If your child is traveling without you, it’s important to have a letter of consent. This letter can help prevent any issues at border crossings or with airline officials. In this article, we will provide examples and tips on how to create a letter of consent to travel without parents.
Tips for Creating a Letter of Consent to Travel Without Parents
Before we dive into examples, here are some tips for creating a letter of consent:
- Make sure the letter is signed by both parents or guardians
- Include the full names of the child and accompanying adults
- Include travel dates and destinations
- Provide contact information for the parents or guardians
- Have the letter notarized for extra assurance
Readers can find examples of letters of consent below and edit them as needed to fit their specific circumstances.
Examples of a Letter of Consent to Travel Without Parents
Example 1: Traveling Abroad for a School Trip
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to travel abroad with the [name of school] on [dates of trip]. [Child’s name] will be accompanied by [name of teacher or chaperone] and any other adults necessary for the trip.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Example 2: Visiting Relatives in Another State
Dear [relative’s name],
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to travel to [city and state] to stay with you from [dates of trip]. [Child’s name] will be accompanied by [name of accompanying adult(s)].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Example 3: Vacationing with a Friend’s Family
Dear [friend’s parent/guardian name],
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to vacation with your family in [destination] from [dates of trip]. [Child’s name] will be accompanied by [name of accompanying adult(s)].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Example 4: Attending a Sports Tournament Out of State
Dear [coach’s name],
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to travel to [city and state] with the [name of the team] for a sports tournament from [dates of trip]. [Child’s name] will be accompanied by [name of accompanying adult(s)].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Example 5: Traveling Internationally with a Family Friend
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to travel internationally to [destination] from [dates of trip] with [name of accompanying adult].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Example 6: Traveling with Grandparents
Dear [grandparent’s name],
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to travel with you to [destination] from [dates of trip].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Example 7: Attending a Summer Camp
Dear [summer camp director’s name],
I, [parent/guardian name], give permission for my child, [child’s name], to attend [name of summer camp] from [dates of camp].
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Parent/Guardian name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a letter of consent be handwritten?
Yes, a letter of consent can be handwritten. However, it’s important to make sure it’s legible and includes all necessary information. A typed letter may be easier to read and provide a more professional appearance.
Do I need to have the letter notarized?
While notarization is not always necessary, it can provide extra assurance that the letter is legitimate. Border officials or airline staff may request to see notarized documentation, so it’s a good idea to have the letter notarized if possible.
What information should be included in the letter of consent?
The letter of consent should include the child’s full name, the name(s) of the accompanying adult(s), travel dates and destinations, and contact information for the parents or guardians. It’s also helpful to include the reason for the travel, such as a school trip or family vacation.
What if the child is traveling alone?
If the child is traveling alone, the letter of consent should state that they will be traveling alone and specify who will pick them up at their final destination.
Can the letter of consent be used for multiple trips?
It depends on the details of the trip. If the child will be traveling with the same adult(s) to the same destination multiple times, the same letter of consent may be used. However, if there are different travel dates or accompanying adults, a new letter of consent should be created.
How far in advance should the letter of consent be written?
The letter of consent should be written as soon as travel plans are confirmed. This will provide enough time to make any necessary changes or updates and ensure that the letter is not forgotten in the rush of travel preparations.
Can the letter of consent be sent electronically?
Yes, the letter of consent can be sent via email or other electronic means. However, it’s important to have a printed copy on hand in case it is needed for border crossings or airline staff.
Conclusion
A letter of consent is an important document when a child is traveling without their parents. By including all necessary information and having the letter notarized if possible, parents can help prevent any issues with border officials or airline staff. Use the examples and tips provided in this article to create a letter of consent that fits your specific circumstances.