child travel consent form ireland

Minor Travel Consent Form

Select 'domestic' if the child in question is travelling within Ireland. Select 'international' if the child in question is travelling outside of Irish territory.

CONSENT FORM DOMESTIC TRAVEL

I, ________

declare that I give my permission for my child ________ , born on ________ in ________ , with the following passport number: ________ , to travel with their other parent, ________ of

carrying a passport issued in ________ , with the following passport number: ________ .

My child, ________ , will travel from ________ to ________ on ________ and return on ________ .

Specific Medical Needs/Allergies :

My child, ________ , has the following special medical needs:

Contact Information :

If there are any questions or concerns regarding ________ 's travel, I am contactable at the following:

mobile number : ________

email address : ________

______________________

Date: ________

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Children and rights in Ireland

Introduction, education and employment, travel and recreation, health and relationships, legal rights, further information.

In Ireland under the Child Care Act 1991 , the Children Act 2001 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child a child is defined as anyone under the age of 18. What a child is allowed to do is restricted by their age.

Education system

The Irish education system is made up of primary, second-level, third-level and further education. Children can attend primary school from the age of 4. To attend second-level they must be aged 12 on 1 January in the first school year of attendance.

There is also an Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme for children of pre-school age. To be eligible for the scheme they must be at least 2 years and 8 months of age.

School attendance

Attendance at school (or receiving an education) is compulsory from the age of 6 up to age 16 or until students have completed 3 years of second-level education, whichever is the later.

There is no compulsory early childhood education .

Tusla - the Child and Family Agency is the national agency established to ensure that every child attends school regularly, or otherwise receives an appropriate minimum education. The Board:

• Monitors school attendance, and takes a range of measures where children do not attend school
• Maintains a register of children who are not attending a recognised school
• Maintains a register of children aged 16 and 17 who leave school early to take up employment and makes arrangements for their continuing education and training in consultation with providers and employers

Parents and guardians have a legal obligation to ensure that their child attends a school or otherwise receives an education. If Tusla considers that the parents are failing in their obligation, it sends the parents a School Attendance Notice warning and if the parents fail to comply, they may be prosecuted. Further information is available in our document on school attendance .

The Board also intervenes in relation to proposed school expulsions.

Further information is available in our page, Overview of the Irish education system .

The law sets out different rules for young workers, depending on your age. Workers aged 14 and 15 are classed as ‘children’. Workers aged 16 and 17 are classed as ‘young persons’.

Under the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 employers cannot employ children under age 16 in regular full-time jobs. Children under age 14 cannot be employed. Children aged 14 and 15 may be employed as follows:

• Doing light work during the school holidays – they must have at least 21 days off work during this time
• As part of an approved work experience or educational programme where the work is not harmful to their health, safety or development
• In film, cultural, advertising work or sport under licences issued by the government.

Children aged 15 may do 8 hours a week light work in school term time. The maximum working week for children outside school term time is 35 hours or up to 40 hours if they are on approved work experience.

The maximum working week for children aged 16 and 17 is 40 hours with a maximum of 8 hours a day.

Further information is available in our pages Hours of work for young people and Rights of young workers .

Minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage Act 2000 provides for the minimum wage rate. From 1 January 2024, the national minimum wage rate is €12.70 an hour. Wage rates are based on age, for example, an employee under age 18 is entitled to €8.89 per hour or 70% of the minimum wage. An employee aged 18 is entitled to €10.16 or 80% of the minimum wage, and an employee aged 19 is entitled to €11.43 or 90% of the minimum wage.

An employer can pay more and this should be written in your contract of employment.

You can find out more about the National Minimum Wage in our page Minimum rates of pay in Ireland .

Apprenticeships and other careers

The minimum age you can pursue certain careers is as follows:

• You can become a SOLAS apprentice at age 16
• You can become an apprentice in the Army or Air Corps at age 18
• You can join the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service at age 18
• You can join the Garda Síochána at age 18

Babysitting

There is no legal minimum age for babysitting. (The babysitter's level of maturity and competence are the main attributes a parent should consider)

Unemployment payments

When working, you start paying social insurance contributions from 16 years of age. However, you cannot claim an unemployment payment, such as Jobseeker’s Benefit or Jobseeker’s Allowance , until age 18. You must also meet other criteria in order to qualify.

There is no minimum age at which you are liable to pay tax or the Universal Social Charge .

There are certain categories of vehicles that a child under 18 is permitted to drive provided they have a learner permit or driving licence . The categories are:

You must pass the driver theory test before applying for a first learner permit. You can take a driver theory test at any age. However, you must apply for your first learner permit within two years of passing the theory test or the test certificate will have expired. If you have a Public Services Card (PSC) and a verified MyGovID account , you can apply for your first learner permit online .

Alternatively, you can visit an NDLS centre and make an application in person.

You cannot drive any craft with an engine over 3.7kW (5hp) unless you are at least 12 years of age.

You have to be at least 16 years of age before you can drive a personal watercraft (jet ski) or a powerboat/motorboat that is capable of 17 knots or more.

Travelling abroad

Children cannot book a holiday or a flight until they are 18 years of age. Many carriers will not allow children under 16 years of age to travel unaccompanied – contact your carrier to check what its policy is.

A child under 18 years of age must have their own passport to travel. If your child has never had a passport before, or if their last passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you need to apply on their behalf as a first-time applicant.

Passports for children under 18 years of age are valid for 5 years. Parental consent is required when applying. You can make a first-time application online for a passport for someone under 18 years of age from anywhere in the world using Passport Online .

You can also use Passport Online to renew a child's passport online .

You can apply for a ten-year passport when you are 18 years of age or over.

Under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 , it is an offence to buy alcohol or for someone to buy it for you, if you are under age 18. It is also an offence for you to drink alcohol unless you are in a private residence and have your parents’ consent.

It is an offence for you to be in an off-licence unless you are with a parent or guardian.

Children are only allowed on licensed premises if they are with a parent or guardian, but this provision carries certain restrictions. If accompanied by a parent/guardian, a child may remain on the premises up to 9pm (10pm from May to September) unless the licence holder feels this is harmful to the child's health, safety and welfare. Children aged between 15-17 years may remain on the premises after 9pm where they are attending a private function at which a substantial meal is served.

