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E-Notarization Child Travel POA Online in UAE 2025

A Child Travel POA in UAE, also known as a Child Travel Authorization, is a necessary legal document that allows a minor child to travel outside the UAE without a parent or legal guardian. The POA&MORE team provides a comprehensive guide to Child Travel POA.

 

What is a Child Travel Power of Attorney (POA)?

Child Travel POA

Child Travel POA is a written letter of consent signed by the child’s parent (father, mother, or legal guardian), granting permission for another person (such as a relative, coach, or teacher) to accompany and travel with the child. This consent must be notarized by a notary public to be valid and legal.

 

To obtain a Child Travel POA, you can use POA&MORE services in the UAE. The document will be properly notarized to ensure it is accepted by immigration authorities in the UAE and the destination country.

 

Child travel POA conditions

  • Explicit consent: Consent to travel must be clear and unambiguous, and implied consent is inadmissible.
  • Specifying the travel destination: The document must clearly specify the country to which the child will travel.
  • Travel details: It must include the duration of travel and details of the person accompanying the child.
  • Partner information: The document must include full details of the guardian, the child, and the accompanying person, including name, nationality, Emirates ID number, and passport number.

 

Legal Basis for Child Travel Authorization

The legal basis for Child Travel POA in the UAE is based on several laws and legislation, all of which aim to protect children’s rights and ensure their best interests. The most prominent of these laws are:

 

Personal Status Law:

  • Article (157) of the UAE Personal Status Law stipulates that the legal age at which a child may travel without the consent of a guardian is 18 years, provided the child does not suffer from any legal incapacity (such as insanity).
  • In the event of family disputes, the law requires the consent of both parents or the party with custody for a child to travel outside the country.
  • A parent has the right to file a “travel ban” request for the children with the court to ensure they are not taken out of the country without their consent.
  • The custodian may not travel with the child outside the country without the written consent of the guardian. If the guardian refuses or delays, the custodian may refer the matter to a judge for adjudication.

 

Child Rights Law:

  • This law aims to protect children’s rights and ensure their physical, psychological, and moral safety.
  • The law includes provisions that ensure the safety of children during travel and prevent them from being exposed to danger. The executive regulations of the laws related to the entry and residence of foreigners in the UAE include conditions and documents specific to children’s travel, such as Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022.

 

Requirements for Child Travel Authorization in the UAE

The requirements for a child’s travel permit in the UAE depend on several factors, the most important of which are the child’s age, the presence of an adult accompanying them, and the relationship of the accompanying person to the child. In general, the requirements can be summarized as follows:

 

1. A child traveling with their parents:

  • The child does not need a special travel permit if they are traveling with both parents (father and mother).
  • The child must have a valid passport.
  • Some airlines may require additional documents such as a birth certificate.

 

2. A child traveling with one parent:

  • In this case, written consent must be obtained from the other parent.
  • This consent must be clear and explicit and specify the travel destination and length of stay.
  • It is preferable for the consent to be notarized by a notary public or official authority.
  • In the event of a dispute between the parents, the custodian may take the matter to court to obtain travel permission.

 

3. A child traveling with a companion other than their parents:

  • If the child is traveling with someone other than their parents (such as a relative or friend), they must have an official, notarized letter of authorization from both parents.
  • The authorization letter must specify who is accompanying the child, the travel destination, the length of stay, and the parents’ contact information.
  • The accompanying person’s passport and a copy of the parents’ passport must be attached to the documents.

 

4. Child Traveling Alone (Unaccompanied Minor):

  • Airlines have strict requirements for unaccompanied minors.
  • The minimum age for traveling alone varies between airlines, usually between 5 and 12 years.
  • The “Unaccompanied Minor” service is usually offered by the airline and involves an additional fee.
  • Special documents and parental consent must be prepared. The child is handed over to airline staff at the departure airport and met by an authorized person at the arrival airport.
  • Some airlines, such as Air Arabia and Flydubai, do not allow children under 12 years old to travel alone.

 

Required Documents for Child Travel POA in UAE

  • A valid passport for the child.
  • The child’s birth certificate.
  • The child’s Emirates ID (if applicable).
  • The accompanying person’s passport (if traveling with an accompanying person).
  • A notarized letter of consent or authorization (if traveling with a parent or alone).
  • Any additional legal documents related to custody or guardianship, if necessary.

