Travelling from and to the UK after receiving citizenship certificate for a child

Hi all,

My 1yo son received a citizenship certificate few days ago(because of his age he didn't need to visit ceremony, so we couldn't control time he received it).
The problem is we bought tickets to Russia to visit his grandparents some time ago and travel is planned in early October(we have 2 weeks) and we don't exactly know how it's best for him to return to the UK.

From my understanding his BRP isn't a valid travel document anymore and we need to either apply for his British passport or apply for emergency travel document while staying in Russia.

The only option to get passport in time is to apply for fast track but all next week appointment slots are available at Belfast only .
Emergency travel document may be not an option, since we planned to stay only for 4 days in Russia, including weekend.

Is there anything than I overlooked or I have only these two options in order to travel in these dates?

Thank you

erggo wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 21, 2021 8:17 pm

apply for emergency travel document while staying in Russia.

Emergency Travel Documents are only issued to people who have already held a British passport.

If the child has never had a British passport, that is not an option.

As Russian citizens are, to the best of my knowledge, visa nationals, the child may not be allowed to board the flight without a British passport or a BRP.

erggo wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 21, 2021 8:17 pm

his BRP isn't a valid travel document anymore

Correct, but the airline staff will not be able to verify that. They will only be visually inspecting the BRP. You will need the BRP to board the flight. Once you arrive at the airport in the UK, you can show the registration certificate to the Immigration Officer. Be aware that this approach may cause delays for the child and parents at the airport on arrival.

Be aware that withholding the BRP risks a £1000 fine. Alternatively, you can try to get the fast-track appointment in Belfast.

Thank you for suggestions, secren.simon.

We managed to book an appointment at a closer passport office by refreshing the appointment selection page. It seems people occasionally cancel their appointments and they become available for others.