Free Child Travel Consent

Child Travel Consent FAQs

What is a child travel consent form?

The child travel consent is a consent letter that grants authorization for a minor to travel alone or with another adult, and without their parents or legal guardians.  This travel consent is required for both domestic and international travels when the parents or legal guardians are not present for the trip.  Consider having a child travel consent form for each leg of the travel if the itinerary has multiple stops, especially for longer trips.

What age is considered a minor?

In most jurisdictions, once a person turns 18, that is the age of majority and that individual is considered an adult, however there are other jurisdictions that use 19 to 21 as the threshold.  Typically, child travel consent forms are used for individuals under 18 years of age.

Why do you need a child travel consent form?

Child abduction is an issue that’s taken seriously by the authorities at the borders.  A child travel consent is proof that the child has received parental consent to travel. Without signing a child travel consent, authorities at the border may prevent or delay your child’s travel plans.

There are many situations that require the use of a child travel consent, for example:

• When the parents are legally separated, the child is traveling with only one parent. 
• When the child is traveling with a sports team, religious organization, or during a school trip.
• When the child is studying away from home in a boarding school.
• When the child is traveling with extended family such as aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
• When the child is traveling alone to meet extended family or parent/legal guardian.

Do I need to notarize my child travel consent form?

It is strongly recommended to have your child travel consent form notarized despite that it is not required in all jurisdictions.  Having a notarized child travel consent form is the best proof that your child has permission to travel and will prevent any potential delays from border agents during your child’s travel.

Can a child travel consent cover multiple trips?

Yes. You can draft the form to cover more than one trip if the travel will be recurring, such as regular visits to relatives or ongoing participation in an extracurricular activity. However, including specific travel dates and destinations is recommended to avoid confusion with authorities.

Who can be authorized to travel with the child?

Any responsible adult who is at least 18 years old can be named in the form. This could include relatives, family friends, coaches, teachers, or group leaders. The chosen individual should be someone you trust to supervise your child and handle any travel-related issues that may arise.

What information should be included in a child travel consent form?

The form should list the child’s full name, date of birth, travel dates, destinations, and the accompanying adult’s full name and contact information. It should also include the parents’ or legal guardians’ names, contact details, and signatures, as well as any special instructions or relevant medical information.

Is a child travel consent required for domestic flights?

Some airlines may require additional documentation for minors traveling without both parents, even on domestic routes. It’s best to check with the airline in advance and have a consent form ready to avoid last-minute complications.

Why is notarizing a child travel consent recommended?

Notarization is not always required by law, but it adds an extra layer of authenticity to the document. A notarized form confirms that the signatures are genuine, which makes it more likely to be accepted by border officials, airline staff, and foreign authorities—reducing the risk of delays during travel.

What jurisdictions can use our child travel consent form?

You can use our template to create a legal and valid child travel consent form for the following jurisdictions: