See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.
Children traveling to the U.S.
All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:
- If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
- If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
- Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.
Children (under age 16) of U.S. citizens arriving by land or sea from Canada or Mexico may present their original or a copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
U.S. citizen children traveling abroad
Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction. If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel.
If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.
LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023
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FAQs
Children must have their own passport, visa or other international entry documentation required of adults. In addition, certain countries require children leaving that country without both parents and a legal guardian to have a letter of consent, in some cases notarized.
Can a child travel internationally with only one parent? ›
If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.
Do I need a letter to travel with my child internationally? ›
Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor. If the child is accompanied by only one parent, the parent should have a note from the child's other parent.
What paper do I need to travel with my child? ›
What Do I Need to Fly with Young Children or Minors?
- Boarding Verification Document. ...
- Passport and Photo I.D. ...
- Birth Certificate.
A notarized letter of consent serves as an official document verifying that you have been granted permission by the legal guardians or parents to travel with their child. This measure aims at curbing illegal activities like child trafficking and ensures that any international travels involving children are legitimate.
How do I write a letter of permission for a child to travel? ›
I, ______________________________________________ (name of parent), am the ______ (mother) ______ (father) of __________________________________ , aged ____________ , and do hereby give my consent for (him)(her) to travel with __________________________________________________________________ (name/address of traveling ...
Can a mother take a child out of the country without father's permission in the USA? ›
Can a parent take a child out of the country without the consent of the other parent? Not without the proper documentation. In addition to your children's passports, you should carry a written, notarized parental consent from the other parent. This way you'll have it handy at customs and other important points.
Do I need a letter from my husband to travel with my child? ›
If your child is traveling alone, with only one parent, or with a non-legal guardian, they will require a Child Travel Consent signed by both parents or legal guardians. A Child Travel Consent is sometimes called a letter of permission to travel.
What is a letter of consent for a child to travel? ›
A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that provides permission from a child's parents or legal guardian for the child to travel without them. This form usually outlines important information, including details about the child, the travelling party, the itinerary and the consenting parent or guardian.
Can I take my kids out of the country without my husband? ›
Parents with sole custody are granted permission to travel out of country with their children without permission from the child's other parent. However, to do so, the parent with sole custody must show the court-ordered custody arrangement to obtain the child's passport.
Each American citizen must possess his or her own passport.
What is a TSA travel consent form for a child? ›
What is a Child Travel Consent form? A Child Travel Consent gives a minor child permission to travel without their parents or legal guardians. Use this form when your child needs to travel alone or with another adult, who is not their legal guardian (e.g., a grandparent, friend, or teacher).
What proof do you need for a child to fly? ›
Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.
Can a baby travel internationally with a birth certificate? ›
U.S. citizens under age 16 may present a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship when entering by land or sea. All travelers must have a passport book for international air travel. Please note that hospital-issued birth certificates, voter registration cards, and affidavits cannot be used.
How to fly with a child that isn't yours? ›
If the kids traveling with you aren't yours, consent-to-travel documentation is required. Consent-to-travel docs are basically fancy permission slips from a child's parents or legal guardian that state it's okay for them to travel with you.
Can I travel abroad with my child without father's consent? ›
Can a parent take a child out of the country without the consent of the other parent? Not without the proper documentation. In addition to your children's passports, you should carry a written, notarized parental consent from the other parent. This way you'll have it handy at customs and other important points.
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