Letter Of Travel Consent For Minors Template for the United Arab Emirates

When your child needs to travel internationally without both parents present, you must obtain a Letter of Travel Consent for Minors to comply with United Arab Emirates immigration law. This critical document serves as legal authorization for your minor child's travel and demonstrates that you have given informed consent for their journey abroad.

When do you need this document?

You need this consent letter whenever your minor child travels internationally from the UAE without both parents accompanying them. This includes situations where your child travels with only one parent, with grandparents or other relatives, with school groups, or as an unaccompanied minor. UAE immigration authorities require this documentation at departure and destination countries often request it upon arrival. Even if your child holds dual citizenship or travels on a foreign passport, UAE law still mandates this consent if departing from UAE territory. The document is particularly crucial for divorced or separated parents, as it prevents potential international child abduction cases.

Key legal considerations

Your consent letter must include comprehensive details about your child's identity, including full legal name, date of birth, passport information, and nationality. Both parents or legal guardians must provide their complete information and signatures, even if only one parent is traveling with the child. If you're a single parent or have sole custody, you'll need to provide additional documentation proving your legal status. The letter must specify exact travel dates, destinations, and the purpose of travel. When your child travels with someone other than a parent, you must include detailed information about the accompanying adult, including their relationship to the child and contact information. The document requires proper notarization by a UAE-licensed notary public and may need additional authentication from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs depending on the destination country.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Wadeema's Law) and UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (Personal Status Law), both parents must consent to their minor child's international travel unless one parent has sole legal custody. The consent letter must be written in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. UAE Cabinet Decision No. 21 of 2021 establishes specific documentation requirements for minor travelers, including passport validity and visa requirements. General Civil Aviation Authority regulations mandate additional procedures for unaccompanied minors, including airline-specific forms and escort services. If your child travels to certain countries, you may need additional authentication from that country's embassy or consulate in the UAE. Immigration authorities can refuse departure if proper consent documentation is missing, potentially causing significant travel disruption and financial loss.