Child Travel Consent Forms

If a child is travelling abroad without one or both parents or legal guardians, written consent may be needed. Airlines, border authorities and officials in the destination country may ask for evidence that the trip has been authorised by everyone with parental responsibility.

A Child Travel Consent Form can be an important document where a child is travelling with only one parent or with another adult, such as a grandparent, relative or family friend. Having the right paperwork in place can help avoid delays, questions at check-in or border control, and other unnecessary complications during the journey.

At Clarkson Wright & Jakes, we can assist with Child Travel Consent Forms and, where required, arrange for the document to be notarised. We can usually provide this service in a face-to-face appointment at our office in Orpington or, where appropriate, in a virtual appointment by video call.

Appointments can be booked via our online booking page. If you would like advice on a Child Travel Consent Form or need a document notarised, please contact Megan Robinson: megan.robinson@cwj.co.uk or 01689 887844 or by email: mr@cwj.co.uk

When is a Child Travel Consent Form needed?

If a parent or carer intends to take a child abroad, they may need the permission of all individuals who have parental responsibility for the child. In some cases, if consent cannot be obtained, an application to the court may be necessary.

Taking a child abroad without the required permission can have serious legal consequences. Even where one parent is travelling with the child, and the child shares that parent’s surname, questions can still arise during the journey.

What is a Child Travel Consent Form?

A Child Travel Consent Form is a document confirming that a child has permission to travel from their parents or legal guardian. It will usually include key information about the child, the trip, the accompanying adult and the person giving consent.

Depending on the circumstances, it may also include authority for urgent medical treatment while the child is abroad.

Some countries require a specific type of form (for example, South Africa requires an Affidavit using a particular template) so it is important to check carefully what the requirements for each destination are.

Why might it be needed?

A Child Travel Consent Form may help with:

Entry requirements and travel checks
Some countries and airlines may ask for evidence that the child has permission to travel, particularly where the child is travelling with only one parent or another adult.

Child welfare and safeguarding
The document can help show that the child’s parents or guardians are aware of and consent to the arrangements.

Medical emergencies
It can be helpful for the document to include consent to urgent medical treatment if required during the trip.

Unexpected disruption
If travel plans change or are delayed, having the relevant paperwork in place may make matters easier to deal with.

What should be included in a Child Travel Consent Form?

A Child Travel Consent Form will usually include:

• the child’s full name, date of birth and passport details
• travel details, including destinations and travel dates
• the name and details of the accompanying adult
• the name, contact details and relationship of the person giving consent
• confirmation of consent to travel
• where appropriate, consent to urgent medical treatment

Does the form need to be notarised?

Whether a consent form needs to be notarised will depend on the requirements of the airline, the destination country and the specific circumstances of the trip.

We are seeing a growing number of requests for notarised consent forms, including where one parent is travelling with the child. It is not always straightforward to establish whether notarisation is required, or whether consent from one parent alone will be sufficient.

In some situations, separate forms may be required for each child travelling. It may also be sensible to carry the child’s birth certificate and any other supporting documents relevant to the journey.

How we can help

We can assist with the preparation and notarisation of Child Travel Consent Forms where required. We can also help identify what information may be needed and arrange appointments either face-to-face at our Orpington office or, where appropriate, virtually by video call.

We regularly assist with travel consent documents for a wide range of destinations, where requirements can vary between countries and airlines.

Travel requirements can vary

Requirements can differ depending on the country you are visiting and the airline you are using. For that reason, it is important to check the latest guidance before travelling.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides travel advice and information on entry requirements, including guidance relevant to children travelling abroad. You can view the latest UK travel advice and entry requirements here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Child Travel Consent Form to take my child abroad?

It may be needed if a child is travelling without one or both parents or legal guardians. Requirements can vary depending on the circumstances, the airline and the country involved.

Does a Child Travel Consent Form need to be notarised?

Not always. In some cases, a signed consent letter may be sufficient, while in others a notarised document may be requested.

Do airlines ask for a Child Travel Consent Form?

Some airlines may ask for evidence that a child has permission to travel, particularly where the child is travelling with one parent or another adult.

Can one parent travel abroad with a child without the other parent’s permission?

This will depend on who has parental responsibility and the circumstances of the trip. If consent is required and has not been obtained, there can be serious legal consequences.

What should be included in a Child Travel Consent Form?

It will usually include the child’s details, travel arrangements, the details of the accompanying adult, and the details of the person giving consent. It may also include consent to urgent medical treatment.

Do both parents need to sign a Child Travel Consent Form?

That will depend on who has parental responsibility and on the requirements that apply to the trip. In some situations, consent from all those with parental responsibility may be needed.

What other documents should I take when travelling with a child?

Depending on the circumstances, it may be helpful to carry the child’s birth certificate, passport, travel itinerary and any supporting documents relating to parental responsibility.

Is a Child Travel Consent Form required for every country?

No. Requirements vary between countries and airlines, so it is important to check the latest guidance before travelling.

Can a grandparent, relative or family friend travel with a child abroad?

Yes, but it is important to make sure the correct consent documentation is in place before travelling.

Last Updated: 26/03/2026

Speak to our Notarial team

If you would like advice on a Child Travel Consent Form or need a document notarised, please contact Megan Robinson: megan.robinson@cwj.co.uk or 01689 887844 or by email: mr@cwj.co.uk