Read more: Cost of Power of Attorney in Dubai

Steps to Obtain a Child Travel POA

Child Travel POA

Obtaining a Child Travel POA in the UAE, especially through a specialized company like POA&MORE, goes through several essential steps to ensure all legal requirements are met. A Child Travel POA is necessary if a child is traveling with only one parent, with someone other than the parents, or alone. Here are the general steps you can follow in collaboration with POA&MORE:

 

1. Contact the Company:

  • Start by contacting POA&MORE through their available communication channels (website, phone, email).
  • Explain your need for a travel POA for the child and provide details about the travel circumstances (who will be traveling with the child, the travel destination, and the length of stay).

 

2. Prepare the Required Documents:

  • The company will guide you through the documents required to issue a Child Travel POA.
  • In general, these documents include:
  • Parent(s) ID: Original and valid passports and Emirates ID cards.
  • Child ID: The child’s passport and Emirates ID card (if applicable).
  • Proof of Relationship: Child’s birth certificate (certified by the competent authorities), or guardianship papers in the case of a legal guardian.
  • Information about the accompanying person: If the child will be traveling with someone other than the parents, you will need their information (full name, passport number, and contact information).

 

3. Drafting the Child Travel POA:

The company’s team will draft a legally accurate power of attorney, including all necessary details, such as:

  • Information of the parent granting the power of attorney.
  • Information of the child.
  • Information of the person authorized to travel with the child (if applicable).
  • Specific travel destination.
  • Duration of travel.
  • Reasons for travel (tourism, medical treatment, study, etc.).
  • Powers of the authorized person (such as managing the child’s affairs during travel).

 

4. Notarization:

  • After approval of the draft Child Travel POA, it will be formally completed.
  • POA&MORE is a special notary service, facilitating the notarization process in Dubai.
  • The power of attorney must be signed before a notary public or an authorized authority.
  • After notarization, the power of attorney may need to be authenticated by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and then by the embassy of the country to which the child will travel, to ensure international recognition.

 

5. Receiving the Child Travel POA:

  • After completing all procedures, you will be given the final, notarized, and certified power of attorney.
  • It is recommended that the person traveling with the child carry a paper copy of this power of attorney, in addition to electronic copies, to be presented upon request by immigration officials at airports.

Read more: Power of Attorney Dubai Validity

Sample Child Travel Authorization Form

The Child Travel Consent Form UAE includes the following:

 

Parent (father or legal guardian) details:

  • Full Name.
  • Nationality.
  • Emirates ID Card Number.
  • Address.

 

Child Details:

  • Full Name.
  • Nationality.
  • Emirates ID Card Number.
  • Address.

 

Travel Details:

  • Travel Destination (Country Name).
  • Duration of Travel.

 

Supplier Details (person traveling with the child):

  • Full Name.
  • Nationality.
  • Emirates ID Card Number.
  • Address.

 

Acknowledgement and Undertaking:

  • The child’s guardian gives their explicit consent to the child’s travel.
  • The guardian specifies that the consent is limited to the stated destination and duration.
  • The accompanying person undertakes to assume full legal responsibility for the child during the trip.

 

Signature and Date:

  • Signature of the child’s guardian.
  • Signature of the accompanying person (custodian of the child).
  • Date of Signature.

 

Why is Power of Attorney for Child Travel required while travelling?

A Child Travel POA is required in the UAE to protect and ensure their safety for several reasons related to legal protection, parental responsibility, and crime prevention. The main reasons can be summarized as follows:

  • Protecting children from abduction and human trafficking: A power of attorney is an essential means of preventing anyone from traveling with a child without the consent of their parents or legal guardians. A power of attorney proves that travel is being conducted with explicit consent, reducing the risk of child abduction or trafficking.
  • Ensuring legal consent: If a child is traveling with only one parent or with another adult (such as a grandparent, uncle, aunt, or even a family friend), a power of attorney represents a formal declaration from the other parent or guardian that they do not object to the child traveling. This procedure is particularly important in cases of separation or divorce, where there may be disputes over custody or travel rights for the child.
  • Legal responsibility: In the event of a medical or legal emergency for the child while traveling, a power of attorney designates the person responsible for making decisions on behalf of the parents. This ensures that the child receives the necessary care and that an adult is authorized to act in an emergency. 
  • Airline and Immigration Requirements: Many airlines and immigration authorities in the UAE and abroad require a Child Travel Authorization Document (CPA) as a mandatory requirement to ensure compliance with international and local laws protecting minors.
  • Simplifying the process: Having a Child Travel Authorization Document (CPA) facilitates the travel process and prevents delays or problems at airports, as staff can quickly verify that all parties involved have consented to the child’s travel.

