Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand)
CHILD TRAVEL CONSENT FORM
This Child Travel Consent Form is made on [Consent Date] by the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the child named below, in accordance with the Care of Children Act 2004 (New Zealand) and the New Zealand Passports Act 1992.
1. CHILD'S PARTICULARS
Full Name: [Child Name] Date of Birth: [Child Date of Birth] Nationality: [Child Nationality] Passport Number: [Child Passport Number] Passport Expiry: [Child Passport Expiry]
2. CONSENTING PARENT(S) OR GUARDIAN(S)
Parent/Guardian 1: Name: [Parent 1 Name] Relationship to Child: [Parent 1 Relationship] Phone (including international): [Parent 1 Phone] Email: [Parent 1 Email]
Second parent/guardian present: [Has Second Parent]. Parent/Guardian 2 (if applicable): Name: [Parent 2 Name] Relationship to Child: [Parent 2 Relationship] Phone: [Parent 2 Phone]
3. ACCOMPANYING ADULT
Type of Travel: [Travel Type]
Accompanying Adult (if applicable): Name: [Accompanying Adult Name] Relationship to Child: [Accompanying Adult Relationship] Phone: [Accompanying Adult Phone] Passport Number: [Accompanying Adult Passport]
4. TRAVEL DETAILS
Destination Country/Countries: [Destination Country] Accommodation Address: [Destination Address] Departure Date: [Departure Date] Return Date: [Return Date] Purpose of Travel: [Travel Purpose]
5. EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Emergency Contact (New Zealand): Name: [Emergency Contact Name] Relationship: [Emergency Contact Relationship] Phone: [Emergency Contact Phone] Travel Insurance: [Travel Insurance Details]
6. MEDICAL INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY TREATMENT CONSENT
Medical Conditions, Allergies, and Medications: [Medical Conditions]
Emergency Medical Treatment Consent: [Emergency Medical Consent]
7. CONSENT AND AUTHORISATION
We, the undersigned parent(s) or guardian(s) of [Child Name], hereby consent to [Child Name] travelling internationally as described in this form. Scope of Consent: [Consent Scope].
Additional Instructions: [Additional Instructions]
We acknowledge that under the Care of Children Act 2004 (New Zealand), a guardian who intends to remove a child from New Zealand must give written notice to the other guardians (section 77). This form constitutes that notice (if applicable). We confirm that there is no parenting order, guardianship order, or court order preventing or restricting this travel.
We understand that immigration and border control authorities in New Zealand and destination countries may request evidence of consent when a child is travelling with only one parent or with a non-parent adult. We authorise the accompanying adult to present this form to any such authority on our behalf.
8. SIGNATURES
SIGNED by [Parent 1 Name] ([Parent 1 Relationship]) on [Consent Date] Signature: _________________________ Witness Signature: _________________________ Witness Name and Address: _________________________
SIGNED by [Parent 2 Name] ([Parent 2 Relationship]) on [Consent Date] Signature: _________________________ Witness Signature: _________________________ Witness Name and Address: _________________________
NOTARISATION (optional but recommended for international travel): This form was signed before me, a Notary Public / Justice of the Peace, on [Consent Date]. Name: _________________________ Qualification: _________________________ Signature and Seal: _________________________
What Is a Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand)?
A Child Travel Consent Form in New Zealand records a person's informed permission for a specified action, treatment, or use of their information, and the limits of that permission, consistent with the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
In New Zealand, the legal basis for the requirement of parental consent for a child's international travel is rooted in the Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA) and the Passports Act 1992. Under the COCA, all persons who are guardians of a child have the right and responsibility to be involved in major decisions about that child's upbringing, including decisions about the child's travel overseas. Section 77 of the COCA specifically provides that a guardian who wishes to remove a child from New Zealand permanently must give written notice to the other guardians. For temporary international travel, while written notice is not explicitly mandated by the COCA for short trips, the guardianship framework of the Act makes clear that all guardians should consent.
Under the Passports Act 1992 and the policies of the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), a child under 16 needs the consent of all guardians to obtain a New Zealand passport. This requirement reflects the importance of guardian consent in decisions affecting a child's international movement.
