international travel with a minor consent form

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Free Minor Travel Consent Form

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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, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the child to have this written permission.

This document is particularly important in international travel situations. It can be used to establish guardianship whether the child is traveling abroad with only one parent or with another trusted adult, such as a family member, friend, or educator.

In today's world, where concerns about child safety are paramount-especially when it comes to child abduction, custody disputes, and human trafficking-a minor travel consent form serves as a protective measure. It provides clear, legally binding, written permission that can be verified by immigration officials, airline staff, or travel companies, to make sure that the child's travel is both safe and authorized.

Without this form, travel may be delayed or denied. Domestic and international authorities need to be able confirm the child's guardianship and obtain the necessary permissions before allowing the child to travel onward.

How to Use the Minor Travel Consent Form

The form available below is a comprehensive template, designed to be easily copy/pasted and adapted in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Given the critical nature of this document, we also provide a downloadable minor travel consent form in PDF format for your convenience.

It's important to note that while this sample form is a valuable starting point, it should be tailored to fit the specific details and circumstances of your child's travel.

Also be advised that this form does not replace a legal power of attorney document that could be used to make critical medical care decisions on behalf of a child.

This form is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that this form remains current with travel and child safety best practices, reflecting our commitment to providing reliable and authoritative travel resources.

Screenshot of the free minor travel consent form from U.S. Passport Service Guide

The Legal Implications of Traveling Without a Minor Consent Form

While the minor travel consent form is not a universally required legal document, a child traveling without one can lead to serious complications in many countries. Different nations have their own regulations regarding child travel. Being uninformed or unprepared can quickly lead to distressing situations for both you and your child.

1. International Legal Considerations:

Country-Specific Requirements Vary: Each country has its own set of rules regarding minors traveling without their parents. For instance, some countries in Europe may require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or a parental authorization letter, in addition to the travel consent form. You need to be sure your child and their traveling companion(s) comply with all of the requirements for each country they plan to travel to and through.
Risk of Travel Disruption: Without a consent form, minors traveling abroad may face delays or even denied entry at border control checkpoints. This can lead to missed transportation departures and costly changes to your travel itinerary.
Embassy and Consulate Involvement: In cases where a minor is detained due to lack of proper documentation, the local embassy or consulate of the child's home country may need to be involved. This can lead to complex legal situations that take significant amounts of tame and/or money to solve.

2. Domestic Legal Implications:

Airline and Transportation Policies: Within the United States, airlines and other transportation services have specific policies regarding unaccompanied minors (more on this later). Lack of a consent form, even for domestic travel, can result in the child being denied boarding.
Legal Custody Disputes: In cases of separated or divorced parents, traveling without a consent form can raise legal issues related to custody agreements. It's crucial to understand and adhere to the legal requirements stipulated in custody arrangements to avoid legal repercussions.

A minor travel consent form can help you avoid many of these situations. Before traveling, be sure to research the specific travel requirements of the destination country regarding minor travel. In addition to the resources provided on this site, this can also be done through a country's embassy website or by consulting with travel experts like registered passport expediting services .

In complex situations, such as shared custody or special travel circumstances, consulting with a legal expert can provide clarity and ensure compliance with both domestic and international laws.

Minor Travel Consent Form Notary Requirements

We strongly recommend that you have any child travel consent form notarized. This can prevent issues establishing the authority and credibility of your documentation.

It can be challenging to find and secure the services of a notary in person. Thankfully, it is possible to use an online notary service to notarize your minor travel consent form. This can save you serious time and stress.

We recommend using NotaryLive , a fully-secure, online notirization platform with an "Excellent" rating from TrustPilot . NotaryLive is fast, affordable, and fully compliant with state law, so you can be sure your notarized minor travel consent form is both legal and valid.

Unaccompanied Minors

Airlines have general rules about the ages and circumstances where children can fly alone, too. There are also usually additional fees that come with buying a ticket for a minor that will be traveling without an adult. As part of that extra cost, many airlines offer some additional supervisory and support services to be sure the traveling child is safe and comfortable while traveling on their own.

For more, check out our guide to unaccompanied minors traveling internationally . There, you will find details about the considerations, accommodations, and policies that apply to kids traveling internationally without an adult parent or guardian.

More Tips for Parents of Minors Traveling Abroad

Besides proper documentation, there are other ways to help a child have a safe international trip. Any time your child is traveling without you, give yourself peace of mind by taking these proactive steps.

Be Proactive In Shared Custody Situations

Parents who share custody of their children should each carry copies of the legal custody documents. You can also contact the embassy of the country or countries the minor child will be visiting to confirm travel entry requirements. This proactive step can help avoid issues at border crossings and during the child's stay abroad.

A simple notarized statement, such as the one below, should suffince in most cases.

"I, [PARENT NAME] acknowledge that [SPOUSE NAME] is traveling out of the country with my [SON/DAUGHTER] whom we share custody of. This authorization gives [SPOUSE NAME] my full permission to do so.

Use a GPS Tracker to Keep Track of Your Child While Abroad

GPS technology makes it possible to pinpoint a person's exact location, anywhere in the world. If your child is traveling without you, it makes sense to keep a GPS tracker on their person so that you know where they are. You can also use additional trackers to help keep tabs on your child's luggage or other valuables.

