Introduction
Traveling with a child — especially when one or both parents are not accompanying — often requires official authorization. Whether it’s a family vacation, study trip, or relocation, Dubai and UAE authorities emphasize proper documentation to protect minors during international travel. This is where Child Travel POA (Power of Attorney) or a Child Travel Consent Letter becomes essential. These documents serve as formal proof that a parent or guardian has permitted a child to travel with another adult or alone.
At Notario Lawyers UAE, we simplify this entire process — offering fast, secure, and online notarization services across the UAE. This guide explains everything you need to know about preparing, notarizing, and using a Child Travel POA or Consent Letter in Dubai.
1. Understanding Child Travel POA and Consent Letter
A Child Travel POA (Power of Attorney) and a Child Travel Consent Letter are both authorization documents, but they differ slightly in scope and legal weight.
- Child Travel POA gives another person (often a relative or trusted adult) the authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the parent during the child’s travel. It’s a more formal document, typically notarized and sometimes attested for international use.
- Child Travel Consent Letter, on the other hand, is a simpler form of authorization where parents grant permission for the child to travel. It’s generally required by airlines, border control, and immigration officers to confirm that the child’s travel is authorized.
Both documents ensure the child’s safety, prevent unauthorized travel, and demonstrate parental consent to authorities.
2. When Do You Need a Child Travel POA or Consent Letter?
There are many situations where these documents are required or strongly recommended:
- Child Traveling with One Parent Only: When one parent travels alone with the child, airlines and immigration may ask for written consent from the other parent.
- Child Traveling with Relatives or Friends: If a minor travels with grandparents, a family friend, or a school group, authorization is essential.
- Child Traveling Alone: Airlines offering unaccompanied minor services often require notarized consent.
- Child Relocating or Attending School Abroad: For longer stays or visa applications, a formal POA is often preferred.
- Divorced or Separated Parents: To avoid travel disputes, a notarized consent letter ensures clarity and compliance.
Essentially, any time a child under 18 leaves the UAE without both parents, a travel consent or POA protects everyone involved — the parents, the accompanying adult, and most importantly, the child.
3. Why a Child Travel Authorization Is Important
A Child Travel Consent Letter or POA is not just a formality — it’s a safeguard for your child’s well-being.
Here’s why it matters:
- Proof of Parental Consent: It confirms that the parents or guardians have given permission for the trip.
- Smooth Immigration Process: Prevents delays or questioning at airports and border crossings.
- Prevents Legal Issues: Without proper authorization, authorities may suspect child abduction or trafficking.
- Emergency Decision-Making: A POA allows the accompanying adult to make urgent decisions like medical consent.
- Peace of Mind for Parents: Knowing that everything is documented and legally recognized reduces travel stress.
At Notario Lawyers UAE, we prepare legally sound, professional documents that meet UAE and international travel standards.
4. Key Information Included in the Consent Letter / POA
When preparing a Child Travel Consent Letter or Power of Attorney, certain essential details must be included to ensure validity and acceptance globally.
A well-prepared document should contain:
- Child’s Full Details – Full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Parent(s) or Guardian(s) Information – Full name(s), passport/Emirates ID numbers, and contact details.
- Authorized Person’s Details – The person accompanying the child (if any): relationship, passport number, contact info.
- Travel Details – Destination, travel dates, flight numbers, and reason for travel (holiday, study, etc.).
- Authorization Statement – Clear wording stating consent and authorization.
- Signatures – Both parents (if applicable) must sign before a notary.
- Witness / Notarization Block – To make the document valid in UAE and abroad.
Our team ensures every element is correctly formatted, reviewed, and notarized for immediate acceptance.
5. The Process: How to Get a Child Travel POA or Consent Letter in Dubai
At Notario Lawyers UAE, the process is seamless, whether you prefer visiting our office or completing it online.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
You provide the necessary details — child’s name, accompanying adult’s details, and travel information. We ensure accuracy and help you choose between a POA or a simple consent letter.
Step 2: Drafting the Document
Our professionals prepare a clear, legally sound document in the required format. We use language that is internationally recognized and compliant with UAE documentation standards.
Step 3: Review and Approval
You review the draft for accuracy. Any edits or changes can be made before notarization.
Step 4: Signing and Notarization
The parent(s) sign the document either in person at our Dubai office or online via our remote notarization service. Our licensed notary will verify identity and witness the signature.
Step 5: Translation or Attestation (if required)
If the document needs to be used outside the UAE, we arrange certified translation and attestation as required by the receiving country’s embassy.
Step 6: Delivery
You receive the final notarized document digitally and/or in hard copy — ready for travel submission.
This complete service ensures that you don’t have to deal with complex paperwork or legal terms. We handle everything from drafting to delivery.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple but costly mistakes when preparing travel consent letters or POAs. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Using Templates from the Internet: Generic templates may not include all necessary details recognized by UAE authorities.
- Missing Signatures: If both parents have custody, both must sign the document.
- Unclear Travel Dates: Always specify travel dates to avoid confusion.
- Wrong or Expired IDs: Ensure all ID numbers and passport details are up to date.
- Skipping Notarization: Without notarization, your letter might not be accepted at the airport.
Working with Notario Lawyers UAE ensures none of these issues arise. We take care of accuracy, formatting, and compliance — all within hours.
7. Typical Scenarios for Using Child Travel POA / Consent Letter
Here are a few examples of when our clients use these documents:
- Single Parent Traveling Abroad: A father or mother traveling alone with their child provides notarized consent from the other parent.
- Grandparents Taking Children on Vacation: Grandparents must carry a notarized consent letter signed by the parents.
- School Trips or Sports Events: Schools require written consent from parents for international travel.
- Children Visiting Relatives Abroad: Even if traveling for family visits, authorization prevents any issues.
- Child Traveling for Education: For students studying abroad, a POA allows guardians to act on behalf of parents in emergencies.
Every family situation is unique — which is why our experts personalize every document to fit your travel needs.
8. Why Choose Notario Lawyers UAE
Choosing Notario Lawyers UAE means working with professionals who understand both the emotional and practical sides of preparing child travel authorizations.
Here’s what makes us stand out:
- Fast and Easy Process: Get your notarized POA or consent letter within hours.
- Online & In-Office Service: We handle everything across the UAE.
- Experienced Team: Skilled in preparing international-standard documents.
- Personalized Drafting: Each document is tailored to your travel situation.
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs — you know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Customer Support: Friendly professionals available 7 days a week.
Your peace of mind is our top priority — ensuring your child’s travel is smooth, safe, and fully authorized.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need both parents’ signatures?
If both parents share custody, yes — both must sign the consent letter or POA.
Q2: Is notarization mandatory?
Most airlines and embassies require notarized documents to confirm authenticity.
Q3: Can I use a scanned copy?
Many airlines accept a notarized digital copy, but a printed copy is always safer.
Q4: Can I use this for travel outside the UAE?
Yes. We can prepare and attest your document for international use.
Q5: How long is the document valid?
Usually, for the duration of the trip or as specified in the document.
10. Conclusion
A Child Travel POA or Consent Letter is more than paperwork — it’s your assurance that your child can travel smoothly, safely, and confidently, wherever they go.
With Notario Lawyers UAE, the process is quick, reliable, and recognized across UAE and abroad. Whether your child is traveling alone, with one parent, or with family friends, we make sure you’re fully prepared.
Contact us today to get your Child Travel POA or Consent Letter in Dubai — securely and professionally handled by Notario Lawyers UAE.