Travel Consent Letter for Children: Complete 2025 Guide | Minute Notary Blog | Minute Notary
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January 12, 20254 min read
Travel Consent Letter for Children: Complete 2025 Guide
Everything parents need to know about travel consent letters when children travel with one parent, grandparents, or guardians. Avoid border issues with proper documentation.
MN
Minutes Notary
Notary Public • Ottawa, ON
Why You Need a Travel Consent Letter
Traveling with someone else's child — or even your own child without the other parent — can raise red flags at borders worldwide. A notarized travel consent letter proves that the child has permission to travel.
Border agents are trained to watch for signs of child abduction. Without proper documentation, you could face:
Lengthy questioning at the border
Missed flights or connections
Denied entry to your destination country
The child being detained while authorities verify custody
When Is a Travel Consent Letter Required?
Definitely Required
Child traveling with one parent (other parent not present)
Child traveling with grandparents or relatives
Child traveling with a guardian or family friend
School trips abroad with teachers/chaperones
May Be Required
Both parents traveling but with different last names than child
Adopted children traveling with adoptive parents
Foster children traveling with foster parents
Not Typically Required
Child traveling with both biological/legal parents
TRAVEL CONSENT LETTER
I, [Parent's Full Name], holder of [ID Type] number [ID Number],
being the [mother/father] of [Child's Full Name], born on [Date of Birth],
holder of passport number [Passport Number], hereby authorize:
[Traveling Adult's Full Name], [Relationship to Child],
to travel with my child to [Destination] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
I can be reached at:
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
In case of emergency, I authorize [Traveling Adult's Name] to consent
to necessary medical treatment for my child.
Signed: _____________________
Date: _____________________
[Notary Certificate]
Why Notarization Matters
A notarized letter carries more weight because:
Identity Verified — The notary confirms the parent's identity
Witnessed Signature — Proves the parent actually signed
Official Seal — Adds legal authenticity
Harder to Forge — Discourages fraudulent letters
Country-Specific Requirements
Different countries have different requirements:
Country
Requirements
Canada
Consent letter recommended
USA
Consent letter recommended
Mexico
Notarized letter often required
Brazil
Notarized and apostilled letter required
South Africa
Unabridged birth certificate + consent letter
Always check your destination's requirements before traveling.
What If the Other Parent is Unavailable?
Deceased Parent
Bring a copy of the death certificate along with the consent letter.
Unknown Parent
Bring a court order or statutory declaration explaining the situation.
Uncooperative Parent
If you have sole custody, bring the custody agreement. If there's a dispute, consult a family lawyer.
How Long Is a Consent Letter Valid?
A travel consent letter is typically valid for:
Specific trips — Include exact dates
Extended validity — Some parents opt for letters valid for multiple trips within a year
We recommend getting a new letter for each trip with specific dates to avoid questions.
The Cost of Not Having One
Without a consent letter, you risk:
Missed vacation — Denied boarding or entry
Legal complications — Suspected of kidnapping
Emotional trauma — For both child and adults
Financial loss — Non-refundable bookings
A notarized letter costs around $25-35 — a small price for peace of mind.
Get Your Travel Consent Letter Today
At Minutes Notary, we can prepare and notarize your travel consent letter quickly. We have templates ready, or we can work with your custom letter.
