Overview — Why planning matters
Traveling abroad with a child requires more than booking flights and packing bags. Every minor traveling internationally must have appropriate travel documents, and some countries or airlines may ask for evidence that all legal parents or guardians agree to the trip. Missing or incomplete paperwork can cause delays, stopped departures, or even denial of entry at your destination.
Start early: confirm passport timing, whether a notarized consent letter is recommended or required, and what your airline and destination country expect. These checks reduce the chance of problems at check-in, immigration, or when returning home.
Passports and official ID: what U.S. co-parents need to know
For international travel, every child — including infants — needs their own passport. In the U.S., first-time passport applications for minors use Form DS‑11 and must be submitted in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency. If the child is under age 16, both parents or guardians generally must appear or provide evidence of parental consent. If a parent cannot appear, the applying parent can submit a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS‑3053) or other permitted documentation. For applicants age 16–17 there are slightly different rules but the minor must still appear in person.
- Timing: passport processing and appointment availability vary — apply early (many countries require passports be valid for 6+ months beyond travel dates).
- Renewals: child passports under age 16 cannot be renewed by mail — a new DS‑11 application and in‑person appearance is usually required.
- Documents to bring: child’s birth certificate (original), passport photo, evidence of parental relationship, parents’ photo IDs, and any custody orders if relevant.
Consent letters, custody orders, and airline/border checks — practical checklist
Even though the U.S. does not always require proof of permission for a minor to depart, many countries and airlines do. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the State Department recommend that a child traveling internationally without both parents carry a signed, dated, and preferably notarized letter of consent from the non‑traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s). For children under 16 traveling without both legal guardians, CBP specifically recommends carrying such a letter to reduce questions at the border.
What to include in a travel consent letter (trip‑specific):
- Child’s full name, date/place of birth, and passport number.
- Names and contact details of both parents/legal guardians (or explanation if one parent is deceased or has sole custody).
- Dates of travel, flight numbers, and destination address(es).
- Name and relationship of the accompanying adult (if not a parent), plus emergency contact info.
- A statement authorizing medical care in an emergency, if desired, and a notarized signature of the non‑traveling parent(s).
Airlines and destination governments may have additional requirements or exact wording. For example, some carriers and countries require consent letters no older than a specified number of months or a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate; airline country guides (for example, Delta’s country-specific rules) list these variations. Always check the airline and the destination embassy/consulate before you travel.
If there are custody orders or court restrictions, carry certified copies of court orders showing custody or travel permissions (a judge’s order outranks a simple consent letter). If a parent has sole legal custody, bring the custody documents rather than asking the absent parent for permission.
Before you leave: final checks, emergency steps, and extra tips
Do these practical steps in the two to six weeks before travel:
- Confirm passports are valid (and meet any destination 6‑month rule).
- Check the embassy/consulate entry and exit rules for minors at your destination and any transit countries.
- Contact your airline to confirm their documentation and unaccompanied‑minor rules (if applicable).
- Obtain a notarized consent letter if one parent won’t travel; for passport issuance matters use Form DS‑3053 when applicable — notarized statements are generally accepted for up to three months from signing per State Department guidance.
- Carry originals and one set of certified or notarized copies of birth certificates, custody orders, and the consent letter; keep digital copies in a secure cloud folder.
Safety and recourse: if you suspect an attempted international parental child abduction or you need to prevent a passport being issued without proper consent, contact the State Department’s Office of Children’s Issues and consider enrolling in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP). For urgent border problems, contact local law enforcement and your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Quick packing checklist (documents)
- Child’s passport (original) + photocopy of data page
- Child’s birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Parental ID(s) (passports or Real ID driver license)
- Notarized consent letter(s) from non‑traveling parent(s), or certified custody orders
- Copies of medical info and signed emergency medical authorization
- Contact info for the non‑traveling parent(s) + lawyer and the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate
When to get legal help
If the other parent refuses consent and you believe travel is required (e.g., for a legal custody order, relocation with court permission, or urgent family reasons), consult a family law attorney before booking travel. If there are court orders limiting travel, do not rely on a consent letter alone — get the proper court permission.
Final note: rules change by country and carrier. The steps above reflect guidance from U.S. government sources and major carriers — verify the details for your exact itinerary before you go to avoid surprises at the airport.
