Taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad

Overview

When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad, what you need to do will depend on what country you’re going to.

There are different rules for travelling with your pet to an EU country or Northern Ireland and for taking your pet to a non-EU country.

There’s different guidance if you’re bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to the UK.

Travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland

You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to an EU country or Northern Ireland. You can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

When travelling to an EU country or Northern Ireland, your pet needs:

a microchip

a valid rabies vaccination

an animal health certificate unless you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland

tapeworm treatment for dogs if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway or Malta

These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to (an EU country or Northern Ireland) for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Travelling from Great Britain (Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland)) to Northern Ireland in early 2021

If you have a pet passport issued in Northern Ireland, contact your vet for advice before travelling.

You can also read about changes to pet travel on the NIDirect website.

Arriving in an EU country or Northern Ireland

You’ll need to go through a travellers’ point of entry when you arrive in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

You may need to show your pet’s animal health certificate (an animal health certificate) along with proof of their:

microchip

rabies vaccination

tapeworm treatment (if required)

Repeat trips to an EU country or Northern Ireland

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Your pet will not need a repeat rabies vaccination so long as it’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.

Your dog will need tapeworm treatment for each trip if you’re travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.

Travelling with more than 5 pets

You cannot take more than 5 pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland unless you’re attending or training for a:

competition

show

sporting event

You’ll need written evidence of registration for the event when you travel.

All your pets must:

be attending the event or training

be over 6 months old

meet all the other requirements for pet travel to that country

Exporting pets for commercial purposes

Read the Border Operating Model if you want to export pets to an EU country or Northern Ireland for commercial reasons such as change of ownership.

Travelling to a non-EU country

If you’re travelling to a non-EU country, you’ll need to get an export health certificate (EHC). You’ll also need to complete an export application form (EXA) if you’re in England, Scotland or Wales.

The export health certificate (an export health certificate (EHC)) and the export application form for each country and pet will tell you how to apply.

An EHC (an export health certificate (EHC)) checks that your pet meets the health requirements of the country you’re travelling to.

You must nominate an official vet who will be sent the EHC (an export health certificate (EHC)). They’ll check your pet has met the correct health and identification requirements before you travel.

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Getting an animal health certificate

You need an animal health certificate for your dog, cat or ferret if you’re travelling from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

You do not need an animal health certificate if you have a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland.

How to get an animal health certificate

You must take your pet to your vet to get an animal health certificate. You need to do this no more than 10 days before you travel.

The certificate (an animal health certificate) needs to be signed by an ‘official veterinarian’ (OV). Check your vet can issue animal health certificates. If they cannot, ask them to help you find an OV.

When you visit your vet, you’ll need to take proof of your pet’s:

microchipping date

vaccination history

Your pet’s animal health certificate (an animal health certificate) will be valid after the date of issue for:

10 days for entry into the EU or Northern Ireland

4 months for onward travel within the EU (EU)

4 months for re-entry to Great Britain (Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland)

Your pet will need a new animal health certificate for each trip to an EU country or Northern Ireland from Great Britain (Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).

Microchip

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination. If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

Microchipping for pet travel can only be done by:

a vet

a vet nurse, student vet or student vet nurse (directed by a vet)

someone trained in microchipping before 29 December 2014, and with practical experience

someone who has been assessed on an approved training course - contact the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
 (DAERA) if the course was in Northern Ireland

Make sure your vet puts the microchip number in your animal health certificate. The date must be before your pet’s vaccinations (their rabies vaccination).

Reading the microchip

Airlines, train and ferry companies in the EU (EU) can read microchips that meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.

You may have to bring your own microchip reader when you travel if your pet’s microchip does not meet ISO (International Organization for Standardization (ISO)) standards. You should check with your travel company before you leave.

If the microchip cannot be read

You’ll have to do all the preparation again if your vet cannot read the microchip. This means you’ll have to ask your vet to:

rechip your pet

revaccinate your pet

issue a new animal health certificate if you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

record new microchips in the ‘Marking of animals’ section of the new animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate)

You’ll have to wait the required time before you can travel if your pet is revaccinated or has new blood tests.

If the microchip can only sometimes be read

Your vet should try to read the microchip. If they get a reading, they can rechip your pet (the original chip is not removed).

This must be recorded in the animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate) in the ‘Marking of animals’ section with:

the number of the old and new chips

the date they (the old and new chips) were read

the date the new chip was inserted

The vet must sign and stamp the page in the animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate).

Your vet should record in the ‘Others’ section of the animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate) that your pet has been rechipped.

Tattoo

You do not need to have your pet microchipped if it (the microchip)’s been tattooed with an identification number and all of the following are true:

you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

your pet was tattooed on or before 3 July 2011

the tattoo (tattooed) is clearly legible

your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed

Your vet must record the date of tattooing, the tattoo number and the date of the rabies vaccination in the animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate).

Rabies vaccination, boosters and blood tests

You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel. Your vet needs proof that your pet’s at least 12 weeks old before vaccinating them.

If you’re taking your pet to the EU or Northern Ireland, you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before you travel.

You must get your pet microchipped before, or at the same time as, their rabies vaccination (the primary vaccination). If you do not, they’ll need to be vaccinated again.

The vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine or recombinant vaccine that’s approved in the country of use.

Booster vaccinations

If you’re travelling with your pet, you must get regular rabies booster vaccinations for your pet. Check your animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate) to find out when the booster vaccination is due.