 

When is a Child Travel Authorization Document (CPA) required?

A power of attorney is typically required in the following cases:

  • If the child is traveling alone (as part of the unaccompanied minor service).
  • If the child is traveling with only one parent.
  • If the child is traveling with an adult who is not their parent (such as a relative or friend).

 

Penalties for Non-Compliance with Child Travel Laws in the UAE

Failure to comply with child travel laws in the UAE can result in serious legal consequences, the severity of which varies depending on the nature of the violation. These laws aim to protect children and ensure their safety, especially those traveling alone or with one parent without the other’s consent. Therefore, the following paragraphs explain the penalties for non-compliance with child travel laws in the UAE:

 

1. Criminal Penalties:

  • Imprisonment and Fines: Anyone who violates provisions related to children’s rights shall be punished by imprisonment for a period of no less than one year and a fine of no less than AED 50,000 and no more than AED 100,000, especially if the act is attributed to the child’s parents, one or both of them, or their guardian.
  • Revocation of Custody: In some cases, the court may order the suspension of guardianship of the child and refer the matter to the Personal Status Court to appoint a new guardian.
  • Penalty for Kidnapping: If the mother travels with the child without the father’s consent, or vice versa, this is considered kidnapping, and the perpetrator may be subject to legal accountability.

 

2. Travel Restrictions:

  • Travel Ban: A travel ban may be issued against the offender as part of legal proceedings, preventing them from leaving the country.
  • Travel Ban: Airport authorities in the UAE prohibit children under the age of 18 from traveling alone or with one parent without the consent of the other parent, unless there is a court order permitting this.

 

3. Essential Travel Conditions, Failure to Comply with Which May Lead to Penalties:

  • Written Consent: A child under the age of 18 must obtain explicit written consent from their parent/legal guardian for travel alone or with someone other than their parents, in the form of a Child Travel POA.
  • Travel Documents: All travel documents, including passports, must be valid.
  • Unaccompanied Minor Service: Airlines impose specific conditions for travel of unaccompanied children, such as requiring a special service reservation for children between the ages of 5 and 12, and charge an additional fee for this service.

 

Common Situations Requiring Child Travel POA in the UAE

Child Travel POA

Minor travel in the UAE is governed by laws and regulations, often requiring a “Child Travel POA” or “Letter of Consent” from the parent or legal guardian. The following are common situations requiring a Child Travel POA in the UAE:

 

1. Child Traveling Alone:

  • Children between 5 and 12 years old: Most airlines in the UAE impose special conditions on children in this age group traveling alone. They must use the “Unaccompanied Minor Passenger” service provided by the airline, and this requires a letter of consent from the parent.
  • Children under 5 years old: They are not permitted to travel alone at all and must be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian) who is at least 16 years old.

 

2. Child Traveling with Only One Parent:

  • If a child is traveling with only one parent, some countries may require a letter of consent from the absent parent to prevent child abduction or unauthorized travel. This consent is considered a legal protection for the child’s best interests.
  • Article 151 of the UAE Personal Status Law stipulates that if the guardian (father or other parent) is not permitted to travel with the child during the custody period without written permission from the custodian (mother or custodial parent).

 

3. Child Traveling with Someone Other Than Their Parents:

  • If the child is traveling with someone other than their parents, such as relatives, friends, or teachers on a school trip, a Child Travel POA or letter of consent from the parents is required.
  • The POA must include clear details of the travel destination, the expected length of stay, the accompanying person’s details, and the purpose of the travel.

 

4. Special Cases:

  • Child Custody: In cases of divorce or separation, one parent may be the custodian, while the other is the guardian. In this case, the child’s travel outside the country requires written consent from the guardian. If the guardian refuses or delays, the custodian may resort to the courts to obtain travel permission.
  • Children of Certain Nationalities: Some countries may impose additional requirements on the travel of their minor citizens outside their country. For example, Italian children traveling alone may need a “letter of authorization” from the local police.

