Child Routes and Rules

Guidance on the UK’s visa routes for children and their parents — bringing a child to the UK as a visitor, accompanying a child who is studying, adopting a child from overseas, and the route for a parent caring for a British or settled child.

UK Visa Routes for Children

Children come to the UK on different routes depending on the family’s circumstances — visiting for a short stay, joining a parent, or arriving through overseas adoption — and a separate route exists for a parent of a British child. Each has its own evidence and parental-consent requirements. Our guides explain who qualifies and how to apply. Browse the child visa guides below.