Travel topic · Culture
Traveling with children: consent letters and documents
If a child travels without both parents, prepare a signed, notarised consent letter (or court order) covering destination, dates and contact details; allow 2‑3 weeks for notarisation and bring original plus a certified copy.
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Applies to
Clear guidance on when you need a consent letter, what it must contain, how to get it notarised, costs and processing times for international trips with minors.
Key facts
- When required
- Any minor traveling without both legal guardians
- Letter content
- Child name, passport number, travel dates, destination, parents' contact, notarisation statement
- Notarisationcheck
- Local notary public or embassy; cost $20‑$50 USD
- Processing timecheck
- 2‑3 weeks for notarisation, plus shipping if done abroad
- Extra documents
- Copy of parents' passports, custody papers if applicable
Your checklist
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Who needs a consent letter
Any child under 18 travelling without the physical presence of both legal guardians must be able to prove parental permission. This includes trips with a single parent, a relative, a friend’s family, or a hired caregiver.
Airlines and border officials may ask for the letter at check‑in or immigration. Some countries (e.g., the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) explicitly require it for minors travelling with one parent or a third party.
Do
- If the child has sole custody, carry the court order confirming custody.
- If the other parent lives abroad, a consular‑issued letter may be accepted.
SeeVisas
What the consent letter must contain
A standard consent letter includes:
• Child’s full name and passport number
• Travel dates and full itinerary (departure, destination, return)
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of the accompanying adult(s)
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of the non‑accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
• A statement of permission for the child to travel with the listed adult(s)
• Signature of the non‑accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
• Notarisation clause stating the document was signed in the presence of a notary public.
Watch out
- Do not use generic templates that omit passport numbers; many officials reject them.
Show 5 sectionsHideHow to obtain and notarise the letter, Cost and processing time, Exceptions and special cases, Questions people ask, Related
How to obtain and notarise the letter
1. Draft the letter using the checklist above or a reputable template from a government website.
2. Have the non‑accompanying parent(s) sign in front of a notary public. In many countries the notary can be found at banks, law firms or dedicated notary offices.
3. Request a certified copy (often called a “true copy”) in addition to the original. Keep the original with the child’s travel documents and the copy in the accompanying adult’s luggage.
4. If you are abroad, you can use the nearest embassy or consulate to notarise the letter; they may charge a fee and require an appointment.
| Location | Typical fee (USD) | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Local notary (US, UK, Canada) | $20‑$50 | Same day to 2 days |
| Embassy/Consulate abroad | $30‑$70 | 1‑2 weeks (incl. appointment) |
Fees vary by country; check the specific office for current rates.
Do
- Ask the notary to stamp the document with an official seal; a plain signature may be rejected.
- Make a digital scan of the notarised letter and store it securely in case the original is lost.
Cost and processing time
The main expenses are the notary fee and any courier or embassy service charges. Expect a total cost of $30‑$100 USD depending on where you have the letter notarised.
Allow at least 2‑3 weeks before departure for the notarisation process and to obtain any required certified copies. If you need a translation, add another week.
Do
- Start the process as soon as travel dates are confirmed; some embassies only accept appointments several weeks out.
Exceptions and special cases
Some destinations (e.g., Schengen area) accept a simple signed letter without notarisation if the accompanying adult can present the other parent’s passport copy and a written consent.
If the child is travelling with both parents, no consent letter is needed, but carry both passports and any custody documents if applicable.
For adoptions, legal guardianship, or when a parent has sole custody, a court order or legal guardianship certificate must accompany the consent letter.
Watch out
- Airlines may have their own forms; check the carrier’s website before you travel.
Questions people ask
What is the short answer for traveling with children?
If a child travels without both parents, bring a notarised consent letter (or court order) that lists travel details, parents’ contacts and signatures.
Who does it apply to?
Any minor under 18 travelling with only one parent, a relative, a friend’s family, or a hired caregiver. Both‑parent travel does not need a letter.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Notary fees range $20‑$50 USD locally, $30‑$70 at embassies abroad. Add possible courier fees. Expect 2‑3 weeks for notarisation and certified copies.
Do I need a translation of the consent letter?
Only if the destination country requires it; many accept English. If needed, have it translated by a certified translator and notarised again.
Can I use a digital copy instead of the original?
Carry the original paper document for border checks; a digital copy is useful as backup but does not replace the original.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check and were last checked Sep 2026
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialU.S. Department of State – Travel with Children
- officialUK Government – Travel advice for children
- officialGovernment of Canada – Travel with minors
- officialAustralian Government – Travel advice for children
- officialNew Zealand Safe Travel – Children travelling abroad
- officialIrish Department of Foreign Affairs – Travel with children
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