What documents do I need when traveling with children?

In short

• Every child, including infants, needs their own passport for international travel - there are no 'family passports' anymore.
• Many countries require a notarized parental consent letter when a child travels with one parent or with another adult.
• Children also need their own visas or electronic travel authorizations (ESTA, eTA, ETIAS) - these are not transferable from parents.

Why traveling with children needs extra paperwork

International travel with children involves more documents than adult travel. The extra paperwork exists to prevent child abduction across borders - so countries take it seriously, even when the child is traveling with their biological parent.

Before you book your trip1 family hotel and head to the airport, make sure all the children's documents are in order.

Core documents for every child

• A valid passport in the child's name (every child, including newborns).
• Visa or electronic travel authorization (ESTA, eTA, ETIAS, etc.) for the destination.
• Birth certificate (original or certified copy) - especially if the child shares a different surname than the parent.
• Notarized parental consent letter if traveling with one parent or without parents.
• Custody documents if the parents are divorced and the child shares a name with the non-traveling parent.

When is a parental consent letter needed?

Most countries require or strongly recommend a notarized consent letter if a child is traveling with only one parent, with a grandparent, or with another guardian. The letter is from the absent parent(s) and confirms they have permitted the travel.

The letter should include the child's full name and date of birth, both parents' full names, dates of travel, destination, the accompanying adult's name, and contact information. Many countries (Canada, South Africa, Brazil) actively check for this.

What about babies?

Infants need their own passport, their own visa or travel authorization, and a birth certificate. The hospital birth record is not enough for international travel - apply for a passport as soon as possible after birth.

trip1 hotel bookings for families

trip1 supports family bookings - add the number of adults and children when searching. Many hotels allow children under 12 to stay free with parents. Bring all family passports to check-in.