Airlines don’t care about your family drama. Border agents won’t listen to your explanations about custody arrangements or work schedules. All they want to see is proper documentation – and that includes a letter of consent when you’re traveling with a child who isn’t entirely your legal responsibility or when the other parent isn’t present.
Missing this single piece of paper can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare at the airport. Families get separated, flights get missed, and holidays get ruined because someone forgot to prepare the right paperwork. The good news is that creating an effective consent letter doesn’t require legal expertise – just attention to detail and the right template to guide you.
Sample Letters of Consent to Travel with Child
Here are ten professionally crafted templates that cover the most common travel scenarios. Each letter addresses specific situations you might encounter, from divorced parents to grandparent trips.
1. Basic Consent Letter from Both Parents
Subject: Parental Consent for Minor Child Travel
Date: [Insert Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
We, [Parent 1 Full Name] and [Parent 2 Full Name], are the legal parents/guardians of [Child’s Full Name], born on [Child’s Date of Birth]. We hereby give our full consent for our child to travel with [Accompanying Adult’s Full Name] to [Destination] from [Departure Date] to [Return Date].
The accompanying adult has our complete authorization to make decisions regarding our child’s welfare, medical care, and travel arrangements during this trip. We can be reached at the following contact numbers: [Parent 1 Phone] and [Parent 2 Phone].
[Insert recipient’s address]
Sincerely,
[Insert both parents’ names and signatures]
This straightforward template works perfectly for standard family trips where both parents are available to sign. Keep the language clear and include all essential details that immigration officers typically request.
2. Single Parent Consent Letter
Subject: Travel Authorization for Minor Child – Single Parent Consent
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern:
I am [Your Full Name], the sole legal guardian of [Child’s Full Name], date of birth [Child’s DOB]. I am writing to provide authorization for my child to travel with [Companion’s Name] to [Destination Country/City] from [Start Date] through [End Date].
My child will be staying at [Accommodation Details] and can be reached at [Contact Information During Trip]. I have attached copies of relevant custody documents and my identification for verification purposes.
Should any questions arise during travel, I can be contacted at [Your Phone Number] or [Email Address]. I understand that this letter serves as official consent for international/domestic travel purposes.
[Insert recipient address placeholder]
Best regards,
[Insert sender’s name and role]
Single parents face unique challenges when authorizing travel. This template addresses those concerns while maintaining the professional tone required by authorities.
3. Divorced Parent Consent Letter
Subject: Parental Travel Consent – Divorced Parent Authorization
[Current Date]
Dear Immigration Officers and Airline Personnel:
I, [Your Name], hereby authorize my child [Child’s Full Name], born [Date of Birth], to travel with my ex-spouse [Ex-Spouse’s Name] to [Travel Destination] from [Departure Date] to [Return Date].
Per our divorce decree dated [Date], I maintain legal custody rights and provide this consent voluntarily. During travel, my child will reside at [Accommodation Information] and can be contacted at [Phone Number].
For verification purposes, I have included copies of our divorce settlement and custody agreement. My contact information remains [Your Phone] and [Your Email] throughout this travel period.
This authorization covers all aspects of travel, accommodation, and emergency medical decisions that may arise during the specified dates.
[Recipient address placeholder]
Respectfully,
[Sender name and designation placeholder]
Divorce situations require extra documentation. This letter acknowledges the legal relationship while providing clear authorization parameters.
4. Grandparent Travel Consent Letter
Subject: Grandparent Travel Authorization for Minor Grandchild
[Insert Date]
To All Relevant Authorities:
We are pleased to authorize our grandchild [Grandchild’s Full Name], age [Age], born [Birth Date], to travel with grandparents [Grandparent Names] to [Destination] for the period of [Travel Dates].
As the legal parents of [Child’s Name], we [Parent Names] provide full consent for this trip. Our child will stay at [Address Where Child Will Stay] and participate in activities including [Brief Activity Description].
Emergency contacts during travel include the grandparents at [Phone Number] and ourselves at [Parent Contact Numbers]. We have provided copies of birth certificates and our identification for verification.
[Insert address placeholder for recipient]
With appreciation,
[Insert parent names and designations]
Grandparent trips create wonderful memories, but they also require careful documentation. This template ensures smooth passage through security checkpoints.
5. School Trip Consent Letter
Subject: Educational Travel Consent for Student Participant
Date: [Current Date]
To: [School Name/Trip Organizer]
We give permission for our child [Student Name], date of birth [DOB], to participate in the educational trip to [Destination] scheduled for [Trip Dates] under the supervision of [Teacher/Chaperone Names].
Our child may participate in all planned activities including [List Major Activities]. In case of medical emergency, we authorize trip supervisors to seek necessary medical treatment. Our insurance information is [Insurance Details].
During the trip, we can be reached at [Primary Contact] or [Secondary Contact]. We understand the itinerary and have reviewed all safety protocols with our child.
We also consent to our child traveling via [Transportation Method] and staying at [Accommodation Type]. All required medications and special instructions are detailed in the attached health form.
[Recipient address field]
Gratefully,
[Parent signature and printed name placeholder]
School trips open young minds to new experiences. This comprehensive template covers educational travel while addressing safety concerns that schools and parents share.
