it and how to prepare for your first trip abroad.

Getting a baby's passport

Who can apply

A UK passport for a baby can be applied for by:

• Either parent listed on the birth certificate
• A person with parental responsibility for the child

What you need

• Completed passport application form (available online or from Post Office)
• A passport photo of your baby (requirements are strict — see below)
• Baby's full birth certificate (original, not a photocopy)
• Your own valid passport (or details of how you're applying if you don't have one)
• Payment: currently £53.50 for a child passport (10 years for adults, 5 years for children)

Passport photos for babies

Baby passport photos have the same requirements as adult ones — but getting one of a newborn is genuinely difficult. Requirements:

• Plain white or off-white background
• Eyes open and clearly visible (a challenge with newborns)
• Mouth closed, neutral expression
• No other people or objects in shot
• No dummies or hats
• Baby should be looking directly forward

Practical tips:

• Lay baby on a white sheet and photograph from above — easier than getting them to sit up
• Or hold baby against a white wall and have someone else take the photo
• Boots, Snappy Snaps, and some Post Offices do baby passport photos professionally
• Online passport photo tools (such as those from Boots or Snappy Snaps) can check your submitted photo for compliance

Applying online vs by post

Online: Faster (usually 3 weeks if no complications). Requires uploading a digital photo meeting specific technical requirements.

Post Office Check and Send: Staff check your application before submission, reducing the risk of rejection. Available at many Post Offices. Costs an extra ~£16 but provides peace of mind for first-time applications.

How long does it take?

Online: typically 3 weeks Check and Send (standard): typically 3 weeks

Allow longer during busy periods (school holidays, summer). Do not book travel until the passport is in your hand. Apply at least 6 weeks before you intend to travel.

There is no "fast track" for baby passports beyond a Premium service (in person, same day) available for urgent genuine need.

Before you travel: things to organise

EHIC/GHIC: The UK Global Health Insurance Card covers emergency medical care in EU countries (and some others). Apply free via the NHS website. Get one for your baby before any EU travel.

Travel insurance: Essential — and specifically for a baby, not just the adults. Choose a policy that covers medical evacuation and has no significant exclusion for pre-existing conditions (some baby health conditions may need declaring). Most mainstream travel insurers cover healthy babies under a family policy.

Destination health requirements: Check NHS Travel Health (fitfortravel.nhs.uk) and FCDO travel advice for your destination. Some countries require proof of vaccinations; some are not appropriate for very young babies due to disease risk.

GP / travel health advice: If travelling to a country with malaria risk, yellow fever, or other health considerations, speak to a travel health clinic or your GP before booking. Many malaria prophylaxis options are not suitable for babies; some destinations are genuinely not recommended for under-1s.

Flying with a baby

Seating: Under 2s fly as "lap infants" — you hold baby on your lap; they don't have their own seat. Some families purchase a seat and bring a car seat (must be aviation-approved). This is safer but significantly more expensive.

The bassinet/sky cot: Some airlines offer bulkhead row bassinets for infants under approximately 6–10kg. Reserve one when booking if available — they fill up fast.

Feeding during take-off and landing: Feeding (breast or bottle) or offering a dummy/sucking during ascent and descent helps babies equalise ear pressure. Important — ear pain is the main cause of distress on aircraft.

What to pack in hand luggage:

• More nappies than you think you need (double your estimate)
• 3+ spare outfits for baby, 1 for you
• Milk, formula, or feeding supplies (as much as you need — baby milk is exempt from liquids rules)
• Nappy sacks, wipes, changing mat
• Favourite comforter, toy
• Paracetamol (Calpol) and any regular medication
• Change of clothes for you (nappy explosions at 35,000 feet are a rite of passage)

Airport security: Remove the baby from the carrier/car seat for security screening. Formula, breast milk, and expressed milk do not need to be in a 100ml bag and are not subject to the liquids rule — but may be tested by security. Keep it accessible.

Time zones and jet lag: Babies adjust to time zones gradually — expect disrupted sleep for a few days each way. East-to-west travel is typically easier than west-to-east. Maintain normal routine as far as possible.

Car travel abroad

If driving to Europe, your UK car seat is valid — it doesn't need any additional certification for use in EU countries. Your UK driving licence and insurance may need updating depending on destination.

Health kit for travelling with a baby

• Thermometer
• Paracetamol and ibuprofen (in correct concentration for baby's age)
• Oral rehydration sachets (Dioralyte)
• Antihistamine appropriate for baby's age (if allergic tendencies)
• Insect repellent appropriate for babies (DEET-free options below 2 years — check label carefully)
• First aid kit basics
• Any prescription medications with enough supply plus extra
• Contact details: nearest hospital, local emergency number, your GP