Authorisation for minors to travel abroad: when it is required and how to obtain it
A child travelling abroad without their parents, or with only one of them, may need a written authorisation. We explain when it is required and how to prepare it.
During school holidays, on study trips or when visiting relatives abroad, children often travel without one of their parents, or with other adults. In these cases, the law generally requires a written authorisation from the person exercising parental responsibilities. Without it, the child may be prevented from boarding or from leaving the country.
When it is required
The authorisation is required when the minor travels abroad:
- alone;
- accompanied by an adult who does not exercise parental responsibilities (for example, grandparents, uncles and aunts, teachers or group leaders).
If the child travels with only one parent, the law does not, as a rule, require the other parent's authorisation. Even so, some airlines ask for it, even when the parents are married. Before travelling, please check this with the airline.
What it must include
- full identification of the minor and of the person giving the authorisation;
- identification of the accompanying person, if any;
- destination and dates of the trip;
- date and signature of the person giving the authorisation, with certification of the signature in person.
Where the signature can be certified
The signature can be certified by a lawyer, a solicitador, a notary or at a registry office. At RM Advogadas, the document can be prepared and the signature certified at our office, in a single appointment.
Applicable under Portuguese law.
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