Why You Need a Travel Consent Letter When Traveling With Your Grandchild

A passport or birth certificate helps prove who the child is. A travel consent letter helps prove that you have permission to travel with the child.

That difference can become important when you are asked questions by:

• Airline employees
• Transportation officials
• Cruise line representatives
• Customs or immigration officers
• Border authorities
• Hotel employees
• Tour operators
• School officials
• Medical providers
• Law enforcement officers

You should strongly consider carrying written permission when:

• Neither parent is traveling with you.
• You are taking your grandchild outside the United States.
• You are crossing an international border.
• You are taking your grandchild on a cruise.
• You and your grandchild have different last names.
• The child’s parents share custody.
• A custody or guardianship order applies.
• You may need to obtain medical treatment for the child.
• Your grandchild will be staying with you overnight.
• You will be responsible for the child for several days or weeks.

Your letter should clearly explain what the parent is authorizing you to do. For additional permission language, see How to Write a Letter of Permission and Letter of Authorization Samples Giving Permission.

What to Include in Your Grandparent Travel Consent Letter

Your letter should be clear enough for someone to understand quickly. Do not make an airline employee, border officer, cruise representative, or medical provider search for important information.

Include the following details.

Child Information

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Passport number, when applicable
• Passport expiration date, when applicable
• Citizenship, if relevant

Grandparent Information

• Full legal name
• Relationship to the child
• Home address
• Mobile phone number
• Email address
• Passport number, when applicable

Parent or Guardian Information

• Full legal name of each parent or guardian
• Home address
• Mobile phone number
• Email address
• Relationship to the child

Travel Information

• Exact departure date
• Exact return date
• Departure city
• Destination city, state, or country
• Additional destinations or ports of call
• Airline, flight, train, or cruise information
• Hotel or lodging address
• Reservation number, when appropriate

Permission Information

• A clear statement approving the trip
• A description of the authority being granted to you
• Medical authorization, when needed
• Emergency contact information
• Parent or guardian signatures
• Signature date
• Witness or notary acknowledgment, when needed

When your trip includes possible medical treatment, you may also need Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment During a Trip.

Documents You Should Carry With the Consent Letter

Do not rely on one letter alone when you are taking your grandchild on an important trip. Prepare a complete travel document packet.

Your packet may include:

• The original signed travel consent letter
• A notarized copy of the letter
• A separate medical authorization letter
• Your grandchild’s passport
• A copy of your grandchild’s birth certificate
• A copy of each parent’s photo identification
• Your government-issued photo identification
• Your passport, when applicable
• Your complete travel itinerary
• Airline or cruise confirmations
• Hotel and lodging information
• Emergency contact information
• Your grandchild’s health insurance card
• A list of allergies and medications
• Custody or parenting documents
• Guardianship paperwork
• A death certificate if one parent is deceased
• Proof of sole legal custody, when applicable
• Proof of your relationship to the child

The U.S. Department of State recommends carrying a copy of the child’s birth certificate or other evidence showing your legal or family relationship. It also advises travelers to investigate the entry and departure rules of every destination because requirements differ between countries. least one paper copy in your personal bag. Save a digital copy on your phone and provide another copy to the child’s parent or guardian.

10 Grandparent Travel Consent Letter Templates

Replace all bracketed information with the correct names, dates, destinations, addresses, and contact information.

1. General Parental Consent Letter for Domestic Travel

Use this letter when you are traveling with your grandchild inside the United States.

Subject: Consent for Grandparent to Travel Domestically With Minor Child

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], am the [mother/father/legal guardian] of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Child’s Date of Birth].

I give my permission for [Grandparent Full Legal Name], who is the child’s [grandmother/grandfather/grandparent], to travel within the United States with my child from [Departure Date] through [Return Date].

The trip will begin in [Departure City and State] and will include travel to [Destination City and State]. They will travel by [airplane/car/train/other transportation].

During the trip, my child will stay at:

[Hotel, Resort, Relative’s Home, or Lodging Name]
[Complete Address]
[Phone Number]

I authorize [Grandparent Full Name] to supervise my child, communicate with airline or transportation personnel, complete routine lodging procedures, and make ordinary decisions related to meals, activities, transportation, and safety.

I may be contacted during the trip at:

Phone: [Parent Phone Number]
Email: [Parent Email Address]

The backup emergency contact is:

Name: [Emergency Contact Name]
Relationship: [Relationship to Child]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

I confirm that I understand the travel plans and approve this trip.

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

2. International Travel Consent Letter for Grandparents

Use this letter when you are traveling with your grandchild outside the United States.

