Whether you’re married and leaving a spouse behind to work; grandparents taking grandchildren on vacation; same sex couples with adopted children — even a military family trying to reunite for a holiday — you should be carrying notarized copies of a Travel Consent Letter or Permission to Travel document for each minor traveler.
Take these essential documents for travel with kids with you to avoid trip delay or cancellation costs. They could save your next vacation.
TL;DR
When children under 18 travel by themselves, or with only one custodial parent or a guardian, they must carry a Permission to Travel or Minor Travel Consent Letter.
- This document, signed by all the child’s legal guardians, is required by many countries for travel to and from the U.S. by air, sea and land.
- A Travel Consent Letter, signed and notarized, confirms that a solo parent or guardian has permission to transport the specified child over borders for a certain period of time.
- Additionally, all minor children are required to have their own travel documents, such as passports.
- For this story, we say minors are under 18 years of age. In some states, however, the Age of Majority varies between 16 and 21.
When Do You Need A Travel Consent Letter?
The proper travel permission or consent letter is required for each child traveling internationally.
I know, because it happened to me while checking in with my son for an American Airlines flight to Cancun. Mexican law requires that if only one parent or non-custodial adult(s) is accompanying a minor under 18 from Mexico, he/she must carry a notarized Permission to Travel Letter (also known as a Parental Consent Letter) from the child’s other parent(s) or guardian(s) granting permission to leave Mexico with the child. The letter must include the dates of travel, the accompanying adult’s name, contact information, and a notarized signature.
These rules apply in most countries of the world. The travel permission letter is required when kids cross borders with only one birth parent, one guardian or nanny, grandparents or other adults.
To be extra clear, an original copy of this written and notarized letter signed by both parents or designated legal guardians is required, even for a cruise ship’s shore excursions.
Exceptions are made if there’s documented evidence that a minor has only one guardian. For example, divorce papers, death certificate, adoption papers or a lawyer’s letter would indicate that the presence of one legal guardian is sufficient. You must carry printed documentation to show to Immigration authorities on request.
Learn more in this video:
Who Invented These Travel Permission Documents for Kids?
The requirement for a consent affidavit for children traveling outside their home country was not invented by the U.S. Department of State. It is the result of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
The Dept of State explains, “The Hague Child Abduction Convention is a valuable civil law mechanism for parents seeking the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside their country of habitual residence by another parent or family member. Parents seeking access to children residing in treaty partner countries may also invoke the Convention.
“The Convention is critically important because it establishes a legal framework between partner countries to resolve parental abduction cases. The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues serves as the Central Authority for the United States under the Convention.”
Please note that having the correct travel permission documents or visas does not guarantee that you or a minor child will be able to enter the U.S. Current immigration policies and guidelines change frequently. Consult your home country embassy for advice.
Consent Letters, Medical Authorization Forms and Travel Insurance Contribute to Children’s Safety
As of April 2025, the Hague Convention to deter international child abductions is in efffect in 95 countries and territories, including US, Canada and Mexico.
Nevertheless, international child abduction stories are in the news all the time.
To prevent the transport of runaways or children involved in child-custody disputes, American carriers require special permission documents from adults departing the U.S. with minors.
Proper Medical Authorization forms are also advised. Rising health care costs and legal challenges have forced many medical providers to deny medical care to minors away from home. That is, unless their adults have written affidavits from guardians who carry the minor’s medical insurance coverage as well as proof of that medical insurance coverage.
Offer your family further protection with a solid travel insurance policy. Kids are insured for free with certain Travelex policies when traveling with a parent or grandparent.
Other Reasons to Have Permission to Travel or Travel Consent Letters
The consent letter confirms the child has permission to travel outside their home country when taking a trip alone or with only one parent or guardian. Additional circumstances include minors traveling between divorced parents for a vacation; minors attending boarding school overseas; and minors visiting grandparents in their home country.
The same regulations also apply to minors under 18 who are leaving the U.S. with school groups, teen tours, or just friends on a vacation. Sports teams and academic study programs require minor team members to have a Minor Consent to Travel form. This type of form typically places the responsibility for several minors on one coach or adult chaperone.
Note that authorities recommend that all minors have their own passports at border crossings.
Read on for tips on how to make this paperwork less of a burden.
Get Blank Permission to Travel Consent Letters, Minors & Medical Authorization Forms
To keep you up-to-date with ever-changing travel safety and security regulations, you will be subscribed to the FTF travel alerts e-mail list. You may unsubscribe at any time. We do not sell, barter or trade your personal information. Read Family Travel Forum’s Privacy Policy if you have concerns.
Please fill in the following form, then check your email inbox or spam filter for our note. After you confirm your email address, you will be sent a second email. It has links to download a Permission to Travel form, Medical Treatment Authorization Letter, and Minor Consent to Travel form you can fill out and use. Keep blank copies to use on future trips.
