child international travel consent form australia

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Travelling with children.

This page is for Australian parents and children travelling overseas.

Read this page to learn about:

• what to do before you travel
• children travelling without one or both parents
• child custody
• international child abduction

What to do before you travel

• Read the  travel advice for your destinations  and  subscribe for updates . Also read about your transit locations.
• Buy  travel insurance  that covers your whole family. Read the fine print and know what it covers.
• Look online for tips on travelling with kids in the country you're going to.
• Leave an itinerary with someone at home. Plan to keep in contact.

Local laws and culture

Research the local laws and culture where you're going. They may differ from what you're used to in Australia.

• Check the safety standards of any equipment you'll use. This includes pools, balconies, car seats, cots and play equipment.
• Find out local attitudes towards breastfeeding in public.
• Learn the laws around disciplining children. In some countries, physical punishment is illegal, including smacking.

Research any childcare you plan to use overseas. Standards in other countries may vary.

• the accreditation of providers
• the provider's child abuse prevention plans
• how they screen their staff, including police checks and qualifications
• the ratio of staff to children
• staff training, including first aid and emergency processes
• security on the premises
• their injury liability insurance.

Staying healthy

Take your children to a doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you leave.

• Get a basic health check-up.
• Ask if your travel plans may affect their health.
• Plan any  vaccinations  they need.
• Find out if there are common health risks for kids where you'll travel.

Check if your child's medicine is legal where you're going. For example, some countries control or ban ADHD medicines.

Some over-the-counter medicines are also banned overseas.

• Check the 'health' section of  your destination's travel advice .
• Talk to the  embassy or consulate of that country .

See our advice on  taking care of your health . And read  more about travelling with medication .

Children travelling without one or both parents

There are laws around children travelling without both parents. Airlines also have rules you must follow.

Travelling with only one parent

You may need extra documents if only one parent is travelling. Particularly if you don't have the same surname as your child.

For example, you may need:

• proof of the other parent or guardian's consent for the child to travel
• proof of any custody agreements
• proof of guardianship
• adoption papers
• a certified copy of their birth certificate. Particularly if it doesn't list the travelling parent.

Travelling without parents

Most airlines have rules for children under 15 who travel alone. You may need to fill out a permission form. Contact your airline for details, including in-flight protocols for kids travelling alone.

The country your child travels to may also have forms you must complete. Contact the  embassy or consulate of the country they're going to . Find out if there are entry rules for children before they travel.

Child travel consent

Your child may need a consent letter if they travel:

• with someone who isn't their parent or guardian, such as a school group or grandparent.

The letter usually states:

• the child's name, gender and place and date of birth
• who the child is with
• where the child is going
• the child's passport information.

The letter should be signed by the parents and  witnessed by a public official .

Child custody

Before taking your child overseas, you must get consent from anyone with parental responsibility for them. Or get a court order to let them travel. You may be breaking the law if you don't.

Many countries recognise Australian parenting orders. Some will not.

Read  more about international family law and children  (Attorney-General's Department).

Child support payments

Your child support payments must be up-to-date before you can leave Australia. Services Australia can stop you from leaving if they aren't. If you have overdue child support and haven't made a payment plan:

• call 131 272 to discuss your options
• visit  the Services Australia website .

Dual nationality and child custody

Some countries don't recognise  dual nationality . This can affect how local authorities make custody decisions.

Get legal advice before travelling with children who may be dual nationals.

Stop orders on women and children

In some countries, husbands or relatives can place a 'stop order' on women and children. A stop order can stop a person from leaving the country, regardless of nationality.

Contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate if you or your child are being stopped from returning to Australia.

International child abduction

If you think someone may try to take your child out of Australia without your consent, report it. Get legal advice, they can help you:

• get a court order to register your children on the Australian Federal Police's  Family Law Watchlist
• submit a Child Alert Request with the  Australian Passport Office .

Learn more about  international child abduction  (Attorney-General's Department).

Help from the Attorney-General's Department

The Attorney-General's Department may be able to help if someone has taken your child overseas without your consent.

Contact the International Family Law Section:

• 1800 100 480 (within Australia)
• +61 2 6141 3100 (from overseas)
• [email protected]  

The help they can give you depends on where your child is taken.

Help from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

If someone has taken your child while you're overseas, contact the  Consular Emergency Centre .

DFAT can give:

• a list of local lawyers
• information on local child welfare agencies or organisations
• consular help to the parent who is left behind.

You may also find a lawyer overseas through:

• International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Find out more about buying travel insurance .
• Check which vaccinations you should get .
• See our advice for  pregnancy ,  adoption  and  surrogacy  overseas.
• Carry-on luggage restrictions  (Department of Home Affairs)
• Separated parents  (Services Australia)

Related content

In many countries age, gender and sexual preferences can pose challenges. Understanding the culture and laws in your destination will help things go smoothly.

Read more about the legislative protections designed to prevent child sex offences abroad.

If you're pregnant and planning to travel overseas, research your destination before you go. Being informed about the risks will help you manage them.

Children and international travel after family separation

This fact sheet provides information for people who want to:

• apply for an Australian passport for a child, but one of the signatories can not or will not sign the application form
• prevent a child they have parental responsibility for from leaving Australia.

If a child you have parental responsibility for has left Australia without your permission, you should contact the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department on 1800 100 480 or go to www.ag.gov.au for more information.

