Child Travel Consent Form
- Mark Duffy
- Feb 25
- 5 min read
Not long ago I was approached by some parents to notarize a Travel Consent Form for their pre-teen daughter. As a family, including Grandparents, they were on vacation sight -seeing in St Augustine from their home in Texas. They were US citizens who had emigrated from South America about 20 years ago. They were planning to take the two younger children to Disney in Orlando for a few days, and the Grandparents were going to take the pre-teen granddaughter with them back to the family home in Texas.
They thought it would be wise to have a documented Child Travel Consent Form to go with the Grandparents to cover any problems that could possibly arise.
What is a Travel Consent Form?
A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that grants permission for a child to travel, typically without one or both of their parents or legal guardians present. It's often required by airlines, travel authorities, or government agencies to ensure that the child is allowed to travel with an adult or group and that the parent(s) or guardian(s) are aware of the travel arrangements. The form typically includes:
Child's Information – Name, birthdate, passport details (if applicable).
Travel Information – Dates, destination, and details of travel.
Guardian or Authorized Adult Information – Name and contact details of the person who will be traveling with the child.
Parent/Guardian Consent – Signature and information of the parent(s) or guardian(s) providing consent.
Emergency Contact Information – In case of any issues while the child is traveling.
This form helps to prevent child abductions and ensures that all parties are on the same page regarding the child’s travel and safety. It may also be necessary for travel across borders, especially if a child is traveling internationally with a relative, a family friend, or someone who isn’t their parent.
Traveling with One Parent
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends if a child is traveling with one parent, especially if the parents are divorced, to carry a note from the other parent stating their consent to the trip.[2]
Medical Decisions
A minor travel consent form does not include permission to make medical decisions on behalf of the child. If the consenting parent or guardian wants to hand over those rights, a minor child power of attorney form should be authorized.
Non-U.S. citizen children traveling to the U.S.
All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa to enter the U.S.
Additionally, if the child is traveling alone, with only one of their custodial parents, or with a guardian to the U.S., they should have:
Documents that their country requires for children traveling outside their country without both parents
Each country has its own rules for the specific documents it requires for a child to be allowed to leave their home country without both of their custodial parents or with a guardian. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country the child is a citizen of to find out what specific documents the country requires to allow the child to leave their country.
A letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both custodial parents.
The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
A parent who frequently crosses the border by land with a minor should always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.
A parent with sole custody of the child they are traveling with should carry a copy of the custody document.
If your child is traveling alone by air, the airline may require you to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay a fee for unaccompanied minor service. This service provides an airline employee escort for your child at the airport and on board the plane. In addition, you and the person picking your child up at their destination may also need to provide the airline with identification and contact information.
U.S. citizen children traveling outside the U.S.
Children traveling to most other countries are required to have a U.S. passport.
Depending on the country, the child may also need a visa and other travel documents. Search for the country the child will be visiting to find out what documentation that country requires.
Providing parental consent when a child travels without both custodial parents
Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction. If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they may need a letter of consent from the other custodial parent.
The letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent (if the child is traveling with one custodial parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is traveling with a guardian or alone) should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
Additionally, if a minor is traveling abroad alone:
Contact the embassy or consulate of the country your child will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.
The airline may require you to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay them a fee for unaccompanied minor service. This service provides an airline employee escort for your child at the airport and on board the plane. In addition, you and the person picking your child up at their destination may also need to provide the airline with identification and contact information.
U.S. citizen children traveling to Canada or Mexico
Traveling by air
All U.S. citizen children who are traveling by air to Canada or Mexico must have a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card.
Traveling by land or sea
Under age 16: present the child’s
U.S. passport, or
An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate, or
A Certificate of Naturalization, or
A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
Age 16 or over: show a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card
Parental consent documentation for travel to Canada and Mexico
A child traveling with only one custodial parent or a guardian or who is traveling alone may need to present a written letter of consent at the border.
The letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent (if the child is traveling with one custodial parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is traveling with a guardian or alone) should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
Site to get a Child Travel Consent Form:
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