Child Travel Consent Form
A child travel consent form documents parental or guardian authorisation for a minor to travel domestically or internationally with another adult. Use our free New Zealand template to meet airline, border, and school-camp expectations, aligned with the Care of Children Act 2004.
| FULL NAME | David R. Murray |
| ADDRESS | 7 Kohimarama Road, Kohimarama, Auckland 1071 |
| PHONE | +64 21 333 0789 |
| david.murray@email.com | |
| RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD | Father |
| FULL NAME | Anna T. Murray |
| ADDRESS | 22 Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071 |
| PHONE | +64 21 222 0456 |
| RELATIONSHIP TO CHILD | Mother |
| FULL NAME | Liam James Murray |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 8 September 2018 |
| PASSPORT NUMBER | NZ1234567 |
| DESTINATION | Sydney, Australia |
| DEPARTURE DATE | 1 July 2026 |
| RETURN DATE | 15 July 2026 |
| AIRLINE / FLIGHT DETAILS | Air New Zealand NZ102 (Auckland–Sydney) |
| NAME | Margaret A. Murray |
| PHONE | +64 9 555 0321 |
What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?
A child travel consent form is a document signed by a parent or legal guardian authorising a child under 18 to travel with another person — the other parent, a grandparent, a relative, a school group, or a family friend. While not always legally required, consent forms are regularly requested by airlines, border officials (including New Zealand Customs and the New Zealand Transport Agency for some purposes), schools, and destination countries to reduce the risk of child abduction and unauthorised international travel.
In New Zealand, parental authority is shared between guardians under section 16 of the Care of Children Act 2004. Removing a child from New Zealand requires the consent of every guardian (or a court order) if the absence is intended to be more than briefly, and unauthorised removal can be an offence under section 8 of the Act. A written consent form is the practical way to evidence agreement between guardians.
The form identifies the child and the travelling adult, sets out the travel dates and destinations, confirms emergency medical authorisation, and is signed (and ideally witnessed or notarised for international travel) by the consenting parent(s) or guardian(s). Destination countries may have additional requirements (e.g. South Africa requires unabridged birth certificates for minors), which should be checked before travel.
What's Covered in This Template
Our child travel consent form captures every detail airlines, border officials, and schools typically require.
Child’s Details
Full legal name, date of birth, and New Zealand passport number (for international travel).
Consenting Parents or Guardians
Names, addresses, and contact details of each parent/guardian granting consent.
Accompanying Adult(s)
Name, relationship to the child, passport number, and contact details of the travelling adult.
Travel Itinerary
Destinations, departure and return dates, flight numbers, and accommodation where known.
Purpose of Travel
Holiday, family visit, school camp, sports event, or other purpose.
Emergency Medical Consent
Authorisation for the accompanying adult to consent to emergency medical treatment under the Care of Children Act 2004.
Contact Details for Consenting Parents
Phone, email, and address at which parents can be reached during the trip.
Medical Information
Relevant allergies, conditions, medications, and treating GP or specialist.
Insurance Details
Travel insurance policy number and emergency assistance contact.
Signature and Witness
Signature of each consenting parent/guardian and witness where required for international use.
How to Create a Child Travel Consent Form
Follow the simple steps below to generate a ready-to-sign consent form.
- 1
Enter the Child’s Details
Provide the child’s full legal name, date of birth, and passport number (for international travel).
- 2
Add Consenting Parents and Accompanying Adult
Enter the parents’ or guardians’ details and the travelling adult’s name, relationship, and passport.
- 3
Describe the Itinerary
Enter the destinations, travel dates, flight numbers, and accommodation where known.
- 4
Set Medical and Emergency Authorisations
Confirm emergency medical consent, provide insurance details, and note any medical conditions.
- 5
Sign and Witness
Print, sign in the presence of a witness (JP or solicitor recommended for international travel), and carry a copy during travel.
Legal Considerations
Travel with children who are not your own carries legal responsibilities under New Zealand and destination-country law.
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For complex family situations, contested guardianship, or international travel with children subject to Family Court orders, consult a New Zealand family lawyer.
Aligned with the Care of Children Act 2004
Guardianship under the Care of Children Act 2004
Under section 16 of the Care of Children Act 2004, guardianship includes all duties, powers, rights, and responsibilities that a parent has in raising a child, including decisions about important matters such as medical treatment, education, and overseas travel. Where there is more than one guardian (the usual case), guardians must consult and cooperate on important decisions. Written consent is the accepted way to record agreement.
Taking a Child Overseas
Section 8 of the Care of Children Act 2004 makes it an offence to take or send a child out of New Zealand with intent to prevent any order or determination of a New Zealand court, or to defeat any claim by another guardian. For families where custody or contact arrangements are in dispute or subject to a parenting order, the written consent of all guardians — or an order under section 46A — is essential before international travel.
Hague Convention on Child Abduction
New Zealand is a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, implemented by the Care of Children Act 2004. Where a child is wrongfully removed to or retained in a contracting state, return orders can be sought. A properly documented travel consent demonstrates that travel is not a wrongful removal and protects the travelling parent or adult.
Emergency Medical Consent
Under section 36 of the Care of Children Act 2004, consent to medical treatment for a child under 16 is normally given by a guardian. An authorisation in the travel consent form allows the accompanying adult to consent on behalf of the parents in an emergency when parents cannot be reached in time. Hospitals will usually treat in genuine emergencies regardless, but documented authority avoids delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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