Under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 the Gardaí have the power to seize alcohol in the possession of a child under 18 years of age where the Gardaí have reasonable cause to believe that the alcohol will be consumed by a child under 18 years in a public place.

Further information is available in our document Alcohol and the law .

Under the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 it is an offence to sell cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

If you are under 18 years of age, you cannot smoke in a car. Also, no one else can smoke while you are in the car.

It is an offence to sell nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes (commonly referred to as vapes) to anyone under the age of 18.

You cannot buy a Lotto ticket or make a bet until you are 18 years of age. Under the Betting Act 1931 it is an offence for a child under age 18 to be in a bookmakers. Under the Gaming and Lotteries (Amendment) Act 2019 , you must be 18 to engage in gaming at an amusement hall or funfair.

Films and computer games

What films you can watch in the cinema depends on the film’s classification. The film classifications currently in use are as follows:

• G: The film is suitable for everyone including children of school going age
• PG: While the film may be watched by unaccompanied children, parental guidance is recommended as to its suitability for children under 12 years of age
• 12A: While the film is considered suitable only for children aged 12 or over, a child under age 12 may be admitted to see the film if he/she is accompanied by a parent or guardian
• 15A: While the film is considered suitable only for children aged 15 or over, a child under age 15 may be admitted to see the film if he/she is accompanied by a parent or guardian
• 16: The film is considered to be suitable for children aged 16 or over. Children under this age cannot be admitted to screenings
• 18: The film is considered suitable for persons age 18 or over

Computer games

Ireland uses the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system for the classification of computer games. It is a voluntary system that retailers selling computer games are expected to follow. The classifications are as follows:

• 3+: The game content is suitable for all age groups
• 7+: The game content is suitable for children aged 7 or over
• 12+: The game content is suitable for children aged 12 or over
• 16+: The game content is suitable for children aged 16 or over
• 18+: The game content is suitable for people aged 18 or over

The age rating does not take into account the difficulty level or skills required to play a game.

You can read more about censorship of films, DVDs and computer games .

Pet ownership

Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986 you cannot keep a dog unless you have a dog licence for it and the dog is microchipped. A local authority does not issue a dog licence to anyone under 16 years of age.

If you have your dog out in public you must keep it under control, such as on a lead. Certain breeds of dog must be muzzled at all times in public. These dogs must be led by someone over the age of 16 and kept on a strong chain or lead that is no longer than 2 metres.

You do not require a licence to own other pets and there is no legislation specifying a minimum age at which you can own a pet.

Horse ownership

Horses may not be sold to anyone under 16 years of age. If a person under 16 owns a horse, the head of the household in which they live is considered to be the owner.

You must have a horse license if your horse is kept in a control area. A control area is a place that is designated by a local authority in their Control of Horses Byelaws.

Drones and model aircraft

You must be over 16 years of age to register as a drone operator.

Drones and model aircraft weighing more than 250g and less than 25kg, must be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). To fly a drone that weighs more than 25kg, you must apply for an Operational Authorisation from the Irish Aviation Authority. When calculating the weight, fuel is not included. However, any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the start of its flight, including cargo, are included. For more information, read more on Owning and operating drones in Ireland .

You have to be aged 16 or over before you can apply for a firearms certificate. You have to be aged 14 or over before you can apply for a firearms training certificate. A firearms training certificate does not allow you to own a firearm but it does allow you to possess a firearm while carrying and using it under the supervision of the person who holds a firearm certificate for that firearm and is over 18 years of age.

The requirement to have a firearm certificate also applies to crossbows, spearguns and all airguns above a certain muzzle velocity (including paintball markers).

There is no set minimum age at which you can own a knife. However, it is an offence to have a knife in a public place without a good reason, such as for work.

Health services

There is a range of services specifically for children and certain services are provided free of charge even if their parents do not have a medical card. These services are generally provided as part of maternity and infant welfare services , health services for preschool children and school health services . Children are also entitled to vaccination and immunisation services free of charge. You can also find out about unplanned pregnancy , reproductive health and the services and supports available .

Surgical procedures

In general, parental consent is required for children to have medical and surgical tests and procedures and to receive vaccinations and inoculations. Under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 , children aged 16 and over may themselves give consent to surgical procedures.

Body piercing and tattooing

There is no legislation regulating body piercing and tattooing. As a result there is no legal minimum age at which you can get a body piercing or tattoo.

Teeth whitening

Under Directive 2011/84/EU of 20 September 2011 (pdf) you must be aged 18 or over to have your teeth whitened.

Under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 you must be aged 18 or over to use a sunbed.

Giving blood

You cannot become a blood donor until you are aged 18.

Contraceptive services

There is no set minimum age in Ireland at which contraceptive advice and prescriptions may be provided. The age of consent to sexual activity is 17 and it may be a criminal offence to have sex with a person under 17 years of age. This means that providers of contraceptive services are entitled to refuse to provide those services to people under 17.

Sexual activity

Under Section 3 of the Criminal Law (Sex Offences) Act 2006 as amended by Section 5 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Act 2007 it is a criminal offence to engage or attempt to engage in a sexual act with a child under 17 years of age. It is not a defence to show that the child consented to the sexual act. However, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 recognises the reality of under age, consensual, peer relationships through the introduction of a ‘proximity of age’ defence. Under this provision, a person charged with an offence of engaging in a sexual act with a person between the ages of 15 and 17 years can use consent as a defence if the person charged is younger or is less than two years older. They must not be in authority over the child or be intimidatory or exploitative.

The consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions is required for any prosecution of a child under the age of 17 years for this offence. A girl under the age of 17 who has sexual intercourse may not be convicted of an offence on that ground alone.

It is an offence for a person in authority to engage or attempt to engage in a sexual act with a child under 18 years of age.

Recognition of preferred gender

An application can be made for a gender recognition certificate on behalf of a child aged 16 years or over if a court order is obtained that exempts the child from meeting the age requirement. You can read more in our document on the Legal recognition of your preferred gender .

