Traveling with children often brings up many legal questions, especially when only one parent will accompany the child on the journey. Many countries now require documentation proving that the absent parent has given permission for the trip. This requirement helps prevent child abduction cases and protects parental rights across borders.
Getting stopped at immigration because you lack proper documentation can ruin your family vacation before it even starts. The right consent letter makes all the difference between a smooth check-in process and a stressful confrontation with border officials that could end with canceled plans and disappointed kids.
Sample Letters of Consent to Travel with One Parent
These letters serve as templates you can customize for your specific situation. Each follows accepted formats that immigration officers and airline staff typically expect to see when children travel with just one parent.
1. Basic Consent Letter for International Travel
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I, [Full legal name of non-traveling parent], give my consent for my child/children, [Full legal name(s) and date(s) of birth of child/children], to travel outside of [Home country] with my [spouse/former spouse/co-parent], [Full legal name of traveling parent].
The trip destination is [Country/countries] for the period of [departure date] to [return date].
During this period, [Traveling parent’s name] will have full authority to make any medical decisions for our child/children should the need arise.
For verification or questions regarding this consent, please contact me at [Phone number] or [Email address].
This consent letter was signed on [Date] at [City, State/Province, Country].
Sincerely,
[Non-traveling parent’s signature]
[Non-traveling parent’s full legal name]
[Non-traveling parent’s contact information]
[Witness’s signature and printed name] (if required)
2. Detailed Consent Letter with Itinerary Information
[Date]
To Immigration Officers, Airline Representatives, and Other Authorities:
Re: Travel Authorization for [Child’s full legal name]
I, [Non-traveling parent’s full name], birth date [DOB], passport number [Passport #], hereby grant full permission for my [son/daughter], [Child’s full legal name], birth date [Child’s DOB], passport number [Child’s passport #], to travel with their [mother/father], [Traveling parent’s full name], birth date [DOB], passport number [Passport #].
The travel itinerary includes:
- Departure: Flight [#] from [Departure city] to [Arrival city] on [Date]
- Accommodation: [Hotel name and address] from [Check-in date] to [Check-out date]
- Return: Flight [#] from [Departure city] to [Arrival city] on [Date]
Emergency contacts:
- [Traveling parent’s name]: [Phone number]
- [Non-traveling parent’s name]: [Phone number]
- [Alternative emergency contact in destination country, if available]: [Phone number]
I acknowledge that [Traveling parent’s name] has my full permission to authorize any medical treatment for [Child’s name] should it become necessary during their travel period.
[Insert recipient’s address]
Respectfully,
[Non-traveling parent’s signature] [Non-traveling parent’s printed name and relationship to child]
Witnessed by: [Witness signature] [Witness printed name] [Witness address] [Date]
3. Consent Letter for School Trip with One Parent Chaperone
[Date]
To School Administrators and Border Control Officials:
Subject: Permission for School Trip Participation
I, [Non-traveling parent’s name], give my permission for my child, [Child’s full name], born on [Child’s birth date], to travel to [Destination] as part of [School name]’s educational trip occurring from [Start date] to [End date].
My [wife/husband/co-parent], [Traveling parent’s name], will be accompanying the school group as a parent chaperone. I understand and consent to [him/her] having temporary guardianship responsibilities for our child during this educational journey.
The group will be staying at [Accommodation details] and participating in activities including [Brief description of planned activities].
I authorize [Traveling parent’s name] and the school staff to seek medical attention for my child if necessary during the trip.
Child’s Identification Information:
- Passport Number: [Number]
- Date of Issue: [Date]
- Place of Issue: [Place]
[Insert recipient’s address here]
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
[Non-traveling parent’s signature] [Your name and relationship to child]
Notarized on [Date] by: [Notary details if applicable]
4. Consent Letter for Travel with Stepparent
[Date]
Subject: Authorization for Minor to Travel with Stepparent
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter confirms that I, [Biological parent’s full name], as the legal [father/mother] of [Child’s full name], date of birth [Date], passport/ID number [Number], authorize my child to travel with my [wife/husband], [Stepparent’s full name].
The travel will take place from [Departure date] to [Return date] to [Destination(s)]. The purpose of this trip is [Family vacation/Visit to relatives/etc.].
