Struggling to understand child travel consent? We’ve created an easy-to-follow guide that answers all the questions you may have. Check it out now to learn more.

Photo by Tatiana Syrikova

Child travel consent is a requirement in many states to ensure the safety and well-being of children traveling alone or with just one parent. Having child travel consent can ensure there are no delays, misunderstandings, or legal complications. It provides authorization for the child to travel and peace of mind for many parents.

But what do you need to do to ensure your child has travel consent? How do you fill out a travel consent form, and in what situations is it needed?

This comprehensive guide will answer all these questions and more to give student parents all the information they need on child travel consent.

What Is Child Travel Consent?

Child travel consent is a legal document that permits a child to travel without one or both parents or legal guardians. In most cases, it is a requirement if a child is traveling when accompanied by someone other than their legal guardian too.

A child travel consent form is used to give permission and is often required by airlines before allowing unaccompanied minors onto the plane. It is designed to protect the safety and well-being of the child and ensure that they are properly taken care of.

Why You Might Need Child Travel Consent

There are a few reasons why child travel consent might be needed. These include the following.

• Legal requirements of airlines, etc.: In countries around the world, airlines and other transport providers will legally require child travel consent. This is to ensure children are not being abducted or taken across borders without the consent of their legal guardians. It is to prevent child trafficking and abduction.

• Proof of authorization: Often, transport providers will also want proof that the person with the legal authority to give it has permitted the child to travel. This may sometimes be disputed in custody cases, so having written consent is of the highest importance.

• Emergencies: While traveling alone, a child may have an emergency, or there may be an event that means authorities or medical personnel need to make decisions about the child. They will need to make contact with the child’s parent, and a travel consent form will allow for this.

• Custody arrangements: During custody disputes, a parent may be awarded sole custody of a child, which means that only they can permit a child to travel. If the child were then to be traveling with the other parent, consent would be needed. Additionally, courts may impose restrictions upon a child’s travel while custody is being decided, and child travel consent will help to demonstrate compliance with such restrictions.

Obtaining Child Travel Consent

Obtaining child travel consent is relatively easy, provided you have contact with the parent or legal guardian of the child. The following steps should ensure you have all the consent needed to escort or travel with a child.

1. Always plan ahead. Start gathering the necessary documents as early as possible.

2. Identify what you actually need. Details will likely include information about the child and the trip, as well as parental authorization and contact information. The details required can vary depending on the airline, so it is important that you look up what the specific institutions require.

3. Draft the consent form. If you’re unsure, there is a plethora of free templates online to help you out. It doesn’t need to be extensive, but it does need to clearly state that consent has been given.

4. Obtain signatures from any and all parents or legal guardians that need to give their consent. If one parent has sole custody, it might be beneficial to include proof of this.

5. Get the document notarized if possible. Some airlines actually require this, but even if they don’t, it offers legal protection anyway.

6. Provide copies to the relevant parties, including the child, the accompanying adult, airlines, immigration authorities, and border control.

7. Keep the documentation on you or the child at all times.

Common Questions Regarding Child Travel Consent

Below, we’ve answered other common questions regarding child travel consent.

Do child travel consent forms need to be notarized?

Not always, but some transport providers and countries require it. We recommend getting it notarized anyway for an added layer of protection.

How far in advance should I obtain consent for child travel?

As far as possible is our answer! Give yourself enough time to gather any and all relevant documents. Should problems arise, you need to have the time to figure them out so that the child in question can travel on the proposed date.

Are there specific rules for children traveling unaccompanied?

Yes, and each country and airline is different. In the US, the minimum age varies for when a child may travel alone, as does the process surrounding consent. Some airlines may only allow unaccompanied minors on certain flights to certain destinations. They may also require you to pay for an unaccompanied minor service.

Final Thoughts

Child travel consent protects the safety and well-being of the child. It is designed to ensure the parent or guardian of the child has permitted such travel and that nothing nefarious is taking place. Transport providers may vary in regulations, so planning in advance and ensuring you meet the criteria for each institution is highly recommended.