passport renewel at 17

[vespaboy]

hi all my daughter has her own passport which has just over 2 years remaining on it and she has a holiday booked for May (going with in laws). She will be 17 and a half when she flies and will need to fly along with my 15 year old niece (no adults (over 18)) due to meeting nice's parents in Tenerife. Does she need to renew her passport and if so will we have to pay? Will they be ok flying or will we have to sign something at the airport? Thanks in advance

[Buenchico]

Your daughter's passport remains valid up until the expiry date printed on it. (New applicants for passports are regarded as 'adults' from the age of 16, but a child passport, acquired before the age of 16, continues to be valid after the holder's 16th birthday, up until the normal expiry date).

The UK and Spanish authorities are unlikely to see any difficulties with the girls travelling together but it might be wisest to get your niece's parents to provide a letter stating that they agree to her travelling and that they will meet her on arrival in Tenerife. It's unlikely that your daughter will require such a letter but it would probably still be wisest to provide her with one.

However you must check the airline's specific requirements. (Each airline has their own rules). Some airlines will not allow the girls to travel. (For example, from 1st April this year, Ryanair won't carry any under-18s unless they're accompanied by an adult who has been booked on the same reservation). However most airlines permit under-16s to travel when accompanied by someone over 16. There is usually a requirement for a parent or guardian to complete an authorisation form at both departure airports.

Chris

[vespaboy]

Thanks for your help Chris, much appreciated