Applying to the Court

An application to permit a child to travel internationally or to prevent a child from leaving Australia should be filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. If there are no current proceedings on foot, you should file an Initiating Application (Family Law) . If there are current proceedings on foot, you should file an Application in a Proceeding , or amend your Initiating Application or Response .

On the application form, you must say what orders you are asking the Court to make.

You must also file an Affidavit – Family law and child support in support of your application. An affidavit is a statement of facts and you should include all the points that are relevant in your case; for example:

• the details and purpose of the proposed travel, including a copy of the itinerary (if you have one)
• what links the people travelling have to Australia
• whether the country being visited is a member of the Hague Convention or if any travel warnings have been issued
• the immigration status of the people travelling
• whether you are willing to provide an undertaking to the Court to pay any damages which the Court may decide another party has suffered as a result of the order requested
• any other factors relevant to the case.

If you are seeking an order for a child to travel internationally, you should also state whether you are willing and able to provide a monetary sum as security.

If you are seeking an order to prevent a child leaving Australia, you should outline your reasons for this in the affidavit.

Note – This is not a complete list and may vary depending on the type of application and the circumstances of each case. It is essential that all relevant facts are disclosed.

For more information about what you need to file with the Court, see the fact sheet Applying to the Court for orders .

Applying for a child’s passport

Before an Australian passport can be issued, the law requires the written consent of each person who has parental responsibility for a child. This is usually the child’s parents but may include grandparents or other relatives.

If written consent is provided by all parties with parental responsibility, applications can be lodged at an authorised Australia Post office or any Australian Passport Office.

If written consent is not provided by all parties with parental responsibility, you can make a written request to the Approved Senior Officer of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to consider issuing the passport due to ‘special circumstances’. For more information about requests to consider ‘special circumstances’ contact the Australian Passport Information Service on 13 12 32 or go to www.passports.gov.au .

If your request to consider ‘special circumstances’ is not successful, you can apply to the Court for an order permitting a child to travel internationally. In considering such applications, the Court will only permit a child to travel internationally if it determines it is in the best interests of the child.

Preventing a child from leaving Australia

If you are concerned that a child may leave Australia without your permission, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

You can apply to the Court for an order that:

• prevents a passport being issued for a child
• requires a person to deliver a child’s or accompanying adult’s passport to the Court, or
• prevents a child from leaving Australia.

(a) Preventing a child’s passport being issued

If you want to prevent an Australian passport being issued for a child, you can:

• lodge a Child Alert Request at any Australian Passport Office, or
• apply to the Court for a child alert order.

A Child Alert Request warns the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that a person may apply for an Australian passport for a child without proper and legal consent. If a child alert is in force and an application for an Australian passport is received for a child, you will be notified by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

A child alert request made at an Australian Passport Office is valid for 12 months. A court ordered child alert stays in force until a child turns 18, or as directed by the Court.

Note - A child alert does not stop a child departing Australia on a valid Australian or foreign passport, and does not cover passports issued by other countries. If you think a passport may be issued for a child in another country, contact the embassy of that country.

For more information about child alerts, contact the Australian Passport Information Service on 13 12 32 or go to www.passports.gov.au .

(b) Delivery of a passport to the Court

If there is a possibility or threat that a child may be removed from Australia on a current passport, you can apply to the Court for orders. The Court may order the delivery of a child’s or accompanying adult’s passport to the Court. If ordered, the person in possession of the child’s passport must deliver it to the Court. The Court will keep it for the specific amount of time detailed in the court order or until further order of the Court.

(c) Preventing a child from leaving Australia

If there is a possibility or threat that a child may be removed from Australia, the Court can make orders which:

• restrain the removal of the child from Australia
• request that the Australian Federal Police (AFP) place the child’s name on the Airport Watch List, and
• request that the AFP assist in the implementation of the order/s.

The AFP will need a copy of the court order before placing a child’s name on the list. The child’s name will stay on the Airport Watch List until further order of the Court.

Note - If you consent to a child travelling out of Australia in the future or wish to take a child out of Australia yourself, you must apply to the Court (before you travel) to have the child’s name removed from the Airport Watch List. If you fail to do so, a child may be prevented from leaving irrespective of who they are travelling with. The AFP cannot remove the child’s name from the list without an order of the Court.

The AFP has offices in each capital city and some regional locations. Go to www.afp.gov.au .

Legal advice

You should seek legal advice before deciding what to do. You can seek legal advice from a legal aid office, community legal centre or private law firm. Court staff can help you with questions about court forms and the court process, but cannot give you legal advice.

More information

For more information about anything referred to in this fact sheet, including legislation, forms or publications:

• go to www.fcfcoa.gov.au
• Live Chat on the website
• call 1300 352 000 , or
• visit a family law registry near you.

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If you are in immediate danger, please call 000

For more information, see  Safety at Court .

If you are making an enquiry for someone else, the Court may be limited in the information or response we are able to provide.

Where possible, the person should make their enquiry themselves.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders, past, present and emerging.

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Legal Templates

Home Personal & Family Child Travel Consent

Minor (Child) Travel Consent Form

Use our child travel consent form to prove that a child can travel without their parents or guardians.