Apple AirTags are small, inexpensive GPS tags that can be purchased individually or in packs of 4 . They use bluetooth connectivity and the vast number of Apple users across the globe to create a reliable GPS tracking network. Using your iPhone or Apple device, you can ping any AirTag that is linked to your AppleID and locate it quickly. Thanks to its small size, an AirTag can easily be tucked into luggage, sewn into a child's clothing, or stashed in a travel wallet.
JioBit is an all-in-one GPS tracking system specifically designed for tracking your child. While it is more expensive than Apple AirTags, JioBit is a durable and secure alternative-particularly useful for those who don't already have an Apple device.

Use a Parent-Controlled Debit Card

Traveling costs add up. Everything from food, transportation, lodging, and fun comes with a price. If your child is traveling without you, you want to be sure they have the money they need, but also that it is being protected.

There are a number of debit cards that allow parents to keep an eye on their child's spending as well as their remaining balance. Should your child and their card become separated, you have the ability to prevent unauthorized purchases and possibly even get a replacement sent to wherever your child is staying.

Traveling with minors requires careful planning and a strict adherence to both American and international laws. This guide and the minor travel consent form we have shared are designed to provide you with the necessary information and tools to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your child. Whether your child is traveling with a guardian, as part of a group, or alone, the right preparation can make all the difference.

Remember, the safety and well-being of your child are paramount. By staying informed about the latest travel regulations and using our resources, you can confidently prepare for your child's next trip. If you have any further questions or need personalized advice, our team of travel experts is always here to assist you. Safe travels!

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For over 20 years, U.S. Passport Service Guide has helped American citizens understand and navigate the passport application process. We use our expertise and experience to help travelers get United States passports quickly and efficiently.

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Please contact us if you have any travel related questions - especially ones about passports and visa expediting. We usually respond to e-mails within 24 hours, oftentimes the same day. We are committed to working with you until you get the answer you need.

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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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Children traveling to another country without their parents

Minor children may be able to travel to another country without either one of their parents. C hildren 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. Check with the embassy or consulate in the United States of the destination country for its requirements. Airlines and travel agents are not responsible for making sure your child has the necessary international travel documents, but they can sometimes provide useful information. A list of embassies and entry requirements can be obtained through the Department of State website or by calling the embassy in question.

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Required Documents for International Travel With Minors

Traveling with kids outside your home country? In general, each adult in your party will need a passport , and minor children will need either passports or original birth certificates.

Documentation requirements become more complicated when one parent or guardian is traveling alone with a minor. In general, besides your passport, you should bring written consent from the child’s biological parent(s) along with the child’s birth certificate. Many countries require that the consent document be witnessed and notarized. Several websites let you download or print free parental consent forms .

Country-Specific Rules

Be aware that specific rules about documentation can differ substantially from country to country. You should check the US State Department International Travel website for information about requirements for your destination country. Find your destination country, then the tab for "Entry, Exit, & Visa Requirements," then scroll down to "Travel with Minors."

These excerpts regarding Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas (a popular port of call on Caribbean cruises) are good points of reference and demonstrate how varied the rules can be:

“If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor who is not your own child or for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require you to present a notarized affidavit of consent from the minor’s parents. Please refer to the CBSA website for more details. There is no specific form for this document, but it should include dates of travel, parents’ names, and photocopies of their state-issued IDs.”

“Effective January 2, 2014, under Mexican law travel by minors (under 18 years of age) must show proof of parental/guardian permission to exit Mexico. This regulation applies if the minor is traveling by air or sea; traveling alone or with a third party of legal age (grandparent, uncle/aunt, school group, etc.); and using Mexican documents (birth certificate, passport, temporary or permanent Mexican residency).

"The minor is required to present a notarized document showing the consent to travel from both parents (or those with parental authority or legal guardianship), in addition to a passport, in order to leave Mexico. The document should be in Spanish; an English version must be accompanied by a Spanish translation. The document must be notarized or apostilled. The minor should carry the original letter (not a facsimile or scanned copy) as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (birth certificate or court document such as a custody decree, plus photocopies of both parents’ government-issued identification).

"According to INM, this regulation does NOT apply to a minor traveling with one parent or legal guardian, i.e., a consent letter from the missing parent is NOT required. In addition, the regulation is not intended to apply to dual national minors (Mexican plus another nationality) if the minor is departing Mexico using the passport of the other nationality. However, if the minor is departing Mexico using the Mexican passport, the regulation does apply. The Embassy nevertheless recommends that dual nationals travel prepared with a consent letter from both parents.

"The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City has received numerous reports of U.S. citizens being required to provide notarized consent forms for circumstances falling outside of the categories listed above, and/or being asked for such permission at land border crossings. Therefore, the Embassy recommends all minors traveling without both parents carry a notarized consent letter at all times in the event airline or Mexican immigration representatives request one.

"Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy, the nearest Mexican consulate, or INM for more information.”

The Bahamas

“Minors traveling unaccompanied or accompanied by a guardian or chaperone: What is required to enter The Bahamas may vary greatly from what is required to re-enter the country of origin. In general, a child under 16 years of age may travel into the Bahamas merely with proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be a raised seal birth certificate and preferably a government-issued photo ID if on a closed-loop cruise or a U.S. passport if entering by air or private vessel.