Canada’s Strict Requirements for Minor Travel Consent Letters
The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade reminds visitors that, “Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders.”
In some situations, a notarized birth certificate may suffice for minors age 16 and older entering Canada. Canada regulations request that adults entering the country with minors carry a photocopy of the signature page of the passport belonging to the guardian who signed the permission to travel letter.
Getting a Children’s U.S. or Foreign Passport
To enforce the Hague Convention provisions, the U.S. Department of State requires that every citizen, no matter the age, traveling outside the US by air carry their own passport and appear in person to apply for one.
Both parents must be present to get a children’s passport. Bring your photo IDs and proof of parentage. If only one parent appears, they must have a notarized statement of consent from the second parent or legal guardian to apply.
Exceptions are made if there’s documented evidence that a minor has only one guardian. For example, you may present divorce papers, a death certificate or adoption papers. A lawyer’s letter also may indicate that the presence of one legal guardian is sufficient. This is a complex issue, explained in more detail in FTF’s Passport Guide or on the U.S. Passport Office.
If child custody issues are a concern for you, contact the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program. They provide notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children. They can ensure denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with the CPIAP.
Citizens of other countries must check with their own country’s embassy for current regulations. To combat illegal immigration, passport issuance laws have become stricter all over the world. Many destinations now require all foreign nationals entering their country have a passport valid at least six months after the planned date of departure.
If you’re planning a foreign vacation, note that U.S. security and border regulations change frequently. Plan ahead to avoid a processing backlog at the National Passport Center.
Getting Visas & Essential Travel Documents for Minors
In an era of heightened global security, many foreign countries are revising their visa and documentation procedures as well. A spokesperson for the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State offers this advice. “Contact the embassy of your destination country or study Consular Information Sheets. They’re provided at travel.state.gov with that country’s requirements in order to bring a child into the country.”
As an example, I learned that some countries require a notarized original copy of the Permission to Travel Letter before accepting a minor’s visa application. Some countries also require that travel affidavits are in the national language of the country and notarized and authenticated by the nation’s embassy or consulate.
For information on the requirements for travel to a specific country by an American citizen, visit the US Embassy site. When in doubt, it’s best to call the Visa Section of the embassy or consulate of your intended destination.
Tips For Making Visas And Consent To Travel Paperwork Easier
You’ve downloaded blank forms, filled them in and had them notarized. Now, prepare for the day you may be asked for them. Other documents may come in handy, too, depending on the destination.
- Notarize several copies of the Permission to Travel Letter at the same time if you are applying for foreign visas. Carry extra copies with you in case border officials ask to keep a copy.
- Try to carry an original, raised stamp birth certificate for each minor in your party. This is especially important in situations such as guardians with different last names than each other or the minor. Birth parents with different surnames should carry a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate to provide legal evidence of “guardianship.”
- In case you need visas at airports or harbors, pack extra passport photos taken against plain white backgrounds. Carry at least US$100 in small bills so that you can purchase entry visas on the spot.
- Same sex couples, and adoptive, divorced or widowed parents should carry certified custody or death certificates, adoption papers, or other proof of sole custody, as well as photo identification for themselves and the child.
- Be sure to leave copies with someone back home. They can retrieve documents and send them, if you need them after departure.
A CBP spokesperson recommends that all travelers read the helpful online resource Know Before You Go.
Stay on The Safe Side with Childrens Travel Consent Letters
In summary, such concerns apply to cruises, as well as air and land travel. Carnival, for example, requires the notarized Permission to Travel Letter for any children debarking in Mexico. This is true if it’s only on a half-day shore excursion. Since cruise itineraries may change due to weather, it’s smart to be prepared.
Mexican Consular Officer Hebe Cue advises, “In case of weather or other cruise delay, it’s better if adults have the notarized permission letter. In any case, it is required for American minors entering Mexico by air, no matter how long their stay.”
An officer at the Canadian Tourism Commission agree. “Canadian customs officers, who are the primary line of inspection for visitors, may require a notarized statement from both parents when they find a child under 18 traveling alone or with other adults. All carriers, including air, sea and land, can be fined for bringing people into Canada without the proper documentation.”
At Royal Caribbean, an agent interviewed about Canada-bound cruises suggested single parents, grandparents or other adults traveling with a minor carry notarized documentation, “to be on the safe side.”
We agree!
When traveling with family, its’ all about being on the safe side.
Travel Prepared to Avoid Confusion
For more information, contact your attorney or a professional travel agent. The staff at the FTF office (+1 212/595-6074), while not attorneys, are happy to help answer any questions.
Most importantly, safe there and safe home!
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209 Replies to “Required Documents And Travel Consent Letters For Travel With Minors”
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.