Can I travel with a child that is not mine?

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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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. If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent.

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U.S. citizen children traveling abroad You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian.

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It's not uncommon for parents with different last names than their children to have to produce either a Child Travel Consent form or some other proof of guardianship. A birth or adoption certificate is usually sufficient in this instance so long as you're listed on the forms as a parent or guardian.

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What is a Child Travel Consent form? A Child Travel Consent gives a minor child permission to travel without their parents or legal guardians. Use this form when your child needs to travel alone or with another adult, who is not their legal guardian (e.g., a grandparent, friend, or teacher).

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  1. Recommended Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad.
  2. Information about travelling child.
  3. Information about accompanying person (leave blank if child is travelling alone)
  4. Contact information during trip.
  5. Signature(s) of person(s) giving consent. Signature of witness.


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Only with the letter of consent from the parents of the minor.

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A child travel consent form allows a minor to travel alone or with another person or group. It is written by one or both parents and can be used for domestic or international travel.

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The letter should include the other person's contact details and details about the trip. It also helps if you've: evidence of your relationship with the child, eg a birth or adoption certificate. a divorce or marriage certificate, if you are a single parent but your family name is different from the child's.

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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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The letter of consent ensures the legitimacy of the travel consent offered by the accompanying adult. With travel consent, children five years or older may fly without a parent or guardian so long as it is a direct flight with no connections. Children older than eight may travel alone on flights with connections.

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