Going abroad with young children can be stressful.

From making sure all their essentials are packed, their clothes are ready and their favourite cuddly toy isn't left behind, it can be tough.

But, away from packing it can sometimes be easy to forget about the most important of any trip abroad, the passport. 

Unlike adults, children's passports vary depending on age with the choice of five-year or 10-year passports once they have reached a certain age.

What age does a child get a 10 year passport in the UK?

According to the UK government, anyone aged 16 to 17 can have a passport that is vailed for 10 years.

However, those younger than 16, will be issued a five-year passport that can not be extended.

As the government shares: "Five-year passports issued before this date are extended free of charge. Passports issued to young persons aged 16 and 17 years are valid for 10 years."

Chelmsford Weekly News: You may want to check this before traveling. You may want to check this before traveling. (Image: PA)

Until the age of 16, consent is needed for children's passport applications, however, those between 16 and 17 do not need parental consent.

RECOMMENDED READING

But, there is one expectation, as the government shares: "If it is clear from the information provided that the 16 or 17-year-old has a mental disability and will be unable to understand the consequences of signing the declaration at section 9, we will also need consent from someone with parental responsibility."

In order to travel abroad, every UK citizen must have a passport, this includes infants and children under 18 years old.

You can not represent a family member inside your passport and a child must be 15 years or younger to get a Child Passport and be classed as a British citizen.