The Child Travel Authorisation is the official Child Travel Consent Form for minor children travelling outside of their normal place of residence in the UAE without their parent(s) and/or guardians present to accompany the minor on the trip. All airlines, schools, embassies, and immigration authorities located within the UAE require documentation supporting the parent/guardian’s legal authority to travel with said minor child.
Its purpose is to protect the child and prevent them from being taken from their residence without permission, having any disputes concerning the custody of the minor child and facilitating travel to/from other countries without having been granted authority to transport the minor to/from that country. Therefore, a Child Travel Consent Form must be properly executed using the appropriate procedures for your jurisdiction to ensure that it is recognised by all required authorities and given the needed level of importance under law. If a Child Travel Consent Form is improperly written or executed, it could result in the minor child being denied boarding or entrance into their destination, a delay in travel or other difficulties related to legal matters.
What is a Child Travel Consent Form?
Every Child Travel Consent Form is a document that grants legal authority to allow a minor child to travel domestically and/or internationally under certain
circumstances. The Child Travel Consent Form identifies:
- Child
- Parent/guardian giving consent
- Adult(s) travelling with minor children/travel arrangements
Legally, the Child Travel Consent Form provides:
- Confirmation of lawful authority over minor children
- Confirmation of knowing and voluntary consent to allow the minor child to travel
- Identification and definition of parameters for travelling
- No custody or guardianship transfer of rights
A Child Travel Consent Form does not give permanent legal authority or guardianship of the minor child. The permission given is limited solely for the purpose of travel and the period of time indicated in the Child Travel Consent Form.
Read more about: Drafting An Affidavit In The UAE
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Why is a Child Travel Consent Form Necessary?
A child travel consent form is a legal document that grants permission from a parent or legal guardian for a child to travel internationally with another adult. It serves as proof that the traveling adult has the authority to accompany the child and make decisions on their behalf during the trip. This form is particularly crucial when a child is traveling with only one parent, a guardian, a relative, a family friend, or as part of a school or group trip. Immigration officials and airlines often require this document to prevent child abduction cases and ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
The following specific purposes of these forms include:
- Confirming parental or guardian consent
- Preventing unauthorised travel or abduction
- Clarifying who is responsible for the child while travelling
- Assuring airline and border authorities that the travel is permitted by the child’s parent or guardian.
Importance
A consent form is a legal document that protects travelling minor children by confirming the legal nature of the minor child’s booking. Consent forms allow any adult who is travelling alone with a minor child to demonstrate that they have legal permission for the trip, such as in a situation in which only one parent is travelling with the minor child, or if the minor child is travelling with a family member, teacher or carer, or if the minor child is travelling alone or has a parent who has separated, been divorced or resides in another country.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
In the absence of a consent form, a non-completion or incorrectly completed form will lead to the denial of boarding, an inability for immigration authorities to allow you to exit or enter the country, delays/cancellations of your travel plans and concerns about custody/legal issues.
Components of a Child Travel Consent Form:
- Heading and Identifying Information: The form should begin with a clear heading, indicating that it is a “Child Travel Consent Form.” It should include identifying details of the child, such as their full name, date of birth, and passport number (if applicable). Additionally, mention the name of the accompanying adult, the destination, and the travel dates. Providing contact information for both parents and legal guardians is essential for communication during the trip.
- Consent Statement: The consent statement is the heart of the form. It should be a straightforward and explicit declaration by the parent or guardian, granting permission for the child to travel with the specified accompanying adult.
- Travel Details: It is crucial to provide specific travel details in the form. This includes departure and return dates, flight information (if applicable), contact information of the adult accompanying the child during the trip, and the address and contact details of the accommodation abroad. The more precise the information, the smoother the travel process.
- Parent/Guardian Information: Include a section where the parent or guardian can provide their contact information and any additional details necessary for communication during the trip. This information may include full name, address, phone number, and email address.
- Absent Parent/Guardian Consent: If one parent or legal guardian is not traveling with the child, they must provide written consent. Dedicate a section in the form where the absent parent or guardian can sign and date the document, acknowledging their approval of the travel arrangement.
