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Travel Consent Forms for Under-18s

Child Travel Forms Explained for Hassle-free Travel: When & Why You Need One

Anyone under the age of 18 will need the consent of their parent or legal guardian if they want to travel. Specifically, in order to pass through border security and go anywhere abroad, children must bring a travel consent form to prove that their guardian has approved for them to travel alone, or with someone else. Here are a few details about the travel form for you to keep in mind.


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Key Points

  • Children under 18 need a consent form when travelling alone, with one parent, in a group, or with a non-guardian adult.
  • The form ensures child safety, prevents child abduction, and proves parental permission to travel.
  • It contains the child's details, travel information, accompanying adult's details, and a consent statement.

When does a child need a travel consent form?

A child will need a travel consent form if they are under 18 years of age and are travelling either domestically or internationally:

  • Independently
  • With one parent or legal guardian
  • As part of a group or organisation (on a school trip)
  • With an adult who is not a parent or legal guardian (such as an aunt or family friend)

Why is a child travel consent form required?

There are a few reasons for children requiring a consent form if they are travelling alone or with someone who is not their legal guardian.

  • To ensure the child's safety and prevent abduction
  • To provide proof to transport providers and customs officials that the child has permission to travel
  • To confirm that all individuals with parental responsibility have consented to the child's travel

Child Travel Consent Form UK

The travel consent form is a document that may include the following details:

  • Child's Information -  Name, date of birth, and passport number if applicable.
  • Travel Details -  Destination, duration of the trip, and travel dates.
  • Accompanying Adult's Information -  Name, relationship to the child, contact information, and passport number if applicable.
  • Parent/Guardian Information -  Names and contact details of the parents or guardians giving consent.
  • Consent Statement -  A clear statement granting permission for the child to travel with the specified adult.

Without this letter, border security has the right to deny entry or exit for a minor under the age of 18.

There are many consent form templates available online, making it a simple and straightforward process.





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Quick questions

Do you need a letter of permission to travel with grandchildren?

Grandparents should carry a parental travel consent form when taking their grandchildren out of the country. This is a safety precaution and a legal requirement. Always have a letter of consent signed by both parents, in addition to the necessary travel documents.

Do I need a travel consent form for domestic travel?

While not always required for domestic travel, it's a good practice to have a consent form, especially if the child is travelling with someone other than a parent.

At what age in the UK is a person considered a child?

In the UK, any person under the age of 18 is legally considered a child.

What is parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility relates to a parent's duties towards their child. It encompasses all the duties, powers, authority and responsibilities a parent has over their child and child's property.

Who has parental responsibility over a child?

In the UK, Mothers automatically have parental responsibility over a child. In England and Wales, parental responsibility also extends to the Father of the child if they are married to the Mother at the time of the child's birth.



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Things to Consider

  • Carefully read the form: Make sure you fully understand the consent form before signing.
  • Seek clarification if needed: If anything is unclear, feel free to ask the organiser for more information.
  • Verify the details: Check all the information on the form to ensure it is correct before signing.

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Related articles

If you found the tips and insights useful, then check out our other helpful articles on travelling as an under-18:




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