Does a travel consent letter need an apostille? [+free consent form]

A travel consent letter does not need to be apostilled unless specifically requested by an overseas authority. However, to be extra careful, depending on the destination country, you may want to apostille your consent letter to ensure that overseas authorities accept it.

We recommend you check with the destination country if an apostille is required. At a minimum, all travel consent letters issued in the UK should be notarised for overseas travel.

You need an apostille for the travel consent letter if an authority abroad has requested that the child’s documents must be legalised. When an apostille has been requested for the consent letter, you have two options to get an apostille in the UK.

Immigration, customs, and law enforcement officials often have the right to request a child travel consent form. Also, not all countries have the same rules and laws for children travelling without their parents. [1]

Human trafficking or unresolved custody issues could be reasons why an apostille is requested or strongly recommended.

The travel consent letter shows officials that the child has parental permission to travel to leave or enter the country.

The reason why a travel consent letter needs to be notarised can come from overseas authorities, from airlines and more recently, from travel agents.

Notarisation of consent requires the parent(s) to arrange an appointment with a notary public so the notary can witness the signature.

Identity documentation and proof of connection to the child must be presented to the notary. In addition, the signing party may also need to provide evidence of their relationship with the child.

Children crossing international borders alone, with someone who isn’t their legal guardian or who travels with one parent, must have an adult consent form signed by both parents.

This includes grandparents and any other family members who wish to take a child abroad.

A travel consent form should also be used if the parent and child have different surnames.

Separated parents travelling alone with their children should check with the destination country if permission to travel is required from both parents, especially in South Africa and Norway.

Not being able to prove that you have the authority to travel with a minor could get you in real trouble. Not least, travel agents, airlines and border control can refuse travel.

If you are not the parent, taking a child abroad without proper permission can be considered child abduction – which is a criminal offence.

Free templates can be downloaded from the UK Home Office website, airlines, travel agents, and the destination county’s embassies and consulates. [2, 3, 4 ]

Also, an online search for a child travel consent template will show options.

Just make sure you choose one that is free of errors, doesn’t miss any information and has been created for the UK.

Ask the requesting authority (travel agents, airlines). They often provide templates that you could use.

Remember that most solicitors and notaries will also draft consent letters for you.

    Emergency travel document (.gov)

     Travel consent letter for a child

To make sure your travel consent letter is ready for international travel, check that:

Although legalisation with an apostille is not always required, legalising your travel consent letter can be beneficial to avoid any unforeseen issues whilst overseas.