Introduction
Family travel is a joyful experience, but when children travel without their parents, additional rules and legal formalities come into play. In Dubai and across the UAE, one of the most common situations is when children travel with their grandparents. While grandparents are trusted guardians, immigration authorities and airlines require formal consent to travel with grandparents to prevent disputes, abductions, or misunderstandings.
This article provides a complete step-by-step guide to obtaining and preparing a legally valid travel consent letter in Dubai. Whether you are planning a holiday to Europe, the US, Asia, or traveling within the Middle East, this guide ensures you are fully prepared. At Notary Services Dubai, we assist families by drafting, notarizing, and attesting consent letters that meet UAE and international requirements.
Why Consent to Travel with Grandparents is Important
1. Legal Requirement
Most immigration authorities globally require that minors (children under 18) carry a notarized travel consent letter if they are traveling without their parents. This includes traveling with grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even older siblings. Dubai airport authorities strictly enforce this rule to avoid complications during departure.
2. Safety & Protection
Consent letters act as an official declaration from parents granting permission. It protects children from being stopped at airports and shields grandparents from unnecessary interrogation by immigration officers.
3. Peace of Mind for Parents
A properly notarized consent letter ensures parents know their children can travel without issues, reducing stress and giving peace of mind.
Understanding Travel Consent in Dubai & the UAE
Dubai is one of the busiest international travel hubs in the world. Authorities maintain strict child-travel regulations to ensure security and compliance with global standards. Here’s what parents should know:
- Dubai Airport & UAE Law: Immigration at DXB (Dubai International Airport) and DWC (Dubai World Central) often requires a notarized consent letter for minors traveling without parents.
- Airline Requirements:
- Emirates: Requires notarized parental consent for minors traveling with grandparents.
- FlyDubai: Requests official consent documentation if a child travels without parents.
- Etihad Airways: Follows international best practices, especially for US/Schengen-bound flights.
- Emirates: Requires notarized parental consent for minors traveling with grandparents.
- International Regulations:
- United States: Customs and Border Protection requires notarized consent from both parents.
- Schengen Zone: European countries strictly enforce notarized consent documents.
- UK & Canada: Require additional proof such as birth certificates and proof of relationship.
- United States: Customs and Border Protection requires notarized consent from both parents.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in denied boarding or immigration delays.
Key Elements of a Consent to Travel with grandparents
A valid consent letter must be detailed, accurate, and properly notarized. It should include:
- Child’s Details
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Parents’ Consent
- Full names, contact details, passport/Emirates ID numbers of both parents.
- Clear statement granting permission for the trip.
- Full names, contact details, passport/Emirates ID numbers of both parents.
- Grandparents’ Details
- Names, relationship to the child, passport/Emirates ID numbers.
- Names, relationship to the child, passport/Emirates ID numbers.
- Travel Information
- Flight numbers, dates, destinations, and return details.
- Flight numbers, dates, destinations, and return details.
- Additional Documents
- Child’s birth certificate or guardianship papers (if applicable).
- Child’s birth certificate or guardianship papers (if applicable).
- Notarization
- Consent letters must be signed and notarized before being legally recognized.
- Consent letters must be signed and notarized before being legally recognized.
At Notary Services Dubai, we prepare customized consent letters that cover all these elements to ensure full compliance.
How to Prepare a Consent to Travel with Grandparents Letter in Dubai
Step 1: Drafting the Letter
The consent letter must follow an international standard format. Parents should clearly state their approval, contact information, and legal authority.
Step 2: Notarization in Dubai
A travel consent letter must be notarized by a Notary Public in Dubai to confirm its authenticity. This step is crucial for international recognition.
Step 3: Attestation for International Use
If the child is traveling abroad, the consent letter may require:
- Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Dubai.
- Embassy or consulate attestation depending on the destination country.
Step 4: Translation (If Required)
Some destinations require the document in Arabic and English, while others may request translations into French, Spanish, or German.
Step 5: Timeline & Costs
- Drafting: Same-day service available.
- Notarization: Completed within hours.
- MOFA Attestation: 1–3 working days.
- Costs vary depending on destination requirements, but Notary Services Dubai provides affordable packages for families.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing Signatures: Both parents must sign unless one has sole custody.
- Incorrect Information: Passport numbers and travel details must match.
- Non-Notarized Letters: Simple letters without notarization are rejected.
- Expired Documents: Ensure passports and Emirates IDs are valid.
- Failure to Carry Extra Copies: Always carry at least 2 notarized copies—one for immigration and one for the airline.
Professional Services in Dubai for Travel Consent Letters
While some parents attempt DIY consent letters, professional services ensure compliance with UAE and international requirements.
At Notary Services Dubai, we offer:
- Legally valid drafting services.
- Same-day notarization in Dubai.
- Full attestation support for global travel.
- Translation into multiple languages.
- Expert guidance for different country requirements.
Our team ensures hassle-free documentation, giving families confidence that their children can travel smoothly with grandparents.
FAQs about Child Travel Consent in Dubai
Q1. Is a notarized letter always required?
Yes, in most cases, especially for international travel. Some countries may deny entry without it.
Q2. Do both parents need to sign?
Yes, unless one parent has legal custody or if one parent is deceased (death certificate required).
Q3. Can one consent letter cover multiple trips?
Yes, but it is advisable to issue a new letter for each trip with updated details.
Q4. What if one parent is unavailable?
A power of attorney (POA) can be issued in Dubai to allow one parent to sign on behalf of the other.
Q5. Can we use scanned copies?
No, originals are required. Carry notarized hard copies during travel.
Conclusion of consent to travel with grandparents
Traveling with grandparents is a cherished family tradition, but without proper documentation, it can quickly become stressful. A notarized consent to travel with grandparents letter ensures full compliance with UAE and international laws, protecting both children and guardians.
At Notary Services Dubai, we provide expert guidance, professional drafting, and complete attestation services so families can travel with peace of mind. Our online and in-person solutions make the process fast, simple, and reliable for all UAE residents.