Benefits of obtaining a child travel power of attorney through POA&MORE in the UAE

Obtaining a Child Travel POA is a very important legal document, especially in the UAE, where laws are highly focused on protecting children. When you hire a specialized company like POA&MORE to issue a Child Travel POA, you can benefit from several advantages that facilitate and ensure the safety of your Child Travel POA through POA&MORE, as follows:

  • Specialized Legal Expertise: The company has a team of qualified lawyers and legal consultants who ensure the power of attorney Dubai is drafted correctly and accurately, in compliance with UAE laws. This prevents any potential errors that could lead to the power of attorney being rejected at the airport or when crossing borders.
  • Saving Time and Effort: Instead of navigating the complex legal procedures yourself, the company handles all the necessary steps to issue the power of attorney. This includes preparing the document, ensuring all conditions and requirements are met, and sometimes coordinating the notarization process with a notary public.
  • Convenience and Ease: Some companies, like POA&MORE, allow you to complete the process online, meaning you can complete your application and receive the document from the comfort of your home or office. This reduces the need for in-person visits and saves you the hassle of commuting. 
  • Legal Compliance: A power of attorney issued by a specialized authority ensures full compliance with local and international laws, preventing any legal issues or unexpected delays. The power of attorney typically includes all necessary information, such as the names of the parents, the child, and the accompanying person, the travel destination, and the length of stay.
  • Protection from Disputes: If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than the parents (such as a grandparent, grandmother, or guardian), having a power of attorney protects the traveling party from any potential disputes over custody or travel permission. It also proves that the travel is being conducted with the consent of all parties involved.

 

In short, using a specialized legal services firm like POA&MORE to issue a Child Travel POA gives you peace of mind and ensures that all legal procedures are properly and legally compliant, making your travel experience smoother and safer.

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Frequently asked questions

What letter do I need for my child to travel without parents?

To travel without your child’s parents in the UAE, you will need a notarized, official letter of consent (also known as a Child Travel POA). This letter is necessary to prove that you, as the parent or legal guardian, have granted permission for your child to travel. Here are the most important points the letter must include:

  • Complete details about the child: full name, date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and passport number.
  • Complete details about the parents or legal guardians: full name of each parent, contact information (address, phone number), and Emirates ID or passport number.
  • Complete details about the accompanying person (if applicable): full name, nationality, passport number, and relationship to the child.
  • Trip details: travel destination, purpose of travel, departure and return dates (including the expected length of stay), flight number, and airline (if known).
  • Acknowledgment of consent: A clear and explicit statement stating that you give full permission for the child to travel without you and release you from any legal liability.
  • Accompanying authority (optional but important): You can add a clause granting the accompanying person the authority to make necessary decisions on behalf of the child, such as medical decisions in emergency situations. 
  • Date and Signature: The letter must be dated and signed by the parents or legal guardian.

 

What is legal guardianship under UAE law?

Legal guardianship under UAE law is a legal relationship in which a person (the guardian) is appointed to manage the affairs of another person (the ward) who is incapable of doing so themselves. This guardianship is usually for minors or those with incapacity, such as the insane, the mentally retarded, the prodigal, and the absent-minded.

Guardianship differs from custody; custody concerns the child’s personal well-being and care, while guardianship concerns the management of their financial affairs and legal rights.

 

Can a guardian keep the child’s passport?

According to the UAE Personal Status Law, a guardian (custodian) has the right to keep the child’s (custodian’s) passport, but must hand it over to the custodian in the event of travel. It’s worth noting that there is a difference between a guardian and a custodian under UAE law:

  • A guardian is responsible for the child’s financial, educational, and general future affairs. The father is the child’s legal guardian.
  • A custodian is responsible for the child’s daily care and living expenses. The mother is usually the custodian.

 

At what age can a child travel without guardian consent?

According to the UAE Personal Status Law, a person is permitted to travel without the consent of a guardian upon reaching the age of 18, provided they are of sound mind. However, the conditions and procedures for travel of minors (those under 18) vary from one airline to another. In general, airlines in the UAE apply the following rules:

  • Children under 5 years of age: They are not permitted to travel alone and must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Children between 5 and 12 years of age: They can travel alone using the “Unaccompanied Minor” service provided by the airline, and adult fare applies to them.
  • Children between 12 and 17 years of age: They are permitted to travel alone on an adult ticket, but their guardians can request the “Unaccompanied Minor” service for them for an additional fee if they wish.