If you are ordinarily resident in Ireland, the minimum age at which you can marry is 18 years. This is the case even if you marry outside of Ireland.

Further information is available in our documents on the legal requirements for marriage .

Maintenance

A parent is required to maintain a dependent child. A dependent child is a child who:

• Is under 18 years old or
• Is over 18 and under 23 years old but is still in full-time education

If a court decides that the parent of a dependent child has failed to provide maintenance for the child as is proper in the circumstances , it may order that parent to make periodical maintenance payments to support the child. The court may also order a parent to pay a lump sum.

Further information is available in our documents, Maintenance orders and agreements and Maintenance and unmarried couples .

Leaving home

You can leave home at age 16, provided you have your parents’ consent. No consent is required at age 18.

If you leave home before you are 18 without your parents’ consent and you are considered to be homeless or at risk, Tusla may be asked to intervene. you can read more information on the powers available to Tusla in our document Children in care .

Tracing your birth family or relatives

If you are adopted and wish to have contact or share information with your birth family, you can have your details entered in the Contact Preference Register under the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022. However, you must be 18 years of age or over. If you are an adopted child under 18, an adoptive parent may join on your behalf.

Criminal responsibility

The age of criminal responsibility is 12 years of age. This means that children who have not reached the age of 12 cannot be charged with an offence. There is an exception, however, for children aged 10 or 11, who can be charged with murder, manslaughter, rape or aggravated sexual assault.

Where a child under 14 years of age is charged with an offence, no further proceedings can be taken without the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions .

Children under 12 Where the Gardaí have reasonable grounds for believing that a child under 12 years of age has committed an offence with which the child cannot be charged due to his/her age, the Gardaí must take the child to his/her parents or guardian. Where this is not possible, the Gardaí will arrange for the child to be taken into the custody of the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) services for the area in which the child normally resides. It is possible that children under 12 years of age who commit criminal offences will be dealt with by Tusla and not the criminal justice system. Information on the powers available to Tusla is available in our document, Children in care .

Detention in a Garda station

When a child is detained in a Garda station it is the duty of the Garda in charge of the station to ensure that, as far as possible, the child is not allowed meet with or associate with adult suspects being detained in the station at the same time. A child may not be interviewed in a Garda station except in the presence of his/her parent or guardian. It may be permitted where there are very special circumstances, for example, where a delay in questioning would involve a risk of death or injury.

Children Court

Children being charged with a crime are dealt with by the Children Court . The court can impose a period of detention on a child. Children between the ages of 10 and 17 sentenced by the courts to a period of detention are sent to the Oberstown Children Detention Campus . The court can only impose a detention order where it is satisfied that it is the only suitable way to deal with the child and a place in a children detention school is available. Oberstown is funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service . People aged 18 years or over may be sent to prison.

Apart from detention there are also diversion programmes and community sanctions available to the court.

There is more information on children and the criminal justice system in our section on children and young offenders .

In order to vote in an election or referendum in Ireland, you must be registered to vote . To be eligible to be included on the Register of Electors, you must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily resident in Ireland at the time of making the application.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can apply to be included in the 'pending elector list' but you are not entitled to vote until you reach 18, at which point you will automatically be added to the Register of Electors. In the event that an election is called, if you are included in the pending elector list you will be included in the Register of Electors in force for that election even if you turn 18 on polling day.

The pending elector list is not part of the register, and it is not available for inspection.

You cannot stand as a candidate in an election until you are at least 18 years of age. You must be:

• Age 18 for local elections
• Age 21 for national and European elections
• Age 35 for presidential elections

You cannot enter a legally binding contract until you are aged 18. The exception to this is contracts for necessaries and beneficial contracts of service which are in your best interests. Contracts for necessaries usually include contracts for food, clothing and lodging, but may also cover contracts for items connected with education and training such as school books and training uniforms.

Beneficial contracts of service usually involve contracts for apprenticeships or contracts with agents or managers. These contracts of service are only enforceable if they are to your advantage and in your best interests.

Bank accounts

Accounts for children of primary school age are usually simple, easy to use savings or deposit accounts. You can open them with a very small amount of money.

Accounts for secondary school students usually offer ATM cards or debit cards, but you have to keep the account in credit at all times. They do not offer an overdraft facility and there is a limit to how much you can withdraw. Usually you do not have to pay transaction fees and charges.

You cannot open a standard current account until you are aged 18.

When opening an account each provider has different procedures. Some providers require that a parent or guardian sign the account opening form if you are under 16 years of age. Other providers only require parental permission if you are under 13 years of age.

More information is available in our documents Opening and switching a bank account and Basic Bank Accounts .

Jury service

You cannot sit on a jury in a court until you are aged 18. If you are 18 and your name is on the Register of Electors the day the Register comes into force (15 February), you may be eligible for jury service . You can add your name to the draft Register before you turn 18.

Making a will

You cannot make a will until you are aged 18.

Changing your name

The surname of a child can be changed in the Register of Births but only in certain circumstances. However, the surname of a child can also be changed by deed poll or common usage.

Children aged between 14 and 17 years can execute the Deed Poll themselves but need the consent of both parents. Where a child is under the age of 14 years, one of the child's parents must execute the Deed Poll with the consent of the other parent.

You can change your name by deed poll without consent when you are aged 18 or over.

The Children's Rights Alliance in association with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has published Know Your Rights: The Rights of Children and Young People .

Children's Rights Alliance

7 Red Cow Lane Smithfield Dublin 7 D07 XN29

Ombudsman for Children

Millennium House 52-56 Great Strand Street Dublin 1 D01 F5P8 Ireland

Related documents

• Rights and duties of asylum seekers in Ireland People applying for international protection in Ireland have certain legal rights. They also have important duties. Find out about these rights and obligations. 1710.2256
• Mental health services for children and young people in Ireland Find out what services are available for children and young people and how to access them. 1437.7535
• Residence rights of EU citizens and their families in Ireland EEA nationals have the right to travel to Ireland and do not require a residence permit to remain here. There are however some limits on these rights. 1367.3391

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

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Irish Travel Documents for Children

If you’re planning to bring children with you on your trip to Ireland, there are certain documents you may want to take with you to show Irish immigration officers.