You will not need to get repeat vaccinations for repeat trips to the EU or Northern Ireland if your pet’s rabies vaccination (the primary vaccination) is up to date.

Vaccination record

Your pet’s vaccination record in their (your pet’s) animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate) must show:

your pet’s date of birth

microchip number, date it was put in or read, and where it is on your pet’s body

vaccination date

vaccine manufacturer and product name

vaccine batch number

date the vaccination (the primary vaccination) is valid until

the vet’s signature and contact details

Your pet (your pet’s) can be stopped from travelling if the details in their (your pet’s) animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate) are in the wrong place.

Tapeworm treatment for dogs

A vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it (Tapeworm treatment for dogs) in the animal health certificate (a new animal health certificate) if you’re travelling directly to:

Finland

Ireland

Malta

Northern Ireland

Norway

The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you arrive.

The treatment (Tapeworm treatment for dogs) must:

be approved for use in the country it (Tapeworm treatment for dogs)’s being given in

contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against the Echinococcus multilocularis tapeworm

Short trips

If you’re leaving Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for a short trip to visit countries other than Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway, you could have your dog treated by a vet before you go.

You must wait for 24 hours before re-entering Great Britain (Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland)) and return within 120 hours or you’ll need to get another treatment abroad.

Information your vet (the vet’s) needs to record

Check the vet (the vet’s) has put the following details in the ‘Echinococcus treatment’ section of your dog’s pet animal health certificate:

the name and manufacturer of the product

the date and time they (a vet) treated your dog (your dog’s)

their (a vet) stamp and signature

Help and support

You can contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) if you’ve got questions or need more information.

If you’re travelling to the EU or Northern Ireland

Contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline if you need more information about pet travel.

If you’re travelling to a non-EU (the EU) country

Contact APHA (the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)) if you need more information about pet travel to a non-EU (the EU) country.


Get a passport for your child

Overview

You apply for a child passport if your child is under 16. It costs £49 to apply online and £58.50 to apply with a paper form from the Post Office. A child passport is valid for 5 years.

If you’re travelling to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you may need to renew your child’s passport before you travel.

There are different rules if you’re applying from outside the UK.

Who can apply

Someone with parental responsibility for the child (your child’s) must apply for the passport (a child passport).

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 (your child’s) on your own).

How long it takes

Allow up to 10 weeks to get the passport (a child passport). It takes longer to apply by post than online.

You may be able to get a passport urgently if you need one sooner.

Do not book travel until you have a valid passport.

What you should apply for

Situation | Action

Your child is under 16 and has never had a British passport | Apply for a first child passport

Your child is under 16 and has a British passport | Renew your child’s passport

Your child is under 16 and their (your child’s) British passport (a British passport) has been lost or stolen | Apply for a replacement passport

Your child is under 16 and their (your child’s) British passport (a British passport) is damaged | Apply for a replacement passport

Your child is under 16 and has a British passport but some of their (your child’s) details have changed | Apply for a new passport

Your child is over 16 (or will be in 3 weeks) and had a British child passport | Follow the process for renewing or replacing an adult passport

Your child is over 16 (or will be in 3 weeks) and has never had a British passport | Apply for a first adult passport

Apply for a first child passport

If your child has never had a British passport you must apply for a first child passport.

Your child must have British nationality to be eligible for a British passport.

Apply online

To apply online you’ll need:

a digital photo of your child (your child’s) (or a device that takes digital photos)

supporting documents

a credit or debit card

It costs £49.

Start application

Apply and pay for the passport (a child passport) online.

Start now

Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity

After you’ve paid and submitted the application (application), you’ll need to ask someone to confirm your child’s identity.

Let the person (someone) know that they (someone)’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office telling them (someone) what to do. They (someone)’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they (someone) do not need to sign a printed photo.

Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they (someone) need to do.

Apply by post

You can apply by post by either:

getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service

contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you

Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9 of the form (a paper form). Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over.
You need to get someone else, known as your ‘countersignatory’, to fill in section 10 and certify your child’s photo.

Read the booklet that comes with the form (a paper form) if you need help with your application.

To send in your application, you can either:

post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form (a paper form)

take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service

Signing the application (your application)

Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form (a paper form).

If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form (a paper form) too.

Supporting documents

You must send original documents or official copies of certificates. Photocopies are not accepted, even ‘certified copies’.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, you’ll need to send certified translations as well as the originals.

You cannot send laminated documents.

If the name on the passport does not match what’s on the birth certificate

You must send:

a signed and dated letter from everyone with parental responsibility confirming the name change and that they agree to the child (your child’s) getting a new passport

a deed poll

at least one piece of evidence that shows the new name being used, for example NHS records, child benefits or school records

What documents to provide if you apply online

If you apply online, you’ll be told what documents you need to provide.

What documents to send if you apply by post

If you apply by post, you must send:

2 new photos of your child

the child’s (your child) full birth or adoption certificate (the one with parent’s details on it)

proof that your child has British nationality (for example a British registration certificate, parent’s passport details or parent’s birth certificates)

any valid passports from a different country belonging to the child (your child)

any court orders (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements)

Read the guidance notes to find out which documents you need to send.

Choose how you want your documents sent back

Your documents will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them (your documents) sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it.

Getting your passport

Your new passport (your passport) will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either:

post it (your passport) through your letterbox

hand it (your passport) to you if you’re home

leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (your passport) (it will not say the package is your passport)

You can track your passport application.

