A child travel consent form is strongly recommended if a child travels alone, with only one parent or an authorized adult. It notifies others that the child has written permission or legal authority to travel without their parent(s).

Travel can occur either across state lines or across country borders.

Table of Contents

• What is a Child Travel Consent Form?
• How To Write a Child Travel Consent Form
• What Should be Included in a Child Travel Consent Form?
• Tips for Writing a Child Travel Consent Form
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What must I write in a child’s travel consent form?
• Do permission to travel letters need a to and from date?
• How do you write a permission letter for a school trip?
• Do I need a consent form if my kid’s friend is coming on vacation with us?
• Do I need a notarized letter to travel with a child domestically?
• Do I need a consent letter to travel with my child within the US?
• Child Travel Consent Form Sample

What is a Child Travel Consent Form?

A Child Travel Consent Form, also known as a Child Travel Authorization Letter or Parental Consent to Travel Form, is a legal document used to grant permission for a minor child to travel internationally or domestically with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian. This form is typically required by immigration authorities, airlines, and border officials to verify that the child has permission to travel with the accompanying adult.

Key components of a Child Travel Consent Form generally include:

1. Child's Information: The form includes the child's full name, date of birth, place of birth, and passport or identification details.

2. Parent or Legal Guardian Information: The names, addresses, and contact information of the child's parents or legal guardians are provided.

3. Accompanying Adult Information: The name, relationship to the child, address, and contact information of the adult who will be traveling with the child are included.

4. Travel Details: The form specifies the details of the trip, including the destination, dates of travel, and the purpose of the trip.

5. Notarization or Witness: Some jurisdictions and authorities may require the consent form to be notarized, while others may accept it with the signatures of witnesses. The form will indicate the appropriate method.

6. Terms and Conditions: The form may outline any specific terms and conditions of the travel consent, such as the duration of permission, restrictions, or special instructions.

7. Emergency Contact Information: Emergency contact details for the child and accompanying adult are often included.

8. Signature and Date: The child's parent or legal guardian signs and dates the form to indicate their informed consent for the child to travel with the specified adult. If required, the accompanying adult may also sign and date the form.

Child Travel Consent Forms are essential for various situations, including:

1. Traveling Abroad: When a child is traveling internationally without one or both parents, immigration authorities in many countries may require a notarized Child Travel Consent Form to verify parental consent.

2. Traveling Domestically: Even for domestic travel, some airlines or transportation authorities may request a Child Travel Consent Form to confirm that the child has permission to travel with an adult who is not their parent or guardian.

3. Traveling with Relatives or Friends: When a child is traveling with relatives, family friends, or other adults who are not their legal guardians, this form can provide proof of consent.

4. Emergency Situations: In emergency situations where a child must travel with someone other than their parents (e.g., for medical treatment), a Child Travel Consent Form can help expedite the process.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and acceptance of Child Travel Consent Forms may vary by country, airline, and situation. It's advisable to consult with the relevant authorities, airline, or immigration officials and to verify the specific requirements for your travel destination and circumstances to ensure compliance with all legal and travel-related regulations.

How To Write a Child Travel Consent Form

Writing a Child Travel Consent Form involves creating a document that clearly and legally grants permission for a minor child to travel with an accompanying adult who is not their parent or legal guardian. The following steps outline how to write a Child Travel Consent Form:

Step 1: Document Header
At the top of the form, include a title that clearly identifies it as a "Child Travel Consent Form." Below the title, add a brief heading that states "Consent to Travel" or a similar phrase.

Step 2: Introduction
In the introduction section, briefly explain the purpose of the form, which is to grant permission for the child to travel with the accompanying adult. Mention the child's full name and date of birth.

Step 3: Child's Information
Provide a section for the child's information, including:

• Full legal name of the child.

• Date of birth.

• Place of birth.

• Passport or identification details (if applicable).

Step 4: Parent or Legal Guardian Information
Include a section for the parent or legal guardian to provide their information, including:

• Full legal name of the parent or legal guardian.

• Address.

• Contact information (phone number and email).

• Passport or identification details (if applicable).

Step 5: Accompanying Adult Information
Create a section where the accompanying adult (the person traveling with the child) provides their information, including:

• Full legal name of the accompanying adult.

• Relationship to the child (e.g., family friend, relative).

• Address.

• Contact information (phone number and email).

• Passport or identification details (if applicable).

Step 6: Travel Details
Specify the details of the trip, including:

• Destination(s) of travel.

• Departure and return dates.

• Purpose of the trip (e.g., vacation, family visit, medical treatment).

Step 7: Terms and Conditions
Outline any specific terms and conditions related to the child's travel, such as:

• Duration of permission (e.g., for the duration of the trip).

• Restrictions or limitations (if any).

• Special instructions or requirements (e.g., carry identification, follow safety guidelines).

