Child Travel Consent Letter

Child Travel Consent Letters - A Complete Overview

Ensure smooth, stress-free travel for children with clear written consent.

A Child Travel Consent Letter is a document signed by a parent or legal guardian giving permission for a child to travel with another adult - such as a relative, friend, or teacher - or to travel alone. It helps border officials, airlines and authorities confirm that the child has legal authorisation to travel.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Child Travel Consent Letters - when they’re required, what they should include and how to create one correctly for domestic or international travel.

CONTENTS

What is a Child Travel Consent Letter?

A Child Travel Consent Letter is a written authorisation confirming that a child has permission to travel with someone other than their parent or guardian - or to travel alone.

It typically includes:

• The child’s full name, date of birth, and passport details.
• The names and contact details of parents or guardians.
• The name of the accompanying adult (if applicable).
• Travel details such as destination, flight, or dates.
• Emergency contact information and signatures.

This letter helps prevent child abduction, trafficking, or custody disputes at borders and demonstrates that the travel has been approved by all responsible adults.

Who Needs a Child Travel Consent Letter?

You’ll usually need one if:

• A child is travelling abroad without one or both parents.
• A school trip or group holiday involves travel with teachers or carers.
• A relative or family friend is taking the child on holiday.
• Separated or divorced parents share custody and one parent isn’t travelling.
• The child is travelling solo (for example, using airline unaccompanied-minor services).

Airlines, immigration officers and border authorities can request proof of consent before allowing a child to travel.

Benefits of a Child Travel Consent Letter

Beyond legal compliance, it offers reassurance for everyone involved in the journey.

Key advantages include:

• Avoids travel disruption - many countries require it before entry.
• Protects the child’s safety and confirms responsible consent.
• Reduces stress at border checks or airline gates.
• Helps prove parental responsibility in cases of shared custody.
• Accepted worldwide as evidence of legitimate authorisation.

Having the letter ready can make travel faster, smoother, and more secure.

When to Use a Child Travel Consent Letter

Use one when:

• A child travels without both parents (even if with grandparents, relatives, or friends).
• A school or sports team travels internationally.
• The child’s surname differs from the adult they’re travelling with.
• Travelling to countries known for strict child travel documentation, such as the USA, Canada, South Africa or EU member states.

Even for domestic travel, it’s a good precaution - especially where adults have different surnames or guardianship situations.

What to Include

The more detail you include, the easier it is for officials to verify consent quickly.

Your Child Travel Consent Letter should contain:

• Child’s details: full name, date of birth, passport number and expiry date.
• Parent or guardian details: names, addresses and contact numbers.
• Travel companion’s details: name, relationship to the child and passport information.
• Trip details: flight numbers, destinations, accommodation address and travel dates.
• Emergency contact details: including both parents if possible.
• Consent statement: confirming authorisation for travel.
• Signatures: from all legal guardians and witnessed if possible.

Optional additions:

• Copy of parental ID or passport.
• Copy of child’s birth certificate to confirm relationship.

Legal Requirements

While there’s no specific UK law requiring a Child Travel Consent Letter, many authorities expect one for international travel, particularly where:

• The child travels without one or both parents.
• The adult travelling has a different surname.
• The destination country or airline requires written consent.

In general:

• It should be signed and dated by all legal guardians with parental responsibility.
• It should include witness details or certification for international trips.
• Some countries may require the letter to be notarised or witnessed by a solicitor.

It’s always advisable to check the travel requirements for the destination country and airline before departure.

How to Create a Child Travel Consent Letter

It’s straightforward to prepare - but precision matters.

• Gather details for the child, parents and accompanying adult.
• List travel information clearly (dates, flight numbers, and destination).
• Write a short consent statement confirming permission to travel.
• Add contact and emergency numbers for all guardians.
• Sign and date the document, ideally in front of a witness.
• Attach copies of passports or birth certificates for verification.

Robot Lawyer’s smart builder helps you create a compliant Child Travel Consent Letter in minutes - ready to print, sign and use for travel.

Cost of a Child Travel Consent Letter

Creating one through a solicitor can cost £75–£200, particularly if notarisation is needed.

With Robot Lawyer, you can generate a fully formatted and customisable version instantly, with optional sections for multiple guardians, witnesses and travel companions - at a fraction of the price.

Template Example

Child Travel Consent Letter
The example below provides a simple overview of how this type of authorisation letter is typically structured and the information it usually contains. Actual content may vary depending on your travel plans and requirements.

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Parent/Guardian Name], am the legal [mother/father/guardian] of [Child’s Full Name}.

{DOB} | {Passport No.]

I give my consent for [Child’s Name] to travel with [Accompanying Adult’s Name, Relationship] from [Departure Location] to [Destination] between [Departure Date] and [Return Date].

Contact details: Parent/Guardian 1:
[Full Name, Address, Phone, Email]

Parent/Guardian 2 (optional):
[Full Name, Address, Phone, Email]

Emergency contact while travelling: [Details]

Signed by Parent/Guardian: _________________________
Date: __________________________

Witnessed By (optional):
Name: __________________________
Occupation: __________________________
Signature: __________________________

Robot Lawyer provides a clear, solicitor-verified Child Travel Consent Letter template that confirms parental permission for a child to travel domestically or internationally. It sets out essential details such as destinations, dates, supervising adults and emergency contact information.

Create a compliant Child Travel Consent Letter — with Robot Lawyer

Start the questionnaire to generate your document

Child Travel Consent Letter FAQs

Is it required for travel within the UK?
Usually not, but it’s recommended when a child travels without parents or guardians - especially if surnames differ.

Do I need to notarise it?
Some countries require notarisation; others accept a witnessed or signed letter. Always check entry requirements.

Can one parent give consent if the other isn’t available?
If one parent has sole parental responsibility, they can provide consent - but evidence of that may be required.

Can it be digital or printed?
Printed, signed copies are usually preferred. Keep both digital and paper versions during travel.

Get Started

Need a Child Travel Consent Letter?
Make your child’s journey safe, simple and fully approved with a Child Travel Consent Letter from Robot Lawyer.

How it works:

1. Select Create Document → below to begin.
2. Answer a few questions about the child, arrangements, destinations and supervisor.
3. Receive a solicitor-verified Child Travel Consent Letter instantly.
4. Print, sign and use as needed for travel.

Start the questionnaire to generate your document

✔ Suitable for solo, group or accompanied travel
✔ Includes all key legal and travel details
✔ Accepted by airlines and border authorities worldwide