Can My Child Travel Internationally With Only One Parent? Why a Minor Consent Form Matters

Planning an international trip with your child in 2026, but only one parent is coming along? Some countries and airlines may ask for a consent letter from the parent who isn't traveling.

Delays at the border are a real possibility if you are not prepared. Border officials may ask for this documentation, and it is not something you can improvise on arrival.

Why Do Countries Ask for Consent When a Minor Travels With One Parent?

The reason comes down to child safety. Countries want to prevent international parental abduction. When a minor crosses a border with only one parent, authorities cannot easily tell whether both parents agreed to the trip.

A notarized consent letter from the absent parent is the standard way to resolve that uncertainty. Without it, a border agent may delay your entry while officials try to verify the situation. That could mean missing your flight and spending hours in a customs office.

Which Countries Ask for a Travel Consent Letter for Minors?

These countries come up most often:

• Canada: The Government of Canada recommends that children traveling without both parents carry a consent letter.
• Mexico: May ask for a consent letter from a parent who isn't traveling.
• Brazil: May ask for a consent letter from a parent who isn't traveling, and may want it translated into Portuguese.
• South Africa: May ask for additional documents, such as a consent affidavit, copies of both parents' identity documents, and the child's unabridged birth certificate.
• EU member states: Requirements vary by country.

Requirements vary and change, so check with the destination country's embassy and your airline before you travel. Even where no one asks for it, a notarized letter can prevent delays at customs.

What Should a One-Parent Travel Consent Form Include?

A strong travel consent form should cover the following:

• Full legal names of the child, both parents, and the traveling adult
• The child's date of birth and passport number
• All destinations and the specific travel dates
• A clear statement of consent from the absent parent
• Emergency contact information for the absent parent during the trip
• Signatures from both parents or legal guardians

If you are the sole legal parent, include supporting documentation. That may be a death certificate, a court order granting sole custody, or a notarized affidavit explaining the other parent's absence. Border officials may ask for it, and having the right paperwork ready helps you get through quickly.

If you are unsure whether one or both parents need to sign, see the guide on do both parents need to sign a minor travel consent form.

Does the Form Need to Be Notarized?

This form should be notarized. Airlines, schools, medical providers and border officials often ask for a notarized copy and may not accept one that isn't. A notarized form is also less likely to be questioned at the border.

Online notarization through NotaryLive is available 24/7. You connect with a licensed notary over video, sign digitally, and receive a certified copy the same day. There is no need to find a local notary or take time off work.

What Else Should You Carry When Traveling With Your Child Alone?

A consent form works best as part of a small travel packet. Pair it with a copy of the child's birth certificate, any relevant custody documentation, and contact information for both parents. If the traveling adult is not a parent, include something that establishes their relationship to the child, such as a guardianship document or a letter from both parents.

Make sure your child's passport is current before you leave. For a full guide to passport requirements for minors, including age-specific rules and how to apply, see can a child travel internationally without a passport.

For trips where the caregiver will also need authority to make medical decisions, a minor medical consent form is worth having on hand as well. If the caregiver needs to make day-to-day decisions for your child, such as school and medical care, a temporary guardianship agreement covers them in one document.

Frequently Asked Questions