I have full legal custody/joint legal custody of my child and have the legal right to give this permission. A copy of the relevant custody agreement is attached to this letter for verification purposes [if applicable].
During the travel period, [Stepparent’s name] has my permission to:
- Make travel arrangements for my child
- Authorize medical treatment if necessary
- Make daily care decisions for my child
My contact information during this travel period will be:
- Phone: [Number]
- Email: [Email address]
- Address: [Your address during the travel period]
[Insert recipient’s address]
With appreciation for your understanding,
[Signature] [Your printed name and relationship to the child]
Document authenticated on [Date] by [Notary/lawyer information if applicable]
5. Time-Limited Consent Letter for Visiting Relatives Abroad
[Date]
Subject: Temporary Travel Consent
Dear Border Control and Immigration Officers:
I, [Non-traveling parent’s name], passport number [Number], am the [father/mother] of [Child’s full name], passport number [Number], date of birth [Date]. I hereby give my consent for my child to travel with their [father/mother], [Traveling parent’s name], passport number [Number], to visit family in [Destination country].
This permission is valid only for the specific period from [Start date] to [End date], after which my child should return to [Home country]. The purpose of this visit is to allow my child to spend time with their [maternal/paternal] grandparents and extended family members whom they rarely get to see in person.
While abroad, my child and [Traveling parent] will stay at: [Address of accommodation in destination country] [Phone number at that location]
I can be reached at all times during this trip at: Phone: [Your phone number] Email: [Your email]
I confirm that I have joint legal custody of [Child’s name] and am legally permitted to authorize this travel.
[Place for recipient’s address]
Yours truly,
[Your signature] [Your full name and parental relationship]
Notarized by: [Notary information if applicable]
6. Consent Letter for Child Traveling for Medical Treatment
[Date]
RE: Medical Travel Authorization
To Medical Providers and Travel Authorities:
As the [mother/father] of [Child’s full name], born [Birth date], I, [Your full name], authorize my [son/daughter]’s travel with their [mother/father], [Other parent’s name], to [Destination] for the purpose of receiving medical consultation and possible treatment at [Medical facility name].
The scheduled appointment is on [Date] with [Doctor’s name/Department], and they plan to stay for approximately [Length of stay] to allow for follow-up appointments if necessary.
I fully understand the purpose of this medical journey and have been consulted regarding the potential treatments. I authorize [Traveling parent’s name] to make all necessary medical decisions for our child during this trip, including consenting to recommended procedures, medications, or emergency care.
Attached to this letter are copies of:
- My child’s medical insurance information
- Referral letter from our regular physician
- Summary of my child’s medical history and current medications
I can be reached at [Phone number] at any time regarding questions about this authorization.
[Recipient’s address information]
With concern for my child’s wellbeing,
[Signature] [Your full printed name and relationship to child]
Witnessed by: [Witness name and signature] [Date]
7. Consent Letter for a Child Traveling for an Athletic Competition
[Date]
Subject: Travel Authorization for Youth Athlete
To Tournament Officials and Border Authorities:
I, [Non-traveling parent’s name], give my consent for my child, [Child’s full name], date of birth [Date], to travel to [Destination] with their [father/mother], [Traveling parent’s name], for the purpose of participating in the [Name of athletic competition] from [Start date] to [End date].
My child is a member of [Team/club name] and has been training for this opportunity for [time period]. This competition represents a significant milestone in their athletic development, and I fully support their participation.
During the competition, my child and [Traveling parent] will be staying at [Accommodation details]. The competition venue is located at [Venue address].
I authorize [Traveling parent] to:
- Make any necessary decisions regarding my child’s participation in the competition
- Seek appropriate medical care should any injury occur during travel or competition
- Manage all travel logistics including any changes that might become necessary
For verification purposes, I can be reached at [Phone] or [Email] throughout the duration of the trip.
[Address field for recipient]
Supporting my child’s athletic pursuits,
[Your signature] [Your printed name and relationship]
Certified on [Date] by: [Certification details if applicable]
8. Consent Letter for Child of Divorced Parents with Joint Custody
[Date]
Re: Travel Authorization Under Joint Custody Agreement
To Immigration Officials and Concerned Authorities:
Pursuant to the joint custody agreement between myself, [Your name], and [Other parent’s name], finalized on [Date of custody agreement] in the [Name of court], case number [Case number], I hereby grant permission for our child, [Child’s full name], born on [Birth date], to travel with [Other parent’s name] to [Destination] from [Start date] to [End date].