Updated January 4, 2024 Written by Sara Hostelley | Reviewed by Brooke Davis

A minor (child) travel consent form is typically necessary when a child travels domestically or internationally with a relative, family friend, or another adult who isn’t their legal guardian or parent. It grants permission for a minor to travel alone or with someone other than their legal guardian or parent.

The form aims to ensure the child’s safety and well-being by providing evidence of parental or guardian consent for the trip.

What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?

When to use a child travel consent form.

• What If I'm Divorced or Separated?

What If I Have Sole Custody or Decision-Making Authority?

What if a minor travels without their parents, how to write a child travel consent form, considerations when traveling with children, child travel consent form sample.

A child travel consent form is a legal document providing written permission for a minor to travel without a parent or legal guardian. The form is primarily for when a child travels with a club/group, school, or an adult, like a family friend or relative.

Domestic vs. International Travel

A child travel consent form may allow the child to travel domestically (within the U.S.) or internationally (outside the U.S.).

Countries may have different rules for admitting children traveling without their parents. It’s important to check each country’s travel guidelines before having the child and accompanying person embark on their trip.

It can be beneficial to use it when a child under the age of 18 is traveling:

• With a group, such as a religious, musical, sports, or school group.
• With only one guardian or parent (instead of their entire family unit).
• In the care of a family friend or relative.
• By themselves.

It’s important to have a minor travel consent form in multiple scenarios. For example, suppose you and your spouse left the country together with your child. If only one parent later returns to the country with their child due to another commitment by the second parent, the parent with the child should have a consent form showing the other parent has agreed to this arrangement.

Child travel consent forms promote children’s safety and prevent international child abduction. They can also prevent a parent from taking a child due to an unfavorable custody dispute.

What If I’m Divorced or Separated?

If you’re divorced or separated, you can review your custody agreement to determine if there are any child travel restrictions or requirements . For example, the custody agreement may limit international travel . It may also demand the traveling parent to provide a certain amount of notice to the other party.

Even if both parents have joint custody, it’s good practice to notify and seek the consent of the parent who won’t be traveling with the child.

If one lawful custodial parent needs to travel with the child, the traveling guardian should obtain written consent from the other custodial parent [1] .

If you have sole decision-making authority or custody of your child, the other parent may still have visitation (access) rights. However, the parent without full custody won’t have to provide a consent letter. Instead, the parent with full custody can carry a copy of the court custody document when they travel alone with the child [2] .

If you’re the sole parent because your spouse is deceased, you can carry a copy of their death certificate. This way, you can show authorities you’re the only parent responsible for your child.

If parents have a child who needs to travel with another relative, family friend, or group, they should both sign a travel consent form.

Similarly, if minors need to travel alone, they should carry a consent form with their parents’ signatures .

Review a summary of how to write a child travel consent form:

Step 1: Provide your child’s basic information, including their name, birthdate, birthplace, passport details, and birth certificate details.

Step 2: Write your information as the parent or guardian, including your address, phone number, and address. Input the information of both parents and guardians, if applicable.

Step 3: Include the name of the person traveling with the child, including their name, relationship to the child, and passport information.

Step 4: Provide the trip details. Clarify the accompanying person, travel destination, travel dates, travel purpose, and address at the destination.

Step 5: Explain if the accompanying person has the right to seek medical attention or make medical decisions for your child. You may complete a separate child medical consent form to be more thorough.

Step 6: Provide an emergency contact person’s information, including their name, phone number, and email. Consider electing a second emergency contact person.

Step 7: Include your child’s medical insurance and health information so the accompanying person can seek medical attention and make informed decisions if you give them the authority.

Here are some considerations when traveling with children:

Check With the Embassy

Check with the U.S. embassy for the country of your child’s destination to determine the travel requirements. Some countries won’t allow children to travel unaccompanied.

If the child travels with one custodial parent or a trusted adult who isn’t a legal guardian, the country may have certain notarization requirements for the travel consent form. Ensure you know all regulations before allowing the child to travel.

Confirm Airlines’s Requirements

For domestic travel, some airlines may have specific requirements for children traveling without both custodial parents. Children may need to present a notarized letter or other documentation to avoid being seen as unaccompanied minors.

Ensure You Bring Supporting Documentation

Traveling with children can be more seamless when you bring adequate supporting documentation.

When writing your child’s travel consent form, remember that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a passport for any U.S. citizen re-entering the country by air. The CBP highly recommends children traveling without their parents or legal guardians carry a copy of their birth certificate to help ease travel through customs [3] .

If you can’t provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate, you can have them carry a driver’s license if they’re of driving age.

Parents with multiple children traveling must create separate minor travel consent forms and obtain all necessary documentation for each child.

Legal Templates uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

• USA.gov. International travel documents for children. https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children
• Department of Homeland Security. Travel Overseas. https://www.dhs.gov/travel-overseas
• U.S. Customs and Border Control. Documents You Will Need Before Your Trip. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip
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[Free Child Travel Consent Documents]

Australian Child Travel Consent

This document is up to date! It was last reviewed by a lawyer in April 2024 .

[What is a Child Travel Consent?]

