Child Travel Consent Forms

A Child Travel Consent Form can be an essential document when a minor is travelling abroad without one or both parents or their legal guardian. They help ensure the child's safety and provide assurance to authorities and organisations involved in the journey.

The Law

The law is clear regarding international travel with a child - taking a child abroad without permission is child abduction. If a parent or carer intends to take a child out of the UK, they must obtain permission from all individuals who share parental responsibility for the child or, where relevant, seek the court's permission. This applies even if the child shares the same surname as a travelling parent.

The Purpose of a Child Travel Consent Form

A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that provides permission from a child's parents or legal guardian for the child to travel without them. This form usually outlines important information, including details about the child, the travelling party, the itinerary and the consenting parent or guardian. It also includes explicit consent for medical treatment if needed during the trip.

Why is it Necessary?

1. Legal Compliance and Entry Requirements - Many countries and airlines require a Child Travel Consent Form to ensure compliance with entry and exit regulations. Without this, authorities may question the child's travel and detain them, causing unnecessary delays and stress.
2. Child's Welfare and Safety - A Child Travel Consent Form demonstrates that the child's parents or guardians are aware of and consent to the trip. This helps prevent potential child abduction disputes and ensures the child's well-being during the journey.
3. Medical Emergencies - In case of a medical emergency during the trip, the Child Travel Consent Form authorises necessary medical treatment for the child. Without this consent, healthcare providers might face legal restrictions, hindering prompt and adequate care.
4. Unforeseen Circumstances - In the event of unexpected situations, such as flight delays or cancellations, having a Child Travel Consent Form can facilitate smoother interactions with airlines, immigration officials and other authorities.

What to include of a Child Travel Consent Form

1. Child's information - full name, date of birth, passport information, and any relevant medical conditions or allergies.
2. Travel details - itinerary, including flight numbers, travel dates and destinations.
3. Consenting party information - name, contact details and relationship to the child (eg parent, legal guardian).
4. Consent to urgent medical treatment - a clear statement authorising medical treatment in case of emergencies.

Why Notarise the Form?

We are seeing a growing number of requests to notarise travel consent forms even if one parent is travelling with the child. It is often difficult to establish whether a notarised consent form is, in fact, required and, if so, whether the written consent of one parent alone is sufficient. The answer depends on the policies of both the country and the airline. Occasionally, the policy may require a separate form for each child if more than one is travelling.

Carrying the child's birth certificate and creating a separate consent for each child when travelling with more than one child is also recommended.

If you would like to speak with a notary regarding child travel consent, please contact Alis Ahmedova on aa@cwj.co.uk or by phone on 01689 887844.