Child Travel Consent in the UAE: A Parent’s Guide for School Trips Abroad

The Child Travel Consent in the UAE is an essential and legally required document that ensures a child travels safely and in accordance with the law. Since minors cannot travel independently before reaching the legal age of adulthood in the UAE, obtaining a travel consent form from the legal guardian or parent is mandatory.

The consent must be clear, written, explicit, and must specify the travel destination and length of stay. To obtain it properly, parents must understand the legal requirements, required documents, and the correct procedures.

This guide provides all the necessary information to help you form a complete legal understanding and make use of this procedure correctly.

Child Travel Consent in the UAE

Child Travel Consent is required in several situations. The Federal Law No. 41 of 2024 clarifies the age at which minors may travel without parental consent.

According to the law, children under 21 (the legal age of adulthood) cannot travel alone or with the custodial parent without explicit consent from the legal guardian (the father). Before reaching 21, travel remains restricted and requires a written consent from the father or a court-issued travel permission for the mother.

The consent must always be written, explicit, and must specify the destination and travel duration. It may be issued by the father, the legal guardian, or through a judicial authorization in certain cases.

Situations Where Child Travel Consent Is Required

1. Child traveling alone

Requires:

• A written consent from the father (legal guardian).
  
• In the absence of the father: a court order or consent from the court-appointed guardian.

2. Child traveling with the custodial parent (the mother)

Requires:

• A written consent from the father.
  
• In cases of divorce: a court-issued travel permission may be required to allow the mother to travel with the child abroad.

3. Child traveling with someone other than the guardian (e.g., school trip)

Requires:

• A written consent from the father.
  
• Consent must clearly state the destination, travel duration, and identity of the accompanying person.

Legal Procedures to Obtain Child Travel Consent Through Notary Public

1. Preparing the Non-Objection Certificate (NOC)

The document must be written in Arabic in a clear legal format, with an accompanying English version. It must be issued voluntarily without coercion. The NOC must include:

• Father’s / legal guardian’s name and passport/ID number
  
• Child’s name, date of birth, passport/ID details
  
• Accompanying person’s name, relationship, and contact details
  
• Travel destination, travel date, and duration

2. Preparing All Required Documents

• Valid passport or Emirates ID of the father
  
• Child’s attested birth certificate
  
• Child’s Emirates ID
  
• Child’s valid passport
  
• Accompanying person’s valid passport
  
• Attested marriage certificate
  
• Custody judgment (if applicable)
  
• Family book / no-objection letter from husband (in some cases)

3. Contacting the Notary Public

• Schedule an appointment with a public or private notary in the UAE
  
• Appointment can be in-person or through virtual meeting

4. Signing and Attestation

• The father signs the consent form before the notary
  
• The accompanying person may also sign if required
  
• The notary attests the document and applies the official seal
  
• Documents are submitted to the respective authorities for legal effect
  

If there is a custody dispute, the matter must be referred to the Sharia Court.

Conditions for Issuing Child Travel Consent

• The consent must be written and explicit from the father or legal guardian (implicit approval is not valid).
  
• All required documents must be provided.
  
• If the child is traveling with the mother, the father’s consent is still required.
  
• If the child is traveling with the father, written consent from the mother may be required.
  
• If traveling with a third party, consent must be provided by both parents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Child Travel Consent in the UAE?

A formal document issued by a legal authority or written and signed by the parent/guardian authorizing the child to travel.

Is travel consent required for school trips abroad?

Yes. Most schools require written parental consent, especially for children under 18.

Who can issue travel consent for the child?

Either parent or the legally appointed guardian.

Can Child Travel Consent be issued electronically?

Yes. It can be issued through smart services of the Ministry of Interior or via electronic notarization platforms, depending on the case.

What is the difference between travel consent and a Power of Attorney?

Travel consent authorizes travel only, while a Power of Attorney grants broader legal powers (general or limited).

What documents are required?

Emirates ID and passport of the guardian, child’s birth certificate, child’s passport and Emirates ID, passport of the accompanying person, marriage certificate, and any other documents required based on the situation.

Is the signature of both parents required if they are separated?

The father’s consent is usually required. However, the mother may travel with the child if she has a court order granting her travel rights.

How long does it take to process travel consent?

Typically 3 working days to one week, depending on the service type.

Do airlines accept electronic copies of travel consent?

Yes, most airlines accept digital copies, but some may request original documents.

Where can travel consent be attested in Dubai or the UAE?

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), at service centers or via their smart app, which may include door-to-door document pick-up and delivery.

Obtaining Child Travel Consent in the UAE is more than a procedural requirement—it ensures the child’s safety, legal compliance, and smooth travel without complications.

If you are a guardian, parent, or accompanying individual and need support obtaining Child Travel Consent, our private notary office in Dubai is ready to help.
We assist with document preparation, notarization, and attestation 24/7, anywhere in the UAE.

Contact us to receive fast and precise service.