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What is a Child Travel Consent Form and Do I Need One?

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.

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.

Many countries, including the European Union and the United States, require international minors to travel with documentation proving parental authorisation.

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.

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.

If you are travelling outside Australia, you must check the specific guidelines for your destination country. Contact the destination country’s consulate before embarking on your overseas travel to ensure you have all the necessary documentation. Arrange this well in advance to avoid any issues or delays. If you have arranged your booking through a travel agent, rely on someone other than them to tell you what you need to do.

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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.

Please note that LegalVision is a commercial law firm and unfortunately cannot assist with child consent enquiries. We recommend you contact SmartTraveller.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do you need a child travel consent form?

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.

What documents go with the child travel consent form?

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).

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Christy Koufos

Christy Koufos

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