Summary
- A child travel consent letter is not a legal requirement in Australia, but it can help prevent delays at border control when a child travels without both parents or guardians.
- Without supporting documentation, immigration officials may question the child’s travel arrangements, which could result in the child being prevented from boarding or entering a country.
- Parents and guardians should ensure the letter includes key details such as the travelling parent’s information, the child’s itinerary, and contact details for the non-travelling parent.
- This article is a plain-English guide for Australian business owners and families on child travel consent requirements under Australian law, prepared by LegalVision, a commercial law firm.
- LegalVision specialises in advising clients on family travel documentation and related legal matters.
Tips for Businesses
If your business involves organising travel for minors, such as school trips or youth programmes, establish a clear consent documentation process. Ensure letters include the child’s details, travel dates, destinations, and emergency contacts. Retain signed copies and verify documents comply with destination country requirements before departure.
On this page
A child travel consent form, also known as an authorisation letter or parental consent for travel, is a document that proves to authorities and foreign officials that a minor (a child under 18 years old) has permission from all legal guardians/custodians to travel. The purpose of a travel consent form is to keep minors safe, protect parental rights and prevent child abductions across borders.
When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Form?
You may need a child travel consent form in the following situations:
- a child is travelling with an adult who is not the sole parent/guardian of the child;
- a child is travelling with an organisation, group or school trip and the sole parent/guardian is not part of the group;
- the child is travelling alone; and
- a child travels with their grandparents or other family members who are not their legal guardians.
Child travel consent forms are particularly important when a child is travelling overseas and communication with their parent(s)/guardian(s) may be difficult. The Australian Government advises people travelling with children to carry a ‘child consent to travel form’ when travelling internationally.
Travel With a Legal Guardian Without Sole Custody (Applicable to Separated Parents)
When a child travels with only one parent or legal guardian, the other parent must provide a child travel consent form, unless the accompanying parent has sole legal custody. To prove consent for the child’s travel, the non-travelling parent needs to sign the form. It is advisable to have this signature notarised or certified.
Travel With Sole Guardian
When a child travels with one parent or guardian who has sole custody, carry a notarised or certified true copy of any court order or death certificate proving sole custody. If the child travels without that guardian, the sole guardian must sign.
Travel Without Two Guardians
When a child has two legal guardians and neither is travelling with the child, both guardians must sign the form.
Medical Consent Form
If the child is travelling without both parents, it is advisable to create a Child Medical Consent form. This document gives the temporary guardian permission to make medical decisions on behalf of the child if necessary.
Key Requirements
The below requirements will vary depending on the independent requirements of the destination country:
- describe travel plans, including the intended destination, dates, and accommodation details;
- provide the child’s personal details, including their name, date of birth and passport/birth certificate details;
- provide the personal details of the supervisor(s) or adult(s) the child will be travelling with;
- list emergency contact details; and
- include the names and signatures of both parents/guardians (unless one has sole custody).
To avoid issues, you should notarise the child’s travel consent form, especially for international travel. Some countries will require this notarisation.
Additional Documentation
In addition to a child travel consent form, you may also need:
- a copy of the child’s birth certificate or adoption papers;
- a copy of the parent’s/guardian’s ID;
- proof of any required vaccinations;
- proof of sole custody (court order or death certificate, if applicable);
- marriage certificate (if the child’s surname differs from the parents); and
- proof of separation and custody arrangements (if parents are separated or divorced).
International airlines and transportation services may also have their own travel consent form requirements.
As a business, you are legally obligated to provide a safe workplace, regardless of where your employees work—from the office, home, or on the road. This factsheet outlines common health and safety risks and provides a risk mitigation checklist.
Key Takeaways
A child travel consent form confirms that a minor has permission from their legal guardians to travel. You will need this form when a child travels without their sole parent or guardian, especially for international trips.
The form must include:
- travel plans;
- child’s personal details
- supervisor’s details;
- emergency contacts; and
- parent or guardian signatures
You should strongly consider notarising the form for international travel. You might need to provide additional documentation depending on the situation and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a child travel consent form if a child travels with someone other than their sole parent or guardian, such as a relative, organisation, or alone. It is especially important for international travel.
Documents include:
+ a copy of the child’s birth certificate or adoption papers;
+ a copy of the parent’s/guardian’s ID;
+ proof of any required vaccinations;
+ proof of sole custody (court order or death certificate, if applicable);
+ marriage certificate (if the child’s surname differs from the parent’s); and
+ proof of separation and custody arrangements (if parents are separated or divorced).
Yes, but a signed child travel consent form from all legal guardians is required.
Carry a certified copy of the death certificate as proof of sole custody.
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