For more information about travelling to Ireland, including the rules and regulations you must follow, and specific travel advice for your personal circumstances, reach out to one of our legal advisers for advice. Call us on +353 (0) 61 518 025 , or contact us  online  today.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

• Overview of Irish Travel Documents for Children

When travelling with children to Ireland, it’s important to consider some extra guidelines you may wish to follow.

These may include bringing additional documents with you, or being prepared to answer additional questions that immigration officers may ask you.

These guidelines are in place to uphold Ireland’s child safeguarding policies.

Note that a child here is defined as someone who is under the age of 18 who is not, and has never been, married.

Note also that certain airlines and carriers may have their own individual policies regarding children that are independent of the Irish Immigration Service’s.

Page Contents

Guidelines for unaccompanied minors, travelling with a minor who is not your child or has a different surname, groups travelling with minors, what else do i need to do to prepare to enter ireland, why might i be refused entry into ireland, how can total law help.

If anyone under the age of 18 is travelling to Ireland on their own without being accompanied by an adult, it’s recommended that they carry certain documents with them.

These include the following:

• A signed letter from the child’s parent(s)/guardian containing their contact details and giving consent for travel
• A copy of a document identifying the parent/guardian, such as a copy of their passport or driving licence
• Evidence of the parent/guardian relationship with the child, such as a copy of a birth or adoption certificate, or guardianship papers
• A death certificate, in the event that one or more parents are deceased

In addition, if the unaccompanied minor is not ordinarily resident in Ireland, they should also have the following information:

• Full address of where they will be staying
• Full contact details of who they will be staying with

Meeting an Unaccompanied Minor upon Arrival

When the unaccompanied minor arrives in Ireland, an immigration officer may also wish to establish the relationship between the child and any adult meeting the child upon arrival.

In this instance, a similar set of documents may be required as those stated above.

If an adult is travelling with a minor who isn’t their child or who has a different surname, they may be asked by an immigration officer to clarify the relationship between the minor and accompanying adult.

In this instance, it’s advisable that you’re able to provide certain documents to the immigration officer, such as those proving that you’re the parent or legal guardian of the child. These may include the following:

• The child’s birth certificate or adoption certificate, or guardianship papers showing your relationship with the child
• A marriage/divorce certificate if you are the child’s parent but have a different surname to the child
• A death certificate in the case of a deceased parent

If the Minor is Only Travelling with One Parent

In the case that the child is travelling with only one parent, you may also have to provide evidence of the other parent’s consent. This may include the following:

• A signed letter from the child’s parent(s)/guardian giving their contact details and consent for travel with you
• A copy of a document identifying the parent/guardian, such as a copy of the picture page of a passport or driving licence

Note that it’s recommended for any minors to present to an immigration officer as part of their family unit or group, and not individually.

Contact us today if you require assistance with your visit to Ireland. Contact Us

There are also specific guidelines for groups travelling with minors, such as school tour groups.

In this instance, it’s recommended that groups consisting of both adults and minors first gather in the immigration hall before presenting themselves to an immigration officer.

The adult group leader should then present themselves to the immigration officer first and be ready to present the following documents:

• The list of all members in the group
• A letter of consent for travel with the adult group leader from each minor’s parent(s)/guardian(s), including contact details
• A copy of a birth or adoption certificate, or guardianship papers showing the parent(s)/guardian(s) relationship with the child
• A copy of marriage/divorce certificate in the case where the child’s parent has a different surname to the child
• A copy of the parent/guardian’s passport or state identity document

Each child should also carry their own passport or identity document.

All members of your travel group, whether minors or adults, must also be mindful of the general advice and guidelines for crossing the border into Ireland.

For example, all members of your party must carry a valid passport or travel document if you’re travelling from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA). All children must carry a separate child’s passport with them, as they will not be allowed to be added to a parent’s passport for travel.

You may also require a visa , a stamp or pre-clearance, depending on the reason for your visit and how long you intend to stay in Ireland for.

In addition, it’s advised that you have the following with you when entering Ireland:

• Proof that you have requisite funds to support yourself and your dependants while in Ireland
• Details of your accommodation in Ireland
• Proof of onward travel, or proof that you’ll return to your home country after your visit ends
• Proof of commitments or ties to your home country, such as family, work, or other things that will convince an immigration officer that you will leave Ireland after your stay

You must also have proof that you meet the requirements for whichever visa, stamp or pre-clearance you’ve applied for, if this applies to you.

An immigration officer may refuse entry into Ireland to you if they believe any of the following may be true:

• You’re unable to financially support yourself or your dependants while in Ireland
• You’re planning to take up work or employment without a valid permit
• You have been convicted of a criminal offence that carries a penalty of a year’s imprisonment or more
• You don’t have a valid visa when you’re required to have one
• You’re subject to a deportation order, an exclusion order or similar
• You do not have a valid passport
• You intend to travel to the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) and you don’t have permission to do so
• Granting you entry into Ireland could pose a threat to national security or health and safety
• You’ve travelled to Ireland for a different reason than you have given the immigration officer

When travelling to a foreign country, you should ensure you’re familiar with and up to date with the most recent and relevant guidelines for your destination. This is especially important when travelling with children, as there may well be extra precautions and regulations in place to ensure their safe travel.

If you need any additional assistance with your trip to Ireland, including making sure that you and any children travelling with you meet Irish immigration requirements, Total Law is here to help.

We are a team of expert, independent and professional legal advisers who offer bespoke immigration and legal assistance. Whether you need extra help with carrying relevant documentation for travel, need assistance understanding Irish entry requirements, or wish to ensure that your child will be able to travel into Ireland safely, we can help.

We can also help liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs or a passport office on your behalf or help you with your passport application form if you need to apply for a new passport before travel.

For more information about the services we offer and what we could do for you, reach out to one of our immigration advisers today. Call us on +353 (0) 61 518 025 , or contact us  online .

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Free Parental Consent Forms for Minors Traveling Alone

While children between the ages of five and 18 can fly by themselves, younger children in this range usually must participate in an airline's unaccompanied minor program (specific age requirements vary per airline).