This travel falls within the parameters of our custody agreement, which stipulates that each parent must provide written consent for international travel. A certified copy of our custody agreement is attached to this letter for verification purposes.
The child will be staying at [Accommodation details]. The purpose of this trip is [Purpose: family vacation, visiting relatives, etc.].
Should any questions arise regarding this authorization, please contact me directly at [Phone number]. I will be available throughout the duration of the trip to address any concerns.
I affirm that this consent is given voluntarily and with full understanding of our custody arrangement.
[Recipient’s address goes here]
Respectfully submitted,
[Your signature] [Your printed name] [Your legal relationship to the child]
Notarized by: [Notary information] [Date and seal]
9. Temporary Guardianship and Travel Consent for Extended Trip
[Date]
Subject: Extended Travel Authorization and Temporary Guardianship
To All Legal Authorities:
I, [Non-traveling parent’s name], the legal [mother/father] of [Child’s full name], passport number [Number], date of birth [Date], hereby authorize my [spouse/former spouse/co-parent], [Traveling parent’s name], passport number [Number], to travel with our child for an extended period of [Duration] beginning [Start date] and ending [End date].
During this time, they will be visiting [List of countries/regions] for [Purpose of travel: educational opportunity/cultural exchange/family sabbatical, etc.]. Their primary residence during this period will be [Address if known, or general location].
For the duration of this travel period, I grant [Traveling parent’s name] temporary guardianship with the authority to:
- Make all daily decisions regarding our child’s welfare
- Enroll our child in local educational programs as appropriate
- Authorize medical treatment, including emergency procedures
- Apply for and obtain any additional travel documents that may become necessary
This consent does NOT permit:
- Permanent relocation without additional written consent
- Change of our child’s legal residence or citizenship
- Alteration of existing custody agreements
Regular communication schedule has been arranged between myself and my child during this period.
[Space for recipient’s address]
Affirming my support for this journey,
[Signature] [Your printed name] [Your relationship to the child]
This document authenticated by: [Legal authentication details] [Date]
10. Consent Letter for Grandparent Taking Grandchild on Trip
[Date]
Subject: Parental Consent for Travel with Grandparent
To Whom It May Concern:
We, [Parent 1’s full name] and [Parent 2’s full name], the legal parents of [Child’s full name], date of birth [Date], passport number [Number], hereby grant permission for our child to travel with their grandmother/grandfather, [Grandparent’s full name], passport number [Number].
The travel will take place from [Start date] to [End date] to [Destination(s)]. The purpose of this trip is [Purpose: family bonding/educational experience/cultural heritage exploration, etc.].
During this period, we authorize [Grandparent’s name] to:
- Make appropriate travel arrangements for our child
- Seek medical attention for our child if necessary
- Make day-to-day decisions regarding our child’s care and activities
Our contact information during the trip will be:
- [Parent 1’s name]: [Phone] and [Email]
- [Parent 2’s name]: [Phone] and [Email]
We confirm that we have legal custody of [Child’s name] and the legal right to authorize this travel.
[Recipient’s address field]
With family love,
[Parent 1’s signature] [Parent 2’s signature] [Parent 1’s printed name] [Parent 2’s printed name]
Witnessed/Notarized by: [Witness/Notary information] [Date]
Wrapping Up: Travel Consent Letters
These sample letters provide starting points that you can adapt to your specific situation. The key is making sure your letter contains all the essential information: clear identification of the child, both parents, travel dates and destinations, contact information, and proper signatures.
For extra peace of mind, consider having your letter notarized, especially when traveling to countries known for strict entry requirements. Some countries also request that you bring additional documentation such as birth certificates, custody agreements, or death certificates if one parent is deceased.
Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country well before your trip to understand their specific requirements for children traveling with only one parent. Border control policies can change, and requirements vary significantly between countries. Being prepared with the right documentation will help ensure your family trip starts without unnecessary stress or complications.
Remember that while these templates offer guidance, your specific situation might require additional details or alternative formats. When in doubt, consulting with a family law attorney familiar with international travel requirements can provide personalized advice and help you create a consent letter that meets all legal standards for your destination.