Step 8: Notarization or Witness
Depending on legal requirements in your jurisdiction or the travel destination, include a section for notarization or for witnesses to sign and date the form. Some authorities may require notarization, while others may accept witness signatures.

Step 9: Emergency Contact Information
Provide space for both the parent or legal guardian and the accompanying adult to provide emergency contact information. This should include names, phone numbers, and addresses of individuals who can be reached in case of an emergency during the trip.

Step 10: Signature and Date
Include a section for the parent or legal guardian to sign and date the form, indicating their informed consent for the child to travel with the specified accompanying adult. If required, the accompanying adult may also sign and date the form.

Step 11: Legal Disclaimer
Include a legal disclaimer stating that the Child Travel Consent Form is a legally binding document and that both parties (parent/legal guardian and accompanying adult) understand and agree to its terms.

Step 12: Review and Notarization
Review the completed form for accuracy and completeness. If notarization is required, take the form to a notary public to have it notarized. Ensure that all signatures are in accordance with legal requirements.

Step 13: Copies and Distribution
Make copies of the completed and notarized form. The parent/legal guardian, the accompanying adult, and the child should each retain a signed copy. It's also advisable to keep digital copies for reference.

Step 14: Verify Requirements
Before traveling, verify the specific requirements for child travel consent forms with the relevant authorities, airlines, or immigration officials for your travel destination. Some countries may have additional requirements or specific forms to use.

Remember that the requirements and acceptance of Child Travel Consent Forms can vary by country, airline, and situation. It's essential to ensure that your form complies with all legal and travel-related regulations specific to your travel destination and circumstances.

What Should be Included in a Child Travel Consent Form?

When creating a Child Travel Consent Form, it's crucial to include important points and details to ensure clarity and compliance with legal requirements. Here are the key points that should be included in a Child Travel Consent Form:

1. Introduction:
   • Clearly state the purpose of the form, which is to grant consent for the child to travel with the accompanying adult.
   • Mention the child's full name, date of birth, and place of birth to establish their identity.

2. Child's Information:
   • Full legal name of the child.
   • Date of birth.
   • Place of birth.
   • Passport or identification details (if applicable).

3. Parent or Legal Guardian Information:
   • Full legal name of the parent or legal guardian providing consent.
   • Address.
   • Contact information (phone number and email).
   • Passport or identification details (if applicable).

4. Accompanying Adult Information:
   • Full legal name of the accompanying adult.
   • Relationship to the child (e.g., family friend, relative).
   • Address.
   • Contact information (phone number and email).
   • Passport or identification details (if applicable).

5. Travel Details:
   • Destination(s) of travel.
   • Departure and return dates.
   • Purpose of the trip (e.g., vacation, family visit, medical treatment).

6. Terms and Conditions:
   • Duration of permission (e.g., for the duration of the trip).
   • Restrictions or limitations (if any).
   • Special instructions or requirements (e.g., carry identification, follow safety guidelines).

7. Notarization or Witness:
   • Specify whether notarization is required based on local laws or travel destination requirements.
   • If notarization is not required, provide space for witnesses to sign and date the form. Include details about who can serve as a witness (e.g., unrelated third party).

8. Emergency Contact Information:
   • Provide space for both the parent or legal guardian and the accompanying adult to list emergency contact information, including names, phone numbers, and addresses of individuals who can be reached in case of an emergency during the trip.

9. Authorization and Acknowledgment:
   • Include a section where the parent or legal guardian authorizes and acknowledges the child's travel with the accompanying adult.
   • The accompanying adult should also acknowledge their responsibilities during the trip, such as providing care and ensuring the child's safety.

10. Legal Disclaimer:
    • Insert a legal disclaimer stating that the Child Travel Consent Form is a legally binding document.
    • Clarify that both parties (parent/legal guardian and accompanying adult) understand and agree to its terms.

11. Review and Notarization:
    • Encourage both parties (parent/legal guardian and accompanying adult) to carefully review the completed form for accuracy and completeness.
    • If notarization is required, specify where and how the form should be notarized.

12. Copies and Distribution:
    • Advise both parties to make copies of the completed and notarized form.
    • Each party (parent/legal guardian, accompanying adult, and the child) should retain a signed copy.
    • Suggest keeping digital copies for reference as well.

13. Verification of Requirements:
    • Stress the importance of verifying the specific requirements for child travel consent forms with the relevant authorities, airlines, or immigration officials for the travel destination.
    • Provide any additional instructions or information specific to the travel destination or airline.

14. Signature and Date:
    • Include spaces for the parent or legal guardian to sign and date the form.
    • If required, provide space for the accompanying adult to sign and date the form.

15. Notary or Witness Signature and Seal (if applicable):
    • Leave space for the notary public or witness to sign, date, and affix their official seal or signature, if required.

By including these important points in a Child Travel Consent Form, you can help ensure that the document is comprehensive, legally valid, and meets the specific requirements of your travel destination and circumstances.