Renew a child passport

You can apply to renew a child passport online or by post.

If your child’s passport has expired, you must renew it before they can travel.

Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - the new passport will not have the same number as the old one (your child’s passport).

If your child’s name or other personal details have changed, you cannot renew their passport (your child’s passport). You must apply for a new passport instead.

Renewing a passport before it expires

You need at least 6 months left on your passport to travel to certain countries. Check the entry requirements of the country your child is visiting to see how much time they (your child’s) need on their (your child’s) passport before they (your child’s) travel.

Time left on your child’s old passport (your child’s passport) will not be added to their (your child’s) new one.

Travelling to the EU, EEA or Switzerland

On the day of travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, your child will need 6 months left on their passport.

This rule does not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use a passport as long as it’s valid for the length of the stay.

If your child’s passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, they can still use it as long as it has enough time left on it.

Supporting documents

To renew your child’s passport you’ll need:

your child’s old passport

any valid passports from a different country your child (your child’s) might have

any court orders (for example that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements)

You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child (your child’s).

Renew online

It (Renew) costs £49. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

You’ll need:

a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos)

the supporting documents

Renew online

Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity

If your child (your child’s) is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm their (your child’s) identity after you’ve submitted the application.

Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they (someone) need to do.

Renew by post

It (Renew) costs £58.50.

You need to fill in a paper application form. You can get a paper form by either:

going to a Post Office that has a Passport Check and Send service

calling the Passport Adviceline

Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 of the form (a paper application form). Your child needs to sign section 6 if they (your child’s)’re 12 or over.

If your child is 11 or under or cannot be recognised from their old passport photo you’ll need to get someone else, known as a ‘countersignatory’, to fill in section 10 and certify your child’s photo.

Read the booklet that comes with the form (a paper application form) if you need help with your application (the application).

To send your application (the application) you can either:

post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form (a paper application form)

take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service

Signing the application (a paper application form)

Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form (a paper application form).

If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form (a paper application form) too.

Countersigning the application

If your child is under 12, you’ll need to get their (your child) application (a paper application form) and one of their (your child) photos countersigned.

If your child is 12 or over, you only need to do this (countersigned) if they cannot be recognised from the photo in their current passport.

Choose how you want your documents (your form, photos and documents) sent back

Your documents (your form, photos and documents) will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them (your form, photos and documents) sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application (a paper application form) if you want to use it.

Getting your passport

Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either:

post it (Your new passport) through your letterbox

hand it (Your new passport) to you if you’re home

leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (Your new passport) (it will not say the package is your passport)

You can track your passport application.

Replace a lost or stolen child passport

If your child’s passport has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement.

You must cancel a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk of anyone else using it.

Supporting documents

To replace your child’s passport, you’ll need:

any valid passports from a different country your child (your child’s) might have

any court orders (for example, that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements)

You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child (your child’s).

Apply online

You can apply for a replacement child passport online.

It (a replacement child passport) costs £49. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

You’ll need:

a digital photo of your child (your child’s) (or a device that takes digital photos)

any supporting documents

Apply online

Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity

You’ll need to ask someone to confirm your child’s identity.

Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they (someone) need to do.

Apply by post

You can apply by post by either:

getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service

contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you

Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 and 10 of the form (a paper form). Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over.

You’ll need 2 new printed photos of your child (your child’s). Follow the rules for printed passport photos.

To send in your application, you can either:

post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form (a paper form)

take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service

Signing the application (your application)

Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form (a paper form).

If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form (a paper form) too.

Countersigning the application (your application)

You must get the application form (a paper form) and one of your child’s photos countersigned.

Read the booklet that comes with the form (a paper form) if you need help with your application.

Choose how you want your documents sent back

Getting your passport

Your new passport will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either:

post it (your passport) through your letterbox

hand it (your passport) to you if you’re home

leave a card or post you a letter saying how you can get it (Your new passport) (it will not say the package (Your new passport) is your passport)

You can track your passport application.

Replace a damaged child passport

If your child’s passport is damaged, you’ll need to apply for a replacement.

You can apply online or by post.

Supporting documents

You must send all of the following with your application (your passport application):

the damaged passport (a damaged child passport)

a letter from someone with parental responsibility explaining how the damage happened (if you apply by post)

any valid passports from a different country your child might have

any court orders (for example that describe parental responsibility or residency arrangements)

You’ll also need either digital or printed photos of your child (your child’s).

Apply online

It costs £49. You can pay with a credit or debit card.

You’ll need:

a digital photo of your child (your child’s) (or a device that takes digital photos)

the supporting documents (Supporting documents)

Apply online

Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity

If your child (your child’s) is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm your child’s identity.

Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do.

Apply by post

You can apply by post by either:

getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service

contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you

To send in your application, you can either:

post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form

take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service

Signing the application (your application)

Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form (a paper form).

If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form (a paper form) too.

Countersigning the application (your application)

You must get the application form (a paper form) and one of your child’s photos countersigned.

Read the booklet that comes with the form (a paper form) if you need help with your application.

Choose how you want your documents (your form, photos and documents) sent back

Your documents (your form, photos and documents) will be sent back to you by normal post, but you can pay an extra £5 to get them (your form, photos and documents) sent by secure delivery. Choose this service on your application if you want to use it.

Getting your passport

Your new passport (your passport) will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either:

post it (your passport) through your letterbox

hand it (your passport) to you if you’re home

You can track your passport application.

Change the name or personal details on a child passport

Your child will need to get a new passport if they’ve changed their name.