If your minor child will be traveling domestically, you will typically need to fill out paperwork through the airline's unaccompanied minor program. But if your minor child will be traveling out of the country alone, with one parent, or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, he will likely need to carry a notarized letter of consent (and perhaps a medical letter of consent) signed by his parents in addition to the unaccompanied minor program paperwork. Use this guide as a helpful jumping off point regarding such letters of consent, but we advise referring to airline and government websites for more specific information. 

What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?

Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or pornography, government and airline personnel are now more vigilant about traveling children. Therefore, your child will likely be asked by an immigration officer or airline staff member will ask for a letter of consent if he or she is traveling without both parents.

A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that allows a minor child to travel without both parents or legal guardians present. It can be used when a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, or with another adult who is not the legal guardian, such as a grandparent , teacher, sports coach, or friend of the family. It is advisable for all travel and is particularly important when a minor is traveling outside the country .

The document should include:

• Minor's name, birthplace, and passport information
• Permission from the non-traveling parent or guardian, including his or her contact information
• Relevant information about the traveling parent or guardian, including name, custody information, and passport details
• Travel information, such as the destination and start and end dates for the trip. Note that the consent is temporary and specific to this one trip
• Allergy and special needs information pertaining to the child
• Signature of the non-traveling parent who is giving permission for the child to travel

Be aware that specific rules about documentation can differ substantially from country to country, so you should check the U.S. State Department International Travel website for information about the requirements for your destination country. Find your destination country, click the tab for "Entry, Exit, & Visa Requirements," then scroll down to "Travel with Minors."

What Is a Child Medical Consent Form?

If a minor child is traveling without a parent or legal guardian, a Child Medical Consent Form grants authority to a chaperone to make medical decisions. The form grants temporary medical power of attorney to another adult in case of a medical emergency. You've probably filled out such a form in the past for your child's daycare or school, or for field trips, sleepover camp, and other situations.

• Minor's name and birthplace
• Authorized medical treatments
• Health information about the child
• Identity of the person being granted responsibility
• Health insurance information

There are a number of websites that offer free templates for travel forms. Here are some reliable options:

Free Child Travel Consent LetterFrom LawDepot.com

This form takes five to 10 minutes to complete. Answer a few simple questions and then choose to to print or download.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From eForms.com

This five-step fill-in-the-blank template is straightforward and easy to complete. The user can select his or her home state from a pulldown menu.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From RocketLawyer.com

Build your document, print it out, sign it and get it notarized to make it legal.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From LegalTemplates.net

Follow the directions on the site to complete the form. Then e-sign, download, and print your legally binding document.

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Legal Templates

Home Personal & Family Child Travel Consent

Minor (Child) Travel Consent Form

Use our child travel consent form to prove that a child can travel without their parents or guardians.

Updated January 4, 2024 Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A minor (child) travel consent form is typically necessary when a child travels domestically or internationally with a relative, family friend, or another adult who isn’t their legal guardian or parent. It grants permission for a minor to travel alone or with someone other than their legal guardian or parent.

The form aims to ensure the child’s safety and well-being by providing evidence of parental or guardian consent for the trip.

What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?

When to use a child travel consent form.

• What If I'm Divorced or Separated?

What If I Have Sole Custody or Decision-Making Authority?

What if a minor travels without their parents, how to write a child travel consent form, considerations when traveling with children, child travel consent form sample.

A child travel consent form is a legal document providing written permission for a minor to travel without a parent or legal guardian. The form is primarily for when a child travels with a club/group, school, or an adult, like a family friend or relative.

Domestic vs. International Travel

A child travel consent form may allow the child to travel domestically (within the U.S.) or internationally (outside the U.S.).

Countries may have different rules for admitting children traveling without their parents. It’s important to check each country’s travel guidelines before having the child and accompanying person embark on their trip.

It can be beneficial to use it when a child under the age of 18 is traveling:

• With a group, such as a religious, musical, sports, or school group.
• With only one guardian or parent (instead of their entire family unit).
• In the care of a family friend or relative.
• By themselves.

It’s important to have a minor travel consent form in multiple scenarios. For example, suppose you and your spouse left the country together with your child. If only one parent later returns to the country with their child due to another commitment by the second parent, the parent with the child should have a consent form showing the other parent has agreed to this arrangement.

Child travel consent forms promote children’s safety and prevent international child abduction. They can also prevent a parent from taking a child due to an unfavorable custody dispute.

What If I’m Divorced or Separated?

If you’re divorced or separated, you can review your custody agreement to determine if there are any child travel restrictions or requirements . For example, the custody agreement may limit international travel . It may also demand the traveling parent to provide a certain amount of notice to the other party.

Even if both parents have joint custody, it’s good practice to notify and seek the consent of the parent who won’t be traveling with the child.

If one lawful custodial parent needs to travel with the child, the traveling guardian should obtain written consent from the other custodial parent [1] .

If you have sole decision-making authority or custody of your child, the other parent may still have visitation (access) rights. However, the parent without full custody won’t have to provide a consent letter. Instead, the parent with full custody can carry a copy of the court custody document when they travel alone with the child [2] .

If you’re the sole parent because your spouse is deceased, you can carry a copy of their death certificate. This way, you can show authorities you’re the only parent responsible for your child.

If parents have a child who needs to travel with another relative, family friend, or group, they should both sign a travel consent form.

Similarly, if minors need to travel alone, they should carry a consent form with their parents’ signatures .

Review a summary of how to write a child travel consent form:

Step 1: Provide your child’s basic information, including their name, birthdate, birthplace, passport details, and birth certificate details.

Step 2: Write your information as the parent or guardian, including your address, phone number, and address. Input the information of both parents and guardians, if applicable.

Step 3: Include the name of the person traveling with the child, including their name, relationship to the child, and passport information.

Step 4: Provide the trip details. Clarify the accompanying person, travel destination, travel dates, travel purpose, and address at the destination.

Step 5: Explain if the accompanying person has the right to seek medical attention or make medical decisions for your child. You may complete a separate child medical consent form to be more thorough.