A Child Travel Agreement is used by the guardians of a child (e.g. the parents) to give permission for the child to travel domestically or overseas with another caretaker (e.g. a teacher, a relative). This agreement also provides a record of the child's information, such as birth date, passport number, medical conditions, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Simply answer the questions below to personalize your Child Travel Consent

This legal document is also known as:

This form also known as: child travel authorization letter, child travel form, free travel consent, travel form, travel permisson, parental permission, PDF, pdf child travel

Sample Australian Child Travel Consent

Australia Child Travel Consent

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Governing Jurisdiction:

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The sample documents below are provided for informational purposes only.

• They are NOT up to date;
• They have NOT been reviewed by a Lawyer;
• They may NOT be legally valid or enforceable.

We strongly recommend obtaining an attorney reviewed Child Travel Consent directly from us .

• Instructions

Instructions for free Child Travel Consent templates:

• They have not been reviewed by a lawyer
• We make no representations as to their quality
• You agree to use them at your own risk
• Select a document above, and cut-and-paste the text into a word processor of your choice.
• Fill in the blanks, modify the wording and format appropriately.

To whom it may concern,

I / We: ______________________

Address: ______________________

am / are the parent(s), legal guardian(s) or other authorized person(s) or organization with custody rights, access rights or parental authority over the following child:

Information about travelling child

• Name: ______________________
• Date and place of birth: ______________________
• Number and date of issue of passport (if available): ______________________
• Issuing authority of passport (if available): ______________________
• Birth certificate registration number: ______________________
• Issuing authority of birth certificate: ______________________

Information about accompanying person (leave blank if child is travelling alone)

• This child has my / our consent to travel alone (or)
• This child has my / our consent to travel with
• Relationship to child: ______________________
• Number and date of issue of passport: ______________________
• Issuing authority of passport: ______________________

Contact information during trip

• I / We give our consent for this child to travel to: ______________________
• Destination(s): ______________________
• Travel dates: ______________________
• to stay with / at (if applicable) ______________________
• at the following address(es) ______________________
• Telephone and email: ______________________
• Signature(s) of person(s) giving consent: ______________________
• Signature of witness: ______________________
• Signature of official:______________________

Below are some random samples we have created with Documatica. Please note that these documents reflect a certain set of answers, and it is very likely that the document you require is different. Do not rely on the templates below - create your own customized Child Travel Consent with our webpage.

Child Travel (Australian) Sample 27RUSr1.pdf

Child Travel (Australian) Sample 27RUSt1.pdf

Child Travel (Australian) Sample 27YlWM1.pdf

For maximum legal protection, obtain a lawyer reviewed Child Travel Consent directly from us .

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A brief guide to child consent travel

So what is child consent travel? ‘Travel consent’ is a form of documentation that shows you have permission to travel with your child. It can also mean that another custodian has given you that right. A consent document usually includes children less than 18 years of age. Any of the following situations may require such documentation:|

1) When a child travels alone 2) When a child travels with a legal custodian who does not have sole custody 3) When a child travels with a group/organization and the parent or legal guardian is not a member of the group.

This form of documentation is especially important for overseas travel. Applying for a passport for your child will also require consent. The government in Australia is adamant on avoiding situations of abduction and may ask for further documentation upon passing immigration or requesting a passport, so it’s necessary to be prepared and always carry a copy of the consent forms when travelling.

Child consent travel documents are available to fill out online and must be filed in the Federal Circuit Court. You must also file an affidavit in support of your application, as stated in detail by Australia’s Family Law Courts.

Countries Requiring Certification Certain countries (such as Brazil) request special consent forms for minors. Any time you plan to travel abroad, it helps to contact the consulate for the country where you plan to travel. Some of the required paperwork may take a while to complete. Therefore, it’s recommended that you check out specific details far in advance. If you arrange travel through an agency, it’s still best to take time to find out all requirements and details.

Travelling Alone or with a Guardian who has Sole Custody Even when a parent (or legal guardian) has sole custody, the government recommends carrying documentation. A certified (notarized) copy of a sole-custody (or a death certificate) may be adequate. A similar example would be for the child traveling alone, who has a single guardian. In this case, one signature will be required for consent purposes.

Travelling Consent for Dual-Guardianship When a child plans to travel alone, and two parents (or guardians) share responsibilities, both signatures will be required on the consent documentation. If a parent (or legal custodian) plans to travel independently with the child, consent from the other guardian is necessary. Since circumstances vary, it helps to find out about the details long before arranging travel plans. Moreover, never take anything for granted!

Preparing for Travel Travelling with your child can be one of life’s most memorable and rewarding experiences. However, once you leave Australia , many of your privileges are left behind. Emergency and health services in other countries can be quite different from what you have come to expect. While the government will help in any way it can, there are many restrictions surrounding the rights of Australian travelers in foreign places. In every case, it is better to be over prepared. The more organized you are, the more enjoyable your travels are likely to be, for you and your child . Taking the time to do a little homework is one of the smartest moves a parent can make.

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Travel insurance

Family court proceedings or parenting orders, departing australia, airline rules, arriving overseas, check foreign country requirements ahead of time, local laws and customs, in conclusion, template to download in word and pdf format, legal considerations when children travel abroad without parents.

There are many reasons why Australian children might be travelling without one or more of their parents . Perhaps one parent is travelling with the child, and the other parent had to stay home. Perhaps the parents are divorced. Perhaps the child is travelling with a guardian or some other trusted adult such as a grandparent or family friend. Maybe the child is travelling with a school group or sports team. Or maybe the child has friends or family overseas and is travelling alone to stay with them. Whatever the reason, it is important to think about any potential legal issues ahead of time . Discovering these issues once the child is at the airport, or out of Australia, can be a stressful and expensive problem.