"The Bahamas requires compliance with regulations to divert child abduction. Any child traveling without one of the parents listed upon the birth certificate must have a letter from the absent parent granting permission for the child to travel. This should be sworn before a notary public and signed by the absent parent(s). If the parent is deceased, a certified death certificate may be necessary.

"It is advisable to have the minor carry a written notarized consent letter from both parents (if both are listed on the child’s certificate of birth) before sending your child to travel as a minor with a guardian or chaperone.”

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Who needs a child travel consent form?

What's included in a child travel consent form, who should sign the child travel consent form, final takeaways, templates and examples to download in word and pdf formats, creating a child travel consent form.

A child travel consent form is an important document used when a child is traveling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group to show any authorities or other interested parties that the child is traveling with the consent of their parents . The letter acts as an explanation and proof to any border officials, law enforcement, or other authorities who may be concerned that the parent or guardian not present with the traveling child is aware of the situation and consents to the child's travel without them. Creating a child travel consent form can be confusing, especially in situations where parents are separated or divorced or there are other issues surrounding custody. This guide will outline the process necessary to create a foolproof child travel consent form that will be airtight and allow parents to rest assured that their children are protected when traveling without them. For more information about other documents that are necessary for traveling children, please see the guide Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Necessary Documents when Traveling with a Child .

Child travel consent forms are needed for both domestic and international travel, as long as the child is traveling without all of their parents or legal guardians. Common situations when a child travel consent form would be especially necessary include:

Separated, divorced, or unmarried parents with only one of the parents traveling with the child, particularly across state lines or out of the country
Children traveling with teachers, counselors, or chaperones for a school, church, or camp field trip
A child being cared for temporarily by a nanny or babysitter and there is the possibility they may travel during that time
Grandparents or other relatives or family friends traveling with children without their parents present

Child travel consent forms are especially important for parents or guardians who are separated or divorced and have a custody order in place . In most states, it is a crime to take a child from their parent with the intent to interfere with that parent's physical custody of the child, even if the taker also has custody rights. This crime is commonly referred to as "custodial interference." If a parent without physical custody, who may or may not have visitation rights, removes a child from -- or refuses to return a child to -- the parent with physical custody, it is considered kidnapping or child concealment in addition to custodial interference. Federal and state laws have been passed to prosecute and punish parents guilty of this type of kidnapping, which is a felony in over 40 states . So, any miscommunication or misunderstanding about custody could lead to very serious consequences for the parent involved if an authority figure believes the parent does not actually have the other parent's permission to travel with the child. A child travel consent form makes it clear that both parents are on the same page and the traveling parent is not attempting to interfere with the non-traveling parent's custody rights.

Having a child travel consent form is particularly crucial when traveling very long distances or with younger children. Border agents or other officials are concerned with protecting the most vulnerable, so they are especially likely to inquire about children traveling overseas or very young children traveling who are not able to speak or fully advocate for themselves due to their tender age. That being said, having this letter is recommended for traveling with any minors, even the most obstinate and independent teenagers, just to be safe.

It is important that the Consent Form includes all of the information necessary to make it clear that the parent or guardian is aware of and consents to the child's travel plans . A child travel consent form includes the following information:

Information identifying the child traveling, include full legal name, birth date, and location of their birth
If traveling abroad, the child's passport number
Whether the travel will be domestic (i.e. in the United States) or international
Name of the person or group the child will be traveling with, if applicable
Contact information for the person traveling with and supervising the child, if applicable
Destinations to which the child will be traveling
Start and end date of the trip
Description of any of the child's allergies and/or special medical needs
Full names and contact information for any parents or legal guardians who will be signing the Consent Form

By including all of this important information, any official looking at the letter will get a full picture of the situation and will be more likely to be assured that everything is in order and the traveling child is safe.

Determining who should be responsible for signing a child travel consent form depends on several factors involving custody and who will be accompanying the child during their travel. The main determining factor is who has a custody interest in the child which should be communicated to any officials or authorities looking at the child consent form.

A child traveling with one parent

If a child has two married parents and is traveling with only one parent, their travel consent form should be signed by the parent with whom they are not traveling. If the parents are separated or divorced and share custody, the form should be signed by the parent who is not traveling. If the parents are separated or divorced, only one parent has custody, and the child is traveling with the parent who does not have custody, the custodial parent should sign the form and the non-custodial parent should travel with both the form and a copy of the custody order. If the parents are separated or divorced, only one parent has custody, and the child is traveling with the parent who does have custody, there is no need for a child travel consent form, but it is advisable that the parent travels with a copy of the custody order just to be safe.

A child traveling with a non-parent adult

If a child is traveling with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian, all of their parents/guardians who have custody of them should sign the consent form. If only one parent has custody of the child, for example in the case of the death of their other parent or a divorce resulting in only one parent having custody, they are the only person who is required to sign the form.

A child traveling alone

In the case of a child traveling alone, all of their parents/guardians who have custody should sign the consent form.

Traveling with children can be stressful, but by preparing for the trip by ensuring that all of the necessary documents are in place, parents can rest easy that their child will be able to travel freely and smoothly as planned.

A child travel consent form is necessary any time both parents or legal guardians will not be present with a child who is traveling
This form explains the child's travel plans, provides written consent to that travel , and is signed by any parent or guardian who will not be present during the trip
This form is especially important for very young children or children traveling outside of the country
In situations where there is a custody order in place, the child should travel with a copy of that custody order in addition to the child travel consent form in case officials want more detailed information
The form should be signed by any parents/legal guardians who have custody and will not be traveling with the child

About the Author: Malissa Durham is a Legal Templates Programmer and Attorney at Wonder.Legal and is based in the U.S.A.