Fill in the passport application (your passport application) with the name that you want printed on the passport (a child passport).

Contact the Passport Adviceline if you’re changing any other personal details on a child passport. This could include date of birth, place of birth or national status.

Apply online

You can apply for a new child passport online.

You’ll need a digital photo of your child (or a device that takes digital photos).

You’ll be told where to send your supporting documents when you apply.

Ask someone to confirm your child’s identity

If your child (your child’s) is under 12, you’ll need to ask someone to confirm their (Your child) identity after you’ve submitted the application (your passport application).

Let the person (someone) know that they (someone)’ll receive an email from HM Passport Office (the Passport Adviceline) telling them (someone) what to do. They (someone)’ll confirm your child’s identity online - they (your child’s) do not need to sign a printed photo.

Find out who can confirm your child’s identity and what they need to do.

Apply by post

You can apply by post by either:

getting a paper form from a Post Office that offers the Passport Check and Send service

contacting the Passport Adviceline to get a form posted to you

Fill in sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 of the form (a paper form). Your child needs to sign section 6 if they’re 12 or over.

Read the booklet that comes with the form (a paper form) if you need help with your application.

To send in your application, you can either:

post your form, photos and documents using the pre-printed envelope that comes with the form (a paper form)

take your form, photos and documents to the Post Office if you want to use the Passport Check and Send service

Signing the application (your application)

Someone with parental responsibility must sign the form (a paper form).

If your child is 12 to 15 they need to sign the form (a paper form) too.

Supporting documents

You must send:

the old passport

a deed poll or similar document about the name change

written consent from everyone with parental responsibility

2 new photos of your child if you apply by post

Choose how you want your documents sent back

Getting your passport

Your new passport (your passport) will be sent to you by courier or Royal Mail. They’ll either:

post it (your passport) through your letterbox

hand it (your passport) to you if you’re home

You can track your passport application.

Adopted or fostered children

If your child was adopted in the UK

Your child can get a British passport if either adoptive parent is British and was usually living in the UK (‘habitually resident’) when you adopted your child.

You must send your child’s (your child) adoption certificate showing the British parent’s (either adoptive parent) details.

You must also send one of the following:

the British passport details for either parent (either adoptive parent)

a UK birth certificate for either parent (either adoptive parent)

a Home Office certificate of registration or naturalisation for either parent (either adoptive parent)

the passport that was valid at the time of the child’s (your child) birth for either parent

If your child was adopted overseas

Adopted before 1 June 2003

Your child does not automatically qualify for a British passport - even if one of the parents is a British citizen.

The adoption may be recognised for parental responsibility purposes, but not for nationality purposes, depending on the country the adoption took place in.

Adopted on or after 1 June 2003

Your child can get a British passport if either parent (either adoptive parent) is British and the British parent (either adoptive parent) was usually living (‘habitually resident’) in the UK when the child was adopted.

Only adoptions conducted under the Hague Convention are recognised for nationality purposes. You must send the child’s (your child) full Hague Convention adoption certificate showing the parents’ (either adoptive parent) details.

You must also send evidence of the British parent’s (either adoptive parent) nationality status, such as a British passport issued before the date of adoption - put the passport number on your application.

If you do not have a British passport, there are other documents you can send.

Foster children and children in care

You must contact the Passport Adviceline if you want a passport for a child who’s in care. This includes a child you’re fostering.

Get help

Contact the Passport Adviceline if you are not sure what documents you need or if your circumstances are more complicated.

Surrogacy and sperm donation

Children born through surrogacy

As well as your other documents, you need to send:

a letter giving details of your surrogacy arrangement

evidence of your surrogacy treatment, such as a letter from the clinic where it took place

proof that your child has a claim to British nationality

proof of your identity (for example, your passport or birth certificate)

proof of your marriage or civil partnership (if this is relevant to your application)

If you’ve been granted a parental order, you also need to send:

the parental order (if you have it (a parental order))

your child’s birth certificate, issued after the parental order (a parental order) was granted

If you’ve not been granted a parental order and your child was born in the UK you can send their (your child’s) full UK birth certificate instead.

If you’ve not been granted a parental order and your child was born outside the UK, there are special rules about applying for a passport.

Sperm donation

If your child was conceived through sperm donation and born in the UK, you need to send their birth certificate when you apply. You do not need to say they were conceived through sperm donation.

There are different rules if they (a child who’s in care) were born in another country.

Get help


Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports

Overview

There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK.

There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance.

Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.

Hand luggage allowances

Check with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you.

Check the rules for electronic items and devices you’re allowed to take on a flight before you travel - there are different rules depending on which country you are travelling to or from.

Taking liquids through security

There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).

Liquids include:

all drinks, including water

liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups

cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss

sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants

pastes, including toothpaste

gels, including hair and shower gel

contact lens solution

any other solutions and items of similar consistency

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:

containers must hold no more than 100ml

containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm

contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed

the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top

you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person

you must show the bag at the airport security point

Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions.

Exemptions

You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they:

are for essential medical purposes

are for special dietary requirements

contain baby food or baby milk

You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:

the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them

the receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag (a security bag) and visible

You must not open the security bag (a security bag) until you reach your final destination. Airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point.

Liquid restrictions outside the EU

Countries outside the EU (EU) might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. You should check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.

