When a child travels with only one parent, proper documentation is often required to prevent potential problems at immigration control points. Border authorities are increasingly vigilant about child trafficking and parental abduction cases, making a consent letter an essential travel document.
A well-written consent letter demonstrates that the absent parent is aware of and approves the travel plans. This simple document can help you avoid significant delays, questioning, or even denied entry at your destination country.
Sample Letters of Consent to Travel with One Parent
These ten sample letters cover different scenarios you might encounter when traveling with your child. Each template can be customized to match your specific situation and requirements. Be sure to include all relevant details about the trip, both parents, the child, and any additional authorized adults.
Standard Travel Consent Letter for Vacation
Subject: Consent for Minor Child to Travel with One Parent
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I, [absent parent’s full legal name] with passport number [number] and address at [complete address], give my consent for my child, [child’s full legal name] with passport number [number] and date of birth [DOB], to travel with their other parent, [traveling parent’s full legal name] with passport number [number].
They will be traveling to [destination country/countries] for the purpose of vacation from [departure date] to [return date].
During this period, [traveling parent’s name] will have full authority to make any decisions regarding the welfare, medical treatment, and travel arrangements for our child.
Should you need any additional information or verification, please contact me at [phone number] or [email address].
Sincerely,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed name]
[absent parent’s contact information]
International Travel Consent with Extended Stay
Subject: Parental Authorization for Minor Child’s International Travel
[Date]
To Immigration Authorities and Whom It May Concern:
I, [absent parent’s full legal name], holder of [nationality] passport number [number], hereby authorize my child, [child’s full legal name], born on [date of birth], holder of passport number [number], to travel internationally with their mother/father, [traveling parent’s full legal name], holder of passport number [number].
This travel authorization covers their trip to [destination countries] from [departure date] to [return date]. They will be staying at the following addresses during their trip:
[List accommodation addresses and dates for each location]
I understand that my child and their mother/father may need to modify their travel itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances. I authorize reasonable changes to their travel plans within the specified countries and time period.
I can be reached at [phone with international code] or [email address] should any questions arise regarding this authorization.
This letter has been signed in the presence of a notary public.
Respectfully,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed name]
[absent parent’s address]
[notary information and seal]
School Trip Consent Letter
Subject: Parental Consent for School Trip
[Date]
To Border Control Officers and School Officials:
As the non-traveling parent of [child’s full name], born on [birth date], I, [absent parent’s full name], am writing this letter to confirm that I give my full permission for my child to travel with their other parent, [traveling parent’s name], for a school trip organized by [school name].
The trip details are as follows: – Destination: [country/countries] – Departure date: [date] – Return date: [date] – Purpose: Educational school trip – Accompanying teachers: [names of teachers]
In addition to traveling with their parent, my child will be under the supervision of the school’s designated teachers and staff. I authorize the school staff and the traveling parent to make decisions regarding my child’s welfare, including emergency medical treatment if needed during the trip.
My contact details are: [phone number] [email address] [home address]
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed name]
[date]
Medical Treatment Authorization During Travel
Subject: Medical Authorization for Minor Child During Travel
[Date]
To Medical Providers and Border Authorities:
I, [absent parent’s full legal name], legal parent/guardian of [child’s full name], born on [birth date], hereby grant permission for my child to travel with their parent, [traveling parent’s name], to [destination] from [start date] to [end date].
During this travel period, I authorize [traveling parent’s name] to seek and approve any medical, dental, or hospital care deemed necessary for our child’s health and wellbeing by qualified healthcare professionals. This includes consent for examination, treatment, hospitalization, anesthesia, and surgical procedures in my absence.
Child’s medical information: – Health insurance provider: [provider name] – Policy number: [number] – Primary physician: [doctor’s name and contact information] – Known allergies: [list allergies or “none”] – Current medications: [list medications or “none”] – Medical conditions: [list conditions or “none”]
I can be contacted at [phone number] or [email] should any questions arise regarding this authorization.
This consent is valid for the duration of their travel dates unless revoked in writing.
Respectfully,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s full legal name]
[absent parent’s address]
[contact information]
Consent Letter for Travel with Grandparent
Subject: Authorization for Child to Travel with Grandparent
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
We, [parent 1’s full name] and [parent 2’s full name], parents of [child’s full name] (passport number: [number]), born on [birth date], hereby authorize our child’s grandparent, [grandparent’s full name] (passport number: [number]), to travel with our child to [destination] from [departure date] to [return date].
During this period, [grandparent’s name] has our permission to make necessary decisions regarding our child’s welfare, including but not limited to travel arrangements and emergency medical care.
Parent 1 contact information: [address] [phone number] [email address]
Parent 2 contact information: [address] [phone number] [email address]
If you require any verification or have questions regarding this authorization, please do not hesitate to contact either of us at the above numbers.
Sincerely,
[parent 1’s signature] [parent 1’s printed name] [date]
[parent 2’s signature] [parent 2’s printed name] [date]
Specific Border Crossing Consent Letter
Subject: Consent for Minor Child to Cross US-Canada Border
[Date]
To Border Services Officers:
I, [absent parent’s full legal name], am the lawful parent of [child’s full name], born on [birth date] in [birthplace], holder of [nationality] passport [number].
