Child Travel Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE: The Requirements and the Process

When traveling anywhere without the presence of either parent, a child needs to be given utmost legal protection. A Child Travel Power of Attorney (POA) is generally necessary in the UAE to give legal authority to an adult in charge of a minor while travelling. The document also prevents unauthorized travel and ensures compliance with the law of the UAE.

This guide explains the need for a child travel POA, legal requirements, how to obtain this document, penalties for non-compliance, and the latest updates on child travel under UAE Personal Status Law that come into effect starting 15 April 2025.

What is a Child Travel POA in the UAE?

A Child Travel Power of Attorney (POA) in the UAE is an essential legal document that enables parents or legal guardians to give permission to other people, such as relatives, nannies or guardians, to travel with their child. This document is very important in cases where a minor is traveling without one or both parents. It ensures that the adult traveling with the child has legal authority to take care of him/her.

Legal Framework Governing Child Travel in UAE

The UAE Personal Status Law (Federal Law No. 28 of 2005) primarily deals with family matters, including child custody and travel, and empowers the mandate that a child cannot travel without the consent of both parents or legal guardians. 

The Importance of a Child Travel POA in the UAE

This Child Travel POA is necessary for minors who travel abroad without both parents or a legal guardian. The law in the UAE states the need for a very strict regime for the protection of children, and having such a document would ensure:

• Legal Authorization – To avoid travel difficulties and to confirm parental consent.
• Immigration Compliance – Needed at the airports and borders so kids are not moved illegally.
• Prevention of Custodial Disputes – Avoids creating legal disputes involving custody of the child.
• Ease of Travel – Allows smooth immigration checks for guardians accompanying the child.

Requirements for a Valid Child Travel POA

• Consent: The POA must expressly state that both parents or legal guardians give their consent for the child to travel with the named person.

• Specific Details: The document should contain the following information:

• • Full name, DOB, and passport details of the child
  • Full name and relationship to the child of the adult traveling.
  • Destination and duration of the trip.

• Notarization: This form must be notarized by a licensed notary public in UAE, which gives legal validity to the document.

• Additional Attestation (if required): If the POA is executed outside the UAE, it may require attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in both the country of signing and the UAE.  In case of POAs issued for outside use, attestation may be required from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE and also from the embassy/consulate of the destination country.

Documents Required for  A Child Travel POA in UAE?

In the issuance of a Child Travel POA, the following documents and particulars will be required:

• Details of Parent/Guardian: Passport copy, Emirates ID, and visa page (for expats).
• Details of an Authorized Person: Passport copy, Emirates ID, and residence visa (if any).
• Details of a Child: Passport copy and Emirates ID.
• Travel Particulars: Destination, purpose of travel, and duration of travel.
• Legal Translation (if applicable): If the document was drafted in another language, it needs to be translated into Arabic by an accredited translator.

Obtaining a Child Travel POA in the UAE: A Step by Step Process

1. Drafting of POA: The notary will prepare the POA document, granting permission for the child to travel with someone who is neither a parent nor a legal guardian. It is advisable to engage a legal expert to draft a required POA compliant with UAE Laws.
2. Arabic Translation: Translated into Arabic with accredited translators and certified by the Ministry of Justice in the UAE, if drafted in any other languages.
3. Notarization: The power of attorney must be notarized by a UAE public notary. Such action can usually be done physically or via online services.
4. Legalization: Depending upon the destination where the child is traveling, it may be necessary to legalize or authenticate the Power of Attorney document with the appropriate authorities.
5. Submission: The notarized and legalized POA be submitted to the airline or traveling authorities as per requirements.

New UAE Personal Status Law Updates Effective from April 15, 2025

The new UAE Personal Status Law which will come into effect from April 15, 2025, tightens the travel requirements for children. Some highlights include:

• Stricter Laws for Travel Consent – Unauthorized travel with a child without parental or legal guardian consent is subject to strict penalties.
• Increase in Fines – Parents or custodians who violate these laws may have to pay fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000.
• Legal Consequences – Unauthorized travel with a child may result in revocation of custodial rights or lawsuits.
• Judicial Approval in certain cases – Approval from a court is mandatory under specific circumstances when parental custody is under dispute.

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Child Travel Laws in the UAE

Infringement of requirements relating to the Child Travel POA and with respect to new amendments of the Personal Status Law 2025, result in grave consequences such as:

• Any custodian who travels with the child under his custody without the permission of his guardian or the court, shall be punished by:

• • Imprisonment and
  • A fine of not less than (5,000) five thousand dirhams and not exceeding fifty thousand (50,000) dirhams, or one of these two penalties.

• Last but not the least, the outcome may be legal complications and revocation of custodial rights for breach of laws protecting children.

Common Situations Requiring Child Travel POA in the UAE

1. One Parent Travel: Countries and airlines may sometimes require a POA if the child is traveling with one parent.
2. Travel with Relatives or Friends: In cases where grandparents, aunts, and uncles or family friends accompany a minor, a POA is required.
3. School and Study Trips Abroad: Most schools require a notarized travel POA for international educational events.
4. Separation or Divorce of Parents: The POA will assure that if parents are separated, then legal travel authorization is assured.
5. In Emergencies: A Power of Attorney would allow the trusted individual to travel with the child during emergencies.

How Notary Public Dubai Can Assist You

Trying to meet the legal requirements in the UAE for a Child Travel POA could be very difficult. Notary Public Dubai makes it easy for you with the following services:

• Legal Drafting & Consultation – Our POAs comply with UAE legal requirements and are drafted by our experts.
• Certified Arabic Translation – We have legal translation services for POAs certified as official.
• Notarization – Notary Public Dubai will notarize your POA hassle-free and if you choose to, e-notarization is available.
• Compliance with the UAE Laws – We ensure full compliance of your Child Travel POA as per the UAE Personal Status Law.

Secure Legal Travel for Your Children through a POA

Traveling with your child should be as easy and smooth as possible while remaining legal. Make sure you get a Child Travel POA for travel purposes. Visit Notary Public Dubai immediately to ask about expert services on drafting, translating, and notarizing your POA all in compliance with UAE laws.