Child Travel Consent Form: When You Need It, Download Our Template and Get It Notarised With Us.
When is a Child Travel Consent Required?
Short answer: Any time a child is travelling without both parents listed on their birth certificate.
Whether your child is travelling with one parent, grandparents, a school group, or alone, many countries and airlines require a notarised child travel consent form.
Here’s the kicker: some countries like Brazil require it when leaving, not entering. That means you could get in, but not get back out without the proper documentation. In fact we once helped a 15 year old who was stopped at the airport in Brazil. He was on a tennis trip and didn’t have a Child Travel Consent. His parents came to us, we drafted one quickly, obtained a stamp from the Brazilian Consulate (before they joined The Hague Apostille Convention) and faxed it to a lawyer in Brazil.
It worked. The child made his flight and lo and behold, the notary bumped into the two parents in a London restaurant later that evening!
Child travel consent
Many travel destinations, including the United States, countries in the European Union, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and many more, enforce strict border control measures for single parents or family members travelling with a minor.
Plus, some destinations require notarisation or additional supporting legal documents like a birth certificate or court order.
Without the proper letter of consent, border officials can deny entry, causing missed flights, travel delays, or even legal complications.
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Sometimes Child Travel Consent forms are known as:
Letter of consent
Minor travel consent form
Letter of permission
Parental authority forms
UK Law: Taking a Child Abroad
United Kingdom
Under UK law, you must get permission from everyone with parental responsibility before taking a child overseas.
No permission = child abduction
Verbal permission is legal
But written, notarised consent is often required by airlines or immigration officers
Pro tip: Written consent helps avoid stress at airports or foreign borders.
Who Has Parental Responsibility?
This is where it gets tricky. Here’s a breakdown:
All mothers
Fathers if:
Married to the mother at the time of birth (or after)
Named on the birth certificate (after 1 Dec 2003)
Have a parental responsibility agreement or court order
Adopted the child
Not sure who has PR? We can help you check.
Can’t Get the Other Parent’s Consent?
If the other parent refuses or is unreachable, here’s what you can do:
Option 1: Check for a Child Arrangements Order
If the child lives with you under a court order, you can take them abroad for up to 28 days without additional consent (unless the order says otherwise).
Option 2: Apply to Court
You’ll need a Specific Issue Order (Form C100 – £232). The court may take several months, and the other parent will be notified.
Option 3: Deceased Parent
Carry a death certificate, and make sure names match (birth certificate vs. married name).
Travelling with Grandparents or Relatives
Let’s be clear: grandparents don’t have special rights. If they’re travelling with your child, you still need:
Consent from both parents (if they have PR)
Notarised consent, ideally
Treat grandparents like any other third party for legal purposes.
Name Changes – A Common Red Flag
Here’s what you need to watch out for:
Child’s full birth certificate is the “root” ID document.
Passports must match the names on the consent form.
If the mother or child’s name has changed, bring:
Marriage certificate or
Change of name deed (deed poll)
Important: A child’s name can’t be legally changed without the father’s consent—even if he doesn’t have PR. Be cautious.
Sample Permission to Travel
What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?
A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document granting permission for a child to travel with someone other than both legal guardians.
Who Needs It?
Children travelling with one parent only.
Children travelling with a relative, school group, or sports team.
Minors flying alone (unaccompanied minor travel).
Travel involving different surnames between child and parent. In this case a marriage certificate should also be attached.
Why It’s Required:
To prevent child abduction or international custody disputes.
To satisfy border control and immigration authorities.
To meet legal requirements in countries like the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and South Africa.
When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Form?
Situations Where a Consent Form Is Required
Single Parent Travel – If one parent is travelling alone with the child.
Child Travelling on international flights with Grandparents, nannies or Family Friends – sequires signed parental consent.
School Trip or Sports Team Travel – Must have permission from parents or legal guardians.
Parents with Different Surnames – May require additional proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate).
Medical Needs During Travel – Some countries require notarised parental consent for medical decisionsabroad.
Child Travelling with a New Legal Guardian – If recent changes in custody apply. In such cases the child’s travel will need an accompanying court order.
Additional Requirements Based on Destination
United Kingdom & European Union: Generally requires a signed letter but may ask for additional documents.
United States & Canada: Strongly recommended to have a notarised consent letter.
South Africa: Strict regulations for border protection—requires a notarised consent letter, unabridged birth certificate, and both parents’ ID copies.
Border control requirements, check on a country by country basis
Give your parents permission to travel with your children
Our advice has always been – always check country-specific entry requirements before travel.
What to Include in a Child Travel Consent Form
What to Include in a Child Travel Consent Form
Essential Information for a Child Travel Consent Letter
Child’s Full Name & Date of Birth
Passport Number & Travel Documents
Accompanying Person’s Details (Full name, Passport/ID card details, relationship to the child)
Travel Plans (details of the trip, flight details, destination, duration of trip). So if you’re going on safari one week and beach holiday the next, it’s wise to list all the travel points in the letter of permission.
