Before heading off to discover new travelling locations, it is necessary to go through the important step of obtaining identification papers and travel documents. Just like the parents, children are no exception to the rules. Passport, visa or consent to travel, and parental authorization form, whether they are traveling alone or with you.
When it comes to papers, it’s better to not leave anything. Bring along front and back photocopies of all of your identification papers and put them in a safe place inside your luggage. These documents aims to make your travelling experience easier.
If you prefer to travel light, you may bring a digital version: a photo of your papers, sent to your own email address or that of whoever is traveling with your child. But this norm applies differently in every country. Make sure you know your destination well before you let your child go.
Additionally, make sure to read up on the age of majority in the countries you are traveling to. For example, in Thailand, the age of civil majority is 20 years old. A nuance that may save your vacation if you are traveling with teenagers.
What Is a Parental Authorization Form?
Some travel locations require that travellers under the average age 18 to 20 present with a parental authorization form at the airport, indicating that the participant has permission to travel with or without a group.
Parents or guardians must complete the parental authorization form and have it notarized no earlier than 30 days prior to departure. Travelers must then take this form along throughout the whole tour.
With the progress of technology today, the personalized version of the form can be easily downloaded from the internet. The form must then be filled, either written manually by hand or typed. The next step is to print out the finished form.
The finished form must be taken throughout the tour with a copy of photo ID’s of signees, and any further documentation per stated below with you on tour.
Generic Parental Authorization Form
Parental Authorization Affidavit Form
Parental Authorization Form Example
Parental Authorization Form in PDF
Parental Authorization Form in Word Format
Parental Medical Authorization Form
Special Cases That Requires Parent Authorization
Although generally a parental authorization is only required for when a child is travelling alone, this form is also needed if one or more of these special cases occur.
- If parents of a minor are married, both parents must sign the form, even if one parent is accompanying the minor.
- If parents of the travelling child are divorced, both parents or the legal-custody parent must sign the form, and proof of divorce must be provided on the form during notarization. Proof of divorce and court order of custody must also be taken on tour, as it may be required at the airport.
- In the case of a deceased parent, a death certificate is required during notarization. A copy of the death certificate must also be taken with you throughout the tour, as it may also be required at the airport.
- If birth certificate naming only one parent, a copy of it would be required during notarization. It is better to also bring a copy of that birth certificate on tour as well.
How Old Does a Child Have To Be To Travel Alone?
A child as to be at least 5 years old in order to travel without a parent or guardian. And this applies only for a direct flight, no connections.
Children at the age of 8years old and older may fly with connections and will be escorted by airline personnel to their gate. It’s recommended all minors under the age of eighteen 18 to 20 years old carry a travel consent form.
Does a Travel Consent Form Include Medical Decisions?
A minor travel consent form does not include permission to make medical decisions on behalf of the child. If the consenting parent or guardian would like to handover those rights then a minor child power of attorney form should be authorized.
Traveling with children is a pleasure that can quickly become an administrative nightmare for adults that are traveling with them. The situation becomes particularly difficult when children head off without their parents, traveling with their grandparents or family friends.
To avoid unwelcome surprises, anticipation is the key word. We hope to provide you with the best tips to bring along a parental authorization form and other necessary documents to ensure a successful trip for your little ones.
