Can you authorize someone to accompany your children from US to another country?

Can you authorize someone to accompany your children from US to another country? - Top view of different types and colors American dollars placed together on each other

Could a mother authorize a relative/friend to travel with her children (12-13 years old) from the US to another country? What are the rules and requirements?

Would an authorization letter from the mother to show at immigration enough?



Best Answer

You can authorize someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, and would need to verify the destination country entry and, potentially, exit requirements.

As they (and/or you) are in the United States, here is what US Customs and Border Protection recommends:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, or in groups*, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission." See our Q&A parental consent.

While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if we do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.

Adults traveling with children should also be aware that, while the U.S. does not require this documentation, other countries may have a requirement and failure to produce notarized permission letters and/or birth certificates could result in travelers being refused entry (Canada has very strict requirements in this regard).

Additional information on children traveling alone, can be found on our website at Answer ID 449.




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How do you write a parental consent form for travel?

How do I write a consent letter for my child to travel?
  • List your child's name, birth date/place, and passport details.
  • Include allergies and any special needs.
  • Provide the parent's/guardian's name, custody information, and passport details.
  • Add contact information for the non-traveling parents/guardians.


  • Can a child travel internationally with one parent?

    If a child is crossing borders alone or with an adult who isn't their legal guardian, they need a consent letter signed by both parents. If they are traveling with one parent, the other parent needs to sign the consent form as well.

    What is a child travel consent form?

    A Travel Consent Form is used when a child is traveling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorised group. This document notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian has given their consent for the child to travel without them.



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