Subject: International Travel Authorization for Minor Child

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], am the [mother/father/legal guardian] of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

I authorize my child, [Child Full Legal Name], passport number [Child Passport Number], to travel internationally with [Grandparent Full Legal Name], passport number [Grandparent Passport Number].

This authorization is valid from [Departure Date] through [Return Date].

The approved destination or destinations are:

[Country, Countries, Cities, and Ports of Call]

The planned travel information is:

Airline or Carrier: [Name]
Flight or Trip Number: [Number]
Departure Airport or Port: [Location]
Departure Date: [Date]
Return Airport or Port: [Location]
Return Date: [Date]
Hotel or Lodging: [Name and Address]

I fully consent to this trip. I authorize [Grandparent Full Name] to accompany and supervise my child during airline check-in, security screening, customs, immigration, border inspection, transportation, hotel registration, and reasonable travel activities.

I may be contacted at any time during the trip.

Phone: [Parent Phone Number]
Email: [Parent Email Address]

The alternate emergency contact is:

Name: [Name]
Relationship: [Relationship]
Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

Copies of relevant identification, passports, itinerary information, and proof of relationship are attached.

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Optional Notary Acknowledgment

State of [State]

County of [County]

This document was acknowledged before me on [Date] by [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name].

Notary Public Signature: ______________________________

Printed Name: ______________________________________

My Commission Expires: ______________________________

For more examples, review Parental Consent Letters for Child Travel.

3. Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization Letter

Use this letter when you may need to obtain medical care for your grandchild during the trip.

Subject: Medical Authorization for Minor Child During Travel

[Date]

To Medical Providers:

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], am the parent or legal guardian of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

I authorize [Grandparent Full Legal Name], the child’s [grandmother/grandfather/grandparent], to seek and, where permitted, consent to necessary medical care for my child from [Start Date] through [End Date].

This authorization includes:

• Medical examinations
• Urgent care
• Emergency treatment
• Diagnostic testing
• Prescription medication
• Dental treatment
• Hospital care
• Treatment recommended by a licensed medical provider

When reasonably possible, I ask that I be contacted before non-emergency treatment is provided.

My child’s medical information is:

Allergies: [List Allergies or Write “None Known”]
Current Medications: [List Medications or Write “None”]
Medical Conditions: [List Conditions or Write “None Known”]
Primary Doctor: [Doctor’s Name]
Doctor’s Phone Number: [Phone Number]
Insurance Provider: [Insurance Company]
Policy or Member Number: [Number]

Parent or guardian contact information:

Phone: [Phone Number]
Alternate Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

Backup emergency contact:

Name: [Name]
Relationship: [Relationship]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Authorized grandparent:

Name: [Grandparent Full Name]
Phone: [Grandparent Phone Number]
Address: [Grandparent Address]

This authorization does not transfer legal custody. It is intended to help the authorized grandparent obtain timely care for my child while I am unavailable.

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Date]

For additional medical wording, see Medical Consent Letter for Grandparents and Permission Letter to Take a Child to the Doctor.

4. Combined Travel and Medical Consent Letter

Use this letter when you want one document that provides travel permission and limited medical authority.

Subject: Combined Travel and Medical Consent for Minor Child

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], am the [mother/father/legal guardian] of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

I authorize [Grandparent Full Legal Name], who is the child’s [grandmother/grandfather/grandparent], to travel with and temporarily care for my child from [Start Date] through [End Date].

The approved destination is [Destination].

The travel information is:

Departure: [Date, Time, Airport, Port, or Location]
Return: [Date, Time, Airport, Port, or Location]
Transportation: [Airline, Flight, Vehicle, Train, or Cruise]
Lodging: [Hotel or Address]
Grandparent’s Phone During Trip: [Phone Number]

I authorize [Grandparent Full Name] to supervise my child, make ordinary travel decisions, complete transportation and lodging procedures, and communicate with travel providers.

If I cannot be reached promptly, I also authorize [Grandparent Full Name] to seek and, where permitted, consent to urgent or emergency medical care for my child.

My child’s medical information is:

Allergies: [List or “None Known”]
Medications: [List or “None”]
Medical Conditions: [List or “None Known”]
Insurance Provider: [Provider]
Policy Number: [Number]
Primary Doctor: [Name and Phone Number]

I may be contacted at:

Phone: [Parent Phone Number]
Email: [Parent Email Address]

Backup emergency contact:

Name: [Name]
Relationship: [Relationship]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Date]

5. Consent Letter for Travel During Shared Custody

Use this letter when a custody agreement, parenting plan, or shared parenting arrangement applies.

