Travel Consent for Children - Notarisation and Apostille

Travel Consent for Children

A travel consent is a legal document confirming that one or both parents approve a child’s trip abroad when the child is traveling without one or both legal guardians. Airlines, border controls, and authorities often require this to ensure the child is not abducted or that no suspicious movement is taking place.

Many parents are unsure when a travel consent needs to be notarized, what it must contain, and which authorities require it. In this article, we explain the rules, when notarization is necessary, and how you can quickly prepare a document that is accepted by airlines and border controls. We offer both video meetings and appointments in Stockholm, often on the same day.

Briefly About Our Services

We offer a complete solution to make your trip as smooth as possible:

• Preparation: We draft travel consents in Swedish and English.

• Review: We check that your existing documents meet the required standard.

• Notarization: Official witnessing of signatures (in person or by video).

• Apostille: International legalization for countries outside the EU.

• Speed: Same-day service is often available.

What is a travel consent?

A travel consent is a written document in which a guardian who is not accompanying the trip approves the child’s travel. It is a written permission showing that the parent (or both parents) is aware of and agrees to the trip.

Travel consents are often needed in these situations:

• The child travels with only one parent: If two parents share custody and only one is traveling with the child, the other parent needs to give their approval.

• The child travels with another adult: For example, a relative, family friend or on a school trip.

• The child travels alone: Teenagers or older children traveling without a parent.

Many countries and most airlines require a travel consent to be witnessed or notarized in order to be accepted. This gives the document legal weight and shows that the parent really signed it.

When is notarization of the travel consent needed?

Short answer: in many cases – yes.

A notarized signature means that an authorized notary public has witnessed the parent actually signing the document. It is not just a handwritten permission, but a legally verified document.

Notarizing the travel consent gives you several benefits:

• Greater credibility at border controls: Border police and airlines know that the document is genuine and properly certified.

• Reduced risk of problems at entry or exit: You reduce the risk of your child being stopped at border control or denied boarding because of incorrect documentation.

• Greater acceptance by airlines and authorities: Most major airlines readily accept notarized documents without hesitation.

• Fast process: We can often notarize the document the same day or the next day.
  
  

What is the difference between witnessing and notarization?

A witnessing means that two independent people sign the document as witnesses. A notarization means that a Notary Public – a legally authorized person – certifies and stamps the document. Notarization is stronger legally and is recognized internationally.

When is an apostille needed for the travel consent?

Sometimes it is enough for the travel consent to be notarized. In other cases, authorities or embassies also require an apostille.

An apostille is a special stamp and certification under the Hague Convention (an international agreement from 1961). It confirms that the Notary Public is authorized to notarize and that the signature is genuine. An apostille is often needed when Swedish documents are to be used outside Sweden.

You probably need an apostille if:

• The receiving authority or embassy requires formal international legalization

• The document is to be presented to a foreign court or authority

• You want to avoid problems at border control in countries with strict document checks

• The destination country is not a member of the Schengen cooperation, or the destination has special requirements

Good news: we can arrange the apostille together with the notarization. We help you assess whether an apostille is needed for your specific destination and handle the entire process.

What should a travel consent include?

For a travel consent to be accepted internationally, it should include the following information:

• The child’s full name and personal identity number (or date of birth if a personal identity number is not available)

• Guardian details: name, personal identity number, signature from both guardians (if there are two) or from the one not accompanying the trip

• Name and contact details of the adult traveling with the child on the trip

• Trip: destination and dates: where the child is traveling, approximate departure and return times

• Contact details: phone number and email address for the guardian

• Clear language: the document should be in a language that border controls and authorities understand. We recommend English or bilingual (Swedish and English).

We ensure that your travel consent contains everything required to be accepted at border controls, by airlines, and by authorities.

Our process – from draft to notarized document

This is how we work when you need help:

1. You contact us by phone, video meeting, or by visiting our office at Drottninggatan 32 in Stockholm.

2. We discuss your needs: where the child will travel, which guardians should sign, whether an apostille is needed.

3. We prepare or review the document: we can write a completely new travel consent or review one you have already prepared.

4. You sign: either during a video meeting or in person with us.

5. We notarize: we certify your signature and stamp the document.

6. Apostille if needed: if you need an apostille, we can often arrange it the same day or the next day.

Often we can handle the entire matter the same day or the next day. No complicated process, just efficient service.

Need help getting a travel consent notarized quickly and correctly? Book a video meeting or visit us at Drottninggatan 32 in Stockholm. We often handle things the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a travel consent for all trips with children?

No, not always. If the child is traveling with both parents, no permission from either guardian is needed. But if the child is traveling with only one parent, or with another adult, border controls, airlines, or destination countries often require a travel consent. We recommend always checking with the airline or embassy for the destination before traveling.

Is notarization the same as an apostille?

No. Notarization is a certification of the signature done by a Notary Public. An apostille is an additional international stamp confirming that the notary is authorized under the Hague Convention. Notarization is often enough for travel within the EU. An apostille may be required for countries outside the EU or for official use with authorities.

What language should the travel consent be in?

We recommend English or bilingual (Swedish and English). This increases the chance that border controls and airlines will understand the document without problems. If the destination country requires a specific language, we can arrange an official translation before notarization.

How quickly can you help me?

Often the same day. You can book a video meeting or come to our office at Drottninggatan 32 in Stockholm. We always try to solve it quickly. Apostille can sometimes take a little longer, but we handle it for you.

Do both parents need to sign the travel consent?

It depends. If both parents share custody, both should sign, even if only one is accompanying the trip. If one parent does not have custody or if only one guardian is registered, one signature is enough. We help you clarify this.

Do airlines accept video notarization?

Yes, most airlines accept notarization carried out via video meeting. It is legally equivalent to signing in person. We can notarize your signature through a video call.

Book an appointment for your travel consent

We help you quickly and easily. Choose between a video meeting or an appointment at our office in Stockholm. We often have times available the same day or the next day.