COVID-19/Coronavirus Travel Consent Form

This COVID-19/Coronavirus Travel Consent Form is used when a child is traveling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group. This document notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian has given their consent for the child to travel without them. This document can be used both for domestic travel inside the United States or international travel across country borders. Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or other abduction, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company may ask parents to provide some form of letter of consent if a minor child is traveling internationally with only one parent or with another adult, such as a teacher, group trip leader, or grandparent.

Due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic, governments both in the US and abroad are beginning to limit travel in an effort to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the virus. Despite this, some parents are finding themselves and their families in situations where their children must travel elsewhere without them. For example, some parents are looking to send their children to stay with relatives or friends outside of large cities where the virus is currently less prevalent. With the changing restrictions and additional scrutiny, it is more important than ever for parents to make it clear to authorities, airlines, and other interested parties that they are aware of and consent to their children's travel. In what is an otherwise uncertain time, a COVID-19/Coronavirus Travel Consent Form can be used as a protective measure to provide families with some assurance that travel will go smoothly.

How to use this document

Using this document, a parent can name the children, provide information about their passport if the travel is happening internationally, describe the circumstances of their travel and the people who will be accompanying them, and outline the travel itinerary. This document also includes the option to describe the child's allergies or special medical needs. Finally, this letter form contains contact information for adult chaperones, if applicable, and parents or legal guardians in case someone needs to be contacted in the event of an emergency. During the signing of this letter, a witness should also sign the letter, as this is required by some airlines.

Traveling children should carry a copy of this letter with them and any adult chaperones should be given a copy of this letter to show to authority figures as needed.

Applicable law

Although not required by law, immigration officers, law enforcement officers, or U.S Customs and Border Protection agents may detain a child if they suspect an abduction or kidnapping has taken place. By traveling with a Travel Consent Form, these officers will have the necessary contact information and further assurance that no abduction or kidnapping has taken place. Rules and regulations are rapidly changing due to the pandemic, so it is important to stay abreast of the situation and check if there have any changes in the law that will limit travel.

How to modify the template

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.