It is important to make sure that the child has appropriate travel insurance in place. The insurance should cover the entire period that the child is travelling, and should cover all of the activities that the child is going to undertake while overseas. It should also take into account any medical conditions which the child may have.

For example, many travel insurers exclude cover for activities which they deem dangerous , such as skiing, canoeing, horse riding or mountain biking.

As painful as it is, unfortunately it is important to understand the fine print in the insurance policy when it comes to these matters. For example, even if the insurer claims to cover a certain activity (such as by stating so on their web page), the fine print of the policy will tell you the exact conditions on which they will and will not cover it. To illustrate this point, many insurers offer coverage for skiing, and make this apparent by placing images of skiers on their web page. However, it is also quite common in these policies for the fine print to confirm that while skiing on piste is covered, skiing off piste is excluded.

If a child (or anyone for that matter) is injured while taking part in an excluded activity, then there may be an enormous medical bill to deal with, or even worse, it may be difficult to even get the medical assistance the child requires. For example, if the insurance policy excludes skiing off piste, and the child injures themself while skiing off piste, then all of the associated emergency treatment (such as helicopter evacuation) and medical costs might not be covered. In some locations it might be difficult to even get a helicopter to show up, if the appropriate insurance is not in place.

The responsible adult on the trip is in the best position to consider which activities the child is actually going to be undertaking, and to make sure they are covered in the relevant insurance policy.

Therefore, if the responsible adult did not purchase the insurance policy (perhaps because the child's parents purchased it) and the responsible adult is planning to have the child take part in some kind of activity which could be excluded, then it may be necessary to notify the parents ahead of time, and make sure that the relevant insurance is in place.

For example, if the responsible adult is organising a school trip during which the children are going to ride horses and go canoeing, it may be necessary to send a letter to parents advising them about these plans, and requesting that they carefully check their insurance policies to ensure that these activities are covered.

The responsible adult may also decide it is necessary to have a copy of the child's insurance policy sent to them ahead of time, so that it is available in case of emergency.

If the responsible adult has any concerns about insurance or about the coverage provided under the relevant policy, it may be helpful to speak to a customer service representative at the insurance company. However, if doing this, take what they say with a grain of salt - the question of whether or not the child is covered ultimately comes down to the actual wording of the insurance policy. For further assistance it may be necessary to seek legal advice.

In the event that it is necessary to make a travel insurance claim, we have a Letter to Claim from Travel Insurance available.

If parenting proceedings in relation to the child are underway in Australia's Family Law Courts, then the child may be prohibited from travelling outside Australia except with the consent of both parents (or of anyone else with parental responsibility for the child).

Likewise, if parenting proceedings have been concluded, and parenting orders have been made in relation to the child (dealing with such matters as parental responsibility for the child, where the child may live, when the child may spend time with a person, or when the child may communicate with a person), then the child may be prohibited from travelling outside Australia.

There are exceptions however. A child may be permitted to travel outside Australia as long as such travel is expressly permitted in writing by both parents (or anyone else with parental responsibility for the child). A Travel Consent Form may help provide evidence for this purpose. A child may also be permitted to travel outside Australia if there is a court order expressly allowing for such travel . Such a court order may be sought, for example, if there is a legitimate reason for the child to be travelling outside Australia (such as for medical treatment), but one of the parents is refusing to provide their permission.

There can be significant penalties for trying to take a child out of Australia in contravention of these laws. This may include imprisonment of up to three years .

Be warned also that proceedings in Australia's Family Law Courts can take a long time . If seeking a court order to allow the travel, this will need to be done well in advance. Similarly, if a parent is currently involved in parenting proceedings, and wants to travel overseas with the child at some time in the future, it can be a good idea to deal with those anticipated travel plans as part of the current parenting proceedings.

Therefore, if there are any doubts about parenting proceedings or parenting orders (including if help is needed to understand them) then it may be necessary to obtain legal advice.

Provided that parenting proceedings are not underway, and parenting orders have not been made, then children are able to depart Australia alone, with a guardian, or with one or both of their parents. The child needs to have a valid passport and any appropriate visa for their destination - just like adults.

Departing Australia without an adult

Many children who travel without a parent travel with another responsible adult instead (such as a family friend or a teacher). However, in some other cases, children travel alone . They might be taken to the departure airport by one adult, and met at the arrival airport by another.

As far as Australian customs and immigration is concerned, there are no restrictions on this. A child who has a valid passport and visa for their country of destination, is allowed to leave Australia.

However, it is important to also consider the entry requirements for the country of destination (as well as any transit countries ), and the relevant airline rules . These matters are further discussed below, under the headings "Airline Rules" and "Check foreign country requirements ahead of time".

Make sure to consider any relevant airline rules , such as restrictions on what can be taken in carry-on luggage.

Restrictions on aerosols, liquids, powders, gels, and flammable items could apply to some common products such as baby foods .

The responsible adult should make sure they know what is in the child's bag , or are confident in the child's ability to comply with airline rules. Teenagers may have no problem packing appropriately, but there could be problems if a younger child has prohibited items in their bags.

