Traveling Abroad With a Child: The Notarized Consent Guide

When a child travels abroad with only one parent, a grandparent, or another relative — without the other parent along — border officers or the airline may ask for written proof that the absent parent consents to the trip. The rule exists to prevent child abduction, and it's checked fairly often at European borders, especially within the Schengen area.

❓ When you need a consent letter

• The child is traveling with only one parent, while the other still holds parental rights
• The child is traveling with a grandparent, relative or family friend — without either parent
• The child's surname differs from the accompanying adult's, which often triggers extra questions at the border
• The child is traveling completely alone — in that case you also need the rules for unaccompanied minors

📄 What the letter must include

• Both parents' full names and passport numbers
• The child's full name, date of birth, and passport or birth certificate number
• A clear statement that the absent parent consents to the child traveling with the named accompanying adult
• The destination country (or countries) and travel dates
• A notarized signature — some countries also require an apostille

🖋️ How to get it notarized in Georgia

To prepare the letter, both parents (or the absent one) simply visit a notary with their passports and the child's birth certificate — the process usually takes 15-30 minutes and costs roughly $8-20. If the absent parent is abroad, the letter can be notarized at a Georgian consulate, or by a local notary plus an apostille, then couriered to Georgia.

🛂 How it connects to a Schengen visa

In a Schengen visa application, if a child is traveling with only one parent or another accompanying adult, the consulate usually requires the consent letter as a mandatory part of the visa file. For divorced parents, an excerpt from the custody agreement can serve the same purpose.

✅ Practical tips

• Carry the original plus one copy, kept together with the child's other travel documents
• Some airlines (Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines) require their own additional form for a child traveling with one parent — check the airline's site before you fly
• Double-check the child's passport validity — see the passport validity rules
• Arrange separate travel insurance for the child as well

A properly prepared letter saves time and stress at the border. You can search flights and compare dates on Travel365's price calendar.