When a child departs alone or with one parent or a guardian, a parental travel consent may be requested at immigration or boarding. Without it, the airline may deny boarding or local immigration may order an immediate return — so prepare it in advance. Apostille Korea handles drafting through notarization, apostille, and embassy legalization remotely, in one stop.
What is a parental travel consent?
A parental travel consent is an official document in which a parent (legal guardian) formally permits a minor's departure abroad. It proves to state authorities that the parent consents when the minor travels with only one parent, with a third party such as a grandparent or teacher, or alone. As a child-protection measure under international human-rights frameworks, it is strongly required worldwide to prevent child abduction, trafficking, and forced removal arising from parental disputes.
When do you need it?
- A minor departing with only one of two parents
- Departing with a non-guardian such as a grandparent, aunt/uncle, or teacher
- A minor departing alone (including airline accompanied-minor service)
- A school group trip, field trip, or volunteer activity with a supervising teacher
- When parents are in a divorce dispute or custody dispute
- When an EU/Schengen entry is likely to prompt an airline or local request
Key contents and attachments
| Item | Contents |
|---|---|
| Child information | Name, date of birth, passport number, nationality |
| Parent (guardian) information | Each parent's name, date of birth, passport number, contact |
| Companion information | Companion's name, relationship to the child, passport number |
| Travel information | Destination, dates, purpose |
Make sure the child's and parents' names in English exactly match the passports. A mismatch is a common cause of rejection at immigration.
The process, step by step
- Draft the consentPrepare the consent with the child's travel details (destination, dates, companions).
- NotarizationHave the parents' signatures notarized at a notary office.
- Translation (if required)Translate where the destination requires a specific language.
- Apostille or embassy legalization (if required)Apostille for a member destination; embassy legalization for a non-member.
- Carry / submitCarry the document for immigration or submit it to the relevant body.
How to apply with Apostille Korea
Apostille Korea handles drafting, notarization, and apostille or embassy legalization for parental travel consent in one stop, entirely online.
Frequently asked questions
What is a parental travel consent?
It is an official document by which a parent permits a minor's departure abroad, used when a minor travels with one parent, a non-guardian, or alone.
Is it required for the EU/Schengen area?
An airline or local immigration may request it for Schengen entry, so prepare it in advance to avoid boarding refusal.
What should I be careful about?
Ensure the child's and parents' English names exactly match the passports and include accurate travel details. Name mismatches are a frequent rejection cause.
Do I need an apostille too?
It depends on the destination — apostille for a Hague member, embassy legalization for a non-member.
Can I apply online?
Yes, fully online via our website or chat channel.
Why Apostille Korea
- Specialist team — apostille, certified translation, and embassy legalization handled directly by experts.
- One-stop service — from issuance support to the finished certification, resolved together.
- Fully remote — apply online from anywhere and receive your documents — no in-person visit.
- Fast handling — urgent cases processed quickly with real-time status updates.
- Accurate guidance — tailored advice analyzing each country's and document's requirements.