Do you have a foreign trip coming up with your children? You’re not alone. A recent survey revealed that 76% of parents plan to travel Most of the parents intend to travel with children abroad in the next 2 years. But, what most people do not know, is that you could end up in a long queue or even be denied entry at the border without the travel letter issued by your minor children.

Whether you require a travel consent letter for minor dependents, parent travel permission letter or a notarized letter for minor to travel, getting your letter of consent to travel right is significant. There are also tips on what to put in a minor international travel consent form. This information can prevent late night headaches!.

What Is a Travel Letter for Minor and When Do You Need It

A travel consent letter for minors is a written permission from a parent/guardian for a minor to travel without them. This Parent Travel Permission Letter is a sample of how you can inform children they are allowed to go on the trip by all parents/legal guardians.

Border officials may request this documentation to verify parental consent. Without it, families risk being denied boarding, delayed at customs, or turned back at the border. The United States does not require evidence of both parents’ permission for minors to travel internationally. Many countries do. To cite an instance, Mexico requires notarized consent for minors under 18. Certain South American countries and some European nations have strict requirements.

Any time your child travels with just one parent, with grandparents or other adults, with groups such as school or sports teams, or alone, you will need a letter of consent to travel. The letter is important if the travelling parent’s name is not the same as the child’s name, or if parents are separated or divorced.

Children under 18 don’t need to be identified for domestic flights in the U.S. One NOTARIZED letter for a minor, to accompany them on travel is recommended, but is not required by law for domestic travel; an airline may require it or the TSA for domestic travel.

Essential Information to Include in Your Letter of Consent to Travel

To comply with the requirements of the border control, your parents permission form for travelling must be completed with details. Give the full information of the child, including full legal name, passport details, date and place of birth, passport number and country of issue/expiry date.

Enter all parent/guardian details such as complete legal name, complete mailing address and multiple phone numbers. If the child goes with one custodial parent it should be from the other parent. Both parents must sign when the child travels with a guardian or without a guardian.

Write down the name, relationship to the child, address and contact information for accompanying adult. The Letter will include the following: I understand that my child will be traveling outside of the country with [adult’s name] and hereby authorize it.

Set up the entire trip including the date of departure, date of return, destination, address, flight number and arrival/departure time. If any emergency should arise, write down several numbers to call, such as home, work and other telephone numbers (grandparents, etc.).

The other important factor is if a medical emergency occurs, approval to provide the medical treatment. Provide data regarding health insurance card, allergies, chronic health issues, current medication or dose, and emergency health care directions.

The letter should be signed and notarised by parents. Include parent’s certified death certificates if deceased parents.

Read more: Traveling to Nyc? Here Are Three Tips for the Perfect Trip

How to Create and Finalize Your Minor International Travel Consent Form

You need careful attention to detail and proper authentication to create your minor international travel consent form. Start by downloading a template or developing your own parent travel permission letter that has all required information. Gather supporting documents: birth certificate, parent’s identification documents, and any court orders or death certificates if applicable.

Complete all travel information, guardian details and emergency contact details prior to signing the entire form. Make sure dates, destination and adult details are correct for your trip. Sometimes delays occur because the letters of consent to travel are not the same as the final one, because there are changes in the return dates or different flight plans, or because new adults are traveling with the child.

Look for a notary service at banks, credit unions or online. Online notarization for minor allows parents to complete a notarized letter without appointments or waiting rooms and from the comfort of their homes. At the appointment, the notary will confirm identities, witness the signing of the document and affix the seal. Parents must come in front of the notary to sign personally — it is illegal to have an absent spouse sign.

Do not take photocopies or electronic copies of the original signed travel consent letter with you instead of the actual letter. Copies are more likely to be questioned by the border officers. Pack complete travel kit before leaving for the trip, not at the airport.

Conclusion

At this time you can make a travel consent letter for your child’s next trip.

Collect all the necessary details and have your letter notarized. Bring the original document packed before you leave for the airport. These measures will help you avoid delays and possible disruptions to travel.

Keep in mind, border officials are taken seriously by these documents. Write your letter properly, and your family’s international adventure will begin without a hitch!.