Introduction
International travel with children is a joyful experience, but it also comes with strict legal requirements — especially in the UAE, where family law and border security prioritize child safety. Whether your child is traveling with one parent, relatives, or even alone, a Child Travel POA or Child Travel Consent Letter is often mandatory to avoid complications at airports or borders.
This guide explains everything you need to know about securing these documents in Dubai and across the UAE — including when they are required, how to prepare them, the legal framework, and how our online notarization services make the process fast, secure, and compliant.
Why a Child Travel Consent Letter or POA Is Essential in the UAE
Child safety is a legal and moral priority in the UAE. Immigration officers, airlines, and foreign authorities are especially vigilant about child travel to prevent abduction, disputes, or custody violations.
- Legal Protection: Both parents’ consent ensures that one parent cannot unilaterally take the child abroad against the other’s wishes.
- Immigration & Airline Requirements: Carriers and airport authorities frequently request a notarized consent letter before boarding.
- Peace of Mind: With a properly drafted POA or consent letter, you can travel confidently, knowing you are compliant with UAE and international law.
👉 Key difference:
- Child Travel Consent Letter = parental permission for a specific trip, usually limited in duration.
- Child Travel POA = broader authority allowing an appointed guardian or relative to make travel-related and sometimes medical/legal decisions for the child.
Who Needs a Child Travel POA/ Consent Letter?
These documents are required in many scenarios:
- One parent traveling without the other (e.g., business trip, custody situation)
- Child traveling with grandparents, relatives, teachers, or family friends
- Unaccompanied minors (most airlines demand notarized consent)
- Separated or divorced parents where custody is shared
- International trips (especially outside GCC countries, where UAE consent requirements may be enforced more strictly)
👉 No document is usually required when both parents travel together, or for short local travel within the UAE.
Key Elements of a Valid Consent Letter or POA
A well-drafted letter or POA should include:
- Child’s full name, date of birth, passport number, Emirates ID
- Parents’ or guardians’ full details & signatures
- Accompanying adult’s details (passport, relationship)
- Travel dates, destinations, and airline information
- Scope of authority (medical decisions, emergencies, limited or general authority)
- Date, location, and signature authentication (notarization)
⚖️ Pro tip: Avoid generic wording. Precise details (dates, destinations, contact numbers) reduce the risk of rejection at borders.
Documents Required to Issue Child Travel POA or Consent Letter
Parents must prepare:
- Child’s birth certificate
- Child’s passport and Emirates ID
- Parents’/guardians’ passports and Emirates IDs
- Passport copy of the accompanying adult
- Flight itinerary and hotel bookings (to confirm trip dates)
- Custody papers if applicable (in cases of divorce/separation)
- Certified translations (for non-Arabic documents)
Step-by-Step Process in Dubai & UAE
1. Initial Consultation
Discuss your case with a licensed notary service to determine whether you need a Consent Letter or a POA.
2. Document Preparation
Gather the child’s and parents’ documents, along with travel details.
3. Drafting the Document
A professional notary prepares a legally valid consent letter/POA in Arabic and English.
4. Notarization
Parents sign the document in front of a notary public (or via online notarization if eligible).
5. Translation & Attestation
If the document is for use abroad, it may need translation and MOFA attestation. Some destinations also require embassy authentication.
6. Delivery
Receive the original notarized consent letter or POA (plus certified copies if requested).
👉 Our service offers same-day processing and online notarization, saving you valuable time.
Remote & Online Notarization Options
The UAE increasingly supports remote notarization, which allows parents to complete the entire process online.
- Upload documents securely.
- Join a virtual notarization session.
- Receive digital notarized copies by email.
- Optionally, request courier delivery of hard copies.
This is particularly useful for expatriates outside Dubai, or parents unable to attend in person.
Tips to Avoid Rejection or Delays
- Ensure names match exactly as in passports/IDs.
- Specify travel dates clearly.
- Carry both original and certified copies.
- Check airline and embassy requirements in advance.
- Allow sufficient processing time before travel.
- Use certified translations for foreign-language documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a child travel consent letter always required?
Yes, if one parent is absent or the child travels with another adult.
2. What if one parent refuses to sign?
You may need a court order to proceed. Without consent, travel may be denied.
3. How long is a consent letter valid?
Usually valid for the specified trip dates. A POA may cover multiple trips if drafted broadly.
4. Do I need MOFA attestation?
Yes, if the document will be used outside the UAE.
5. Can I get the consent letter online?
Yes — with our online notarization services, you can complete the process from anywhere in the UAE.
Why Choose Our Services in Dubai
- Expert drafting: We prepare legally sound documents tailored to your case.
- Fast turnaround: Same-day processing available.
- Online notarization: Save time with secure remote services across UAE.
- Compliance guaranteed: Documents meet UAE legal standards and are accepted internationally.
- Trusted team: Experienced notaries with a strong track record in family and travel law documentation.
📌 We serve clients across the UAE through our online services, with our physical office located in Dubai.
Conclusion of Child Travel POA
Securing a Child Travel POA or Consent Letter is essential for smooth, stress-free travel with your child in Dubai and across the UAE. With strict laws in place to protect minors, having a properly notarized and attested document ensures legal compliance, peace of mind, and avoids last-minute disruptions at the airport.
👉 Contact us today to prepare your child travel POA or consent letter — whether you’re in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, our online notarization service makes it quick, secure, and convenient.
✅ If you need a child travel POA or consent letter, we provide fast and reliable online services across the UAE. Our physical office is in Dubai, but you can complete the process from anywhere.