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Country-Specific Regulations

Travel from brazil.

Resources: For more information regarding Brazil’s documentation requirements, please click on the link below or contact the consulate in the child’s country of residence.

Cartilha de Viagem de Menores ao Exterior to view a guide released by Brazilian authorities.
To view a standard authorization form please visit: https://www.cnj.jus.br/programas-e-acoes/viagem-ao-exterior

Requirements for passengers under the age of 18:

Passengers who are traveling with only one of the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from the other parent/legal guardian
A passenger traveling alone or accompanied by someone other than the parents/legal guardians must have a notarized letter with authorization from both parents/legal guardians
Judicial authorization will be required for travel of Brazilian citizens under 18 if accompanied by an adult that is not a Brazilian citizen and resides abroad, provided (1) such adult is not the parent/legal guardian of the minor or (2) the minor, though born in Brazil, does not have Brazilian citizenship

Exemptions: Authorization is not required for minors traveling with both parents or non-Brazilian citizens that were not born in Brazil.

Flying to or From Canada

Minors under age 14 traveling to or from Canada have the option of sitting next to or near a parent, guardian or tutor. Delta makes every reasonable effort to seat children in close proximity to caregivers according to age group:

Minors under 5: Adjacent seating.
Minors aged 5–11: Same-row seating with no more than one seat of separation.
Minors aged 12 or 13: Seated with no more than one row of separation.

Accommodations may require seat reassignment, and a Delta agent will reseat eligible passengers in these circumstances based on availability. Accommodation may include requesting other passengers to voluntarily change seats at the time of boarding and before takeoff, and as such, cannot be guaranteed. Note: While promoted system-wide, these arrangements pertain only to minors flying to or from Canada.

If an adjusted seating arrangement results in relocation to a different cabin class, passengers will be reimbursed for the difference if in a lower class of service or asked to provide supplementary payment if a higher class of service is selected, depending on the difference in service level for that cabin.

Travel to or From the Dominican Republic

Travel from italy.

All unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are traveling internationally are required to have the following documents:

Individual passport (according to the Ministerial Circular n. 400/A/2012/23.1.3 attached)
“Dichiarazione di accompagno” duly authorized by the Police Authority (“Questura”).

The current regulation applies to:

Italian citizens under 14 years traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor (Requirement)

In addition to a passport, the passenger must have a notarized affidavit from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child confirming that the minor has permission to travel as an unaccompanied minor.
This document must be signed by the parent(s) or by the legal guardian(s) and authenticated by the Police Headquarters (Questura) and include the name of the airline to which the minor is entrusted.

Exemptions:

Authorization is not required for minors traveling with parents.
Authorization is not required for non-Italian citizens.
Authorization is not required for UMNR 14 years and older.

The “Dichiarazione di Accompagno” forms are to be prepared and held by the unaccompanied minor, in the unaccompanied minor envelope with their passport. Find more information on traveling as an unaccompanied minor .

Copies of the declaration are to be retained by the origination station for 5 Years. Click on the recommended authorization form for Passengers to follow in Italian.

Travel to or From Mexico

Travel to or from south africa, the amended regulation applies to minor travel if:, 1. both parents are traveling with the minor – (requirement).

Where the minor is a South African national, in addition to a valid passport, parents need an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy.

Where the minor is a foreign national,a valid passport is all that is required. See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below. 2. One parent is traveling with a minor – (Requirement)

Where the minor is a South African national, in addition to a valid passport, the parent needs an original stamped or sealed birth certificate or certified copy and one of the applicable items below:

Parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent listed in the birth certificate — authorizing minor to enter or depart from South Africa. To be valid, the parent consent letter must not be older than six (6) months from the date presented and must include contact details and a copy of the passport of the non-traveling parent.
For a sole parent or legal guardian: a court order that indicates full parental responsibilities/rights or legal guardianship
Where applicable, a death certificate of the other parent who is registered as the parent on the birth certificate

Where the minor is a foreign national, a valid passport is all that is required. See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below.

3. Persons traveling with a minor that is a South African national who is not their biological child – (Requirement) Where the minor is a South African national, the following documents are required:

Valid passport for minor
Certified copy of the birth certificate
Parental consent letter from the parents or legal guardians of the minor confirming that minor has permission to travel with non-related person
Copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian of the minor
Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor
A certified copy of the death certificates of the parents who are registered as the parents on the birth certificate
A certified copy of the adoption order granting full parental responsibilities / rights or legal guardianship
A court order that indicates full parental responsibilities / rights or legal guardianship

Where the minor is a foreign national, a valid passport is all that is required. See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below.

