Avoiding any situation that could prevent or slow down your child’s authorized travel and keeping their safety is preferable. You should prepare the required documents if your child is:
- Traveling with only one parent
- Visiting parents who are separated
- Traveling alone because one parent has passed away
- Traveling with a grandparent, aunt, uncle, adult sibling, or babysitter
- Attending a school trip with teachers or chaperones
You should also remember any travel limitations the court orders if you are a single parent with sole legal custody. For example, the court may decide the signature of the co-parent is still required when you want to travel abroad with your child.
Other countries may have specific rules for minor travel for international travel, so it’s advisable to check the destination country’s requirements before traveling.
You should also check with your airline about specific travel regulations for children.
Even if children traveling without their parents in the US generally do not require their parent’s written permission, it is better to be prepared as custody arrangements sometimes might restrict the right to travel. While this is the case with domestic travel, international travel is subject to more ID and consent requirements than domestic travel. Many foreign countries have tight requirements on documentation for adults traveling with minors who do not share a last name.
Preparing all these travel papers seems challenging and exhausting, but you should be ready to have an unpainful and enjoyable journey.
Child Travel Consent Form
A child travel consent form legally grants a minor aged 5-17 permission to travel without their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The form is strongly recommended if a child travels alone, with only one parent or an authorized adult. Travel can occur either across state lines or across country borders.
Adults should formally document that they are authorized to travel with a child that is not their own when traveling with children. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the right to request documentation, so it is best to be ready with a child travel consent form.
If only one parent has custody of the child, the parent traveling with the child might consider bringing certified copies of the following supporting paperwork:
- Court decision
- Death certificate
- A birth certificate naming only one parent
- Custody papers documenting the guardian has legal custody
- Notarized statement or affidavit if one of the legal parents is absent
What Should be Included in a Child Travel Consent Form?
Including all the necessary identifying information is essential to alert adults that the child has legal permission to travel alone or with named others. Our Child Travel Consent form asks simple questions that help you complete the document step-by-step.
Child’s Personal Information
Children under 18 should travel with an authorized adult or have special permission documented in a consent form. Otherwise, law enforcement officers will consider such children unaccompanied minors.
Parents/Legal Guardians Permission
The parent or legal guardian who has custody of the child must permit the child to travel alone or with another parent, family member, or other adult. Parents or legal guardians must sign the minor travel consent form if the child travels alone.
Travel Details
The child travel consent form should also spell out the following details:
- Where the child is traveling to (final destination)
- When the child will be traveling and returning
- Why the child is on a journey with another adult or by themselves
- Who the responsible adult is, if anyone, that will be traveling with them
Child’s Health Details
This form may also cover the child’s food allergies, medical conditions, or special needs. It should provide clear names and numbers for the parents or emergency contacts if needed.
Signature
A non-traveling parent should sign the document to authorize the child’s travel.
Can you use the same travel consent form for multiple trips?
Yes, you can use the same travel consent form for multiple trips. If your minor child frequently travels or crosses a border, the CBP states the letter should not be over one year old. It is also recommended to have the letter in English.
Do I need a travel consent form if I travel with my child?
You should have a travel consent form if you’re traveling with your child, particularly when only one parent is traveling. You will need a note from the co-parent unless both of you accompany the child. However, only your signature is required if you have sole legal custody of the child.
What Should be Included in a Minor Medical Consent Form?
A Minor Medical Consent Form should contain the following:
Child’s Basic Information
It should contain the child’s personal information, including the name, birth date, place of birth, passport or ID number, and contact details.
Parent/Legal Guardian Information
Adding parent’s/legal guardian’s information is also necessary for a child medical consent form. It should include the parent’s/guardian’s full name and contact information, such as their address and phone number.
Caregiver’s Identity
You should provide the name of the caregiver’s identity authorized to care for the child in case they need medical treatment and a relationship with the child.
Information Concerning the Minor’s Health
To help medical and healthcare professionals, specify known medical conditions and allergies, current medications, vaccine history, and emergency contact information.
Health Insurance Details
It is optional, but provide the insurance company name, policy/group number, and policyholder’s name if you decide to add the details about health insurance.
ID or Proof of Relationship with the Child
Whether the child is traveling with her parents, another adult, or a group, taking the child’s birth certificate with you on every trip is advisable to indicate the exact date of birth, place of birth, and full name.
To confirm that the child is not a kidnapping victim or a custody dispute, border officers need copies of the adoption certificates or legal guardianship paperwork.
Passport
For international travel, minors must carry a passport regardless of how young and whether they’re traveling alone, with a parent, or with another adult companion.
A child must apply for a passport personally, and a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the passport office and sign the required documents before a passport agent. If one parent cannot appear, that parent must submit a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053).
Travel to Canada and Mexico doesn’t require a child’s passport by land or sea.
Reduce Stress When Traveling!
If you have the required papers, you and your family will feel more at peace on your vacation, allowing you to enjoy your trip with a child and worry less about it. Use Legal Templates to create a child travel consent form and a child medical consent form!
