Travel Consent Form

What is a travel consent form?

A travel consent form is a document used when a child is traveling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group. This document notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian who is not present with the child has given their consent for the child to travel without them. This document can be used for both domestic travel inside the United States or international travel across the country's borders.

Is it mandatory to have a travel consent form?

No, it is not always mandatory to have a travel consent form. However, it depends on the nature of the travel. When traveling internationally, due to increasing instances of child abduction and trafficking, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company will likely need to see a letter of consent for a child traveling without both parents. For domestic travel, it is less likely that sort of document will be required. However, it is good practice to have just in case it is asked for by an airline or travel company. In school and organized group trips, the group organizers usually require a travel consent for from parents before allowing a child to go on the trip.

What is a "minor"?

A minor is a person who as not reached the age of legal majority in their state. This is typically 18 years old in most jurisdictions.

What is a "legal guardian"?

A legal guardian is anyone who has the legal right to care for a child and make decisions about their care. This includes biological parents are well as adoptive parents and legal custodians.

Who is involved in a travel consent form?

The travel consent form is used by any parents or other legal guardians to give consent that their child travel without them.

What is the duration of a travel consent form?

A travel consent form should be used for only one trip. The trip can include multiple stops, but should be one period of time when the child is away from their parents. Each new trip requires a new travel consent form.

What has to be done once the travel consent form is done?

Once the travel consent form is done, any parents giving their consent should sign and date the form. During the signing of the form, a witness should also sign the form, as that is required by some airlines. To qualify as a witness, a person must be of 18 years of age or older and of sound mind and body to sign an official document.

Traveling children should carry a copy of the finished and signed form with them. Any adult chaperones should be given a copy of the form to show to authority figures as needed.

Which documents should be attached to the travel consent form?

In addition to the travel consent form, the child should also have attached to it a copy of their birth certificate or adoption papers. These demonstrate the legal relationship between the parents giving consent and the traveling children. In situations where there is a legal custody arrangement, this paperwork should also be attached to the travel consent form.

If the child is traveling abroad, it is necessary to consult the country where the child will be traveling to check for any additional documents that may be required. For example, in the EU, a travel consent form should be notarized.

Is it necessary to have witnesses for the travel consent form?

The signing of the form should be witnessed by one person, as that is required by some airlines. The witness should be at least 18 years old and of sound mind and body to sign an official document.

What must a travel consent form include?

A valid travel consent form must contain at least the following mandatory clauses:

• Identifying information: The travel consent form must include identifying information for any parents giving their consent as well as the names, genders, birthdates, and birth locations for any children for whom they are giving consent. If the travel is international, this must also include the children's passport numbers.
• Trip details: The travel consent form outlines the specifics about the trip, including the destinations being traveled to, the start and end dates of the trip, who will be going on the trip, and any relevant contact information for trip chaperones.
• Transportation: The travel consent form describes the details of the transportation that will be used. This could be flights, trains, or other modes of transportation, as well as any associated transportation identification numbers.
• Medical needs: For any children who have medical needs, the travel consent form must include a description of these needs. This can cover allergies, disabilities, medications, and any necessary accommodations or assistive devices.
• Contact information: The travel consent form includes the contact information, such as phone number or email, for any parents who are not going on the trip.

Which laws are applicable to travel consent forms?

Although not required by law, immigration officers, law enforcement officers, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents may detain a child if they suspect an abduction or kidnapping has taken place. By traveling with a Travel Consent Form, these officers will have necessary contact information and further assurance that no abduction or kidnapping has taken place.

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