Family Travel Guide: Visa-Free Countries for BRP Holders with Children
Everything families need to know about travelling with children as UK BRP holders
Travelling as a BRP Holder Family
Planning a family holiday when one or both parents hold a UK BRP requires extra attention to documentation, especially when children have different nationalities or travel documents. This guide covers everything from document preparation to the best family-friendly visa-free destinations.
Whether your children are British citizens, hold their own BRPs, or have a different nationality passport, we explain the requirements and help you plan a stress-free family trip.
Essential Documentation for Family Travel
For Each Child
- Valid passport in the child's own name (not added to parent's)
- BRP card or digital immigration status (if the child is a visa holder)
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Any required vaccinations (check destination requirements)
- Travel insurance covering children specifically
Consent Letter (If One Parent Travelling)
- Written consent from the absent parent, ideally notarised
- Include: child's full name, both parents' names, travel dates and destinations
- Contact details of the absent parent
- Copy of the absent parent's ID (passport or driving licence)
- Some countries legally require this -- always carry one
Mixed-Status Families
If your children hold British passports but you hold a BRP:
- Your children may have visa-free access to more countries than you
- Plan holidays based on YOUR most restrictive document
- At immigration, present all documents together as a family
- Explain the different documents calmly if asked
- Carry marriage certificate and birth certificates to prove the relationship
Health & Safety
- Check if any vaccinations are required for children
- Pack a first aid kit with children's medicines
- Carry prescription medicine in original packaging with a doctor's letter
- Research hospitals and clinics near your accommodation
- Ensure travel insurance covers children's medical emergencies
Best Family-Friendly Visa-Free Destinations
Turkey (90 days, e-Visa)
Turkey is a top family destination. All-inclusive resorts in Antalya are excellent value, with kids' clubs, water parks and entertainment. Istanbul is educational and exciting for older children. Short flight time (3.5-4 hours) makes it manageable with young children. The e-Visa is quick and easy to obtain online.
Barbados (6 months)
Barbados offers calm, family-friendly beaches on the west coast, excellent children's activities, and a welcoming culture. The island has good healthcare facilities and English is the official language. Six months visa-free gives flexibility for extended stays. Direct flights from London take about 8.5 hours.
Montenegro (30 days)
Montenegro is ideal for active families. The coastline has calm beaches suitable for children, while the mountains offer family hiking trails. Kotor's old town is like a living history book. Affordable dining and accommodation. Short flight from the UK (2.5-3 hours). Excellent safety record.
Morocco (90 days)
Morocco is a cultural adventure for families. Camel rides in the desert, exploring medinas, and building sandcastles on Atlantic beaches. Riads provide a unique family accommodation experience. Just 3 hours from the UK. Affordable and family-oriented culture. Best for families with children 5+.
Albania (90 days)
Albania's Riviera has clean, family-friendly beaches. Ksamil's shallow waters are perfect for small children. Extremely affordable -- a family of four can eat out for under £20. Friendly locals who love children. Short flight time and budget airline access. Growing but not yet overcrowded with tourists.
Singapore (30 days)
Singapore is a playground for families: Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios, the Zoo (voted world's best), and Sentosa Island. Incredibly clean and safe. English-speaking. Efficient public transport with a child-friendly MRT system. Higher budget but unforgettable family experience.
Family Travel Tips
Practical Advice
- Book direct flights where possible: Layovers with children are stressful and add complexity for BRP checks
- Pre-book airport lounge access: A calm space for families between check-in and boarding makes a huge difference
- Arrive early: Extra time for BRP checks plus managing children -- arrive 3 hours before international flights
- Pack documents in a family folder: One clear folder with everyone's passports, BRPs, and booking confirmations
- Register with the FCDO: Register your trip so the embassy can contact you in emergencies
- Download offline maps: Google Maps offline mode works without data -- essential with children who do not do well lost
- Check school holiday rules: If travelling during term time, check your school's absence policy and get written approval if needed
- Book family travel insurance: Policies that cover the whole family are usually cheaper than individual policies
If you are travelling alone with your children (without the other parent), some countries may question you at immigration. This is a child protection measure. Always carry:
- A notarised consent letter from the other parent
- Birth certificates proving you are the parent
- The other parent's contact phone number
- A court order, if applicable (for sole custody situations)
Without these documents, you risk being denied boarding or entry. This is especially important for BRP holders, as immigration officers may scrutinise your documents more carefully.
Yes, every child who is a UK visa holder needs their own BRP card or digital immigration status. Children cannot travel on a parent's BRP. Each child also needs their own valid passport. Apply well in advance as processing takes several weeks.
You need: each child's valid passport, each child's BRP or digital immigration status, birth certificates to prove your relationship, a consent letter from the other parent if travelling alone, travel insurance covering all family members, and standard travel documents like flight bookings and accommodation details.
While not always legally required, a notarised consent letter from the other parent is strongly recommended when one parent is travelling alone with children. Some countries and airlines require this. The letter should include the other parent's contact details, travel dates, destinations, and their signed permission.
Turkey, Morocco, and the Caribbean islands are excellent for families with young children. They offer family-friendly resorts, warm weather, manageable flight times, good healthcare, and activities suitable for all ages. European destinations like Montenegro and Albania are also great for shorter flights.
If your child holds a British passport, they may have visa-free access to more countries than you do with your BRP. For family trips, plan based on the most restrictive travel document in the family to ensure everyone can enter together.
This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements for travelling with children can vary by destination and may change. Always verify requirements with the destination country's embassy and your airline before travelling. Information current as of February 2026.