4. Unaccompanied minors – (Requirement)

A certified copy of the birth certificate
Parental consent letters from the parent(s) / legal guardian(s) authorizing travel into/out of South Africa
A copy of the identity document(s) or valid passport(s) of the parent(s) / legal guardian(s)
A letter from the person receiving the child in South Africa; containing their South Africa residential address and contact details and where the child will reside
A copy of identity documents or valid passport (and where applicable, visa or permanent residence permit) of the person receiving the child in South Africa
Parent/Legal guardian contact details

5. Child in Alternative Care –(Requirement)

Where the minor has been placed in foster care, temporary safe care, or care of a child and youth care center following an order of a court in terms of the Children’s Act, 2005, or the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977 (Alternative Care), the following documents are required:

Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides authorizing departure from South Africa
South African minors traveling on South African passports may travel to and within South Africa without birth certificates.
Minors in possession of valid South African visas are not required to produce identity documents already submitted as part of their visa applications when traveling through a South African port of entry (e.g., a birth certificate).
Where a minor has a passport that contains the details of their parent(s), the minor is not required to produce a birth certificate as well
School tours — South Africa immigration will accept a letter from the school’s Principal to cover all minors on a school tour.
Birth certificate and additional documentation is not required for those transiting South Africa.
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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)

Travel Overseas

This section provides information for international travelers about planning for your trip, returning home, navigating passenger processing. You can also find brochures about traveling overseas.

Travel Alerts

Travel Alerts are issued when short-term conditions that pose risks to the security of U.S. citizens.

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when long-term conditions make a country dangerous or unstable and U.S. citizens should avoid or consider the risk of traveling to that country.

Preparing for your Trip

A passport is required for overseas travel. It is recommended to make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport - do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

Find out if you need to get a visa. United States citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit. If you have a visa, we recommend you make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry your visa with you — do not pack it in your checked luggage.

Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP ) provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings at ports of entry.

Learn about the types of identification that are required for travel in the Western Hemisphere (Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Central and South America). There are six types of acceptable documents for crossing US borders.

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.
If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent. For example, "I acknowledge that my wife/ husband is traveling out of the country with my son/ daughter. He/She/ has my permission to do so."
If a single parent has sole custody, a copy of the court custody document can replace a letter from the other parent.

If bringing a dog, have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccinations from a veterinarian in your country of residence. Prior to your trip, check with your airline for its rules on transporting animals – many airlines require a health certificate.

Returning Home

Find out what is prohibited or restricted before you pack for your trip. Products that would harm community health, public safety and domestic plant and animal life are restricted from entering the United States and are subject to seizure by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency .

Other considerations for packing:

Carry only medication needed for the trip in its original container. Do not pack it.
Carry only the jewelry needed for the trip. Do not pack it.

Navigating Passenger Processing

When planning connecting flights to or from the United States, allow at least two hours between flights. Allow time for CBP processing that must be completed at your first port of entry.

If entering the United States by air or sea, you will receive en route a CBP Declaration Form 6059B and, if you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, a CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record . Complete all sections of the forms.

Review the CBP Inspection Process before your travel. Listed below are general steps for the inspection process.

On your U.S. arrival, go to the primary CBP passport control area. The CBP officer will ask to see all of your travel documents and the completed CBP forms. The officer may refer you for a secondary screening.
Proceed to baggage claim to pick up luggage.
Go to the CBP customs inspection checkpoint and show your declaration to the CBP officer, who may examine your bags and refer you for a secondary inspection.
Pay duty, if applicable.

Traveling Overseas Resources

These resources can help navigate traveling overseas.

Know Before You Go – Regulations for International Travel
International Travel Tips – Online resources for common questions about international travel
Welcome to the United States – A Guide for International Visitors
Import/Export Forms – Travel documents and forms
Ports of Entry (Air, Land, Sea) – Locate the ports of entry into the United States
How Do I - For Travelers

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International Travel

Whether your home is in the U.S. or abroad, you’ll find the info here to go global with confidence.

Welcome to our world

Travel documents, check-in times, bag policies, payment info, pets & service animals.

JetBlue currently serves 100+ destinations in the U.S., Latin America, Caribbean, plus London, Paris, Amsterdam and Vancouver.

Know before you go.

Have all required documentation, including a valid passport, any required visas and a valid U.S. resident card to fly back to the U.S.
Recommended check-in time if you’re checking bags is 3 hours¹ prior to scheduled departure.
All international flights close 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure. No exceptions.
Check in for international flights online or at the check-in counters at the airport.²
Blue Basic fares do not allow a carry-on bag unless you are a Mosaic member, traveling on JetBlue transatlantic flights (including connecting flights), an unaccompanied minor, an active U.S. military, or have purchased an Even More® Space seat (on all legs, if connecting). You may still board with a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.

Looking for entry & documentation requirements?

Use this handy online tool to get real-time info—including travel restrictions, testing requirements and documents required—for your destination, based on your specific situation.

All passports must be in good condition (not damaged, torn or defaced) per the U.S. Department of State.
Some countries require that passports be valid for at least six months from the date you enter a foreign country.
Some countries require 2 to 4 blank pages available in your passport to travel.
The name on your passport and other travel documents must match the name on your reservation. If it doesn’t, you may be required to show additional documents, such as a notarized marriage certificate.

Documentation for Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. Croix

U.S. citizens are not required to have a passport to enter a U.S. territory, however, it’s recommended to carry proof of U.S. residency or citizenship for the return to the United States.
Citizens of countries other than the U.S./U.S. territory must have a valid passport for travel between the U.S. and any U.S. territory.
All customers should be prepared for random document and bag inspections in any U.S. territory.

Non-U.S. citizens traveling abroad

Customer steps up to the camera for biometric boarding.

