Free Travel Consent Letter Template — Minor Travel Permission Letter

A minor travel consent letter (also called a child travel authorization letter, parental travel consent letter, or travel permission letter) is a formal written declaration, signed by one or both parents or legal guardians, that authorizes a minor to travel to specified destinations during a defined period. It is addressed to border officials, airline staff, immigration authorities, and any other entity that may question the child's right to travel.

The travel consent letter differs from the child travel consent form in format — a letter uses a professional, narrative format addressed directly to "Whom It May Concern," making it more readily understood by foreign officials and border agents. A consent form uses a structured field-and-checkbox layout. Both serve the same legal purpose; CBP recommends the letter format for international travel specifically.

This form is distinct from the unaccompanied minor form required by airlines — that is an airline-specific document for children flying alone. The travel consent letter covers the border crossing and travel authorization itself, and is required regardless of whether the child is flying alone or with one parent or relative.

The travel consent letter is required or strongly recommended in the following situations. Always verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy or consulate before traveling — requirements change periodically.

Based on CBP guidelines and the requirements of the most commonly visited countries, a complete minor travel consent letter should contain all of the following:

• Child's full legal name exactly as it appears on the passport or birth certificate
• Child's date of birth
• Child's passport number and country of issue (required for international travel)
• Name(s) and relationship of the parent(s) or guardians granting consent
• Parent's passport or government ID number for verification
• Name and relationship of the accompanying adult (if not a parent)
• Specific destination countries and cities
• Exact travel dates — departure and return
• Purpose of travel (vacation, visiting family, school trip, etc.)
• Accommodation address at the destination (hotel name or host address)
• Emergency contact phone number for the non-traveling parent, reachable 24/7
• Medical authorization clause (allows emergency treatment if parents unreachable)
• Notarized signature(s) of the consenting parent(s)
• A copy of the signing parent's government-issued ID attached to the letter

For maximum protection on international trips, carry both this travel consent letter and our child travel consent form. The letter addresses border officials directly; the consent form provides a structured backup that airlines and hotels may prefer.

Traveling internationally with children as a single parent is one of the most common scenarios requiring a travel consent letter. Even in countries where the letter is not legally mandatory, carrying one prevents delays, questioning at the border, and worst-case scenarios such as being denied boarding or entry.

• This notarized travel consent letter signed by the absent parent
• The child's birth certificate (original or certified copy) showing both parents' names
• If you have sole legal custody: a certified copy of the custody order
• If the other parent is deceased: a copy of the death certificate
• If the other parent cannot be located: an affidavit of sole custody signed before a notary
• Your own government-issued photo ID matching the name on the letter

Note that a different surname between parent and child is a common flag for border officials. Carrying a birth certificate alongside this consent letter pre-empts questioning and speeds up the crossing. See also our passport consent form if you also need authorization to apply for or renew the child's passport.

When a minor travels internationally with grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends, or a school group — rather than either parent — both parents should ideally sign the travel consent letter. This provides the strongest possible documentation for border officials, who may question any adult traveling with a child who is not an obvious parent.

For grandparent travel specifically, consider pairing this letter with our Grandparent Consent Form, which extends authorization beyond travel to include medical decisions, temporary care, and school enrollment — giving grandparents comprehensive authority for the full duration of the visit, not just at the border.

If the grandparent is also responsible for the child's medical care during the trip, a separate medical consent form is strongly recommended so healthcare providers can treat the child without delay in emergencies.