Loading Page...

What do I need for my minor child to fly internationally?

Passport. No matter their age, everyone requires a passport to travel outside the United States. It's your child's primary form of identification while out of the country and provides official proof of U.S. citizenship.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used. If you were not born in the United States, you can use your original Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A notarized letter of consent will be required for children who travel without one or both of their parents or legal guardians. The letter of consent ensures the legitimacy of the travel consent offered by the accompanying adult.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

A Child Travel Consent form (sometimes called a letter of permission to travel) provides proof that a child has permission to travel without both (or either) legal guardians present. If a child is crossing borders alone or with an adult who isn't their legal guardian, they need a consent letter signed by both parents.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

MINORS TRAVELLING TO MEXICO Foreign minors (under 18 years of age) travelling to Mexico alone or with a third party of legal age as tourists or with a short stay for study purposes (up to 180 days), DO REQUIRE authorization or a letter of consent from their parents or guardians.

MORE DETAILS

Minor children may be able to travel to another country without either one of their parents. Children must have their own passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Spirit Airlines reserves the right to request documented proof of age for any passenger 2 years of age or younger. You must be prepared to provide documentation (such as the child's birth certificate or passport) upon request.

MORE DETAILS

A secure document is a passport, U.S. permanent resident card, or Stateless travel document, Re-Entry Permit, NEXUS card, U.S Merchant Mariner Card, military ID or emergency travel document issued by an embassy or consulate. U.S. passport cards are not valid for air travel outside the United States.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Legal Framework for International Travel with a Child Unless you have sole custody, you'll generally need the other parent's consent to take your child out of the country. Even if it's relatively easy to leave the United States with your child, you'll need to prove parental approval for the country you're visiting.

MORE DETAILS

Infants or children under 2 years of age can travel on the lap of an adult for free (within the United States) or at a reduced fare (for international travel).

MORE DETAILS

Children (under age 16) of U.S. citizens arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico may present their original or a copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.

MORE DETAILS

The document will include the full name of the non-travelling parent(s) or legal guardian and their relationship to the child. The full name and relationship of the person who is travelling with the child should also be included.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS