travelling alone with child netherlands

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Flying solo: a parent’s tips for travelling alone from the Netherlands with kids

Let's simplify the process! 👇

If you’re a parent, the unbridled travel days of stuffing a carry-on with the essentials and grabbing your passport are gone.

Travelling with the little critters requires a lot more planning, especially if you are travelling with your wee ones on your own .

The keyword above is planning , so here are the most important things to keep in mind as you write out your pre-flight checklist:

Make sure you gather the relevant documents

Additional travel documents, I hear you sigh. But why?

This is to ensure that you have the custodial right and permission from the other parent (if there is one) to travel alone with your children.

It may cause additional stress, but it is a crucial measure to combat international child abduction .

So, before you head out the door, make sure you have taken Dutch bureaucracy into account.

Keeping all the required additional documents in your travel wallet could save you plenty of time and tears at the border control.

What documents do you need?

No official global form exists, and the rules and regulations may differ slightly between countries. It’s best to check which documents the consulate of your destination country requires.

Here in the Netherlands, the Dutch government had made it slightly easier. On the government’s official website, you can download a consent letter .

I would strongly advise having a consent letter for every trip, which includes the correct dates, rather than repurposing the same letter.

The Ministry of Defence website provides more information about travelling alone with children under 18.

In short, apart from your passports, you may be asked to produce these documents:

• A consent letter signed by the other custodial parent
• A copy of the other custodial parent’s passport

It is always handy to show a return ticket for the child, if applicable.

Depending on your relationship status (if separated or divorced) and custody agreements, you may also be asked to supply recently issued documents such as:

• An extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP) requested from your municipality
• An extract from the Parental Responsibility Register ( gezagsregister ) requested from the court
• A parenting plan
• The court judgement regarding custody and access

You will also be asked to provide all addresses where the children will stay while abroad.

No matter where you’re off to — be prepared

When travelling from the Netherlands, in Europe or the Schengen area, it is unlikely that these documents will be checked due to the lack of border controls.

However, as you are required to travel with these documents for any international travel, it is best to keep them on hand.

If you raced out of the house desperate for that well-deserved family vacation and forgot these documents, don’t fret!

It might take more time, and will undoubtedly cause heart palpitations, however, the standard procedure is for the passport control officer to establish your custodian status via the Parental Responsibility Register.

They will also contact the other parent to confirm permission.

For all those new parents out there who are counting down the days for the next family holiday — make sure not to forget the practicalities in the rush.

Did you know about these important documents when flying solo with the kids? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Liked it? Try these on for size:

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I live in sweden, im under 17 year old and want to travel with my cousin which is 25. Do i need a parent certificate to travel to netherlands? Im gonna take “Travellink” trip if so.

Hi Hadi, thanks for your questions. The Dutch government offers a consent letter template which you can use if you are travelling as a minor with someone other than a parent or guardian here: https://www.government.nl/documents/forms/2016/06/17/consent-letter-for-minors-travelling-abroad

It’s not compulsory to have, but it will speed up any checks at border control. Hope this helps!

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Information

• Preventing a child abduction
• International child abduction
• International contact
• Traveling with children
• Brussels IIa
• Central Authority
• Hague Child Abduction Convention
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Legal expertise center & cross-border mediation

Permission for travelling abroad

Minors need permission to travel abroad. The parents, guardians or persons with parental authority need to give their consent. At the Dutch border control, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (RNLM) may ask for documents that demonstrate who has the parental authority over the child and if there is permission from the parent(s) with parental authority.

Be well prepared and bring all the necessary documents when you are traveling with a child. Find out below which documents are needed in your situation.

Consent form

The permission of the parent(s) with parental authority can be demonstrated by using the 'authorisation form for travelling abroad with a minor'. Do you have questions about the form or other documents? You may find the answer in our FAQ . Is your question not listed here? Then please  contact us .

Consent form for travelling abroad with a minor

Go to our FAQ

Which documents are needed?

Find out here which documents are needed in the most common situation. Is your situation not listed here? Please contact us .

Do one or both parents have parental authority over the child?

Parental authority (gezag) may also be referred to as 'custody' or 'parental responsibility'. If none of the parents have parental authority, a legal guardian (voogd) will be appointed for the child. For example, this can be a foster parent or an institution. More information about parental authority

Does the child have a legal guardian?

If none of the parents have parental authority, a legal guardian (voogd) will be appointed for the child. For example, this can be a foster parent or an institution. A legal guardian will be appointed after one or both parents have passed away. Or when the parents (temporarily) cannot exercise their parental authority.