Airline rules for children travelling without an adult

The relevant airline will have rules that deal with this situation. It is important to check these rules well in advance , and to notify the airline that the child will be unaccompanied, so as to avoid any complications on the day of travel.

In many cases, airlines do not accept unaccompanied children under 5 years of age. Over that age, some airlines may accept the child, but only on direct flights and/or only on domestic flights. Or, for example, they might say that children aged between 5 and 11 years old can travel on direct flights, and children aged 12 and older can travel on connecting flights.

Most airlines also offer a service (for a fee), whereby airline staff will accompany the child from origin to destination. In fact for some airlines this is the only way that children are allowed to travel without an adult.

This service may involve a handover at the departure airport, from a responsible adult (such as a parent) to the airline staff. The airline staff will then handover the child to a responsible adult at the arrival airport. In most cases, there will be airline forms to fill out ahead of time, and the responsible adults will need to provide their full names and ID documents. This is something that needs to be organised ahead of time, so contact the airline well in advance .

The Australian Government's Smart Traveller website provides further information about this matter.

While it is relatively easy for children to depart from Australia, entering a foreign country may be another story. This is where it really pays to be prepared.

Once the child has got as far as a foreign port of entry (such as the airport or ferry terminal in a foreign country), they are in a precarious situation. If the border officials do not grant entry, then they may be forced to purchase a return flight straight back to Australia. Obviously, this can be very expensive, and can put an abrupt end to any travel plans.

In addition to a passport and visa, many foreign countries require children travelling alone, with a guardian, or with only one parent, to carry additional documentation . This may include, but is not limited to:

• a Travel Consent Form - confirming that the child has permission to travel without one or more of their parents or guardians
• a certified copy of the child's birth certificate
• if the child is adopted - adoption papers
• if the adult travelling with the child has sole custody of the child - a copy of any separation, divorce or custody documents confirming the custody arrangements
• if the adult travelling with the child is the legal guardian of the child - a copy of any court order granting guardianship

Foreign country requirements for children travelling without an adult

In many cases, the foreign country may have even more stringent requirements for children travelling alone (without an adult at all). It is very important to check on these ahead of time and to make any necessary preparations, so that the child is not met with the dangerous and extremely stressful situation of being refused entry to the destination country.

Further information about specific requirements can be obtained from the consulate, embassy or high commission of the relevant foreign country.

As always, it is important to be aware of local laws and customs, and to make sure that all parties (including the child) respect them.

Some practices which are common in Australia, such as breastfeeding in public, could be problematic in another country. Other practices may be legal in Australia but not in other countries. For example, while smacking children is controversial in Australia, it is still legal (for better or worse). In some other countries this is not the case, meaning that if a person engages in it, they could be met with criminal charges.

In other cases, certain behaviours may be illegal in both Australia and the foreign country, but the penalties could be vastly different. We only have to think of the many examples of Australian tourists who have faced imprisonment and/or capital punishment for drug offences in foreign countries, to see what a nightmare this could become.

For teenagers, particularly on group trips, it is not uncommon to get a bit carried away while overseas. It is also common for children of this age to make errors of judgment from time to time. Therefore it is vital to consider any relevant local laws and customs ahead of time, and consider whether particular items need to be packed (such as culturally sensitive clothing ), or whether a conversation needs to be had with the child , to make sure they understand the situation and the risks involved.

The Australian Government's Smart Traveller website provides further information about important considerations for particular destinations.

There are many legal considerations to take into account when travelling overseas with children.

This guide has highlighted some common considerations, but it is by no means meant to be a complete list. Your legal situation will be affected by your status with regards to the child, as well as the child's destination, and the nature of their travel plans.

In any event, planning ahead, and addressing any issues well in advance will help to prevent problems while the child is away.

If in doubt, seek legal advice.

• Travel Consent Form

Notarised Letter of Consent for Children to Travel

Children travelling overseas with only one parent or by themselves often require a Notarised Parental Consent form to enter a country. Your child may be able to leave Australia freely (unless they are on the Australian Federal Police (AFP) airport watch list), entering another country may not be as easy. The reason is that some countries take a stricter approach in order to help prevent international child abduction. 

Parent’s Consent to Travel Form Requirements

A Parental Consent form is required to be signed by the parent/s or guardian/s who will not be travelling with the child overseas. It confirms that the child’s travel plans are agreed to, and that it is known that the child will be travelling with the other parent or a third party adult like a grandparent, aunt or uncle. Even though consent forms may be different for each country, all forms will contain information about the child and the adult travelling with them. This includes:

• The Child’s Full Legal Name with Passport Number
• The Parent’s Full Legal Names with Passport Number (or Authorised Guardians)
• Notarisation Stamp and Witnessing Signature
• DFAT Authentication or Apostille Stamp (Country dependent)

The Role of a Notary Public & Travel Consent Forms

To be valid overseas, a Parental Consent form is required to be signed before a Notary Public like John Pearce (03 8648 6541). This means the Consent form will to be signed by the non-travelling parent/s or guardian/s in front of the Notary.

Sometimes the Parental Consent form will also need to be authenticated via an  Apostille Stamp or Authentication Stamp and legalised in order to be considered a legal document in the country where to the child will be travelling.

