Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Tracey Roberts
“If you are a British citizen who has just had a baby – First things first, you will need a British passport for your newborn.”
So you have just had a new baby? Congratulations! You’re likely one of those wanderlust parents who would like to travel right away. If you are a British citizen – First things first, you will need a British passport for your newborn. This can seem daunting, but with the correct information, it is pretty simple.
Here are a few helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
When does my baby need a British passport?
If you have plans to travel outside of the UK, your baby will need a passport. Regardless of how old they are. British citizens under 16 years old are required to apply for a “Child Passport”. A child’s passport is only valid for five years, so you must keep track of when it will be up for renewal. Most countries request travellers – even children – to have at least 6 months left on their passport.
What documents do I need to apply for a British passport for my newborn?
One of the first steps in getting a British passport for your newborn is to gather the required documents.
You will need:
- A digital passport photo of your baby is required. HM Passport Office has the strictest standards regarding passport photo requirements, even for newborns. When applying through U.K.ABROAD, you will be advised of these requirements. A consultant will ensure that your passport photo is up to the government’s standards before submission.
- The child’s full birth and adoption certificate (if adopted) (it must include their parents’ information).
- Proof of your child’s British citizenship, such as a parent’s passport, parent’s birth certificate or a British registration certificate.
- Passports from other countries that are still valid.
- Any court orders such as orders describing parental responsibility or residency arrangements.
You’ll need to submit originals, photocopies or laminated versions will not be accepted.. You’ll need certified translations if the documents aren’t in English or Welsh.
About U.K.ABROAD
U.K.ABROAD is a leading British document service provider that assists British citizens with their British passports from abroad. We have a staff of specialists that is always ready to answer any inquiries you may have. British passport renewals, applications, or replacements for lost or stolen passports are some of our services.
Operating independently since 2008 and with over 600 verified Google reviews, our service excellence speaks for itself.
Our services include:
- An easy, online application process.
- Secure payment method – we use the world’s safest payment gateway, Stripe, to process all payments.
- Documents and application checking – Our experts will check your forms and documents and finalise the application on your behalf.
- Application submissions – We arrange safe and fast shipment of documents to the relevant government office in the UK.
- Delivery to your door – Your new British passport or certificate is delivered directly to your door.
How to apply for a British passport for your baby?
Applying for a British passport for your newborn is simple with U.K.ABROAD. Simply follow the steps below, and you will have your passport in no time.
- Fill in the easy online application form here.
- Submit your online payment for your UK Passport Renewal.
- One of our British passport specialists will contact you regarding supporting documents, digital photographs, and any other information you may need to complete your application successfully.
- Once your application is processed, you can expect your new British passport to be delivered to your doorstep within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions: British passport for a newborn
How do I get a British passport for my child born abroad?
Applying for a UK passport for your child is now done entirely online. Click here to complete the online application form to get started.
Is my newborn eligible for a British passport?
If a child was born in the United Kingdom and at the time of their birth, and if either of their parents is a British-born citizen or naturalised in the UK, the child is automatically born a British citizen. This means that an application can be made for a British passport for the child.
How long does it take to get a British passport for a newborn?
Generally, you can expect your baby’s passport to arrive in 4 to 6 weeks. Unfortunately, HMPO is currently experiencing higher than usual volumes and is consequently experiencing delays in processing passports.
IMPORTANT: Do not process travel bookings until you receive your new passport. We can’t accept responsibility for any paid travel arrangements.
Can newborns travel without a UK passport?
No. Every UK citizen, including infants, must possess their own passport. Your child must be younger than 16 years old to apply for a Child Passport and be recognised as a British citizen.
Can infants travel on a mother’s passport?
Children are not permitted to travel on their parents’ or guardians’ passports. This is meant to make international travel for children safer. Each child must have their own passport in order to travel.
Final thoughts
U.K.ABROAD is a leading British passport service provider that helps British citizens with their British passports from abroad. If you are applying for a British passport for your newborn from abroad, click here to start your online application.
Read more helpful guides:
- How to renew your British Passport in Australia
- British Passport renewals & applications from Canada
- British Passports from the USA
- Renewing a British Passport from South Africa
- UK passports from NZ