Lighters

You can only carry 1 lighter on board. You should put it inside a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids), which you must keep on you throughout the flight. You cannot:

put it (1 lighter) in your hold luggage

put it (1 lighter) in your hand luggage after screening

Food and powders

Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags (your hand luggage) may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.

Baby food and baby milk

When travelling with a baby you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.

You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage.

Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.

| Allowed in hand luggage | Allowed in hold luggage

Breast milk | Yes, in containers up to 2,000ml | Yes

Frozen breast milk | No | Yes

Formula milk, cow’s milk | Yes (baby must be present) | Yes

Sterilised water for the baby | Yes (baby must be present) | Yes

Soya milk for babies | Yes (baby must be present) | Yes

Baby food | Yes (baby must be present) | Yes

Cooling gel packs | Yes | Yes

Personal items

Musical instruments

Contact your airline before you book if you want to travel with a large musical instrument. You may need to make special arrangements, such as buying an extra seat.

Musical instruments will be screened separately.

Mobility aids

Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are usually allowed in the cabin, but will need to be security screened first.

For battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility aids check with your airline first.

Other personal items

Corkscrew | No | Yes

Spoon | Yes | Yes

Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) | No | Yes (check with your airline)

Small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm) | Yes | Yes

Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) | No | Yes (check with your airline)

Round-ended/blunt scissors | Yes | Yes

Fixed-cartridge razor blades (disposable razor) | Yes | Yes

Nail clippers/nail file | Yes | Yes

Tweezers | Yes | Yes

Knitting needles | Yes | Yes

Sewing needle | Yes | Yes

Umbrella | Yes | Yes

Walking stick/cane, walking aid | Yes | Yes

Pushchair | Yes | Yes

Wheelchair | Yes | Yes

Safety matches | Yes | No

Non-safety matches | No | No

Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps | No | No

Cigarette lighter | No, but you can put a lighter in a plastic liquids bag and keep it on your person | No

Contact lens solution | Yes (up to 100ml) | Yes

Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements

You’re allowed to carry the following in your hand luggage:

essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers

medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey

You’ll need supporting documentation from a relevant medical professional (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription).

Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point. Medical equipment is screened separately.

| Allowed in hand luggage | Allowed in hold luggage

Tablets and capsules | Yes | Yes

Essential liquid medicines | Yes | Yes

Hypodermic syringes | Yes | Yes

Inhalers | Yes | Yes

Cooling gel packs | Yes | Yes

Medical equipment (for example CPAP and TENS machines) | Yes | Yes

Special food and liquids needed for medical reasons | Yes | Yes

Oxygen cylinders | Contact your airline | Contact your airline

Electronic devices and electrical items

You can only take certain electronic devices and electrical items on flights to the UK.

Mobile phone | Yes | Yes

Laptop | Yes | Yes

Tablet devices | Yes | Yes

MP3 player | Yes | Yes

Hairdryer or straighteners | Yes | Yes

Travel iron | Yes | Yes

Electric shaver | Yes | Yes

E-cigarettes | Yes | No

Some airlines might also have different restrictions. Check with your airline before you travel if you’re not sure about what you can take as hand luggage.

Cameras

You can usually take camera equipment in your hand and hold luggage.

There might be restrictions on specialist equipment, for example professional video cameras.

Make sure your devices are charged

Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft.

Batteries for your device

Check the restrictions on certain types of batteries or contact your airline if you’re not sure what you can carry.

Gas-powered hair curlers

You can take hair curlers containing a gas cartridge in hand or hold luggage as long as the safety cover is fitted at all times. You must not take separate gas cartridges on board.

Sports equipment

Sports parachute | Yes | Yes

Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats) | No | Yes

Tennis racquets | Yes | Yes

Snooker, pool or billiard cue | Yes | Yes

Golf clubs | No | Yes

Darts | No | Yes

Walking/hiking poles | No | Yes

Fishing rod | Yes | Yes

Catapult | No | Yes

Firearms (including replica firearms) | No | Check with your airline before you travel

Harpoon or spear gun | No | Check with your airline before you travel

Crossbow | No | Yes

Martial arts equipment (including knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks) | No | Yes

Diving equipment | Check with your airline before you travel | Check with your airline before you travel

Work tools

| Allowed in hand luggage | Allowed in hold luggage

Tool with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm (for example chisel) | No | Yes

Drill and drill bits | No | Yes

Stanley knife | No | Yes

Saw (including portable power saw) | No | Yes

Screwdriver | No | Yes

Hammer | No | Yes

Pliers | No | Yes

Wrench or spanner | No | Yes

Bolt gun or nail gun | No | Yes

Crowbar | No | Yes

Blowtorch | No | Yes

Chemicals and toxic substances

You cannot take any of these items (Chemicals and toxic substances) as hand luggage or in the hold:

oxidisers and organic peroxides, including bleach and car body repair kits

acids and alkalis (for example spillable ‘wet’ batteries)

corrosives or bleaching agents (including mercury and chlorine)

vehicle batteries and fuel systems

self defence or disabling sprays (for example mace, pepper spray)

radioactive materials (including medicinal or commercial isotopes)

poisons or toxic substances (for example rat poison)

biological hazards (for example infected blood, bacteria, viruses)

materials that could spontaneously combust (burst into flames)

fire extinguishers

Ammunition

You cannot take any guns or firearms (including air rifles and starting pistols) as hand luggage. You may be able to take them (Chemicals and toxic substances) as hold luggage - check with your airline before you travel.

blasting caps

detonators and fuses

imitation explosive devices (including replica or model guns)

mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores

fireworks and pyrotechnics

smoke canisters

smoke cartridges

dynamite

gunpowder

plastic explosives (including black powder and percussion caps)

flares

hand grenades

gun cigarette lighters


Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

Overview

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application.