The practical need for a Child Travel Consent Form arises in several common situations: when a child is travelling with only one parent (the other parent does not travel), when a child is accompanying a non-parent adult (such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, family friend, or sports coach), when a child is travelling on an organised school trip or sports tour, or when a child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor (using the airline's unaccompanied minor service).
Many countries — including Australia, Canada, the United States, and most of Europe — recommend or require a travel consent letter when a child is travelling with only one parent or without both parents. Airlines also frequently request consent documentation. Failure to produce consent documentation can lead to a child being denied boarding or entry to the destination country.
New Zealand is a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. This international agreement provides mechanisms for the return of children who are wrongfully removed to or retained in another signatory country. A Child Travel Consent Form helps distinguish authorised international travel from wrongful removal.
When Do You Need a Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand)?
A New Zealand Child Travel Consent Form is needed in a range of common travel scenarios. Understanding when this document is required helps families plan ahead and avoid difficulties at border control.
Child travelling with one parent. When parents are separated or divorced, and a child travels internationally with only one parent, the non-travelling parent's written consent is strongly recommended and may be required by the destination country or the airline. The consent letter should confirm the other parent's agreement to the specific trip.
Child travelling with grandparents or other relatives. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives frequently travel with grandchildren or nieces and nephews. In these cases, both parents (where both are guardians) should sign the consent form, confirming that the named relative has authority to travel with the child.
Child on a school trip or organised tour. Schools, sports clubs, cultural groups, and youth organisations regularly take children on international trips. A travel consent form signed by the parent or guardian is standard practice and is required by most schools and tour operators.
Unaccompanied minors. Airlines offer unaccompanied minor services for children travelling alone (typically from age 5 or 8 upwards, depending on the airline). Parents must complete the airline's own documentation and typically also provide a travel consent letter.
Long-duration overseas stays. When a child is going overseas for an extended period — for example, to visit family overseas, to attend school abroad, or to participate in an exchange programme — a thorough travel consent form is particularly important.
Where one parent is deceased or unable to be contacted. If one parent is deceased or otherwise unable to be contacted, the form should note this and should be accompanied by supporting documentation such as a death certificate or court order.
For travel to countries with strict entry requirements. Some countries — including Canada, Mexico, and many Latin American and European nations — have specific requirements for travel consent letters, including notarisation and, in some cases, apostilles. Checking the requirements of the destination country well in advance of travel is essential.
What to Include in Your Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand)
A well-prepared New Zealand Child Travel Consent Form should include several key elements to be accepted and effective.
Child identification. The form must clearly identify the child by their full legal name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and passport expiry date. This information is essential for immigration and border control checks.
Consenting parent or guardian details. All guardians of the child should ideally be identified and sign the consent form. Where only one parent is signing (because the other parent cannot be located, is deceased, or is the sole guardian), this should be explained. Each consenting parent or guardian's name, relationship to the child, and contact details (including international phone number) during the trip should be recorded.
Accompanying adult details. If the child is travelling with a non-parent adult, that person's full legal name, relationship to the child, contact details, and passport number should be stated. The accompanying adult should have a copy of the consent form to present to authorities.
Travel itinerary. The form must state the destination country or countries, the dates of departure from New Zealand and expected return, the purpose of travel, and the primary accommodation address. This information enables officials to assess the scope of the consent.
Emergency contacts. The form should list emergency contact details for a person in New Zealand who can be reached if the parents cannot be contacted during the trip.
Medical information and emergency treatment consent. Relevant medical conditions, allergies, and medications should be disclosed. The form should include explicit authorisation for the accompanying adult or responsible medical authority to consent to any emergency medical, surgical, or dental treatment necessary for the child's health and safety if the parents cannot be immediately reached.
Travel insurance details. Travel insurance provider, policy number, and emergency assistance contact should be recorded. Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all international travel with children.
Scope and limitations. The form should clearly state the scope of the consent — whether it covers the specific trip only or is an open travel consent — and any specific conditions or limitations.
Signature and witnessing. All consenting guardians must sign the form. Having the form witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or Notary Public, and considering notarisation for travel to countries with specific requirements, significantly enhances the form's credibility and international acceptance. The forms-legal.com Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/consent/child-travel-consent-form-new-zealand
"Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/consent/child-travel-consent-form-new-zealand.