Step 6: Provide an emergency contact person’s information, including their name, phone number, and email. Consider electing a second emergency contact person.

Step 7: Include your child’s medical insurance and health information so the accompanying person can seek medical attention and make informed decisions if you give them the authority.

Here are some considerations when traveling with children:

Check With the Embassy

Check with the U.S. embassy for the country of your child’s destination to determine the travel requirements. Some countries won’t allow children to travel unaccompanied.

If the child travels with one custodial parent or a trusted adult who isn’t a legal guardian, the country may have certain notarization requirements for the travel consent form. Ensure you know all regulations before allowing the child to travel.

Confirm Airlines’s Requirements

For domestic travel, some airlines may have specific requirements for children traveling without both custodial parents. Children may need to present a notarized letter or other documentation to avoid being seen as unaccompanied minors.

Ensure You Bring Supporting Documentation

Traveling with children can be more seamless when you bring adequate supporting documentation.

When writing your child’s travel consent form, remember that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a passport for any U.S. citizen re-entering the country by air. The CBP highly recommends children traveling without their parents or legal guardians carry a copy of their birth certificate to help ease travel through customs [3] .

If you can’t provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate, you can have them carry a driver’s license if they’re of driving age.

Parents with multiple children traveling must create separate minor travel consent forms and obtain all necessary documentation for each child.

Legal Templates uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

• USA.gov. International travel documents for children. https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children
• Department of Homeland Security. Travel Overseas. https://www.dhs.gov/travel-overseas
• U.S. Customs and Border Control. Documents You Will Need Before Your Trip. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip
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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Please be advised that this page has moved and this content is no longer being updated. Up-to-date information is now available for first time child passport applications  at ireland.ie/dfa/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/first-child-passport  and for passport renewal applications for children  at  ireland.ie/dfa/passports/how-to-apply-for-a-passport/renew-child-passport .

Passports for children and guardian consent

Children can no longer be included on their parents’ or guardians' passports. this is intended to make international travel more secure for children..

For a passport to issue to a child under 18, the consent of all the child’s guardians must be received by the Passport Service.

Guardianship is the collection of rights and duties that a parent or non-parent has in respect of a child. For example, a guardian has the right to make important decisions, including the decision to give consent for a passport to issue to the child. Guardianship should not be confused with custody which involves the day to day care of the child.

Guardians can give their consent on a child’s passport application in the following ways:

For online renewal applications

• At the end of the online renewal process, you will be provided with access to a Child Passport Identity and Consent Form.
• You should print this form.
• At least one of the guardians must then accompany the child to an appropriate witness for signature.
• This witness must know the child, confirm the child's identity and witness the signature of the guardian or guardians who have accompanied the child.
• The second guardian can, if necessary, ask another appropriate witness to witness his/her consent separately.

For paper applications

• Complete section 7 of the passport application form in the presence of a suitable witness.
• This witness must know the child, confirm the child's identity and witness the signature of the guardian(s).

A list of appropriate witnesses is available  here

For some categories of application, you may have to submit additional supporting documents. You will need to return these supporting documents with the passport application form or Identity and consent form.

We have outlined some common guardianship scenarios in the section below and included an overview of the additional documents that are required for certain categories of application in order to establish guardianship. Please select the category of guardianship below that most closely matches your family situation for further guidance.

If your child has more than two legal guardians, or if your own family circumstances fall outside of the categories outlined below, please contact the Passport Service for guidance on your child’s application.

Important notes:

• In cases where there are two guardians and one guardian is unwilling or unavailable to give their consent for the child’s passport to be issued, a court order dispensing with that parent’s consent must be submitted with the child’s passport application
• If renewing a child’s passport that has more than 6 months validity remaining, the most recent passport book must be returned with the passport application (unless the passport has been lost or stolen).
• If your child has changed name (for example, following parent’s marriage) and their new name needs to be noted on their passport, further documents will be required. Further documents may also be required if you wish to have an observation noted on your child’s passport. Please see here for further details.
• Guardian consent must be witnessed in the country you reside in.
• Guardian consent is not required if the child is married.

Section 14(1) of the Passports Act 2008 makes provision for the consent of a child’s guardian(s) before a passport can issue. Under Irish law, the rights of parents to guardianship are set down in Section 6 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964. Furthermore, on 18th January 2016, certain provisions of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 came into effect that made a number of changes to the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.

Please note:

The summary provided is for information purposes only. If required, please obtain your own legal advice.

ONE GUARDIAN

Sole legal guardian (including sole adoption)

One of the guardians of the child is deceased, court order dispensing with consent.

TWO GUARDIANS

Joint guardianship through marriage, adoption or through Children and Family Relationships Act 2015

Joint guardianship by statutory declaration.

Join guardianship by court order or will/testament

Joint guardianship through guardianship law outside the jurisdiction

A mother is automatically a guardian of her own child. However, she may not be the sole legal guardian in the following circumstances:

1) The mother and father are married 2) Joint guardianship has been obtained through a court order or statutory declaration 3) The child’s father has continuously cohabited with the child’s mother for 12 consecutive months after 18th January 2016, including at least three months with the mother and child following the child’s birth (as set out in the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015)

Where a sole adopter has adopted a child, guardianship is acquired when the adoption order is made.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Where a person is the sole legal guardian, the following supporting documents must be submitted to the Passport Service along with the passport application. This applies to both first time applications and renewals:

1) a sole guardian affidavit form (AFF1), completed in the presence of a solicitor/commissioner for oaths 2) the child’s original birth certificate, signed and notarised as set out in the affidavit

•             If one of a child’s two guardians is deceased and no other guardians have been appointed, the living guardian is the sole guardian.

•             A person can be appointed as a testamentary guardian through a will. This refers to a situation where a guardian, through a will, appoints another guardian in the event of their death.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Where a person is the sole legal guardian following the death of another guardian, the following supporting documents must be submitted to the Passport Service along with the passport application. This applies to both first time applications and renewals:

1)             the original death certificate of the deceased guardian

2)             a completed and witnessed sole guardian affidavit form  Sole Guardian Affidavit form (AFF1) , completed in the presence of a solicitor/commissioner for oaths,

3)             the child’s original birth certificate, signed and notarised as set out in the affidavit

If a person is a testamentary guardian and the sole legal guardian the following is required in addition:

4)             the original or a certified copy of the will and testament

NOTE: If a testamentary guardian has been appointed  in addition to a surviving guardian , both guardians must provide consent for the child’s passport application. A sole guardian affidavit is not required in such a case.