It is also important to check whether contents and layout of the Consent form are acceptable to the other country’s border protection authorities. Local foreign offices such as Consulates and Embassies can provide information on acceptable Parental Consent forms and the processes that need to be followed to make these forms legally recognised in their country.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. 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. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. 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. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age

A couple of times a year, I get a panicked message from a friend or reader who is about to take an airplane flight with their kids. Suddenly they’ve realized that they have no idea what kind of identification they need for their children to fly, if any. After a decade and a half of flying on hundreds of flights and dozens of airlines with my kids to destinations all around the world, I know this question can certainly be confusing!

In the United States, there are multiple entities that set the official legal rules and regulations governing air travel identification and documentation. Those can include Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and each specific airline.

So exactly what documentation is required to board an airplane with kids? As you might imagine, it depends! Here is all the information you need to make sure you have the right identification to travel aboard both domestic and international flights with kids.

Short on Time? Quick Answers in a Nutshell

Children under the age of 18 typically do not need ID to fly on domestic flights within the United States when accompanied by an adult. Airlines may require identification, however, in more unusual circumstances such as with very young infants, lap children, unaccompanied minors, or older teens flying solo. Identification – specifically a passport book but sometimes more – is always required for kids of any age to travel on international flights.

Identification Required for Kids for International Travel

Most travelers usually expect strict identification rules when it comes to international travel. If you are traveling internationally by air the answer to the question of whether kids need ID to fly is pretty simple. Yes! They do!

Not just any ID will suffice. Just as with adults, a passport book is required to fly with kids internationally no matter how young. If you have kids who are United States citizens, getting an official passport can be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, it requires some logistical steps that parents can mess up.

How to Get Passports in the US for Kids

Specifically, the consent of both parents is required for kids under age 16. That usually means both parents need to appear in person at a passport acceptance facility (like many post offices, local government offices, etc.). Alternatively, one parent can appear in person with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent. I got a notarized letter from my husband the last time we applied for our kids because his work schedule made it difficult for him to be available during the limited business hours passport acceptance facilities in our area were open.

Note also that you can’t just easily renew children’s passports by mail like you can for adults. The same in-person application process with both parents present is required. Plus kids under age 16 must renew passports every 5 years, instead of every 10 years for adults.

For that reason, I highly recommend starting the process of obtaining passports for your kids many months in advance of any international travel. After the paperwork is submitted, the process can take 2-3 months for a passport to arrive. Plus, it can often take many weeks before you can get an appointment to even submit the paperwork.

This obviously makes international travel with very young infants especially challenging, as it takes time to first get a birth certificate for the child and then apply for a passport.

Hopefully you are landing on this article in plenty of time to get your paperwork in order for your specific situation. But if not, there may be ways you can get what you need more urgently. You can pay a $60 extra fee to expedite a passport, which can cut several weeks off of standard processing times. And in more urgent situations, there is an even more expedited option available by applying at a passport agency (which can be done if a trip is within 14 days or less).

Special Note about International Land Crossings and Cruises

One reason some travelers misunderstand the air travel rules for kid identification is because the rules for kids crossing land borders and on some cruises can be different. For example, minors who are US citizens can cross into Canada by land with only a birth certificate.

On some closed loop cruises starting and ending in the United States going to destinations like Mexico, Canada, or many Caribbean countries, there are times when both kids and adults can technically travel without a passport using a birth certificate or passport card.

But none of these exceptions apply to international air travel. Don’t mix these rules up!

Child Travel Consent Form

Although a passport book is necessary to travel with kids on international flights, it isn’t necessarily fully sufficient. There are some times that other travel documents may be required – such as a visa for certain countries.

What is even more likely to trip up international travelers is the situation in which a child is traveling with only one parent or is traveling with another adult who isn’t a parent. In many of these circumstances, proof that both parents consent to the specific trip can be required. In these cases, the best practice is to carry a notarized letter of consent for the child to travel.

Some countries have very specific forms or formats that you need to follow. Mexico is one such example and historically has tended to be quite strict. My husband will likely be traveling solo with one of our kids to Mexico for a family wedding in a few months, and we are already planning to get the a letter of consent completed as an extra precaution.

Many countries don’t have clear cut rules that are easy to research. For example, I flew last summer to Italy (first entering the Schengen Area in Frankfurt, Germany) with both of my kids without my husband. I wasn’t able to get completely definitive information as to whether consent was required. As a result, we went ahead and had my husband complete a notarized letter of consent that I kept with me along with a copy of his passport. We weren’t asked to show it, but I breathed easier knowing I had it!

Unfortunately, profiling can and does occur depending on where you are traveling. So parents who don’t share the same last name as their children or who may appear to be another race or ethnicity may find they face extra scrutiny. The best way to avoid any surprises – just or not – is to err on the side of having this document even when it’s not necessarily required.

Identification Required for Kids for Domestic Travel

If you are traveling domestically, the answer to the ID question is a little more complicated but thankfully usually much easier. In most standard circumstances, identification is not required for minors for domestic travel within the USA. There are specific unique situations, however, where it can be.

What Identification is Needed at TSA Checkpoints?

For domestic travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not require you to have an ID for children under age 18 at the security checkpoint.

That said, TSA agents may well talk to your child to confirm their identity and to screen for cases of child abduction. Agents have asked my kids over the years for their names. In some circumstances, they’ve pointed to my husband or me and asked our children who we are. If you have kids who are shy or who take warnings of stranger danger to heart, let them know in advance of your trip that it’s ok for them to speak to these agents and to answer truthfully.