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title = {Child Travel Consent Form (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/consent/child-travel-consent-form-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
In New Zealand, the Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA) requires that all guardians of a child must consent to that child being removed from New Zealand (section 77 COCA). Where a child is travelling with only one parent and the other parent is not travelling, or where the child is travelling with a non-parent adult (such as a grandparent, aunt, teacher, or family friend), New Zealand Immigration and the immigration authorities of many destination countries may ask to see evidence of the non-travelling parent's consent. While there is no universal legal requirement to carry a written consent letter for all international travel, the New Zealand Customs Service and Immigration New Zealand strongly recommend that a child travelling with only one parent or with a non-parent adult carries a signed and, if possible, notarised travel consent letter. Countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and many other countries have specific requirements or recommendations for child travel consent documentation. The consequences of not having documentation can include delays, refusal of boarding, or even being prevented from entering the destination country.
The Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA) contains important provisions about taking a child out of New Zealand. Section 77 of the COCA provides that a guardian who wishes to take a child out of New Zealand permanently must give written notice to all other guardians at least four weeks before removal, unless the court makes a different order. For temporary travel (holidays, short trips), written notice to the other guardian is not strictly required by the COCA, but consent is implied by the Act's general guardianship framework. Section 78 of the COCA provides that a court can make an order prohibiting the removal of a child from New Zealand — called a 'non-removal order'. Such orders are filed with the New Zealand Customs Service and with Immigration New Zealand. When a child is subject to a non-removal order, they will be prevented from leaving New Zealand. Additionally, taking a child overseas without the consent of all guardians (or in breach of a court order) may constitute a breach of the guardianship provisions of the COCA and could amount to child abduction under the Crimes Act 1961. New Zealand is a signatory to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which provides a mechanism for the return of abducted children.
Under the Passports Act 1992 and the passport application requirements of the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), a child under 16 generally requires the consent of all persons who have guardianship of the child to obtain a New Zealand passport. If one guardian refuses to consent to the issue of a passport, the other guardian may apply to the Family Court for an order under section 46A of the COCA authorising the passport to be issued or directing the other guardian to consent. Conversely, a guardian who is concerned that a child might be taken overseas without consent can ask DIA to flag the child's passport application, so that any application triggers notification to them. If a passport has already been issued to a child and there is a risk of abduction or unauthorised removal, a guardian can apply to the Family Court for a non-removal order under section 78 of the COCA and have it recorded with Immigration New Zealand and New Zealand Customs. For children travelling internationally, having a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond the return date is essential — most destination countries require this minimum validity.
Notarisation — the authentication of a document by a Notary Public — is not legally required for a child travel consent form under New Zealand domestic law. However, for international travel, having the consent form notarised (or at least witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, solicitor, or Notary Public) significantly increases its credibility and acceptance by foreign immigration authorities, airlines, and border control officials. Many countries, particularly in the Americas and Europe, give greater weight to notarised documents. Some countries, including Canada and many Latin American nations, have specific requirements that consent letters be notarised and, in some cases, apostilled (certified for international recognition under the Hague Apostille Convention). New Zealand is a party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (the Apostille Convention). If your child is travelling to a country that requires an apostille, you should have the consent form notarised by a New Zealand Notary Public, then obtain an apostille from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). It is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the destination country before travel.
If a co-guardian refuses to consent to a child travelling internationally and you believe the travel is in the child's best interests, you may apply to the Family Court for an order under the Care of Children Act 2004. Under section 46A and related provisions of the COCA, the Family Court can make orders in relation to a child's care, contact, and upbringing that it considers to be in the child's best interests. If the dispute is about a specific overseas trip, you may apply for a variation to existing parenting orders or for a specific order authorising the travel. The court will consider the welfare and best interests of the child as the paramount consideration. If, on the other hand, you are concerned that the other parent might take the child overseas without your consent, you should immediately contact a lawyer and may apply for a non-removal order under section 78 of the COCA. You can also contact New Zealand Customs Service and Immigration New Zealand to alert them to the situation. New Zealand's participation in the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction means that if a child is wrongfully taken overseas, there are international mechanisms for seeking their return.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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