In cases where there are two guardians and one guardian is unwilling or unavailable to give their consent for the child’s passport to be issued, a court order dispensing with that parent’s consent must be submitted with the child’s passport application.

This court order should direct the Passport Service to dispense with the consent of the unwilling/unavailable guardian and allow the Passport Service to issue passport facilities for the child.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Where a court order has dispensed with the consent of one or more guardian(s), the following supporting documents must be submitted to the Passport Service along with the passport application: This applies to both first time applications and renewals: 1) the original court order 2) the child’s original birth certificate

For further information on court orders: If living in Dublin: contact the  Family Law Division of the District Court. If living outside Dublin: contact your  local District Court .

• Guardianship can be acquired through marriage in certain circumstances. If such guardians separate or divorce, they retain their guardianship rights.

• In cases of adoption where two persons have jointly adopted a child, guardianship is acquired when the adoption order is made. If such guardians separate or divorce, they retain their guardianship rights.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: In cases where guardianship has been acquired through marriage or adoption, there are no additional supporting documents required for passport renewals. The child’s original birth certificate (or re-issued birth certificate in the case of adoption) must be submitted for first time applications.

• Certain categories of persons can gain guardianship rights through the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015. Under this Act, a father automatically becomes a guardian of his child if he has continuously cohabited with the child’s mother for 12 consecutive months, including at least three months with the mother and child following the child’s birth. When calculating this cohabitation period, only periods of cohabitation after 18th January 2016 can be considered (regardless of whether the child was born before or after this date). This is the date that the relevant section of the governing legislation commenced (Children and Family Relationships Act 2015).

NOTE: Certain provisions of Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 act have not yet commenced

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: If guardianship has been acquired through the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, there are no additional supporting documents required to establish guardianship. The child’s original birth certificate (or re-issued birth certificate in the case of adoption) must be submitted for first time applications.

A child’s father can, by agreement with the child’s mother, become a guardian by statutory declaration. Both must complete a statutory declaration for joint guardianship in the presence of a solicitor, peace commissioner or a commissioner for oaths.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: If guardianship has been acquired through a statutory declaration, the following supporting documents must be submitted to the Passport Service along with the passport application. This applies to both first time applications and renewals:

1) The original statutory declaration 2) The child’s original birth certificate

Joint guardianship by court order or will/testament

Under certain circumstances, a father can apply to the local District Court for a court order appointing him as a guardian of the child.

Other persons (for example, grandparents, step parents, civil partners or co-habiting partners) can be appointed guardians by court order in certain circumstances.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: If guardianship has been acquired through a court order, the following supporting documents must be submitted to the Passport Service along with the passport application: This applies to both first time applications and renewals: 1) The original court order 2) The child’s original birth certificate

A person can be appointed as a testamentary guardian through a will. This refers to a situation where a guardian, through a will, appoints another guardian in the event of their death.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Where a person is appointed as a testamentary guardian following the death of another guardian and one or more guardian(s) are still living, the following supporting documents must be submitted to the Passport Service along with the passport application. This applies to both first time applications and renewals: 1) the original death certificate of the deceased guardian 2) the child’s original birth certificate, signed and notarised as set out in the affidavit 3) the original or a certified copy of the will and testament

NOTE: In cases where there are two guardians and one guardian is unwilling or unavailable to give their consent for their child’s passport to be issued, a court order dispensing with that guardian's consent will be required to proceed with the child’s application. This court order should direct the Passport Service to dispense with the consent of the unwilling/unavailable parent and allow the Passport Service to issue passport facilities for the child.

Guardianship law outside the jurisdiction

In certain circumstances, the Passport Service can recognise guardianship rights acquired in other jurisdictions for the purposes of issuing a passport for a child.

 Some general information on guardianship rights in other jurisdictions is provided below.  Please obtain legal advice if you require information on the recognition of guardianship rights acquired in a specific country.

Child born in Northern Ireland or Great Britain:

If the child’s father is named on the birth certificate and the birth was jointly registered by both the child’s mother and father, the father is deemed to have parental responsibility of his child, irrespective of the marital status of the parents. In this context, parental responsibility confers guardianship.

This was passed into law on the following dates:

- Northern Ireland: 15 th  April 2002

- England and Wales: 1 st  December 2003

- Scotland: 4 th  May 2006

Before this legislation, only the mother was considered an automatic guardian. If the child was born in one of the above jurisdictions before the above dates and if no other guardians have been appointed, the mother is the sole legal guardian of the child.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS:

If guardianship has been acquired through the above provisions, there are no additional supporting documents required to establish guardianship. The child’s original birth certificate must be submitted for first time applications.

In Northern Ireland and Great Britain, if one guardian is unwilling or unavailable to give their consent for their child’s passport to be issued, a  specific issues order , which dispenses with that parental responsibility, must be obtained by the relevant court before we can proceed with the child’s application.

Please note

The summary provided is for information purposes only. Please obtain legal advice if you require information on the recognition of guardianship rights acquired in a specific country.

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Travel documents for kids

When travelling with your children, most likely you need to bring some additional travel documents. Make sure to check what applies to your family.

Which documents

Which travel documents you need to bring for your kids, depends on a couple of factors:

• your country of departure, transfer, and destination;
• your nationality;
• your country of residence.

We advise checking the embassy website of the country you’re visiting. For detailed information suitable for your trip, check our travel documents tool.

Passport or ID card

Children of European Union citizens travelling from, to or via EU countries need to carry their own passport or ID card. Having their names entered in their parent’s passports is no longer permitted. This restriction does not apply to document holders of the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Consent form for minors

Is your child travelling alone, with only 1 parent or guardian, or with an adult that does not have parental authority? Before going through security control, you’ll have to complete a consent form.