Related: Strategies for Speeding Through TSA Checkpoints with Kids

Special Situations Where Kids May Need ID for Domestic Travel

While the TSA won’t require identification for kids under age 18, many airlines have policies in specific circumstances where some form of ID will be required. It’s vital to know about these outlier circumstances so you don’t come to the airport unprepared.

Young Infants

A number of airlines have rules that prohibit or limit newborns from flying. Airline rules differ, with some airlines like Delta prohibiting newborns under 7 days old from flying on any flights. Others set limits only on international travel, including Southwest which limits infants 14 days old or younger from flying on international flights. Most airlines allow young infants under their age limits, however, to fly with a letter of permission from a physician.

Related: Essential Tips for Your Baby’s First Flight

If you are traveling with a newborn, it’s highly advised to bring a document like a birth certificate for proof of age. And if you are looking for an exception to an age minimum of any sort, a physician’s letter is essential.

Lap Children

When you are flying with a child who will be sitting in your lap (permitted for kids under age 2), having identification to prove age may be required. Some airlines will allow younger infants to board with no ID, as it’s normally obvious that very small babies are not yet near the maximum age cutoff. Families with older babies toddling and speaking always should carry proof of age no matter what the airline. Airline employees can ask at any time for proof to make sure the child is young enough to travel as a lap child.

Related: What to Consider before Flying with a Lap Child

If you are flying Southwest Airlines, however, do not leave ID at home no matter what the age of your lap child. Southwest is the only US carrier that absolutely requires identification of any and every lap child regardless of how old they appear. You’ll need to show it at the ticket counter to obtain a boarding verification document (that works like a boarding pass) for the lap child.

Are there some instances where passengers haven’t had to show documentation for their children on Southwest? For sure. But I’ve flown with a lap child on Southwest more than a dozen times, and I can assure you that every time I had to show proof of age, even with a kiddo as young as 4 months! You don’t want to chance this.

Related: Complete Guide to Flying Southwest with Kids

What kind of identification works for lap children? A simple copy of a birth certificate will usually suffice. No need to rush to the DMV to get your tot a state-issued ID card.

Birth certificates can, however, can take awhile to obtain after a child is born. If you need to fly with a young infant domestically, most airlines will also accept hospital discharge documentation or vaccination records from a pediatrician’s office. The key is that the document have the child’s date of birth on it. When in doubt, if you cannot obtain a birth certificate, call the airline you are flying beforehand to confirm alternatives.

Unaccompanied Minors & Minors Traveling Solo

Another circumstance in which identification may be required for a child is in the case of children flying alone. Again, each airline’s policy is different.

In this situation, age really matters. All US airlines permit older teens (usually ages 15+ but sometimes younger) to fly solo just like adults. And most of them also allow younger kids (often ages 5-14) to fly as unaccompanied minors by paying a fee for limited supervision by airline employees. Depending on the child’s age and circumstances, different documentation can be required.

For older teens under age 18 flying truly solo and not with an unaccompanied minor program, ID is almost always required. Since many kids in this age range won’t have a driver’s license or official government photo ID yet, some airlines (like United) will accept other forms of identification like a birth certificates or student IDs. Other airlines (like Delta), however, require that 15-17 year olds flying solo have the same kind of photo ID that is required of adults. So if your child doesn’t have a driver’s permit or license yet, you’ll likely need to pack a passport.

Younger kids flying as an unaccompanied minor may need some identification as well. This also varies based on the airline and the circumstance. For example, when my son flew earlier this year as an unaccompanied minor on Southwest, I had to show ID as his parent, but I was not asked to show identification for him. Officially, however, Southwest’s policy is that parents may need to show proof of age for the minor. We probably weren’t asked because I booked under my son’s Rapid Rewards account that includes his date of birth (and he clearly appears to be within the age range of the program).

Most other US airlines won’t ask for ID for unaccompanied minors in straightforward situations, but the important thing to note is that they can . So the safest course of action is to at least carry a birth certificate. I put a birth certificate in my son’s backpack anyway, so we were prepared!

Here are links to the relevant age and ID policies that may apply to minors flying solo or as unaccompanied minors on each major US airline:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

Additional Identification Air Travel Tips

• When in doubt, bring it : I know from lots of digging around fine print on the internet that it’s sometimes impossible to get a definitive answer about identification. When in doubt, I highly recommend you err on the side of packing more than you need rather than less. A passport book is the gold standard. For domestic travel an original birth certificate (with the raised seal) can be helpful in many circumstances too.
• Keep extra copies on the cloud : Back in the pre-internet old days of travel, most of us traveled with extra passport copies in a separate bag in case we lost the original. In the digital age, having backups is easier than ever. I keep a copy on the cloud of passports and birth certificates for everyone in the family. That way, I can easily access everything on my phone in cases of emergency.
• Take extra precautions in case of child custody disputes and divorce : It’s crucial in situations of divorce or shared custody that parents have all of their legal ducks in a row before boarding a plane with their child, even for a simple hop across state lines. As a former attorney myself, I strongly suggest you consult your own legal counsel. Always make sure travel is permitted and that you know what additional documentation you need to bring to avoid any potential issues.

The post Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age appeared first on Trips With Tykes .