Now arriving: The future.

JetBlue is currently piloting a paperless and deviceless biometric self-boarding process on select international flights from New York (JFK), Boston, Washington, DC (DCA) and Fort Lauderdale, utilizing Customs & Border Protection’s secure Traveler Verification Service (TVS). Biometric boarding will arrive in more cities in 2024.

Catching a connecting international flight in the U.S.?

We recommend you arrive at the airport 3 hours before your scheduled departure, especially if you’re checking bags.

All international flights close 60 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Please allow sufficient time to get to the right terminal, check in for your flight, and clear immigration and security at least an hour before your departure.

Customers traveling internationally must check in for their flight during Customs hours of operation (regardless of flight departure times or delays) or they will be denied boarding.

If you’re traveling from the following U.S. Pre-Clearance airports, please note the closing times for Customs:

Bermuda (BDA) - 4pm
Nassau (NAS) - 6:45pm
Aruba (AUA) - 5:30pm

In addition to the carry-on and checked bag policies on our Bag Info page, please familiarize yourself with the policies for international travel below.

A carry-on bag is not allowed with a Blue Basic fare. You may still bring a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, but any larger or additional items will have to be checked and incur a fee. Mosaic members, travelers on JetBlue transatlantic flights (including connecting flights), unaccompanied minors, active U.S. military and those that purchased an Even More® Space seat (on all legs, if connecting) may still bring a carry-on bag with Blue Basic.
Boxes will not be accepted as checked bags on international flights.
Non-hazardous items may be packed in checked bags, however JetBlue will not be liable for damage to any fragile items packed in a checked bag (i.e. televisions, electronics, etc.).
Your bags may be inspected by Customs or TSA at any time throughout your journey. If your bags are selected, you will be required to repack and close the bags.
You may need to collect your bags after clearing Customs and recheck them if you’re continuing on a flight. Please verify at the ticket counter before departure whether your bags will be checked all the way through to your final destination.
Humanitarian organizations transporting supplies will be subject to the same bag allowances and guidelines as other customers.

Credit or debit card

JetBlue accepts Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, American Express, JCB, Diners Club and UATP. We do not accept payments with two or more credit cards online for a single reservation. If you need to pay with two or more credit cards or multiple forms of payment for your reservation, please contact us . Customers with hearing or speech impairments can call our toll-free TTY/TDD telephone number, 1-800-336-5530.

Debit cards are accepted with one of the above-listed symbols on them.

To purchase a ticket with cash, contact a travel agent or book your flight at the airport. Be sure to check the airport for the specific hours of operation. You can also purchase tickets with cash at the following City Ticket Offices and Airport Ticket Offices:

Other Payment Info

Visiting the dr .

International tourists that purchase a ticket to the Dominican Republic are subject to a $10 USD non-refundable tourist tax. This tax is not applicable to transit/transfer travelers, travel commencing in the Dominican Republic or tickets sold/issued in the Dominican Republic. All Dominican Republic residents, visa holders, or Dominican nationals are exempt from this tax and are eligible for a refund with a receipt.

Obtain a receipt

Need a CFDI for Mexico?

Customers that purchased a ticket from/to Mexico can request an electronic invoice, also known as Comprobante Fiscal Digital por Internet.

Are you an Ecuadorian citizen?

In accordance with Ecuadorian legislation, JetBlue offers a 50% discount on airfare (with point of origin in Ecuador) for Ecuadorian citizens 65 years of age or older, and those with disabilities. To receive the discount, you must purchase tickets at the JetBlue points of sale at Quito or Guayaquil airports, between 9pm-12am, and present your Ecuadorian identity card and/or card CONADIS. Tickets that are purchased for international travel originating in Ecuador are subject to a non-refundable tourist tax.

Traveling with a lap infant?

Customers departing from outside the U.S. may be assessed an infant fee. Fees vary based on point of origin. Learn more about lap infants .

Have other payment questions?

Check out our payment help pages .

Effective 1/11/21, the DOT no longer recognizes emotional support animals (ESAN) as service animals. JetBlue gladly accepts small dogs and cats as pets in the cabin on most international flights, however each country has distinct policies and vaccination requirements. Following are some general guidelines and resources for traveling with pets on international flights.

Know before you go.

Your pet and approved pet carrier count as one personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you. If you are traveling on a Blue Basic fare, you are permitted to bring a personal item in addition to the pet carrier.
Your pet or service animal must be up to date on required vaccinations for your destination .
There are fees, restrictions and specific booking policies for traveling internationally with pets on JetBlue.
We cannot accept pets on interline or codeshare flights.

Traveling with a service animal?

Policies and required documentation vary by country and by airline, so please make sure to review them.

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Special assistance

Traveling with children

Traveling with children and infants.

We are committed to caring for people on life’s journey and want you and your children to have a safe and positive travel experience. To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18.

Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate.
Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.

You can travel with a breast pump and small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk in addition to your carry-on or personal item. These items don’t have to be checked and are allowed even when you’re not traveling with a child. Also, most airports have nursing rooms and stations available for your convenience.

If you’re a family traveling with children under 15, we want to help make sure you’re seated together on your flight. Here are some tips for when you book:

Be sure to book everyone in the same reservation.
The farther in advance you book, the better. (Seats become limited closer to the day of travel.)
On the seat map, choose seats for your entire family or skip seats for that flight.
It’s better to skip seats than to choose just a few seats or seats scattered throughout the cabin. Our gate agents can try to reseat you but getting seats together the day of travel is difficult.