Birth certificate

Does your child have a different last name than you? Please bring the family booklet or birth certificate to prove your connection.

Extra documents for specific destinations

You might need to bring various additional documents for your child for specific destinations. You’ll find detailed information about all destinations in our travel documents tool.

All children younger than 18 years and travelling to Barbados without a parent or legal guardian need to bring a letter of authorisation from their parent or legal guardian. This letter should specify who will pick them up at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. It is a mandatory addition to the forms required for the Unaccompanied Minor service.

When travelling alone, their parent or legal guardian need to submit a request to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) via [email protected] .

Read more about the documents needed for Barbados

For travel to and from Brazil, all children born in Brazil need to bring several documents, regardless of whether they travel with both parents, 1 parent, an accompanying adult, or alone.

Read more about the documents needed for Brazil

South Africa

For travel to and from South Africa, some children require special documentation: children with the South African nationality and children of any nationality travelling as unaccompanied minors.

Read more about the documents needed for South Africa

Read more about

Travelling with kids.

Get a glimpse of what your kids can expect during their flight.

Ticket options for kids

Travelling with your child? Find out which ticket option is available for your little one, depending on their age.

Children travelling alone

You need the Unaccompanied Minor service for children between 5 and 14 years old who are travelling alone.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad

Get permission to take a child abroad

You must get the permission of everyone with parental responsibility for a child or from a court before taking the child abroad.

Taking a child abroad without permission is child abduction .

You automatically have parental responsibility if you’re the child’s mother, but you still need the permission of anyone else with parental responsibility before you take the child abroad.

You can take a child abroad for 28 days without getting permission if a child arrangement order says the child must live with you, unless a court order says you can’t.

Get permission from someone with parental responsibility

A letter from the person with parental responsibility for the child is usually enough to show you’ve got permission to take them abroad.

You might be asked for the letter at a UK or foreign border, or if there’s a dispute about taking a child abroad. The letter should include the other person’s contact details and details about the trip.

It also helps if you’ve:

• evidence of your relationship with the child, eg a birth or adoption certificate
• a divorce or marriage certificate, if you are a single parent but your family name is different from the child’s

Get permission from a court

You’ll need to apply to a court for permission to take a child abroad if you haven’t got permission from the other people with parental responsibility.

You must give details of the trip, eg the date of departure, when and how you’re returning, and contact details of people with parental responsibility staying in the UK.

You must give more information if you’re taking the child abroad for a longer trip, eg what education the child will get while they’re abroad.

Find a solicitor to get legal advice about permission to take a child abroad.

Check the age limit in the country you’re travelling to

You need to contact the embassy or consular office of the country you are travelling to for information about the age limit up to which a person is considered a child.

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Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada

A consent letter demonstrates that a child has permission to travel outside Canada from every parent or guardian who is not accompanying them on the trip.

On this page

When to use a consent letter, how to write a consent letter.

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling:

• with only 1 parent or guardian
• in the care of friends or relatives
• with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group

This includes day trips and travel where a child will be with only 1 parent for part of a trip. For example, a child will leave Canada with both parents but will return with only 1 parent.

A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials or airline agents when re-entering Canada.

The person who is accompanying the child should bring the original signed letter rather than a copy. Officials may be less likely to question the authenticity of an original document.

If you are travelling with a child for whom you have always been the sole parent or guardian, you can bring a document that shows you are the child’s only parent or guardian, such as a copy of a long form birth certificate that identifies you as the only parent.

If the other parent is deceased and you have full custody of your child, you should bring a copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent when accompanying the child on a trip.

The definition of a child varies from country to country, so any child under 19 years old should carry a consent letter.

Using a letter of consent outside Canada

Countries have their own entry and exit requirements for children. The consent letter may not be considered sufficient by a country’s immigration authorities and there is no guarantee that they will recognize it. In some countries, your child may be deemed to be one of its citizens if you or the other parent is a citizen of that country. As a “deemed citizen,” your child may be subject to the same entry and exit requirements as other citizens of that country.

For more information, check the entry and exit requirements in the Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination country or contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination country before travelling.

Travel Advice and Advisories

Foreign representatives in Canada

Risk of abduction

If there is a risk that the accompanying parent will not bring your child back to Canada, consult a lawyer and proceed with caution before signing a consent letter.

International child abduction

There are no official guidelines for the content and format of a consent letter, but they usually include:

• the name of the child
• the names and contact information of parents or guardians
• the name and relationship of the person who is accompanying the child
• information on where the child is travelling and the duration of the trip

You may use 1 letter or multiple letters depending on the situation:

• If neither parent is accompanying the child, they can both sign 1 letter or they can each sign a separate letter
• Children from the same family who are travelling together may be listed on 1 letter
• Separate letters are recommended for children who will be travelling separately for part of the trip
• Consult a lawyer when writing a letter without specific dates or for frequent cross-border trips

A sample letter and interactive form are available to guide you in writing a consent letter:

• Sample consent letter
• Interactive form for writing a consent letter

You can change the letter to fit your specific situation, but you should try to include as much detail as possible.

The consent letter should be signed by:

• Parents who are married or in a common law relationship who are not accompanying the child travelling outside Canada
• custody of the child
• decision-making responsibility for the child
• guardianship of the child (in Alberta and British Columbia)

A court order or agreement may also specify who does or does not need to sign a consent letter for a child travelling abroad.

If the child is in temporary care: The consent letter should be signed by the appropriate child welfare agency representative granting consent for the child to travel with the accompanying person. If in doubt about who should sign the letter, consult a lawyer.

If one of the parents is deceased: If the child is travelling alone or without the surviving parent, the child should carry a consent letter signed by the surviving parent and a copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent.

Signature of a witness

Any adult may witness the signing of a consent letter. It is strongly recommended that a notary public witness and sign the letter as border officials may be less likely to question its authenticity.

If you are outside of Canada, a consular officer at a Canadian government office may witness the signing of a consent letter ( fees apply ).

• Children and travel
• Travelling with Children brochure  
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Travelling as a dual citizen
• Children travelling to Canada  (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)