When to Use
When a child travels alone or with relatives, friends, an organization, or a group.
Traveling Alone[1]
- Under 5 years old – Must be accompanied by someone at least 12 years of age flying in the same cabin (18 years with some airlines).
- 5 to 11 years old – Direct flights only.
- 12 to 15 years old – Travel permitted nationwide, including connections.
- 15+ years – No consent required. This includes international flights.
It’s recommended to view an airline’s “unaccompanied minors” procedures, such as:
Traveling with One Parent
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends if a child is traveling with one parent, especially if the parents are divorced, to carry a note from the other parent stating their consent to the trip.[2] The note can be as simple as the following:
“I, [YOUR NAME] acknowledge that my spouse is traveling out of the country with my [SON/DAUGHTER]. My spouse has my full permission to do so with this authorization.”
Signature: ______________________
Signing or attaching a notary acknowledgment is recommended.
Medical Decisions
Video
Sample
Download: PDF, MS Word, OpenDocument
MINOR (CHILD) TRAVEL CONSENT
I. THE PARENT(S).
I/We, [PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NAME], am/are the lawful custodial parent(s) and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of:
II. THE MINOR.
Full Name: [MINOR’S NAME]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Place of Birth: [LOCATION]
Passport Number (if applicable): [9 DIGITS]
- Country of Issuance: [COUNTRY]
- Date Issuance: [DATE]
- Date of Expiration: [DATE]
III. TRAVELING ALONE/ACCOMPANYING PERSON. (check one)
☐ – I authorize my child to travel alone.
☐ – I authorize my child to travel with the following individual/organization:
- Individual/Organization Name: [FULL NAME]
- Relationship to Child (if applicable): [RELATIONSHIP]
- U.S. or Foreign Passport Number (if applicable): [9 DIGITS]
- Country of Issuance: [COUNTRY]
- Date Issuance: [DATE]
- Date of Expiration: [DATE]
IV. ITINERARY.
I authorize my child to travel to the following location [LOCATION] during the period beginning on [START DATE], and ending on [END DATE].
V. SIGNATURE(S).
Parent / Legal Guardian Signature: _________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: _______________________
Parent / Legal Guardian Signature: _________________ Date: ______________
Print Name: _______________________