- Witness and Notarization: To add validity and authenticity to the consent form, consider including a section for witnesses to sign. Some countries may also require notarization, where a notary public witnesses the signing of the document and affixes their official seal. Notarization may vary depending on the laws of the country of departure and destination.
- Medical Authorization: Including a section where the parent or guardian grants the accompanying adult permission to make medical decisions on behalf of the child in case of an emergency is crucial. This ensures that prompt medical attention can be sought if necessary.
- Governing Law: State the governing law of the consent form, which typically refers to the legal jurisdiction where the form is valid and enforceable. It is usually the country where the child resides or the destination country.
You may want to know: Legal Drafting Of Child Custody And Visitation Agreement In The UAE
The Role of Drafting Lawyers at Notary Public Dubai:
Navigating the legal requirements for traveling abroad with a child can be complex, especially in the UAE, which has specific regulations in place. Drafting lawyers at a Notary Public Dubai can provide valuable assistance in the following ways:
- Expert Guidance – Lawyers with experience in family and travel laws can guide you through the process of creating a comprehensive Child Travel Consent Form, ensuring all necessary information is included.
- Notarization and Attestation – Drafting lawyers can help you with the notarization and attestation of the consent form, ensuring its legal validity both in the UAE and abroad.
- Legal Compliance – Lawyers can ensure that your consent form complies with the UAE’s regulations and any additional requirements of the destination country.
- Customization – Each travel situation may have unique aspects. Lawyers can customize the consent form to meet your specific needs and circumstances.
Who Needs a Child Travel Consent Form?
Typically, a Child Travel Consent Form is needed when:
- A child will be travelling without both parents.
- A child will be travelling with someone other than a parent (i.e., grandparents or relatives).
- A child will be travelling on a school trip with staff/teachers.
- A child will be travelling with domestic workers/carers.
- A child will be travelling alone and is classified as an Unaccompanied Minor.
- A child will be travelling internationally, and the parents have a current custody agreement.
The guidelines for obtaining and providing the form may vary depending on the country of destination, the airline’s policies, and the discretion of UAE immigration authorities.
Legal Authority and Guardianship Considerations
According to UAE law, legal guardianship must be defined, so parent(s) (or legal guardian(s)) must have a legal basis for any travel consent.
Who can provide legal travel consent?
– Both parents together
– One parent (if the law allows)
– A Court-Appointed Guardian (if applicable)
– There are also custody orders, guardian determinations & travel limitations. Therefore, any consent given must match these orders; otherwise, it may be rejected.
Requirements and Documents
Mandatory Documents
- Typically, to notarise and create a Child Travel Consent Form, you will need the following documents:
- A copy of the child’s passport
- A copy of the passport(s) of the consenting parent(s)/guardian(s)
- A copy of the consenting party’s Emirate ID if you have one
- The child’s birth certificate to prove the relationship
- The travel information, including where and when to go, and who is travelling with the child.
Additional or Case-Specific Documents
Depending on your specific need, you may also need other documents:
Judgements for custody/divorce
Guardianship Certificate
Passport copy of accompanying adult
School Authorisation Letters
Travel Itinerary and/or Visa Information
All documents submitted must be current, accurate and legally recognised as valid.
Key Details Included in a Child Travel Consent Form
The common elements of a properly prepared consent form generally are:
Complete Name and Date of Birth of Child
Passport Number and Other Identification Information of Child
Complete contact information for consenting parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
The relationship of child to consenting parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
Travel Destination(s)
Travel Dates and Duration of Travel
Information regarding any adult(s) accompanying and who is/are making the travel arrangements
Signature(s) of the consenting parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
The risk of having the consent form rejected is reduced by having clearly and accurately written consent.
Process and Procedure
The preparation and legalisation of a Child Travel Consent Form follow a defined legal sequence.
Step 1: Verification of Authority
Identity and relationship documentation are used to confirm a parent/guardian’s legal authority.
Step 2: Drafting of Consent Form
Documents are created with the following details:
Correct personal/travel information.
Correctly define the scope of consent.
Does not transfer custody or guardianship.
Language requirements will be fulfilled at this point.
Step 3: Review and Confirmation
Reviewing details will include careful checking of accuracy in all documents against passport, ticket, and visa.