If you skip seats

If you’re unable to choose seats, don’t want to pay for seats, or chose a Basic Economy fare, our system will detect that you’re a family traveling. The system will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. We’ll try our best to keep you together, but if seats are limited, we’ll assign seats so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult.

Children and adults traveling in separate reservations

If you and your children are traveling together but have separate reservations, call Reservations so we can note it in each reservation.

Contact Reservations

Children 2 or older are required to have their own seat, a ticketed adult fare. Children under 5 can’t travel alone under any circumstances.

If you don't choose seats in Main Cabin or Basic Economy, we’ll assign seats a few days after you buy your tickets so children under 15 are next to at least 1 adult they’re traveling with.

We welcome infants as young as 2 days old, but infants under 7 days old must have a doctor's letter stating that they are medically cleared to travel.

Keep in mind:

Only 1 infant may be seated in the lap of each ticketed accompanying adult and the infant must be included in the reservation.
Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat.
The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

Adding an infant to your trip

If you’re traveling within the U.S., including Puerto Rico, you can add an infant to your trip when you book on aa.com, or later once it is ticketed. You only need to contact Reservations if you’re traveling with an infant who is under 7 days old; or if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. (taxes and a percentage of the adult fare may apply on international trips).

Book a new trip

Book your trip on aa.com
Enter your information on the ‘Passenger details’ page
Select ‘add infant in lap’

Book a trip

Update an existing trip

Find your trip on aa.com
Scroll to the ‘Passengers’ section

Find your trip

Call Reservations if:

You’re traveling with an infant who is less than 7 days old
You’re not traveling within the U.S., and Puerto Rico

Reserved seat

If your infant will travel in their own seat, you must buy a ticket. The infant must either travel in a safety seat approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or be able to sit upright in their seat without assistance and have their seatbelt securely fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.

Bassinets and changing tables

Changing tables are available in the lavatories of all wide-body aircraft.
Bassinets are available on a first come, first serve basis at the gate for travel only on 777-200, 777-300 and 787 aircraft.*
Bassinets are not available in First / Business cabins.

*Infants using bassinets must be younger than 2 years old and weigh no more than 20lbs (9kg)

Acceptable safety seats

Most safety seats that are approved for use in motor vehicles are acceptable for use in aircraft. The seat must have a solid back and seat, restraint straps installed to securely hold the child and a label indicating approval for use on an aircraft.

The label may include:

These notes: 'This child restraint system conforms to all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards' and 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircrafts' or 'this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.'
Approval of a foreign government or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United Nations.
The safety seat can't be used in an exit row or in the rows on either side of an exit row; window seats are preferred.
Install the seat in the direction appropriate for the size of the child and according to the instructions on the label.
The child must remain in the safety seat with the harness fastened during taxi, takeoff, landing and whenever the 'fasten seatbelt' sign is on.
To carry on a safety seat, you must have bought a seat for the child, or a seat must be available next to you. If an unoccupied, adjoining seat is not available, the gate agent will check the safety seat to your final destination.

Review seat dimensions before your trip.

Safety seats are not allowed in First or Business on select planes due to the seat angles.

Airbus 321T

Boeing 777-200
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 787-800
Boeing 787-900
Any device without an approval label
Booster seats with no approval label or shoulder harness
Vest and/or harness-type devices, except Aviation Child Safety Devices (ACSD) showing the FAA aircraft approval label
Belt extensions that attach to the parent or the parent's restraint
Any device that positions a child on the lap or chest of an adult

Carry-on and checked bags

If you’re flying internationally with an infant on your lap, we’ll issue the infant a ticket. You may check 1 bag for the infant at the same rate as the adult’s first checked bag.

Each ticketed customer is allowed 1 stroller and 1 car seat to be checked free of charge
Strollers over 20 lbs / 9 kgs must be checked at the ticket counter
All other strollers should be checked at the gate before boarding
If you have a stroller and a car seat only 1 can be checked at the gate
Breast pumps and a small, soft-sided cooler of breast milk don’t count as your carry-on or personal item
Play pens, wagons, cribs and 'pack and play' count as regular bags
If any of these exceed carry-on limits they’ll be checked and incur regular fees

International documents

Children or infants traveling outside the U.S. are required to have the same documentation as an adult. If anyone under 18 is traveling internationally without both parents, they may be required to present a Letter of Consent.

International travel

Traveling during pregnancy

If your due date is within 4 weeks of your flight, you must provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you’ve been recently examined and you’re fit to fly.

Special assistance throughout your trip

For domestic flights under 5 hours, you won’t be permitted to travel within 7 days (before and after) your delivery date. If you need to travel within this time frame:

Approval from your physician and a special assistance coordinator is required.
Your physician will be required to fill out a passenger medical form before your flight. A special assistance coordinator will send the form directly to your physician.

Clearance from a special assistance coordinator is required for international travel or travel over water:

Within 4 weeks of your due date (travel also requires a physician's note stating that you’ve been examined within the past 48 hours and you’re fit to fly)
7 days before or after your delivery (travel also requires a passenger medical form to be completed by your physician)

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

British Airways
Japan Airlines
Qatar Airways

international travel with a minor consent form

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 .

