Can a minor travel internationally with an uncle?

Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.



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If a parent or other relative is traveling alone with a child, the best way to smooth the journey is to fill out and bring to the airport the “consent for traveling with minor abroad” form. Travelers should also bring a copy of the authorizing adults' passport or identity card.

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If you have sole custody, you may travel internationally without specific consent of the other parent. However, you will need to present the legal agreement stating that you have sole custody when applying for your child's passport.

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If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents: If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.

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If you are traveling with a child who is not yours, bring signed and notarized consent forms from the child's parents or legal guardians. Consent form requirements vary by destination, so you may not be asked to produce them, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

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Traveling with another family can provide your child the opportunity to learn new social skills and to expand his or her sense of independence. Discuss appropriate ways to interact with other family members and encourage a timely thank you card or gift upon return from the trip.

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How do I write a consent letter for my child to travel?
  1. List your child's name, birth date/place, and passport details.
  2. Provide the parent's/guardian's name, custody information, and passport details.
  3. Add contact information for the non-traveling parents/guardians.
  4. Detail the child's destination and dates of travel.


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Children traveling with grandparents, cousins, other relatives, or school groups will need to have a signed document, such as a Child Travel Consent, allowing them to travel without a parent or legal guardian.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, they need to have this written permission.

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All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.

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Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.

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Get permission from someone with parental responsibility A letter from the person with parental responsibility for the child is usually enough to show you've got permission to take them abroad. You might be asked for the letter at a UK or foreign border, or if there's a dispute about taking a child abroad.

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Planning your trip
  • Infants on lap. Children under two can sit on a parent's lap during flights to any destination.
  • Infant seats. Alternatively, infants can have their own seat if you bring an approved car seat.
  • All other kids. Children older than two will need a ticket and their own seat on the plane.


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Child age at the time of unaccompanied travel Children ages 15-17 are permitted to travel as a standard passenger, Go to footer note, provided they can present a valid ID to security personnel. If parents or guardians prefer, they can also travel as an unaccompanied minor.

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International travel Some airlines automatically apply the unaccompanied-minor procedures to kids through age 17 on international flights, and charge the standard unaccompanied-minor fee if applicable. Children must usually have the same passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults.

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While it's legal for grandparents to transport their grandchildren without a letter of permission, it's a safeguard against any potential emergencies or law enforcement issues. Getting the letter of permission notarized by a licensed official adds an extra layer of security to your document.

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Children must have their own passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults. In addition, certain countries require children leaving that country without both parents and a legal guardian to have a letter of consent, in some cases notarized.

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The fact is, even though it's rarely asked for, you still need to bring clear documentation that authorizes you to travel with a minor unless both parents are traveling with the child. If you're leaving the country, yes, you need permission via documents that have been signed and notarized by guardians and/or parents.

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While some airports offer unrestricted gate passes, most US airlines only allow non-ticketed passengers to access the terminal if they are accompanying minors, special needs persons, or military family members.

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