Do I need a letter to travel with my grandchildren?

When traveling internationally, it's a good idea to get a consent letter from the parents indicating that you have their permission to travel with your grandchildren. Most likely no one will ask you for it, but you'll be glad to have a hard copy on you in a scenario where you can't get in touch with them.



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Children under 18 aren't required to have identification for domestic trips. But to travel overseas, you'll need passports for your grandchildren, no matter how old they are. It's also wise to carry with you a notarized letter that grants you permission to travel with your grandchildren, signed by both parents.

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Many grandparents choose to travel with a 'letter of permission'. This permission letter is a note signed by the child's parents that tells officials they're happy to let you take their child on holiday. This doesn't have to be a complicated as it sounds.

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When flying within the U.S., or traveling internationally by land or sea, a child's birth certificate will suffice most of the time. A notarized letter of consent will be required for children who travel without one or both of their parents or legal guardians.

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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 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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At a minimum, the permission letter should provide your child's name and date of birth, the dates of trip, the name of the adult companion, the specific travel destinations, and the reason for travel. You should also make sure to include both parents' full names, signatures, and phone numbers.

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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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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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You'll need to fill out an unaccompanied minor form and any necessary Customs and Immigration documents for the day of departure. This form must remain with your child during their journey. At check-in, parents / guardians will also need to provide: A birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age.

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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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If a minor is traveling without their parents (alone, in a group, with other relatives, etc.), they will need a Minor Travel Consent Form. These forms grant parental permission for the minor to travel.

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Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.

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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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Children. TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling within the United States.

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International Travel. Regardless of age, all children need a valid passport for air travel to another country. The application process for children under the age of 16 needs to be completed in person. To fill out this application, at least one parents needs to appear.

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Once your child is 2 years old, you'll need to purchase a seat for them. The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat.

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