Documentation For Children Traveling Internationally

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Children traveling internationally require the same documentation as adults, that means that even the youngest babies need to get a passport or other accepted ID

International Child Abduction laws mean that you'll need a little more advance preparation and documentation if you are a parent traveling without your spouse, a grandparent, or if your last name is different from your child's last name.

  • You will need a notarized letter from the absent parent giving their permission for you to travel with the child. The letter must include the absent parents address, phone number, authorization to travel, the destination and the length of stay.
  • If you are a single parent by divorce, you will need the notarized letter plus your legal papers outlining custody.
  • If your spouse has died, you will need the death certificate
  • If a child traveling has a different last name from one of the parents, be prepared to show documentation that shows that both are parents (e.g. a birth certificate or adoption decree).
  • If the child had only one parent at birth, be prepared to show a birth certificate

Note: Check with your country’s state department regarding the latest regulations and requirements. For US Citizens, the website is travel.state.gov

Comments

  1. Michelle

    June 3, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.

    We are planning to take our 18 months old baby to his grandparents in Romania, Europe and leave him there for few months so his nana and papa will enjoy him.
    What documents do we need so when we come back without him we will not have any problems when we re-enter USA.
    I want to mention that we will stay in Europe for 3 weeks and one of us will have to go back to bring him back after 3 or 4 months.

    Thank you for your help,

    Michelle

  2. Debbie

    June 7, 2008 at 9:53 a.m.

    In addition to the documents listed above, you should contact your local passport office and speak to an officer about any special requirements regarding your situation.

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