Updated September 23, 2023
A child travel consent form allows a minor to travel alone or with another person or group. It is written by one or both parents and can be used for domestic or international travel.
When to Use
When a child travels alone or with relatives, friends, an organization, or a group.
Common Rules (3)
1. Minors (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:
2. Traveling with One Parent (U.S. law)
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.
3. 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: _______________________