Subject: Shared Custody Travel Permission for Grandparent

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [Parent Full Legal Name], am a parent and legal custodian of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

I authorize [Grandparent Full Legal Name], who is the child’s [grandmother/grandfather/grandparent], to travel with my child from [Departure Date] through [Return Date].

The approved destination is [Destination].

I have reviewed the applicable custody order or parenting plan. To the best of my knowledge, this trip is permitted under the current arrangement.

The other parent or legal guardian, [Other Parent’s Full Name], was informed of the proposed travel on [Date].

The relevant contact information is:

Authorizing Parent:

Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

Other Parent or Guardian:

Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

Traveling Grandparent:

Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

A copy of the custody order, parenting plan, or written approval from the other parent is attached when applicable.

Sincerely,

[Authorizing Parent Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Date]

Optional Acknowledgment by the Other Parent

I, [Other Parent Full Legal Name], have been informed of this trip and do not object to [Child Full Legal Name] traveling with [Grandparent Full Legal Name] during the dates listed above.

[Other Parent Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Date]

Do not use a basic consent letter to override a court order. When legal authority is unclear, review the order or obtain advice from a qualified family-law attorney.

6. Cruise Consent Letter for a Grandparent Traveling With a Grandchild

Use this letter when you are taking your grandchild on a cruise.

Subject: Cruise Travel Consent for Minor Child

[Date]

To Cruise Line Personnel and Port Authorities:

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], am the [mother/father/legal guardian] of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

I authorize my child to travel with [Grandparent Full Legal Name] aboard [Cruise Line and Ship Name] from [Departure Date] through [Return Date].

The cruise information is:

Cruise Line: [Cruise Line]
Ship Name: [Ship Name]
Reservation Number: [Number]
Departure Port: [Port]
Return Port: [Port]
Ports of Call: [List All Ports]

I authorize [Grandparent Full Name] to supervise my child during embarkation, disembarkation, onboard activities, transportation, scheduled excursions, and other reasonable travel activities.

I also authorize the grandparent to seek routine shipboard medical assistance and emergency care when necessary, subject to applicable laws and provider requirements.

I may be contacted during the cruise at:

Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

Backup emergency contact:

Name: [Name]
Relationship: [Relationship]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Date]

Check the cruise line’s requirements before departure. A cruise that begins and ends in the United States may still visit foreign ports with additional document requirements.

7. School Absence Letter for Travel With Grandparents

Use this letter when your grandchild will miss school because of the trip.

Subject: Notice of School Absence for Family Travel

[Date]

To [Teacher, Principal, School Name, or Attendance Office]:

Please accept this letter as notice that my child, [Child Full Legal Name], who is enrolled in [Grade and Class], will be absent from school from [Start Date] through [End Date].

My child will be traveling with [Grandparent Full Legal Name], the child’s [grandmother/grandfather/grandparent], to [Destination].

I approve this trip and respectfully request information about assignments, reading, tests, or other schoolwork that should be completed before, during, or immediately after the absence.

My child is expected to return to school on [Return Date].

I may be contacted during the trip at:

Phone: [Parent Phone Number]
Email: [Parent Email Address]

The traveling grandparent may be contacted at:

Phone: [Grandparent Phone Number]
Email: [Grandparent Email Address]

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

8. Different Last Name Explanation Letter

Use this letter when you and your grandchild have different last names.

Subject: Family Relationship and Travel Consent Verification

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], confirm that [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth], is my child or legal dependent.

I authorize my child to travel with [Grandparent Full Legal Name] from [Departure Date] through [Return Date] to [Destination].

The child and the accompanying grandparent have different last names. This letter is provided to confirm their family relationship and to reduce possible confusion during the trip.

The relationship is as follows:

[Briefly Explain the Relationship]

Supporting documents attached to this letter include:

• [Birth Certificate]
• [Marriage Certificate]
• [Adoption Document]
• [Custody Order]
• [Guardianship Document]
• [Other Proof of Relationship]

Please contact me if additional verification is required.

Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Date]

9. Temporary Caregiver Authorization Letter

Use this letter when you will be responsible for your grandchild’s daily care during the trip.

Subject: Temporary Caregiver Authorization During Travel

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], authorize [Grandparent Full Legal Name] to act as the temporary caregiver for my child, [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

This authorization is valid from [Start Date] through [End Date] while the child travels to [Destination].

During this period, the grandparent may supervise and make ordinary decisions concerning:

• Meals
• Lodging
• Transportation
• Daily activities
• Recreation
• Safety
• Communication with travel providers
• Routine scheduling
• General supervision

This authorization does not transfer permanent or legal custody. It grants limited temporary caregiving authority only for the dates and purposes described in this letter.

