Authorization letter to travel with one parent

A Travel Consent Letter is used when a child is travelling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group. This document notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian has given their consent for the child to travel without them. This document can be used both for domestic travel inside Canada or international travel across country borders. Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or other abductions, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company may ask parents to provide some form of letter of consent if a minor child is travelling internationally with only one parent or with another adult, such as a teacher, group trip leader, or grandparent.

How to use this document?

Using this document, a parent can name the children, provide information about their passport if the trip is happening internationally, describe the circumstances of their trip and the people who will be accompanying them, and outline the travel itinerary. Finally, this letter form contains contact information for adult chaperones, if applicable, and parents or legal guardians in case someone needs to be contacted in the event of an emergency. During the signing of this letter, a witness should also sign the letter, as this is required by some airlines.

Travelling children should carry a copy of this letter with them and any adult chaperones should be given a copy of this letter to show to authority figures as needed.

Applicable Law

Although not required by law, immigration officers, law enforcement officers, or custom agents may detain a child if they suspect an abduction or kidnapping has taken place. By travelling with a Travel Consent Letter, these officers will have the necessary contact information and further assurance that no abduction or kidnapping has taken place.

How to modify the template?

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

Updated October 24, 2022

A child travel consent form can be used for any minor that has permission from their parent or legal guardian for domestic or international travel with an individual, group, or organization. In addition, this is also commonly used when the child is traveling alone. It’s preferred to have the consent form signed by both parents, although one is sufficient.

Types of Travel (2)

• Domestic Travel – Minor traveling without both parents may require a travel consent form to present to the TSA.
• International Travel – Minor traveling without both parents may require a travel consent form to be accepted by immigration authorities in the visiting country.

When to Use

A minor child travel consent form is used when a minor child is traveling:

• Alone
• With another relative or friend
• With an organization or group

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a child travel with one parent under US law?

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends if a child is traveling with one parent, especially if the parents are divorced, to carry a note from the other parent stating their consent to the trip. The note can be as simple as the following:

“I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my/our permission to do so.”

In addition, it’s highly recommended to have the note or consent notarized.

How old does a child have to be to travel alone?

A child must be at least 5 years old to travel without a parent or guardian. This must be for a direct flight, with no connections.

Children 8 years and older may fly with connections and be escorted by airline personnel to their gate. It’s recommended all minors under the age of 18 carry a travel consent form.

Does a travel consent form include medical decisions?

A minor travel consent form does not include permission to make medical decisions on behalf of the child. If the consenting parent or guardian would like to hand over those rights, a minor child power of attorney form should be authorized.

Sample

MINOR (CHILD) TRAVEL CONSENT

 I. THE PARENT(S).

I/We, [PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NAME], am/are the lawful custodial parent(s) and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of:

 II. THE MINOR.

Full Name: [MINOR’S NAME]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Place of Birth: [LOCATION]
Passport Number (if applicable): [9 DIGITS]

• Country of Issuance: [COUNTRY]
• Date Issuance: [DATE]
• Date of Expiration: [DATE]

III. TRAVELING ALONE/ACCOMPANYING PERSON. (check one)

☐ – I authorize my child to travel alone.

☐ – I authorize my child to travel with the following individual/organization:

• Individual/Organization Name: [FULL NAME]
• Relationship to Child (if applicable): [RELATIONSHIP]
• U.S. or Foreign Passport Number (if applicable): [9 DIGITS]
  • Country of Issuance: [COUNTRY]
  • Date Issuance: [DATE]
  • Date of Expiration: [DATE]

IV. ITINERARY.

I authorize my child to travel to the following location [LOCATION] during the period beginning on [START DATE], and ending on [END DATE].

V. SIGNATURE(S).

Parent / Legal Guardian Signature: ________________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: _______________________

Parent / Legal Guardian Signature: ________________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: _______________________

How do you write a letter of consent for a child to travel with one parent UK?

How do I get permission from parents to travel?

Can one parent travel with child to Canada?

Can a child travel with one parent within the US?