Christmas is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Families across the world reunite, people fly home for the holidays, and parents often travel internationally with their children. But if you’re planning to travel for Christmas with your child — especially without the other parent — you must ensure your documents are fully prepared.
One of the most important documents is the Child Travel Consent Form, and in many cases, it must be apostilled or legalised before your trip.
In this guide, we’ll explain why you need a child travel consent form, how apostille and legalisation work, and how to avoid last-minute holiday stress by preparing your documents correctly.
What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?
A child travel consent form is a legal document confirming that a child has permission to travel abroad with one parent, a relative, a school group, or another responsible adult. It helps border officials verify that the child is not being taken abroad illegally.
A complete consent form normally includes:
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Full details of the child
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Names and passport details of both parents
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Details of the travelling parent or adult
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Travel dates and destinations
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Signatures of the non-travelling parent(s)
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Witness or solicitor certification (if required)
Do You Need an Apostille or Legalisation for a Child Travel Consent Form?
Depending on your destination country, yes.
Many countries require the child travel consent form — and sometimes even supporting documents — to be apostilled or legalised.
When do you need an apostille?
If you are travelling to a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your consent form must be apostilled by the UK’s FCDO.
The apostille stamp confirms the authenticity of the signature on your document.
When do you need legalisation?
If your destination is not part of the Apostille Convention, your document must go through embassy legalisation after the apostille.
This ensures your consent form is recognised abroad.
Common Christmas travel destinations that often ask for apostille/legalisation:
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Spain
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Portugal
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France
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UAE
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Qatar
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Turkey
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South Africa
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Canada
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USA (sometimes recommended even if not always mandatory)
Always check the specific requirements of the country you’re visiting.
Why Apostille and Legalisation Are Important for Christmas Travel
Christmas is a peak season for border checks, and immigration officers are extra careful when minors travel internationally.
Missing documentation — especially an apostilled child travel consent form — can cause:
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Travel delays
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Denied boarding
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Refusal of entry at immigration
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Stress and unexpected expenses
Preparing your apostille and legalisation in advance guarantees a smooth and stress-free holiday trip.
How to Get Your Child Travel Consent Form Apostilled or Legalised
Here’s the simple process to follow:
1. Prepare and sign your child travel consent form
Make sure the non-travelling parent signs it. Some countries require a solicitor or notary to witness the signature.
2. Apostille the document
The UK FCDO will apply the official apostille certificate confirming the signature.
3. Embassy legalisation (if required)
For countries outside the Apostille Convention, your document must be legalised at the relevant embassy.
4. Carry original and certified copies while travelling
Border officers may request physical copies.
Other Documents That May Require Apostille or Legalisation for Child Travel
Depending on your destination, you may also need:
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Birth certificate (apostille)
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Court order (apostille & legalisation)
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Parental responsibility documents
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Adoption papers
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Travel insurance confirmation
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Letter from school for term-time travel
Having these documents apostilled or legalised ensures compliance with international travel rules.
Final Tips for Smooth Christmas Travel With a Child
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Start the apostille or legalisation process early — holiday demand is high.
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Check embassy requirements at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
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Ensure names on passports and documents match.
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Keep digital and printed copies of all paperwork.
Travelling with a child during the festive season doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right apostille and legalisation for your child travel consent form, you’ll be fully prepared for a safe, smooth, and happy Christmas journey.