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Travelling with children: which travel documents do I need?
The well-earned holiday is coming up, so it is high time to think about the packing list. Alongside clothes, toys and sun cream you should above all make sure the travel documents for children are complete. That applies in particular where one parent or the grandparents travel alone with a minor child.
Karcher Rechtsanwälte in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, focusing on uncontested divorce and international family law. Advice in German, English and Spanish.
Part of our guide Custody & contact rightsTravel documents for children: what is mandatory?
Where only one parent, the grandparents or other accompanying persons travel abroad with a child, many countries require a written declaration of consent, that is a travel authorization, from the other parent or from both parents. That rule protects the child and prevents possible problems on entry.
Depending on the entry requirements of the destination country, it can even be necessary for the travel authorization to be certified by a notary or an authority.
Checklist: travelling with children without both parents
Use this list for a first overview and then find out what specifically applies to your destination country and to your particular trip:
- A valid passport or identity card (outside the EU and Schengen, for instance to the United States, Canada or South Africa, a passport is mandatory; an identity card is not enough there).
- A travel authorization from the parent not travelling, or from both parents.
- A declaration of consent to the trip abroad (where necessary in the language of the country).
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the identity document of the parent not travelling.
- An authorization certified by an authority or a notary (depending on the destination country).
- Details of the destination, the period, the accommodation and the return journey.
The travel authorization: what to bear in mind
The declaration of consent, that is the travel authorization, should contain the following points:
- Written form: the declaration has to be in writing; oral arrangements do not count.
- Details of the trip: destination, dates, accommodation and how to make contact should be stated clearly.
- Details of the child and the parents: name, date of birth and passport number (where available) of the child, plus complete details of both persons with custody.
- The signature of the parent not travelling: signature and date are absolutely necessary.
- Certification (where needed): depending on the destination country, certification by an authority or a notary is mandatory.
- Language version: some countries require the declaration of consent in the language of the country or in English in addition to the German version.
In which countries is a travel authorization mandatory?
Many parents ask themselves: “Do I need a travel authorization for my child?” In countries such as South Africa, Canada, the United States and also some EU states, an official declaration of consent is required, including for a holiday with the grandparents or with only one parent.
Ask the Federal Foreign Office or the embassy of the destination country early on which travel documents are required for children. That way you avoid nasty surprises when crossing the border with a minor child.
This article gives a general overview and does not replace legal advice in an individual case. Whether a particular trip requires consent and how you resolve a refusal depends on your specific situation. It is best to clarify open questions before booking. We advise you personally.
Attorney at law · focus on family law
Admitted since 2010, more than fifteen years of experience in advising and representation. The contact for new instructions at Karcher Rechtsanwälte in Frankfurt-Gallus.
Legal notice: This article is provided for general information and does not replace legal advice in an individual case. Any laws, deadlines and amounts mentioned reflect the state of affairs at the time of publication and may change. A binding assessment requires a personal consultation.