Travel Consent Form

What is a Travel Consent Form?

A Travel Consent Form is used when a child under 18 years old is travelling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, person, or with an authorized group. The Travel Consent Form notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian has given their consent for the child to travel without them.

This document can be used for domestic travel inside India or international travel across borders. Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or other abduction, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company may ask parents to provide some form of a letter of consent if a minor child is travelling internationally with only one parent or with another adult, such as a teacher, group trip leader, or grandparent.

Is it mandatory to have a Travel Consent Form?

Yes, it is mandatory for minors (below the age of 18 years) travelling without their parents or legal guardians to have a Travel Consent Form. Moreover, this document helps ensure the safety of the child and compliance with national and international laws and the official checking the documents will have the necessary contact information and further assurance that no abduction or kidnapping has taken place.

What does "Legal Guardian" mean?

A Legal Guardian is someone who has been appointed by a court or has legal documentation granting them permission to take care and make major decisions for a minor child (below 18 years), including travel. This could be a parent with sole custody, someone appointed by a court, etc.

What are the different types of Travel Consent Forms?

One parent travelling: if one parent is travelling with the child, the Travel Consent Form needs to be signed by the non-travelling parent.

Child travelling alone: if no parent is travelling along with the child, the Travel Consent Form needs to be signed by both the parents.

What can be the duration of a Travel Consent Form?

The duration of the Travel Consent Form is often limited to the duration of the travel. The person creating the Travel Consent Form can specify the duration of the consent.

What has to be done once a Travel Consent Form is ready?

Once prepared, both the parents or legal guardians should sign the Travel Consent Form.

The copies of this letter shall be kept by the child, co-traveller, organization, and consenting parents or legal guardians.

Which documents should be attached to the Travel Consent Form?

The following copies of documents can be attached along with a Travel Consent Form:

• Copies of the parent's or guardian's identification documents.
• Copy of the child identification documents.
• Other supporting documents for the travel.

Is it necessary to notarize a Travel Consent Form for it to be valid?

Yes, It is recommended for international travel, as several countries require notarization to accept the Travel Consent Form. For domestic travel within India, it is not mandatory.

What must a Travel Consent Form contain?

The following information must be included in the form:

• Child Information: Name and details of the minor travelling.
• Parent Details: Name and Details of the parents or guardians.
• Travel Details: Details of destination and purpose of the trip.
• Companion Details: Details of the person or organization accompanying the child.
• Medical Condition: Details of the medical condition of the child.

Which laws are applicable to a Travel Consent Form?

The Travel Consent Form will be covered under the general rules of the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

Need to check the recent rules and regulations of the particular airlines, agencies, states, or countries for any additional documentation or compliance requirements.

How to modify the template?

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.