Travelling overseas with children can require more than passports and flight bookings. If a child is travelling with one parent, a guardian, grandparents or another adult, an airline, embassy, consulate or border authority may ask for evidence that the child has permission to travel.
This is particularly relevant where:
- the parents are separated;
- the child has a different surname from the travelling parent;
- the child is travelling with relatives, a school group or sporting team;
- there are parenting orders; or
- the destination country has specific requirements for children travelling internationally.
A notarised child travel consent letter can provide formal evidence of the non-travelling parent’s permission.
What is a notarised child travel consent letter?
A notarised child travel consent letter is a document confirming that a child is authorised to travel overseas with a specified parent, guardian or adult.
It commonly records:
- the child’s name and passport details;
- the travelling adult’s details;
- the consenting parent or guardian’s details;
- destination and travel dates;
- purpose of travel;
- parental consent; and
- notarial certification of the parents’ consent.
It may also be supported by notarised copies of the child’s passport and the parents’ passports or identity documents.
Why is notarisation useful?
A Notary Public certifies documents for use overseas. Notarisation gives the consent letter legal authentication rather than an informal letter and may assist foreign authorities in verifying the identity of the consenting parent or guardian.
A notarised consent letter may help reduce the risk of delay or questioning at check-in, border control or when dealing with overseas authorities and is a requirement for a child to enter certain countries without their parents or guardian.
Requirements do vary between countries. Parents should check the requirements of the destination country, any transit country, the airline and any relevant embassy or consulate before travel.
What documents should parents consider carrying?
Parents travelling overseas with children should consider carrying:
- the child’s passport;
- the travelling parent’s passport;
- a copy of the non-travelling parent’s passport or identity document;
- the child’s birth certificate;
- any parenting orders or custody documents;
- a written child travel consent letter;
- notarised passport copies; and
- any apostille or authentication required for the destination country.
Where the child and travelling parent have different surnames, a birth certificate or other evidence of the relationship may be particularly important.
Is a notarised consent letter the same as an apostille?
No. Notarisation and apostille are different processes.
A Notary Public may notarise the consent letter and certify supporting documents. An apostille or authentication is a further certification process, arranged through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, that can be required by overseas authorities.
Whether an apostille is needed depends on the country and the purpose for which the document will be used. Our team is able to assist you in determining what is needed for your planned destination and ensure you meet their immigration requirements.
When should parents arrange the document?
Parents should consider arranging a notarised consent letter before departure, particularly where:
- only one parent is travelling;
- the other parent may be difficult to contact while overseas;
- the child is travelling through multiple countries;
- the airline or embassy has requested written consent;
- the child is travelling with a group; or
- parenting arrangements are in place after separation.
Leaving the document until shortly before departure can be risky, especially if apostille or authentication is required.
Can a notarised consent letter guarantee travel?
No. A notarised consent letter cannot guarantee boarding, entry or exit from another country.
It is, however, a practical document that may help demonstrate that the child’s travel has been authorised by the relevant parent or guardian.
How Wadlow Solicitors can assist
Wadlow Solicitors can assist parents travelling overseas with children by preparing and notarising a child travel consent letter for international use.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- preparing the consent letter;
- identifying the consenting parent or guardian;
- notarising the relevant signature;
- notarising passport or identity document copies;
- preparing a notarial certificate; and
- advising whether apostille or authentication should be considered.
Parents should bring the child’s passport, the travelling parent’s passport, the consenting parent’s identification, the child’s birth certificate, travel itinerary details and any relevant parenting orders or foreign authority requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a consent letter to travel overseas with my child?
It depends on the destination country, airline and family circumstances. Where one parent is travelling overseas with a child without the other parent, a written consent letter is often prudent.
Does the consent letter need to be notarised?
Not always. However, notarisation may make the document more suitable for international use and maybe required or preferred by some foreign authorities.
What should the consent letter include?
It should usually include the child’s details, passport details, travel dates, destination, travelling adult’s details, consenting parent’s details and clear consent wording.
Should I carry my child’s birth certificate?
Yes, particularly where the child and travelling parent have different surnames.
Can a Notary Public certify passport copies?
Yes. A Notary Public can notarise copies of passports and other identity documents for use overseas.
Does the notarised consent letter need an apostille?
In some cases. Whether an apostille or authentication is required depends on the destination country and the overseas authority requesting the document.
Speak with a Notary Public in Adelaide
If you are travelling overseas with children, or if one parent is travelling internationally with a child, Wadlow Solicitors can assist with a notarised child travel consent letter and supporting notarial documents.
Contact Wadlow Solicitors to arrange a Notary Public appointment in Adelaide before you travel.
