Travelling with children: documents and authorisation to check

Travelling with children adds a layer of paperwork that is not always considered when buying tickets. Requirements change by country and by each family's situation, so it is worth finding out early.

What is usually asked for

Own valid document for each child

Each child usually needs their own travel document, with the validity the destination asks for. Names must match exactly on the ticket and the document.

Authorisation when both parents are not travelling

If the child travels with one parent, another relative or alone, many countries and airlines ask for written authorisation from the other parent or both, with formal requirements that vary.

How to check

Use official sources

Check the consulate or immigration website of the destination and of your departure country, and the airline's. Do it before you buy.

Review each passenger's names and dates

A mistake in a child's name is as problematic as in an adult's. Check all the family's bookings.

A simpler way to check your trip

To cross-check names and dates across all the family's bookings in one step, upload them to AuditorTravel: it flags what doesn't add up with a traffic light (🟢 🟡 🔴) before you travel.

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AuditorTravel is an automated information tool; use it as a guide. The final decision is always yours.