Last updated March 28, 2024
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What is a Child Travel Consent?
A Child Travel Consent gives a minor child (i.e., under 18 years old) permission to travel without their parents or legal guardians. Use this form when your child needs to travel alone or with another adult who isn't their legal guardian (e.g., a grandparent, friend, or teacher).
You can use the same travel consent letter for domestic and international flights. However, if your child’s travel itinerary involves multiple stops, consider creating a consent letter for each leg of their trip.
A Child Travel Consent is also known as a:
- Parental Consent Form
- Travel Consent Letter
- Travel Permission Letter
- Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad
When do I need a Child Travel Consent?
Proof of parental consent is an essential step in preventing child abductions. The Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 prohibits travelling with a child under 16 years old without proof of parental consent.
Situations that commonly require a Child Travel Consent include:
- Children travelling with only one parent when their parents are legally separated
- Students travelling abroad as part of a school trip
- Children travelling with a group, such as a sports team, vacation tour, or another cultural or religious organisation
- Children travelling with a temporary guardian or extended family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins
- A minor travelling alone (by plane, train, or ship), meeting their guardian at their destination
If your child is flying internationally, you should also check the destination country’s government website to see if the country requires parental authorisation before allowing a child to cross their borders in someone else’s custody.
Who needs to sign a Child Travel Consent?
Every person with a legal right to make decisions on the child's behalf needs to sign the Child Travel Consent, even if one of the parents or guardians isn't travelling with the child.
If both parents can't sign the document, you'll likely need to provide border officials with documentation showing why it wasn't possible.
Do separated or single parents need a Child Travel Consent?
If separated parents have joint guardianship of a child, both parents need to sign the Child Travel Consent form. However, a single parent with sole legal guardianship can show guardianship documentation when applying for the child's passport.
What if I have a different surname from my child?
If you and your child have different surnames, there is a possibility that you will need to show proof of your relationship at the airport. To show that you're the child's parent or guardian, you can use documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- Adoption certificate
- Guardian papers
- Marriage or divorce certificates
You can easily create a customised Child Travel Consent by filling out LawDepot's questionnaire. Using our template will ensure you complete the necessary steps:
Step 1: Determine if the child is travelling domestically or internationally
Start your Child Travel Consent by determining if the child is travelling domestically or internationally. Children flying internationally need a passport. If the destination is within Ireland, photo identification is required.
Step 2: State the child’s name
State the child’s full name in your Child Travel Consent.
You’re able to include up to six children in one form.
Step 3: Outline important trip details
You need to outline essential details about the child's trip, such as their destination and the dates they're departing and returning.
Step 4: Include the child’s birth details
For each child included in the Child Travel Consent, make sure the form states their gender, birthday, and place of birth.
Step 5: State the child’s passport details
The child needs to carry a passport if they’re travelling internationally. You’ll need to get the following information from the passport for your Child Travel Consent:
- The child’s nationality
- Passport number
- The date the passport was issued
- The issuing authority
The issuing authority is the government office or agency that issued the passport. The information is listed on the photo page of your child's passport.
Step 6: Specify if the child is travelling with their birth certificate
If the child is travelling with their birth certificate, you'll need to include the birth certificate number and where it was issued in your document.
Step 7: State who is supervising the child and provide their details
Specify if the child is travelling:
- Alone
- With a parent or guardian
- With an adult who is not a parent or guardian
- With an organisation or group
The form should include the parent’s or guardian’s full name, address, and phone number.
If the child is flying with someone who doesn't have guardianship of them or as part of a group, the document needs to include their supervisor's personal information and passport details.
Step 8: Sign the Child Travel Consent
Finish the Child Travel Consent by dating and signing the document. Anyone with guardianship of the child needs to sign the form.
Does a Child Travel Consent need to be notarized?
Many countries require a Child Travel Consent to be notarized by a notary public for proof of authenticity. The notary public validates the identities and signatures of every person named in a document. Without notarized consent, border officials could delay or prevent your child from travelling further.
Check for official travel advisories and different exit and entry requirements before sending your child on a trip abroad. Many countries have strict requirements regarding proof of guardianship to prevent international child abduction.