Parental Contact Information (Phone number, email address)
Emergency Contact Details (Another guardian in case of an issue)
Signature of Custodial Parent(s) or Guardian(s)
Notary Public Certification (if required). The notary will confirm that he or she has met and identified the non-travelling parent(s), identified them, ascertained their acceptance of the guardian of the child’s travel and that the parent sign documents in the Notary’s presence.
Additional Documents to Include
Children’s Birth Certificate – To prove parental relationship from the child’s birth. If you are getting your child’s travel consent form notarised, you will need to provide an official copy of a Birth Certificate from the Registrar or GRO. If you need to order one, contact the Registrar’s Office where the birth was registered or you can order one from the GRO.
Court Order – If sole custody applies.
Adoption Certificate – showing the child’s information if the child is adopted.
Death Certificate – If one parent is deceased.
Some countries may require the form to be signed in front of a Notary Public for legal validity.
Download your free template
Fill out the form with detailed information.
Obtain notarisation (if required) to prevent legal issues.
Keep multiple copies (one with the child, one with the accompanying adult).
Do You Need to Notarise a Child Travel Consent Form?
Notarisation is recommended for:
Travel to countries with strict border policies (e.g., South Africa, USA, Canada).
Cases where only one parent has full custody.
When a child is travelling with non-relatives
Where to Get It Notarised: Book your appointment with us now, in our convenient Central London location to get your document notarised.
Notarisation is the process where the Notary, verifies your identity and attests your signature on the Child Travel Consent document.
Book your appointment now by completing the form below, or calling us on 020 7499 2605, we are happy to help.
Legalisation via Apostille (if required):
If the document is used outside the UK, it may need an Apostille certificate. You can use our Apostille Service to get your document Apostilled. We have a next-day or 5 day service on a guaranteed turnaround time.
We send a messenger to theFCDO Legalisation Office every day to drop off documents and pick up Apostilled documents. This avoids waiting times for clients who don’t have the time or the nerves to rely on the FCDO postal service.
Unfortunately it is impossible to say which countries need an Apostille, our advice is to check with your carrier or border force of the country your child is visiting.
As always, if in doubt, it’s better to get an Apostille.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common errors that we always spot on self-drafted Travel Consents:
Not including contact details of both parents.
Forgetting to add the child’s passport number.
Not getting the form notarised for countries that require it.
Submitting an incomplete consent letter without signatures.
Assuming a birth certificate alone is enough—some countries require additional documents.
Always double-check border control regulations before departure.
Final Thoughts: Making Child Travel Hassle-Free
A Child Travel Consent Form is essential for minors travelling without both parents.
Ensure the form includes all necessary details to avoid delays at border control.
Notarisation may be required, depending on the country.
Download, fill, and notarise the form well before the travel date.
The last thing you want when you land at a foreign border, is for ministry of justice personnel to question your child’s guardianship detail.
For fast, professional notarisation, check with a Notary Public in your area or use online notary services for quicker processing.
Child Travel Consent Form – FAQs
1. Do I need a child travel consent form if I’m the child’s mother or father?
Yes. If you’re travelling without the other legal parent or guardian, many countries — including the USA, South Africa, and EU nations — require written consent from the non-travelling parent.
2. What information must be included in a child travel consent form?
A valid form should include the child’s name, date of birth, passport number, travel details, the accompanying adult’s information, and both parents’ contact and signature. Notarisation is strongly recommended.
3. Is notarisation always required for a child travel consent letter?
Not in the UK — but many foreign countries (e.g. South Africa, USA, Brazil) require the form to be notarised to be legally valid. Always check the entry rules of the destination country.
4. Can I use a digital or scanned version of the consent form?
Some airlines and border officials accept digital copies, but many require original signed and notarised documents. Best practice: carry the original and 2 copies of the notarised letter.
5. Where can I get a child travel consent form notarised in the UK?
You can visit a Notary Public near you, like Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers, who can verify the identities, witness signatures, and issue notarised copies ready for legalisation if needed.
6. Is a birth certificate enough for my child to travel abroad?
No — a birth certificate only proves parentage. If the child travels with one parent or a non-relative, most countries still require a consent form and potentially notarisation.
7. How long is a child travel consent form valid for?
Only for the duration of the trip stated in the letter. Always specify the exact travel dates, destinations, and return date to avoid confusion or denial at the border.
8. Can grandparents or school staff use the same letter format?
Yes — but ensure the accompanying adult’s full name, passport number, relationship to the child, and travel itinerary are clearly listed. In many cases, notarisation is required.
9. What happens if I travel without a child travel consent form?
You may face delays, denied boarding, or even legal complications at immigration. Some countries refuse entry if proper guardianship documents are missing.
10. Where can I get a free child travel consent form template?
You can download a free template by clicking the button earlier on this page. Then get in touch for assistance with notarisation or legalisation.