6. Emergency Travel Consent Letter
Subject: Emergency Travel Authorization – Immediate Family Circumstances
[Today’s Date]
URGENT – To Whom It May Concern:
Due to a family emergency, I [Your Name] am authorizing immediate travel for my child [Child’s Name], born [Birth Date], to travel with [Authorized Person] to [Destination] departing [Date].
The emergency circumstances require my child to travel without my physical presence. [Authorized Person’s Name] has my complete authority to make travel and care decisions for my child during this period.
I can be reached at [Emergency Contact Number] at any hour. Additional emergency contacts include [Secondary Contact Information]. I have provided all available documentation given the urgent nature of this situation.
[Address placeholder for authorities]
Under emergency circumstances,
[Your identification and signature placeholder]
Emergencies don’t wait for perfect paperwork. This template provides essential authorization while acknowledging the urgent circumstances that may limit available documentation.
7. International Travel Consent Letter
Subject: International Travel Authorization for Minor – Comprehensive Consent
[Date]
To Border Control and International Authorities:
I/We [Parent Name(s)] authorize our child [Child’s Full Name], passport number [Passport Number], to travel internationally with [Travel Companion] to [Country/Countries] from [Departure Date] through [Return Date].
Our child will cross the following borders: [List Countries]. Accommodation arrangements include [Hotel/Address Information]. The purpose of travel is [Travel Purpose – vacation/family visit/etc.].
In our absence, [Travel Companion] has authority to make decisions regarding accommodation, transportation, and emergency medical care. We have provided comprehensive medical information and insurance documentation.
Our contact information during our child’s travel includes [Multiple Contact Methods]. We understand international travel requirements and have ensured our child carries all necessary documentation.
[International authority address placeholder]
For safe travels,
[Parent identification and role placeholder]
International travel requires extra attention to detail. This template addresses the specific concerns of border control agents in multiple countries.
8. Summer Camp Travel Consent
Subject: Summer Camp Travel and Activity Authorization
[Insert Current Date]
Dear Camp Directors and Transportation Personnel:
Our child [Camper Name], age [Age], born [Birth Date], has our permission to attend [Camp Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date] and participate in all camp-related travel.
Camp activities may include [List Activities – hiking, swimming, field trips, etc.]. We authorize camp staff to transport our child to these activities and make reasonable decisions about participation based on safety conditions.
Medical authorization accompanies this letter. Our child may receive over-the-counter medications and emergency medical treatment as deemed necessary by camp medical staff or local medical facilities.
Contact us at [Phone Numbers] or [Email Addresses] for any concerns. We trust the camp’s judgment in ensuring our child’s safety and enjoyment throughout the camp experience.
[Camp authority address placeholder]
With confidence in your program,
[Insert parent names and contact information]
Summer camps provide independence and growth opportunities. This template balances parental oversight with the flexibility camps need to operate effectively.
9. Temporary Guardian Travel Consent
Subject: Temporary Guardian Travel Authorization
[Date of Letter]
Official Travel Authorization Notice:
I, [Your Name], parent of [Child’s Name], date of birth [Child’s DOB], hereby appoint [Guardian’s Name] as temporary guardian with authority to travel with my child to [Destination] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
This temporary guardianship includes decision-making authority for medical care, daily activities, and travel arrangements. [Guardian’s Name] has known our family for [Time Period] and has our complete trust in caring for our child.
During this period, I will be [Your Location/Situation – traveling, unavailable, etc.] and can be reached at [Contact Information]. Legal documentation supporting this arrangement is attached for verification.
[Authority address placeholder]
Entrusting our child’s care to,
[Your name and legal relationship placeholder]
Sometimes circumstances require temporary guardianship arrangements. This template provides the legal clarity needed while expressing confidence in the chosen guardian.
10. Military Parent Deployment Consent
Subject: Military Deployment Family Travel Authorization
[Letter Date]
To Military Travel and Civilian Authorities:
Due to military deployment orders, I [Service Member Name], [Rank], stationed at [Base Name], authorize travel for my child [Child’s Name], born [Birth Date], with [Caregiver Name] to [Destination] during my deployment period.
My deployment extends from [Deployment Start] to [Expected Return]. During this time, [Caregiver Name] serves as primary caregiver with full authorization for travel, medical, and educational decisions regarding my child.
Military contact information includes [Unit Contact] and [Emergency Military Contact]. Civilian emergency contact is [Spouse/Family Contact]. All military documentation and family care plans are attached.
My child’s travel supports family stability during deployment and has been approved through military family support services.
[Military and civilian authority address placeholder]
In service to country and family,
[Military rank, name, and unit designation placeholder]
Military families face unique challenges during deployments. This template acknowledges military circumstances while providing civilian authorities with necessary authorization information.
Conclusion: Smooth Travels with Proper Documentation
Getting your travel consent letter right the first time saves stress, prevents delays, and protects your family’s travel plans. Each template here addresses specific situations, but remember to customize the details for your unique circumstances.
Always carry multiple copies of your consent letter, keep digital backups accessible, and verify current requirements with your airline and destination country. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare proper documentation transforms potentially stressful travel situations into smooth journeys filled with great memories rather than bureaucratic headaches.