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you’re applying for.

When you must pay

If you’re making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment.

If you’re applying by post, you pay the surcharge online before you send your application (your immigration application). You’ll need to include the IHS reference number on your application form.

When you can start to use the NHS (IHS)

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both:

you’ve paid the healthcare surcharge (the surcharge) (or are exempt from paying it (the surcharge))

your visa or immigration application is granted

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to:

provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one

prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status

Who needs to pay

You usually need to pay the healthcare surcharge (the surcharge) if you’re applying for a visa or immigration application:

for more than 6 months, if you’re applying outside the UK

for any length of time, if you’re applying inside the UK

You do not need to pay if you’re applying for a visitor visa or to remain in the UK permanently.

You still need to pay even if you have private medical insurance.

Who only needs an IHS reference number

You still need to use the payment service to get an immigration health surcharge (IHS) reference number but you will not need to pay if:

you’re a child under 18 who has been taken into care by a local authority

you’re a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or you’re their dependant)

The service (the payment service) will tell you that you do not have to pay anything and will give you your healthcare surcharge reference number for your application.

You’ll be able to use the National Health Service (NHS) even if you’re exempt from paying.

Who does not need to pay or get an IHS reference number

You’ll be able to use the NHS (the National Health Service (NHS)) without paying the surcharge or getting a reference number if:

you’re applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain

you’re a health and care worker who is eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (or you’re their dependant)

you’re applying to the EU Settlement Scheme

you’re a diplomat or a member of a visiting armed forces and not subject to immigration control

you’re a dependant of a member of the UK’s (the UK) armed forces

you’re the dependant of a member of another country’s armed forces who is exempt from immigration control

you’re applying for a visa for the Isle of Man or Channel Islands

you’re a British Overseas Territory citizen resident in the Falkland Islands

you’re an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or you’re their dependant)

you’re a domestic worker who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking

you’re applying for discretionary leave to remain in the UK as someone who has been identified as a victim of slavery or human trafficking (or you’re their dependant)

the Home Office’s domestic violence concession applies to you (or you’re their dependant)

being made to leave the UK would be against your rights under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (or you’re their dependant)

you’re an S2 Healthcare Visitor

you’re eligible for a Frontier Worker permit and have an S1 certificate

You need to pay the healthcare surcharge if you apply for indefinite leave to remain but are only given limited leave. You’ll need to pay before you’re given the leave.

Visitor visas and short-term visas

You do not need to pay the surcharge (the healthcare surcharge) or get an IHS reference number if you’re applying for a:

visitor visa

visa for 6 months or less from outside the UK

You will need to pay for any NHS care you get at the point you use it - unless it (indefinite leave to remain)’s a service that’s free.

How much you have to pay

You’ll have to pay:

£470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa

£470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application

£624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

Dependants aged 18 or over usually need to pay the same amount as you.

The exact amount you have to pay depends on how much leave you’re granted.  Calculate how much you’ll have to pay before you apply.

You’ll pay half of the yearly amount if your application includes part of a year that is less than 6 months.

You’ll pay for a whole year if your application includes part of a year that is more than 6 months.

You’ll automatically get a partial refund if you paid the healthcare surcharge for more years than you were granted leave.

When you must pay

If you apply for a visa online, you pay the surcharge (the healthcare surcharge) as part of the application.

If you apply for a visa by post, you must pay the surcharge (the healthcare surcharge) online before you send your application. You’ll need to include your IHS reference number on the application form.

If you do not pay

You’ll get an email from UK Visas and Immigration if you do not pay the surcharge (the healthcare surcharge) (or do not pay enough) as part of your visa or immigration application.

Check your junk folder if you cannot see the email in your inbox.

Once you get the email, you must pay the surcharge (the healthcare surcharge) within:

10 working days if you’re inside the UK

7 working days if you’re outside the UK

Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in this time.

Pay the healthcare surcharge

If you’re making an immigration application online you pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the application process. You must complete the payment and return to the online immigration application in less than 30 minutes.

If you’re making an immigration application by post you must pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

If you’re applying online, you’ll be asked for:

the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one

your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

If you’re applying by post, you’ll also be asked for:

the type of visa you’re applying for

your passport or travel document number

an email address

Pay now

You need to pay by cash at the UK embassy if you’re in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

Family members

You’ll need the same information that you used to pay for:

any person applying for a visa or other immigration application with you, for example a dependant

any person you’re applying to join or remain who is already in the UK (you do not need to add this person’s details if they are a UK or EEA citizen)

You’ll also need their (this person’s) leave expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

You’ll be sent an email with an IHS reference number. This will also be shown on screen when you’ve paid. You can only use this number once - you’ll need to get another one if you reapply.

You’ll need to write this (an IHS reference number) on the cover of your visa application if you’re applying by post. You need this reference (an IHS reference number) even if you’re exempt from paying the healthcare surcharge.

Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

you paid twice

your visa application is refused

you withdraw your visa application

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

any dependants on your visa application are refused

If you are due a full or partial refund for these reasons, you do not have to do anything to get it. It will be automatically paid to the account or card you paid with.

