MINOR TRAVEL WITH ONLY ONE PARENT
Does a Child Need a Consent Letter to Travel With One Parent?
The United States does not generally require proof that both parents consent before a minor travels internationally. However, some destination countries require a signed or notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent, and U.S. government guidance recommends checking those requirements before travel.
Useful Documents Can Include
- Child’s passport or other required travel document
- Birth certificate
- Consent letter from non-traveling parent
- Custody order if applicable
- Death certificate if applicable
The United States Does Not Have a General Two-Parent Travel Permission Rule
Current Department of State guidance states that the United States does not require evidence of both parents’ permission for a minor to travel internationally.
A consent letter is therefore not a universal U.S. federal entry document comparable to a passport or visa.
Other Countries Can Require Parental Consent
The destination or transit country may impose its own rules. DOS states that some countries require a parent traveling alone with a child to carry a signed and notarized letter from the other parent or proof of sole legal custody.
CBP Guidance Also Recommends Being Prepared
CBP guidance concerning infants and minors notes that consent documentation can be useful when a child is not traveling with both parents because of concerns involving custody disputes, international child abduction and trafficking.
What a Consent Letter Should Identify
- Child’s full name and date of birth.
- Traveling parent’s name.
- Non-traveling parent’s name.
- Destination and approximate travel dates.
- Statement authorizing the international trip.
- Contact information for the non-traveling parent.
- Signature and notarization when required or advisable.
Sole Custody Should Be Documented
If the traveling parent has sole legal authority and the other parent’s consent is not legally required, carrying the relevant custody order can help explain the situation when another country requests proof of authority to travel.
A Different Last Name Is Not Itself a Bar
Parents and children frequently have different surnames. Carrying a birth certificate, adoption decree or other relationship document can help demonstrate the connection if questions arise.
A Consent Letter Does Not Replace the Child’s Travel Document
The child must still possess the passport, visa or other entry document required for the trip. A parental consent letter addresses permission to travel; it is not an immigration admission document.
Parental permission and immigration documentation are separate issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U.S. law always require a notarized letter from the other parent?
No. DOS states that the United States does not generally require proof of both parents’ permission for international travel, although other countries may require a notarized consent letter.
What if the other parent is deceased?
A death certificate can help explain why consent from the other parent cannot be provided.
Does the consent letter replace a passport?
No. The child must independently satisfy the passport, visa and other travel-document requirements applicable to the trip.
Review Custody and Consent Documents Before International Travel
The U.S. rule, destination-country rules and any custody order should all be checked before a parent travels internationally with a minor.