Step 4: Notarisation
A notary public licensed to perform notarial acts must sign the document of the consenting party and verify their identification, legal capacity to enter into this regulation, and intention to execute the document.
Step 5: Issuance of Notarised Copies
When submitting documents to an airline, an immigration authority, an embassy or a school, certified copies will be issued as required.
Cost and Timeline
Cost Factors
- The overall price for a Child Travel Consent Form is billed based on the following:
- Number of people giving consent.
- How complicated the custody situation is.
- Whether translation or bilingual formatting needs to be provided.
- How urgent the need for this document is.
Timeline
Drafting and reviewing: On or before the business day after we receive your request.
Notarising: Same day or scheduled appointment depending on the time of day.
Making changes or redrafting: If this requires additional time, we will need to add time to our timeline.
It is advisable to get your form prepared early on to prevent any last-minute issues while travelling.
Legal Validity and Recognition
Validity within the UAE
- Once the Child Travel Consent Form has been notarised, it is a legal document and should be accepted by:
- UAE Immigration Authorities
- Airlines Using UAE as Their Base of Operations
- Schools and other educational institutions in the UAE
Use Outside the UAE
Depending on your destination country as well as its Embassy or Consulate, some countries may require the following before you can travel internationally:
Attested
Translated
Additional Legalisation of the Document
Requirements will vary based on the specific destination.
Rejection Types and Criteria of Common Errors
| Mistake | Effect |
| Missing parent or guardian signature | Travel permission denied |
| Incorrect or incomplete child details | Immigration clearance denied |
| Document not notarized | Document not accepted by authorities |
| Inconsistent or unclear travel dates | Airline boarding denied |
| Ignoring existing custody or court orders | Legal complications and possible travel ban |
Importance in Child Protection and Compliance
The Child Travel Consent Form is one of the most important things for keeping children safe and allowing children to travel across borders legally. This form also follows the principles for protecting children, meaning it provides proof that a guardian or someone who has the authority has consented to allow their child to travel internationally. The government considers this form to be of utmost importance, particularly when a minor is travelling internationally.
Notary Public Dubai help you to get child travel consent form
In conclusion, a well-prepared child travel consent form is essential when a child is traveling abroad with an accompanying adult. Taking the time to understand the crucial components of the form and seeking legal assistance, especially from drafting lawyers at a Notary Public Dubai, ensures the child’s safety and legal compliance during their international journey. It is crucial to verify specific requirements with relevant authorities and legal professionals before finalizing the consent form to ensure a hassle-free travel experience for everyone involved.
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Conclusion
The Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document required by law for a minor travelling out of or through the UAE while not in the presence of their two legal guardians. The form’s purpose is to protect the minor, provide evidence of lawful parent/legal guardian consent, and facilitate an easy and safe trip. The legal validity of this document, as well as its acceptance by the relevant government authorities, will depend on how it has been drafted by the parent/legal guardian, whether or not it has accurate information, and whether or not it has been notarised. A properly prepared Child Travel Consent Form provides all parties concerned with a clear understanding of what will happen during the travel of the minor.
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FAQ’s
Is a Child Travel Consent Form mandatory in Dubai?
It may not be a requirement for every situation; however, there are plenty of situations when a minor child travels, and especially when it is an international trip, when it is strongly recommended to have notarised travel permission.
Does the form need to be notarised?
Airline and immigration officials usually require a travel permission form to be notarised, which is why most people have them done when obtaining a child travel permission form.
Can one parent sign the consent form?
Yes, many times parents who are separated/divorced can give consent for their child to travel, unless they are legally restricted from travelling without the consent of both parents or a custody order that requires both parents’ permission.
How long is the consent form valid?
Travel permission forms will only give permission for the trip on the date specified and will not be valid after that date.
Can the form be reused for multiple trips?
Under normal circumstances, “No.” Government authorities in a given location are typically going to provide an individual with a travel-specific written consent.
Is the form accepted internationally?
While you can utilise a travel consent form that may be acceptable in your location, other countries may require additional authentication or legalisation for its use.
What happens if custody orders exist?
To ensure that a travel consent form conforms to custody orders and/or restrictions as ordered by a court.
