Power of Attorney for a Child’s Travel Abroad: Samples and Requirements
A power of attorney for a child’s travel abroad is a legal document granting permission for an accompanying person (such as a grandmother, grandfather, another relative, or even a third party) to travel with the child outside the country. This document is notarized and must be certified in accordance with legal requirements.
Issuing a Power of Attorney for a Child’s Travel Abroad
The process of issuing a power of attorney for a child’s travel abroad involves several key steps:
- Parent(s) presence at the notary: One or both parents must be present at the notary to authenticate the power of attorney. The notary will verify the documents, confirm the identity of the applicant, and notarize the document.
- Required documents:
- Passport of the parent issuing the power of attorney.
- Child’s birth certificate.
- Passport of the accompanying person.
- Visit to the notary: Once the documents are ready, the notary will proceed with certification.
Age Restrictions for Crossing the Border Between Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania for Minors
Child Departure from Ukraine
In Ukraine, children over 16 years old can freely leave the country without adult supervision and without parental consent. For children under 16, travel is only possible with one parent (without additional consent from the other parent), a relative, or a designated person with a notarized parental consent – a power of attorney for a child’s travel abroad.
Child Entry into Moldova
In Moldova, minors under 18 can only cross the border with one parent or an authorized person with notarized parental consent. Unaccompanied entry by minors is not permitted.
To travel with an authorized person, a power of attorney for the child’s accompaniment must be issued.
Child Entry into Romania
Romania allows children over 16 to cross the border independently, but a notarized parental consent is required. Without this document, a minor cannot enter Romania.
For children under 16 traveling with a relative (other than a parent), a teacher, or any other person, a power of attorney for the child’s accompaniment is needed, preferably from both parents.
It is also important to note that for traveling to Romania by private car, you must undergo a technical inspection and obtain an international technical inspection certificate.
For minors aged 16-18 traveling unaccompanied by parents, special conditions apply. According to amendments made to Law No. 248/2005, as of August 20, 2023, children aged 16 and older can travel independently with written parental permission.
To enter the country unaccompanied, a child must have:
- An individual travel document (e.g., passport or identity card).
- A notarized written permission from both parents (or one parent if they have full custody). This permission must include details about the trip’s purpose, destination country, and the duration of stay.
These trips are allowed in the following cases:
- Visiting relatives.
- Participating in educational programs or official competitions.
- Receiving necessary medical treatment.
These requirements were introduced to ensure the safety of minors traveling abroad without adult supervision.
Additional Requirements
If the child is accompanied by a parent with a different surname, it is necessary to bring the child’s birth certificate to confirm the family relationship.
If the grandmother is accompanying the child with a power of attorney from one parent, the grandmother must have documents confirming that she is the grandmother, such as the birth certificate of her son or daughter, who is one of the child’s parents.
Traveling with One Parent
If a child, who is a Ukrainian citizen, is traveling with one of the parents (mother or father), a power of attorney from the other parent for leaving Ukraine or entering another country is currently not required.
For more accurate information and advice on preparing the necessary documents, it is recommended to contact the border service or the consulates of the relevant countries. Visit the official website of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for further details.
Sample Statement from One Parent for Child’s Travel Abroad
TO THE COMPETENT AUTHORITIES, OR TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
[Full name of father/mother],
Taxpayer Identification Number – [number],
Address:
Street [street name], building [number], apartment [number],
City [city name], [region] region, Ukraine.
STATEMENT
I, [Full name of father/mother], hereby give my consent for the temporary departure of my minor son/daughter, [Full name of child], [birth date], to [list of countries] from [start date] to [end date] under the care of [Full name of accompanying person], [birth date], who is responsible for the child’s health and safety and will ensure the child’s return after the trip. The accompanying person is authorized to handle all matters related to our child during the trip, including protecting their rights in the relevant authorities during the trip.
I confirm that I am financially responsible for the trip, including full support for accommodation, food, travel expenses, and other needs of the child. If necessary, I will handle all the necessary documentation for the trip.
[Date]
Signature (father/mother)
[Signature]
Power of Attorney for a Child
POWER OF ATTORNEY
I, [Full name of father/mother], [birth date], passport: series [passport series] №[passport number], issued [issue date], residing at [address], citizen of Ukraine, hereby grant permission for my child, [Full name of child], [birth date], birth certificate: series [certificate series] №[certificate number], issued [issue date], to travel abroad from [start date] to [end date] for [purpose of the trip].
The accompanying person for this trip is [Full name of accompanying person], [birth date], passport: series [passport series] №[passport number], issued [issue date], residing at [address].
I confirm that the accompanying person will ensure the safety and health of the child during the trip, as well as cover all necessary expenses related to the child’s accommodation, food, and other needs.
Date: [date]
Signature: [Full name of father/mother]
Conclusion
Issuing a power of attorney for a child’s travel abroad with a grandmother is an important process that requires attention to detail. Ensure that the power of attorney is properly prepared and notarized to avoid potential issues when crossing the border.
It’s also helpful to review the following information for smooth border crossing:
- Vignettes for traveling to Europe
- Travel through Palanca
- Travel via ferry Orlovka — Isaccea