Notarising Documents for International Travel with Children: What You Need to Know
- Michael Callaghan
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Understanding when and why you may need to see a notary can save you from delays, denied boarding, or legal complications at the border. This guide explains some essential information about notarising documents when travelling with children, helping you to prepare confidently for your trip.
When Do Documents Need to be Notarised for Travelling with Children
When children travel internationally, authorities often require proof that the child has permission from both parents or legal guardians to do so. This is to prevent child abduction and to ensure the child’s safety. A notarised document serves as official evidence that the accompanying adult has the right to travel with the child.
Common situations that require notarised documents include:
One parent travelling alone with the child
Travelling with a child who is not your biological child
Guardians or relatives travelling with a child
Children traveling without either parent
Without notarised consent, border officials may question the legitimacy of the travel, which can lead to denied entry or exit.
What Documents Typically Need Notarisation
The most common document that requires notarisation is a travel consent letter or permission letter. This letter should include:
Full names of the child and the travelling adult(s)
Dates and destination of travel
Statement of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
Contact information of the consenting parent(s)
Signatures of the consenting parent(s) or guardian(s)
In some cases, additional documents may be necessary, such as:
Custody agreements or court orders
Birth certificates to prove parentage
Guardianship papers
Check the specific requirements of the destination country and airline before travelling and allow plenty of time before the planned trip to visit the notary.
Why You Need to See a Notary
You need to see a notary public in order to have the travel consent letter or other documents officially notarised. The notary verifies the identity of the person signing the document and witnesses the signature. You will also need to provide valid evidence of your own identity to the notary at the meeting.
How to Prepare for Your Notary Appointment
To make the notarisation process run smoothly, prepare the following:
The original travel consent letter or documents to be notarised
Valid government-issued photo ID for each person signing
Any supporting documents like custody papers or birth certificates if relevant
Tips for Travelling Smoothly with Children Abroad
Always carry the original notarised consent letter and copies when traveling.
Check the entry and exit requirements of the destination country well in advance.
Inform airline staff about your travel documents at check-in.
Keep contact information for both parents or guardians handy.
Consider translating the consent letter into the language of the destination country if required.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Notarised Documents?
Travelling without notarised consent can cause serious problems. Border officials may:
Deny boarding or entry to the child or accompanying adult
Detain the child for further investigation
Contact authorities or the non-travelling parent
Cause delays that disrupt travel plans
These issues can be stressful and costly. Taking the time to notarise documents beforehand prevents these complications.
About
Michael Callaghan is a notary public in Essex, Suffolk and London. He is experienced in all areas of notarial practice. He was a solicitor for over 30 years, but he now deals exclusively with notary work
.
How Michael can help
Michael is familiar with carrying out the notarial requirements necessary for providing valid child consent to travel letters.
Please contact Michael to discuss your particular situation and for a no obligation quote.