You will not get a refund if:

your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK

you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application

you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires

you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

You can also apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

you’re a full-time student in UK higher education

your visa started on or after 1 January 2021

you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country

you do not work

If you’re claiming as a full-time student with an EHIC, you can apply for a refund of the IHS you paid to cover any period starting on or after 1 January 2021. Applications open from 1 January 2022.

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your S1 certificate (an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority) or EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you work in health and care

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS (IHS) if you work in health and care.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

You usually get your refund within 6 weeks of getting a decision on your visa application. It can take longer if you appeal or ask for an administrative review after your visa application is refused.

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed

outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 6 weeks after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS (IHS) if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

the length of your stay changes

you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 6 weeks.


Find an immigration adviser

Search for an adviser

You can get immigration advice from an immigration adviser if you need help with getting permission to stay in the UK.

Immigration advisers can help you with most things to do with immigration, including helping you to fill in the right forms and representing you at a tribunal. They do not make immigration decisions.

Check if the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before you use them (Immigration advisers).

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

Find a registered immigration adviser

Use the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder to find a registered adviser near you.

All immigration advisers must be registered with OISC (the Immigration Services Commissioner) or be a member of an approved professional body, for example The Law Society.

If you want legal help

You can find solicitors who give immigration advice through:

The Law Society if you live in England or Wales

The Law Society of Scotland

The Law Society of Northern Ireland

Regulating immigration advisers

OISC (the Immigration Services Commissioner) regulates immigration advisers and makes sure they meet certain standards. For example, advisers must:

carry insurance against giving poor advice

keep up to date with current immigration advice

OISC (the Immigration Services Commissioner) maintains a register of the immigration advisers that they (the Immigration Services Commissioner) regulate.

Make a complaint

You can complain about an immigration adviser if you think you’ve had a bad service.

You cannot get your money back if an adviser is not regulated.

Suspended immigration advisers

You can see a list of people who are banned from acting as immigration advisers.

What advisers can do

Immigration advisers are only allowed to give you advice on things they’re qualified to help you with.

You can see what advice they (Immigration advisers) can give you by their (Immigration advisers) ‘level’. There are 3 levels.

Check an immigration adviser is allowed to give you the advice you need before you use them (immigration advisers).

Only a level 3 adviser can appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal.

Level 1 - advice and assistance

A level 1 adviser can give you advice on simple cases, for example getting a business visa extension when you have no problems with work and all necessary documents.

Level 1 advisers can advise you on:

entry clearance

leave to enter

leave to remain

nationality and citizenship

EU and EEA law

The detailed guide explains what level 1 advisers can do.

Level 2 - casework

Level 2 advisers can do everything that Level 1 advisers can do, but can also accept more complicated cases.

You may want to use a level 2 adviser if you’ve had problems in the past with immigration and want permission to remain in the UK.

Advisers in this category can also help:

with claims for asylum and human rights applications

get your visa application decision reviewed (an ‘administrative review’)

if you entered the UK illegally or stayed after your visa expired

if you’re being removed or deported

The detailed guide explains what level 2 advisers can do.

Level 3 - advocacy and representation

Level 3 advisers can do everything that Level 1 and 2 advisers can.

They (Level 3 advisers) can also appear on your behalf at an immigration tribunal. In certain situations they (Level 3 advisers) can help you if you go to court.

The detailed guide explains what level 3 advisers can do.

Hiring an adviser

When you hire an immigration adviser:

find out how much they (an immigration adviser) charge and if you’ll have to pay them (an immigration adviser)

get a signed and dated receipt if you pay them (an immigration adviser) any money

ask how much you’ll have to pay if you decide you do not want to use them (an immigration adviser) any more

agree a fee before they (an immigration adviser) do any extra work for you

Some advisers do not charge a fee. If they do not charge, you’ll still have to pay for any expenses like translation costs and application fees.

Legal aid can help pay for legal advice or representation at a court or tribunal - check if you’re eligible.

Your adviser must give you a letter immediately after you hire them saying:

what work they (Your adviser)’re doing for you

how much you’ll be charged

how you’ll pay them (Your adviser)

Complain about an adviser

You can complain to the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) about either:

bad service you received from an adviser registered with OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC))

immigration advice you received from an unregulated person

You can also ask someone to make a complaint on your behalf, for example a friend, solicitor or voluntary organisation.

There’s a different way to complain about a legal adviser registered with a professional body but not regulated by OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)).

What you can and cannot complain about

You can complain about:

poor advice or service

unreasonable fees

an adviser claiming you’ll be successful

an adviser charging for work not done

an adviser missing deadlines or failing to appear in court

an adviser

You cannot make a complaint about:

how long your immigration application has taken

something that’s already part of an ongoing legal action

a refund or compensation

Home Office staff

a person or organisation outside the UK

You usually cannot make a complaint about something that happened more than 12 months ago - OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) will decide whether or not to investigate depending on the situation.

OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) may refer your complaint elsewhere if you complain about a solicitor or barrister.

Read more about how the OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) deals with complaints.

How to complain about an adviser regulated by OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC))

The easiest way to complain is to:

download and fill in the complaints form

include any documents that are relevant with your complaint

send the complaints form and documents to complaints@oisc.gov.uk or by post to the address on the form (the complaints form).

The form (the complaints form) is available in different languages and your complaint can be translated if needed.

You can get help from OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) staff to fill in the complaints form, but they cannot write your complaint for you.

Complain by letter

You can also make a complaint by sending a letter or email.

