What to include
- Child’s full name, date of birth, passport number.
- Names and passport numbers of the traveling adult(s) and the consenting parent(s).
- Travel dates, destination(s), and whether the consent covers exit from the destination country as well as entry.
- A statement that the signer holds parental authority and consents; custody situation if relevant (sole custody order attached).
- Contact details of the consenting parent.
- Signature before a notary. A jurat (sworn) is preferred by many authorities; an acknowledgment is acceptable to most.
Some countries publish forms: Brazil’s Federal Police authorization, Argentina’s autorización de viaje, Mexico’s SAM form (for Mexican minors), Colombia’s permiso de salida del país. Use the form where one exists.
When an apostille is required
- Entry into most countries: a notarized letter usually suffices; airlines and border officers check it exists.
- Exit from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic and several others for minors who are nationals or residents: an apostilled (or consular-legalized) authorization is routinely required, and local notaries may need to transcribe it.
- Extended stays, school enrollment, medical treatment abroad: an apostille is commonly requested.
- Non-Hague destinations (UAE, Thailand, Egypt): authentication and embassy legalization instead.
Which state
The state where the notary is commissioned. Parents abroad often sign before a remote online notary in Florida, Texas or Virginia and apostille there, provided the destination accepts electronically notarized documents.
Translation
Translate after the apostille into the destination language; Spanish-speaking countries’ border officers generally require a Spanish version. Bilingual letters avoid a separate sworn translation in many cases.
Common reasons for rejection
- Missing passport numbers or travel dates
- Letter signed before seeing the notary
- Notary of a different state than the apostilling office
- No apostille where the exit authority requires one
- Letter older than the destination's window (often 90 days)
Frequently asked questions
Does a travel consent letter need an apostille for Mexico?
For entry with a U.S. child, Mexico does not require an apostille; the notarized letter is sufficient. For Mexican-national minors departing Mexico, Mexican rules (SAM) apply.
Both parents are traveling. Do we need a letter?
No. Consent letters are for travel with one parent or a third party.
Can grandparents sign?
Only the parents or legal guardians can consent. Grandparents are usually the authorized accompanying adults.
