When a child travels with one parent, with relatives or alone, airlines, immigration or embassies may ask for consent from the parent who is not travelling. The letter should identify the child, companion, destination and travel dates, and be signed before a Notarial Services Attorney so the signer's identity can be verified. Countries and airlines set different rules, so check before travelling.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29 · General information only, not legal advice for your specific case
When it is usually requested
- A child travelling with one parent
- A child travelling with relatives, teachers or a school group
- An unaccompanied minor using an airline escort service
- Visa applications for children at some embassies
What to include
- Child's full name, date of birth and passport number
- Companion's name and passport number
- Destination, travel dates and flights if known
- Consenting parent's name, address and phone number
- Scope of consent, such as emergency medical decisions
Custody documents
Attach the child's birth certificate to show parentage, plus any divorce documents or court custody order.
Under Thai law, a child of unmarried parents is under the mother's parental power unless the father has registered legitimation or obtained a judgment, so the documents needed vary by status.
Steps
A parent abroad can sign before a local notary or at a Thai embassy.
1. Check requirements
Destination country, airline and embassy if applying for a visa.
2. Draft a bilingual letter
Thai and the destination language or English.
3. Sign before the attorney
The non-travelling parent brings an original passport or ID card.
4. Authenticate if required
Some embassies want Consular Affairs authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Does Thai immigration always require consent?
Officers may ask for evidence in some cases, and destinations or airlines may require it. Prepare one when the child is not travelling with both parents.
One letter per trip?
Specifying a trip is advisable; many recipients reject open-ended letters.
Must both parents sign?
The non-travelling parent signs; if the child travels with someone else, both parents may need to.
Can an uncertified letter be used?
Sometimes, but certification lets the signer be verified and reduces the chance of refusal.
What does it cost?
Please contact our team for a quotation.
Official sources
Related services
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