Medical authority is addressed in the attached medical consent letter.

I may be contacted at:

Phone: [Parent Phone Number]
Email: [Parent Email Address]

Backup emergency contact:

Name: [Name]
Relationship: [Relationship]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Date]

For longer caregiving arrangements, review How to Write a Temporary Guardianship Letter.

10. Authorization for One Grandparent Traveling Alone With a Grandchild

Use this letter when only one grandparent will travel with the child.

Subject: Authorization for One Grandparent to Travel With Minor Child

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern:

I, [Parent or Legal Guardian Full Name], am the [mother/father/legal guardian] of [Child Full Legal Name], born on [Date of Birth].

I authorize my child to travel with [Traveling Grandparent Full Legal Name], who is the child’s [grandmother/grandfather/grandparent].

This authorization is valid from [Departure Date] through [Return Date].

The travel information is:

Destination: [Destination]
Transportation: [Airline, Flight, Vehicle, Train, or Cruise]
Departure Date: [Date]
Return Date: [Date]
Lodging: [Hotel or Address]

Although [Other Grandparent Full Name] will not be traveling, I confirm that [Traveling Grandparent Full Name] has my permission to accompany, supervise, and care for my child during the travel period.

I may be contacted at:

Phone: [Parent Phone Number]
Email: [Parent Email Address]

Backup emergency contact:

Name: [Name]
Relationship: [Relationship]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Sincerely,

[Parent or Guardian Signature]

[Printed Name]
[Address]
[Date]

Should You Notarize a Grandparent Travel Consent Letter?

Not every domestic trip requires a notarized letter. However, notarization can make the document easier to verify because a notary confirms the identity of the person signing it.

You should strongly consider notarization when:

• You are traveling internationally.
• You are crossing a border.
• You are taking a cruise.
• You and your grandchild have different last names.
• A custody or guardianship arrangement applies.
• Only one parent is signing.
• The child is traveling for an extended period.
• The airline or travel provider requests notarization.
• The destination country requires notarized permission.

Do not assume that one standard notarized letter will satisfy every country. Some destinations may require a specific form, additional witnesses, an apostille, a certified translation, embassy authentication, or proof of sole legal custody.

The State Department advises you to research the entry and exit requirements of each destination because laws and procedures for minors vary. Practical Tips Before You Travel With Your Grandchild

Match Every Name Exactly

Use the child’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the passport, birth certificate, airline ticket, and other official records.

Use your name exactly as it appears on your identification.

A missing middle name, nickname, spelling difference, or incorrect date of birth can create avoidable questions.

Use Exact Dates

Do not write “during summer vacation” or “for approximately two weeks.”

List the exact departure date and return date.

Include Every Major Destination

If you are visiting several cities, countries, islands, or cruise ports, list them in the letter or attach the full itinerary.

Give Parents Copies

The parent or guardian should keep a signed copy of every letter and supporting document.

Carry Paper and Digital Copies

Keep one paper copy in your carry-on bag or travel folder. Store a digital copy on your phone and in a secure email or cloud account.

Check With Every Travel Provider

Contact the airline, cruise line, tour company, school, hotel, or other organization before the trip.

Ask whether it requires:

• A specific consent form
• Original signatures
• Both parents’ signatures
• Notarization
• Medical authorization
• Proof of relationship
• Copies of identification
• Custody documents

Keep Emergency Information Accessible

Do not bury medical information, insurance cards, and emergency contacts at the bottom of a suitcase. Keep them in a folder that you can reach quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming the Word “Grandparent” Is Enough

Your relationship to the child does not automatically prove that you have permission to travel.

The letter should expressly state that the parent or legal guardian approves the trip.

Forgetting Medical Authorization

Travel permission and medical permission are not always the same.

When you may need to take the child to a doctor or hospital, prepare a separate Emergency Medical Treatment Permission Letter.

Using Vague Travel Information

Avoid phrases such as “for a vacation,” “later this month,” or “for a while.”

Use exact dates, destinations, lodging information, and transportation details.

Leaving Out Parent Contact Information

Provide at least one phone number and email address that will work during the entire trip.

Include a backup contact in case the parent cannot be reached.

Ignoring Custody Orders

A consent letter does not cancel or override a custody order, parenting plan, guardianship order, or travel restriction.

Review all applicable documents before making travel arrangements.

Waiting Until the Day Before Departure

Prepare the documents early enough to contact the airline, cruise line, school, medical provider, notary, attorney, or destination embassy if questions arise.