Travel Authorization Form for a Minor

Why a Travel Authorization Form Is Needed

When a child travels internationally without both parents or legal guardians, many countries require a written consent documentoften called a Minor Travel Authorization, Letter of Consent, or Parental Permission Form. The purpose of the form is to:

• Confirm that the childs parents or legal guardians are aware of the trip.
• Prevent child abduction and trafficking.
• Provide border officials with contact details for the absent parent(s) or guardian(s).
• Establish the legal authority of the accompanying adult, if any.

When Is the Form Required?

The requirement varies by country and airline, but generally you will need a form when:

1. The minor is traveling alone (unaccompanied minor service).
2. The minor is traveling with one parent or with a thirdparty adult (grandparent, aunt/uncle, friend, etc.).
3. The minor is traveling with a legal guardian who is not a parent.

Even if your destination does not explicitly demand a form, airlines often require one at checkin. It is safest to have a properly notarised document before you depart.

Key Elements of a Valid Authorization Form

A wellprepared form should contain the following information:

Sample Template

Below is a simple template that you can adapt to your circumstances. Print the form, fill it out in ink, and have it notarised before your travel date.

MINOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION FORM1. Childs Details   Full Name: _______________________________________   Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY): ______________________   Passport No.: ____________________________________   Nationality: ______________________________________   Other ID (if any): _________________________________2. Travel Information   Destination(s): ___________________________________   Departure Date: _________________________________   Return Date (if applicable): ________________________   Flight Numbers: ___________________________________   Purpose of Trip: __________________________________3. Accompanying Adult(s)   Name: ___________________________________________   Relationship to Child: _____________________________   Passport No.: ____________________________________   Phone (mobile): __________________________________   Email: ___________________________________________4. Parent/Legal Guardian Consent   I/We, the undersigned, am/are the legal parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child named above and give my/our full permission for the child to travel as described.   Parent/Guardian #1   Name: ___________________________________________   Relationship: _____________________________________   Passport/ID No.: __________________________________   Phone: ___________________________________________   Signature: ________________________________________   Date: ____________________________________________   Parent/Guardian #2 (if applicable)   Name: ___________________________________________   Relationship: _____________________________________   Passport/ID No.: __________________________________   Phone: ___________________________________________   Signature: ________________________________________   Date: ____________________________________________5. Notary Public   On this _____ day of ___________, 20___, before me, a Notary Public, personally appeared the abovenamed parent(s)/guardian(s), known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the persons whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein expressed.   Notary Signature: _________________________________   Notary Seal:   Commission Expiry: _______________________________   (Attach photocopies of passports/IDs and any custody documents)        

Special Situations

Divorced or Separated Parents

If the child lives primarily with one parent, the other parents consent may be required by the country of travel. A court order granting sole custody can replace the need for the absent parents signature.

Single Parent Traveling Alone

A single parent travelling with a child does not usually need a consent form, but many airlines still request a notarised letter confirming that the other parent (if known) has no objections.

Adopted Children

Provide the adoption decree in addition to the consent form. Some countries also require the original or certified copy of the childs new passport.

Traveling to Specific Countries

Countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates have published templates and strict notarisation requirements. Always check the embassy or consular website of the destination for the latest guidelines.

StepbyStep Checklist

1. Confirm the destinations specific consentform requirements (embassy website, airline policy).
2. Gather all required documents: passports, IDs, custody papers.
3. Complete the template with accurate information.
4. Have each parent/guardian sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
5. Obtain notarised copies (at least two one for the airline, one for the border officer).
6. Attach photocopies of supporting documents to the notarised form.
7. Keep the original document with the childs travel documents; carry extra copies in a secure location.
8. Present the form at checkin and, if asked, to immigration officials upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an apostille?

An apostille is required only if the destination country is a member of the Hague Convention and specifically requests it. Otherwise, a regular notarisation is sufficient.

What if the notary is unavailable?

Many countries accept certification by a Consular Officer or a solicitornotary. In urgent cases, a mobile notary service can travel to your home.

Can a travel agency prepare the form?

Yes, most reputable agencies offer a prefilled template that you can customize and have notarised.

Will the airline keep a copy?

Airlines usually keep a copy for the duration of the trip and may return the original to you at your final destination.