You need to provide as much detail as you can about who you’re making the complaint (a complaint) against and what the complaint (a complaint) is about.

How to complain about an unregulated adviser

You can email the OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) to report someone giving immigration advice who is not regulated by either the OSIC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) or another approved body.

Get help with your complaint

You can get support and advice from the:

Refugee Council England

Welsh Refugee Council

Scottish Refugee Council

Citizens Advice Northern Ireland

What happens next

You’ll get a letter within 5 days of making your complaint telling you how it’s going to be dealt with.

You’ll get a letter with a decision on your case within 5 months of making your complaint.

The OISC (the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC)) may decide to:

take action against the adviser, for example warn the adviser about their conduct

refer the complaint (your complaint), for example if it (your complaint)’s about a solicitor or barrister


Parent of a Child Student visa

Who can apply

You can only apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa if your child has or is applying for a Child Student visa. Or if they currently have a Tier 4 (Child) visa.

Your child must be aged between 4 and 11 when you apply, and be attending an independent school in the UK.

You must also:

be the only parent accompanying your child in the UK

maintain your main home outside the UK

plan to leave the UK when your visa expires

Bringing family members with you

To be eligible for a Parent of a Child Student visa you must be the only parent accompanying your child in the UK. The child’s other parent must live abroad, and cannot apply to join you in the UK.

You can bring your other children with you if they also have or are applying for a Child Student visa.

You cannot bring other family members with you on this visa (a Parent of a Child Student visa). They may be able to apply to come to the UK on a short-term visit visa.

If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you or a close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.

Otherwise you need a visa to come to the UK for more than 6 months. The earliest your Parent of a Child Student visa will start from is 1 January 2021.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme (the free EU Settlement Scheme).

How long you can stay

You can stay in the UK until your child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever happens first.

You can extend your visa while in the UK as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

If you leave the UK

If your child is staying in education in the UK without you, you must make arrangements for their ongoing care. For example, if your child turns 12 and their visa is still valid, they may be able to start boarding at their current school, or live with other family members in the UK.

What you cannot do

While you’re in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa, you cannot:

do paid work

study

start a business

make the UK your main home

apply for benefits (public funds), or the State Pension

bring other family members with you

switch to a different type of visa

Money you need

When you apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa, you must:

pay the application fee

pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay

prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your child while you’re in the UK

Visa application fee

A Parent of a Child Student visa costs £516.

Healthcare surcharge (the healthcare surcharge)

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your online application. It (the healthcare surcharge) usually costs £624 per year.

This (costs) is so you can use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Check how much you’ll need to pay before you apply.

You pay the surcharge (the healthcare surcharge) as part of your online visa application.

Money to support yourself and your child

You’ll need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your child in the UK.

You’ll need £1,560 for each month of your stay up to a maximum of 9 months. This amount (Money to support yourself and your child) is to support both you and your child (yourself and your child).

For example, if you’re staying for 9 months or longer you’ll need to prove you have £14,040 (9 months × £1,560).

If you want to bring your other children

You’ll need an extra £625 per month, up to a maximum of 9 months, for each additional child that accompanies you to the UK. They must be a sibling of your other child and also have a Child Student visa.

If you’re extending your visa

If you’ve been in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, you do not need to prove you have money to support yourself and your child for your visa application.

Documents you'll need to apply

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

a current passport or other valid travel document

proof that you have enough money to support yourself and your child - unless you’ve been in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa

evidence that you have a permanent home outside the UK

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:

your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the TB test

a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh

Apply from outside the UK

You must apply online for a Parent of a Child Student visa before you travel to the UK.

The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you travel to the UK.

Check what documents you’ll need to apply.

Apply online

As part of your online application, you will need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to prove your identity. You’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at your appointment.

The visa application centre (a visa application centre) may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.

Once you’ve started your application, you can save your form and complete it later.

Apply online

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it (your form). Check your email and follow the link to return to your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision. Check if your visa application centre offers faster decisions and other services.

After you apply

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

your supporting documents need to be verified

of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it (your application), contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

You can ask to cancel your application by contacting UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)). Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

You’ll get a letter or an email containing the decision on your application (a decision). This will explain what you need to do next.

Find out what happens after you get your decision (a decision).

Extend your visa

You can apply to extend your visa while in the UK as long as you and your child meet the eligibility requirements. This includes if your child currently has a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

How long you can stay

When you extend your visa you can stay in the UK until the date your child’s student visa expires or they turn 12, whichever happens first.

When to apply to extend your visa

You must apply before your current visa expires.

You can stay in the UK until you get a decision on your visa application.

Apply to extend your visa

You must apply online.

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point. At the appointment you must provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo). It costs £19.20.

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

upload them (your supporting documents) into the online service

have them (your supporting documents) scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

Apply to extend

Continue your application

Get help to apply online

You can get help with completing the online form (your form) if you:

do not feel confident using a computer or mobile device

do not have internet access

You can only use this service (the online service) if you’re applying to extend your visa in the UK.

You cannot get immigration advice through this service (the online service).

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks.

You may be able to pay to get a faster decision - you’ll be told if you can when you apply.

You can stay in the UK until you’ve been given a decision, as long as you applied before your last visa expired.

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

After you apply

your supporting documents need to be verified

If you need to change or cancel your application

You can ask to withdraw your application by contacting UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)). Your fee will only be refunded if UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)) has not started processing your application.

After you get a decision

If you applied for an administrative review because your application was refused, you can stay in the UK until you get your review decision.