Tips for Writing a Child Travel Consent Form

Writing a Child Travel Consent Form is an important task to ensure the legal and safe travel of a minor child with an accompanying adult who is not their parent or legal guardian. Here are some tips for effectively writing a Child Travel Consent Form:

1. Use a Template: Start with a reputable Child Travel Consent Form template or sample document to ensure that you include all necessary elements and information.

2. Be Clear and Concise: Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid complex legal jargon that could confuse the parties involved.

3. Include Essential Information: Ensure that the form includes the child's full name, date of birth, place of birth, passport or identification details, and any medical information or special needs if relevant.

4. Identify the Parties: Clearly identify the parent or legal guardian providing consent, the accompanying adult, and their relationship to the child.

5. Specify Travel Details: Include details about the trip, such as the destination, departure and return dates, and the purpose of the trip (e.g., vacation, family visit, medical treatment).

6. Terms and Conditions: Specify the terms and conditions of the travel consent, including the duration of permission, any restrictions or limitations, and any special instructions or requirements.

7. Notarization or Witnessing: Determine whether notarization or witnessing is required based on local laws or travel destination requirements. Provide appropriate sections for signatures, dates, and notary or witness information.

8. Emergency Contact Information: Create a section for emergency contact information, including names, phone numbers, and addresses of individuals who can be reached in case of an emergency during the trip.

9. Legal Disclaimer: Insert a legal disclaimer stating that the Child Travel Consent Form is a legally binding document and that both parties understand and agree to its terms.

10. Review and Proofread: Carefully review and proofread the form to eliminate errors, inconsistencies, or ambiguities. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

11. Follow Local Regulations: Research and comply with local laws and regulations regarding child travel consent forms. Some countries or states may have specific requirements.

12. Notary Public: If notarization is required, make arrangements with a notary public to witness the signing and notarize the document. Ensure that the notary public's seal and signature are included.

13. Distribution of Copies: Advise both parties (parent/legal guardian and accompanying adult) to make copies of the completed and notarized form. Each party should retain a signed copy, and digital copies can be kept for reference.

14. Verification of Requirements: Emphasize the importance of verifying the specific requirements for child travel consent forms with relevant authorities, airlines, or immigration officials for the travel destination.

15. Consult Legal Counsel: If you have legal concerns or questions about the form, consult with an attorney experienced in family law or travel-related matters.

16. Keep a Record: Maintain records of all signed and notarized Child Travel Consent Forms for future reference.

Remember that the specific requirements and acceptance of these forms can vary by country, airline, and situation. It's essential to ensure that your form complies with all legal and travel-related regulations specific to your travel destination and circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I write in a child’s travel consent form?

Include dates, addresses, method of travel, and names of adults responsible for your child. Explain any food allergies or medical concerns they may have, and include your phone number(s) for immediate contact if necessary.

Do permission to travel letters need a to and from date?

Yes, permission to travel letter for a minor must include specific dates to help other adults recognize the document as legitimate and provide consent for a minor to travel without one or both of their parents.

How do you write a permission letter for a school trip?

To write a permission slip for travel for your child, incorporate all the details needed to provide proper travel consent, but add details related to the school trip.

For example, you should include the names of the responsible adults caring for your child, the trip destination, the travel method, and the trip length.

Do I need a consent form if my kid’s friend is coming on vacation with us?

When traveling with someone else’s child and the parents are not with you, be sure to bring some documentation to attest that you have permission from the parents to travel with their child.

Do I need a notarized letter to travel with a child domestically?

Whether you need a notarized letter to travel domestically with a child depends on your specific circumstances and the policies of the transportation provider you'll be using. While not every situation requires a notarized letter, it's often recommended and can serve as an extra layer of assurance, especially if you're traveling alone with a child or without both parents/legal guardians.

Do I need a consent letter to travel with my child within the US?

For domestic travel within the United States, you typically do not need a consent letter to travel with your child if you are the child's parent or legal guardian and you are traveling together. However, there are a few scenarios where having a consent letter may be advisable:

1. Traveling without the other parent: If you are traveling alone with your child and the other parent or legal guardian is not accompanying you, carrying a consent letter from the absent parent granting permission for the child to travel with you can be helpful, especially if you have a different last name than the child. While it may not be required, having a consent letter can help prevent any potential issues or questions at airports or transportation terminals.
2. Traveling with a non-parent: If your child is traveling with someone other than their parent or legal guardian (e.g., grandparents, family friends, or relatives), having a consent letter from the child's parent or legal guardian authorizing the travel can provide assurance to airlines or transportation providers.
3. Special Circumstances: In cases involving shared custody or legal disputes, having a consent letter from the other parent or legal guardian can help clarify the child's travel arrangements and prevent any misunderstandings.

Child Travel Consent Form Sample