Travel with Minors

Understanding your destination-specific requirements

Before your trip, make sure you research your destination. Review the entry or exit requirements that apply to you and your family when traveling with minors. Laws and regulations vary. In some places, it is not possible for a minor to depart without a legal parent or guardian, and some require formal consent from the non-traveling parent.

Required documents for international travel with minors

Always bring a copy of each child’s birth certificate or other evidence of your legal relationship to each child. The United States does not require evidence of both parents’ permission for a minor to travel internationally, but some countries do.

Notarized consent letters

In some countries, if you travel alone with your child, you may need a signed and notarized letter from the other parent, or you must provide proof of sole legal custody.
When the child is traveling alone or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, some countries require that parents or legal guardians provide a notarized, written permission letter.

Dual nationality

Your child may have dual nationality if 1 parent is a citizen of another country. If you think your child may have another nationality, contact that country’s embassy or consulate. Ask about their passport requirements and any entry and exit laws for minors or dual nationals. U.S. citizens are required to enter the United States using their U.S. passport.

Preventing international child abduction

If you believe a parent or legal guardian (or someone helping them) is trying to abduct your child abroad, act now to stop it:

Call 1-888-407-4747 for the Office of Children’s Issues Prevention Team, or email PreventAbduction1@state.gov.
Enroll your child in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP). When a child is enrolled, the Office of Children’s Issues reaches out to the enrolling parent(s) or legal guardians. The office verifies whether there is parental consent to issue the minor’s passport.
Get a court order that prevents anyone from taking your child outside of the United States.
Contact local law enforcement and airport police.
File a missing person report if your child is missing. Ask about National Crime Information Center (NCIC) entry.