A Child Travel Authorization is a legally notarized consent and official permit that confirms the parents’ or legal guardian’s approval for a child to travel in specific circumstances. Obtaining this authorization is mandatory and essential to avoid any legal or security obstacles during travel—especially when traveling outside the country or crossing international borders.

To obtain this legal document, specific legal conditions must be met and required documents must be provided depending on each case. This often requires prior legal knowledge or precise legal assistance.

Child Travel Authorization in the UAE

A Child Travel Authorization is defined as an official legal document in the form of a written consent or delegation issued by the parents or legal guardian, granting permission for the child to travel—whether with one parent only, with a relative such as grandparents, or with another trusted person such as a teacher.

The purpose of this document is to avoid complications at airports and border checkpoints. It includes full travel details such as destination, duration, and dates, and must be notarized by a competent legal authority in the UAE, such as a Notary Public.

Required Information in the Authorization

The document must include the following details:

Child’s full name, date of birth, and valid passport details
Parents’ or legal guardians’ details and proof of identity
Details of the accompanying adult (if any), including the scope of authority granted to them
Full travel details (destination, travel date, return date, and duration)
Officially notarized signatures of the parents or legal guardians confirming explicit consent

Essential Documents Required for Child Travel Authorization

The following documents are generally required:

Father (legal guardian): Copy of valid passport or UAE national ID
Legal guardian (if applicable): Copy of valid passport or UAE national ID
Mother: Original and copy of valid passport and UAE ID
Child: Original and copy of valid passport, UAE ID (if available), and a duly attested birth certificate (translated if required)
Accompanying person (if any): Original and copy of valid passport
Additional documents (as applicable): Attested marriage certificate, custody judgment, court order, child’s photo, family book, or a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the spouse

Cases Requiring a Child Travel Authorization in the UAE

Some countries require a child travel authorization to avoid questioning or delays at airports. The most common cases include:

Child traveling with the father (mother’s consent required)
Child traveling with the mother (father’s consent required)
Child traveling with a relative or non-relative (grandparent, uncle, family friend, teacher)
Child traveling alone

Travel Authorization with an Accompanying Adult

Required Documents

Valid passport copies for the principal and accompanying adult
UAE ID (if resident)
Authorization text (No Objection Declaration in Arabic) including:
- Name and details of the parent/guardian
- Child’s name, date of birth, passport/ID number
- Accompanying person’s name and relationship (or confirmation as a trusted person)
- Travel details (destination and duration)

Notarization Steps

Drafting the document: Prepare an official No Objection Declaration (with legal assistance or through electronic notarization platforms).
Notarization before a Notary Public:
- Online: Video meeting with the notary and digital submission of documents (available in Dubai).
- In person: Attendance before the notary to sign and pay fees.
Attestation (if required): Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy if the document will be used outside the UAE.

Legal Procedures for Issuing a Child Travel Authorization Within the UAE

Preparation of the No Objection Declaration

The document must be drafted in Arabic in a clear and formal manner, with an attached English version. It must be issued voluntarily and without coercion, and include:

Parent’s or legal guardian’s name and passport/ID number
Child’s name, date of birth, and passport/ID number
Accompanying person’s name, relationship, and contact details (if any)
Travel destination, duration, and dates

Completion of Procedures

Prepare all required documents
Schedule an appointment with a public or private notary
Attend in person or via video conference
Sign before the notary and obtain the official stamp
The document becomes legally effective upon notarization

Acceptance of Child Travel Authorization Outside the UAE

To ensure acceptance abroad, the following steps are required:

Clear drafting: The authorization must clearly define powers, destination, and duration, drafted in Arabic and legally translated if required.
Notarization in the UAE: Notarization through courts, government service centers, or electronic notary services.
International attestation:
- Attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Attestation by the embassy or consulate of the destination country within the UAE
- Certified legal translation, if required

Child Travel Authorization Issued Outside the UAE

If issued abroad, the following steps apply:

Define the scope as a Special Power of Attorney
Draft the document professionally
Notarize it in the country of issuance
Attest it by that country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Attest it by the UAE embassy or consulate
Upon arrival in the UAE, attest it again by MOFA
Translate into Arabic (if required) and attest the translation

It is worth noting that Private Notary services in Dubai may offer fully electronic notarization for authorizations issued from abroad via identity verification and video calls.

Conditions for Child Travel Authorization in the UAE

Key conditions include:

A written, signed consent from both parents or the legal guardian
Explicit, notarized approval specifying destination and duration
Submission of all required documents based on the case
In cases of dispute, a court order may be required
Consent from the court-appointed guardian if no parent is available
A child may travel independently only after reaching legal adulthood (21 years)
Minors under 18 may not travel without guardian consent
Travel must not violate visitation rights granted by court rulings
The child’s best interest must always be considered

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is a child travel authorization required?
When the child is under 21 years of age, traveling with only one parent, or traveling with a third party.

Is authorization required if the child travels with one parent only?
Yes. A notarized travel authorization or written consent is required, especially when traveling with the mother only.

What is the difference between local and international travel authorization?
Local authorization applies within the UAE, while international authorization requires MOFA and embassy attestations.

Is a UAE-issued child travel authorization accepted abroad?
Yes, after completing the required international attestations.

Is consular attestation required?
Yes, if the travel destination is a foreign country.

Is MOFA attestation mandatory for international use?
Yes, to ensure international legal recognition.

What is the validity period of a child travel authorization?
There is no fixed duration; it remains valid for the period specified in the document and ends according to legal termination rules.

In conclusion, a Child Travel Authorization in the UAE is a mandatory and vital legal document that ensures lawful and secure travel for minors. It must be obtained before the child reaches legal adulthood and issued by the parent or legal guardian according to the circumstances.

To obtain this authorization or for professional assistance, contact Private Notary in Dubai:

Email: info@privatenotarydubai.ae
WhatsApp: +971 56 232 7778
Mobile: +971 56 232 7778
Address: Office No. 805, Opal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Child Travel Authorization (Power of Attorney): A Comprehensive Guide in the UAE