Free Child Travel Consent Form

This legal document is needed when a child travels for a school trip or with a group. It’s also needed when a minor travels with an adult who isn’t their parent or guardian.

This type of consent letter for children traveling abroad is also vital if the minor is traveling alone [1].

Types of Travel Needing a Consent Form

• Domestic Travel: Authorities at locations such as airports and bus stations might question the child. Having the letter will clear any doubts that security might have.
• International Travel: On many occasions, a minor is required to show written permission from parents to be allowed to take international flights [2]. Using the Consent Form should give them the ability to travel abroad.

Different Titles for the Consent Form

The Child Travel Consent Form is also known by several different names, although they all essentially serve the same purpose:

• Minor Travel Consent Form
• Travel Permission Letter
• Parental Consent Form
• Letter for Children Traveling Abroad

Use our Printable Child Travel Consent Form template as a base to help you create your document and give permission to your child to travel without you.

Children traveling with one parent internationally often need a letter of consent. To better understand the structure, wording and elements that you need to include, take a look at this sample Letter of Consent to travel with one parent:

Whenever a minor travels without a parent or guardian, they should have a Child Consent Form.

You should give your child permission when they are going to:

• Travel alone.
• Visiting a parent.
• Visit a family member or friend.
• Travel with a group.

When a child has separated or divorce parents, it is normal for them to travel more often.

It’s also wise to write a Letter of Consent for a child to travel with grandparents, if either of their grandparents will accompany them.

Keep a Minor Travel Consent Form PDF available. This will allow them to see their other parent and maintain the process simple.

To write a Consent Letter, you need to understand the proper structure of the document.

We have prepared easy-to-follow instructions below to help you understand how to fill out a Minor Travel Consent Form. With these steps, your can complete your valid travel permission.

1. Start by titling the document “Child Consent Form”, to state its purpose
2. Include the child's full name and birthdate
3. Add travel dates, destinations, and transport details
4. List names and relationships of accompanying adults
5. Provide names and contact information of both parents or guardians
6. Write a clear statement granting permission for the trip
7. Include an emergency contact number or email
8. Have parents or guardians sign with a notary to validate

Follow the listed steps to ensure your consent letter is complete and meets legal requirements for child travel documentation.

*It is best to have both parents sign the form, although this is not always necessary. However, if both parents sign the form, it is clear to any authorities questioning the child or reviewing the child’s travel itinerary that the travel is authorized.

Notarizing a Child Travel Consent Form is generally recommended, especially for international travel or when a child is traveling without both parents. (U.S. Government Guidelines) Here are the key points:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance: While not always mandatory, CBP suggests having a notarized consent form to prevent issues related to child abduction and trafficking, particularly if the child is traveling with only one parent or a non-parental guardian. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection website)
• International travel: Many countries require a notarized consent letter for minors traveling without both parents. Notarization verifies the authenticity of the consent and helps meet foreign entry requirements.
• Airline policies: Some airlines may require notarized consent forms for minors traveling without both parents. It's advisable to check with the airline and destination country for specific requirements.

In summary, while not always legally required, notarizing a Child Travel Consent Form is prudent to ensure compliance with various travel regulations and to facilitate smooth travel experiences.

A notary can often be found at a bank or local government office. These notaries are usually free or charge a nominal fee for their service.

There are certain documents similar to a Minor Travel Consent Form. Understanding the purpose of these documents can help you in similar situations.

• Child Medical Consent Form
• Divorce Agreement
• Separation Agreement
• Power of Attorney for Child

Reviewing this document can clear up any future doubts regarding permissions for minors.

Sources:
[1] When Kids Fly Alone. U.S. Department of Transportation.

[2] International travel documents for children. USA.gov.