Travel consent for children – when is parental consent required for travel?
Share
Short answer: The Swedish Police have no mandatory standard form for parental travel consent, but they do recommend some form of certificate from the legal guardian(s) when a child travels without all legal guardians accompanying them. Requirements may also vary between the destination country, transit countries, and the carrier.
| Child traveling with one legal guardian | Clear consent from the legal guardian who is not accompanying the child can facilitate checks. |
| Child traveling with a relative or another adult | The certificate should identify the child, the legal guardians, and the accompanying adult. |
| Child traveling alone | Also check the airline's or carrier's rules for unaccompanied minors. |
| Travel outside Schengen | Children normally need their own valid travel document; the destination country may have additional requirements. |
Why might a travel consent document be needed?
Border authorities work to prevent illegal travel and human trafficking, among other things. When a child travels without one or both legal guardians, they may therefore be subject to extra questions. A written consent makes it easier to show who has authorized the trip and how the guardian can be contacted.
What should the document contain?
- the child's full name, date of birth, and travel document details,
- the legal guardians' names and contact information,
- who the child is traveling with, if anyone,
- destination, any transit countries, and travel dates,
- clear wording that the legal guardian approves the trip,
- date and signatures,
- preferably a phone number and email address where the legal guardian can be reached during the trip.
Swedish and English
For international travel, an English version is practical as airline staff, border control, and foreign authorities may otherwise find it difficult to assess a document in Swedish. For some countries, legalization, an apostille, witnessing, or a notary public may be requested. Always check the rules for the specific destination.
Passports, civil registration certificates, and supplementary documents
Travel consent does not replace a passport or a national ID card. Depending on the destination and family situation, it may also be wise to bring, for example, a copy of the legal guardian's travel document or documents showing the relationship to the child. The requirements of authorities and carriers should always take precedence over a general template.
Common mistakes
- writing only "I approve the trip" without a date, destination, or contact information,
- forgetting the transit country's rules,
- assuming that a Swedish document is automatically accepted abroad,
- not checking the airline's own forms or procedures,
- using an old consent form for a new trip without a clear validity period.
Parental travel consent for children 2026/2027 – Swedish and English
The template package contains a Swedish and English version in Word/PDF and is designed for travel with one parent, another adult, or unaccompanied children.
FAQ
Is travel consent a legal requirement in Sweden?
The Police have no Swedish standard form and requirements vary. However, the Police recommend some form of certificate when the child travels without all legal guardians accompanying them.
Must both legal guardians sign?
It depends on the custody arrangement and the travel plans. In cases of joint custody, it is wise to document consent from the legal guardian who is not accompanying the child.
Is a notary public needed?
Not generally for travel to and from Sweden, but certain countries or operators may set their own requirements. Check the destination and any transit countries.
The article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice. Regulations, collective agreements, industry terms, and the circumstances of the individual case may affect the assessment.