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 …

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Free Minor Travel Consent Form
Free Minor Travel Consent Form. 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, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the child to have this written ...
International travel documents for children
Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent. 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.
Free Minor (Child) Travel Consent Form
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. Create Document. PDF Word ODT. Updated May 10, 2024.
Free Consent Forms for Minors Traveling Without Parents
A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that allows a minor child to travel without both parents or legal guardians present. It can be used when a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, or with another adult who is not the legal guardian, such as a grandparent, teacher, sports coach, or friend of the family.
Free Child (Minor) Travel Consent Form
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. ... For example, the custody agreement may limit international travel. It may also demand ...
Children traveling to another country without their parents
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.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.
PDF Minor Child Travel Consent Form
Minor Child Travel Consent Form Author: eForms Created Date: 20220907115637Z ...
Travel Consent Form
A travel consent form is a document used when a child is traveling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group. ... Child Travel Consent Letter, Minor Travel Consent Form, Travel Permission Letter, Consent Letter for International Travel, Children's International Travel Consent Letter. Country: United States.
Required Documents for International Travel With Minors
In general, each adult in your party will need a passport, and minor children will need either passports or original birth certificates. Documentation requirements become more complicated when one parent or guardian is traveling alone with a minor. In general, besides your passport, you should bring written consent from the child's biological ...
When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Form?
It simply needs to state that the child's parents or guardians acknowledge and give consent for their child to travel with a specific individual. It should include: The child's name, birthplace, birthdate, home address, phone number, and, in the case of international travel, their passport number. The names and contact information for the ...
45 Printable Child Travel Consent Forms (Word & PDF)
45 Printable Child Travel Consent Forms (Word & PDF) When drafting a child travel consent form, you need to be sure that you know what needs to be included in a minor travel consent form or travel consent letter. Permission to travel letters can be needed for minors heading outside the US on trips, and they might also be required to access ...
PDF State of CHILD TRAVEL CONSENT FORM
CHILD TRAVEL CONSENT FORM. ... I/We acknowledge that my/our child is traveling ☐ domestically ☐ internationally and has my/our consent and permission to travel with _____ [Accompanying person], my/our child's: (Check ... I hereby acknowledge that the foregoing Child Travel Consent was signed by _____ [Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s)] in my ...
Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad
A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling: alone. with only 1 parent or guardian. in the care of friends or relatives. with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group. This includes day trips and travel where a child will be with only 1 parent for part of a trip.
Free Child Travel Consent Form (US)
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). A minor child is someone who hasn't reached the legal age of majority, which varies by ...
Creating a Child Travel Consent Form
A child travel consent form includes the following information: Information identifying the child traveling, include full legal name, birth date, and location of their birth. If traveling abroad, the child's passport number. Whether the travel will be domestic (i.e. in the United States) or international. Name of the person or group the child ...
Minors Traveling Internationally
Minors traveling internationally are required to have the same passport and visa documentation as adults. If your child is traveling alone, a guardian must complete all international customs forms at check-in. Minors (under age 18) traveling internationally without one or both parents may be required to present a letter of consent signed by any ...
PDF Recommended Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad
Relationship to child: mother, father, grandparent, sister, brother, relative, friend, other Number and date of issue of passport: number dd/mm/yyyy Issuing authority of passport: country where passport was issued Contact information during trip I / We give our consent for this child to travel to: Destination(s): name of destination country ...
International Child-Travel Regulations
Travel From Italy. All unaccompanied minors of Italian citizenship under the age of 14 that are traveling internationally are required to have the following documents: Individual passport (according to the Ministerial Circular n. 400/A/2012/23.1.3 attached) AND. "Dichiarazione di accompagno" duly authorized by the Police Authority ...
Travelling with children
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].
Travel Overseas
If entering the United States by air or sea, you will receive en route a CBP Declaration Form 6059B and, if you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, a CBP Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Complete all sections of the forms. Review the CBP Inspection Process before your travel. Listed below are general steps for the inspection process.
International Travel
A minor travel consent form (if your child is traveling internationally with only one parent, or with another adult). Download Minor Travel Consent Form. You can find the requirements for travel (as well as embassy information) for the countries you're visiting on the U.S. Department of State International Travel Information website.
Traveling with children − Travel information − American Airlines
To allow enough time for check-in, arrive early and be sure to have any required travel documents. You may have to present proof of age like a birth certificate for any children under the age of 18. Families with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Only 1 carry-on diaper bag per child is allowed.
Do Kids Need ID to Fly? Travel Identification Info for Every Age
Child Travel Consent Form. Although a passport book is necessary to travel with kids on international flights, it isn't necessarily fully sufficient. ... Others set limits only on international ...

Free Minor Travel Consent Form

How to Use the Minor Travel Consent Form

The Legal Implications of Traveling Without a Minor Consent Form

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Minor Travel Consent Form Notary Requirements

Unaccompanied Minors

More Tips for Parents of Minors Traveling Abroad

Be Proactive In Shared Custody Situations

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Where the minor is a foreign national,a valid passport is all that is required. See additional details under the “Exemptions” header below. 2. One parent is traveling with a minor – (Requirement)

3. Persons traveling with a minor that is a South African national who is not their biological child – (Requirement) Where the minor is a South African national, the following documents are required:

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