I give my consent for my child to travel with their other parent, [traveling parent’s full name], holder of [nationality] passport [number], across the United States-Canada border.
Travel details: – Border crossing point: [specific crossing point if known] – Mode of transportation: [car/plane/train/bus] – Purpose of travel: [vacation/family visit/etc.] – Departure date: [date] – Return date: [date]
The traveling parent has full authority to travel with our child for the specified dates and to make necessary decisions regarding their welfare.
My child and the traveling parent will be staying at: [accommodation address in destination country]
My contact information for verification: [phone number with country code] [email address] [current residential address]
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours truly,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed name]
[date of signing]
Single Parent Travel Consent with Custody Agreement Reference
Subject: Travel Authorization for Child of Divorced Parents
[Date]
To Immigration and Border Protection Authorities:
I, [absent parent’s full name], am a legal parent of [child’s full name], born on [birth date], holder of passport number [number].
According to our custody agreement dated [custody agreement date] and filed with the [court name] in [jurisdiction], both parents retain legal custody and must provide consent for international travel. Pursuant to this agreement, I hereby grant my permission for my child to travel with their other parent, [traveling parent’s name], holder of passport number [number].
They will be traveling to [destination] from [departure date] to [return date] for [purpose of trip].
A copy of the relevant custody agreement sections is attached to this letter for reference. The traveling parent will carry the original custody documents during travel.
Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns at [phone number] or [email address].
Respectfully submitted,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed full name]
[absent parent’s address]
[phone number]
[email address]
Temporary Guardian Travel Consent
Subject: Temporary Guardianship and Travel Authorization
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
We, [parent 1 full name] and [parent 2 full name], the legal parents of [child’s full name], date of birth [birth date], passport number [number], hereby appoint [temporary guardian’s full name], passport number [number], as temporary guardian of our child for travel purposes.
This temporary guardianship is valid from [start date] to [end date] for travel to and within [destination countries].
During this period, [temporary guardian’s name] has our authorization to: – Travel with our child on all forms of transportation – Make decisions regarding our child’s welfare – Consent to medical treatment if necessary – Handle all travel-related matters including accommodations
Our child’s health insurance information: [insurance provider and policy numbers]
This consent does not authorize permanent change of custody or residence for our child.
Parent 1 contact information: [address] [phone number] [email address]
Parent 2 contact information: [address] [phone number] [email address]
We have acknowledged this document before a notary public to confirm its authenticity.
Sincerely,
[parent 1’s signature] [parent 1’s printed name] [date]
[parent 2’s signature] [parent 2’s printed name] [date]
[notary information and seal]
Cruise Ship Travel Consent Letter
Subject: Parental Consent for Minor Traveling on Cruise Ship
[Date]
To [Cruise Line Name] and Port Authorities:
I, [absent parent’s full name], the legal parent of [child’s full name], date of birth [birth date], passport number [number], hereby give consent for my child to travel on the [cruise ship name] with their parent, [traveling parent’s name], passport number [number].
Cruise details: – Cruise line: [cruise line name] – Ship name: [ship name] – Booking reference: [booking number] – Departure port: [port name and country] – Departure date: [date] – Return port: [port name and country] – Return date: [date] – Ports of call: [list all countries the ship will visit]
I understand that during this cruise, my child will be entering multiple international territories. I authorize the traveling parent to make all necessary decisions regarding my child’s welfare during the entirety of the cruise, including any shore excursions and potential emergency situations.
Should you need to verify this consent, you may contact me at: [phone number with international code] [email address] [residential address]
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed name]
[date]
Emergency Travel Consent Letter
Subject: Emergency Travel Authorization for Minor Child
[Date]
To Immigration Officials and Airline Representatives:
I, [absent parent’s full name], legal parent of [child’s full name], born on [birth date], passport number [number], hereby grant emergency travel authorization for my child to travel with their other parent, [traveling parent’s name], passport number [number].
This emergency travel is necessitated by [brief explanation of emergency situation – family illness, funeral, etc.]. They will be traveling to [destination] on [departure date] with an anticipated return on [approximate return date].
Given the urgent nature of this travel, some details of their stay and return may need to remain flexible. I authorize the traveling parent to make all necessary arrangements and decisions regarding our child’s welfare during this period.
I can be reached at all times at: [phone number with international code] [alternative phone number] [email address]
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
[absent parent’s signature]
[absent parent’s printed name]
[absent parent’s address]
[date]
Wrapping Up: Travel Consent Letters
Creating a proper consent letter is a vital step when traveling internationally with children. These sample letters provide starting points that can be customized to your specific travel needs and legal requirements.
A few final recommendations to ensure your consent letter serves its purpose:
Get the letter notarized when possible. While not always required, notarization adds credibility and may be mandatory for some destinations.
Bring multiple copies of the signed letter, along with copies of the absent parent’s identification and contact information.
Check the specific requirements of your destination country before traveling, as some nations have particular formats or additional documentation needs.
Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country if you have questions about their specific requirements for traveling with minors.
A properly prepared consent letter helps ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your child while also supporting the important work of border officials in protecting children’s safety.