Are one or both foster parents the legal guardian(s) of the child? Then permission is needed from the foster parent(s). We recommend bringing these documents:

• authorisation form, signed by the foster parent(s);
• copy of the passport, ID card or driver's license of the foster parent(s);
• recent extract of the custody register (gezagsregister).

Is an institution the legal guardian of the child? Then permission is needed from the institution. The institution can draw up a letter stating that there is permission for traveling abroad.

Children under the age of 18 are always under the parental authority of one or both parents or under the guardianship of someone other than the parents. Is the child under the age of 18? Fill in this scheme again or contact us. When the child turns 18, the parental authority or guardianship automatically ends. For children aged 18 years or older, permission is no longer needed.

Do both parents have parental authority over the child?

If both parents have parental authority, this is called joint parental authority. If only one parent has parental authority, this is called sole parental authority. More information about parental authority

Do both parents with parental authority travel with the child?

If both parents with parental authority travel with the child, the authorisation form is not needed. At the Dutch border control, parents might be asked to demonstrate that they are the actual parents of the child. Parents can use an (international) birth certificate or an (international) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP) of the child.

Does one of the parents with parental authority travel alone with the child?

Does one of the parents with parental authority travel alone with the child? And is there joint parental authority? Then permission is needed from the parent who is staying behind. We recommend bringing these documents:

• authorisation form, signed by the parent who is staying behind;
• copy of the passport, ID card or driver's license of the parent who is staying behind;
• (recent) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP), including details about the child's parents and the parental authority.

Instead of the extract BRP, it is also possible to bring an (international) birth certificate.

Does the child travel alone or with friends or family? And is there joint parental authority? Then permission is needed from both parents who are staying behind. We recommend bringing these documents:

• authorisation form, signed by both parents;
• copy of the passport, ID card or driver's license of both parents;

Does only one parent have parental authority over the child?

If only one parent has parental authority over the child, this is called sole parental authority. More information about parental authority

Did the parent obtain sole parental authority by a court ruling?

More information about parental authority

Does the parent with sole parental authority travel with the child?

Does the parent with sole parental authority travel with the child? And did the parent obtain sole parental authority by a court ruling? The authorisation form is not needed. However, at the Dutch border control, the parent may be asked to demonstrate that he or she has sole parental authority. We recommend bringing a recent extract of the custody register (gezagsregister).

Does the parent without parental authority travel with the child?

Does the parent without parental authority travel with the child? Then permission is needed from the parent with parental authority who is staying behind. We recommend bringing these documents:

• authorisation form, signed by the parent with parental authority;
• copy of the passport, ID card or driver's license of the parent with parental authority;

Does the child travel alone or with friends or family? And has the parent obtained sole parental authority by a court ruling? Then permission is needed from the parent with parental authority who is staying behind. We recommend bringing these documents:

Does the parent have sole parental authority due to the fact that the other parent has passed away?

The authorisation form is not needed. However, at the Dutch border control, the parent may be asked to demonstrate that he or she has sole parental authority. We recommend bringing a (recent) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP), including details about the child's parents and the parental authority. If this is not possible at the municipality, we recommend bringing a (digital) copy of the death certificate.

Does the child travel alone or with friends or family? And has the parent sole parental authority due to the fact that the other parent has passed away? Then permission is needed from the parent with parental authority. We recommend bringing these documents:

If the extract BRP including details about the parental authority is not possible at the municipality, we recommend bringing a (digital) copy of the death certificate.

Does the parent automatically have sole parental authority over the child?

According to Dutch law, the mother who gave birth to the child automatically has parental authority. This is not the same for the other parent. If the parents are not married or are not registered partners, the other parent has to recognize the child and apply for joint parental authority. If this has not happened, the mother automatically has sole parental authority. More information about parental authority

Is your situation not listed her, or is it not clear? Then please contact us.

Has the other parent recognized the child, but does he or she not have parental authority?

If the other parent recognizes the child, he or she becomes the legal parent of the child. A legal parent is mentioned on the birth certificate. A parent who recognizes the child, does not automatically obtain parental authority according to Dutch law. He or she needs to apply for this at the district court, digitally or in writing. The mother who gave birth to the child is automatically the legal parent and automatically has parental authority. A legal parent without parental authority cannot decide, for example, where the child lives, or if the child is allowed to move abroad.

Does the parent with sole parental authority travel together with the child?

Does the parent with sole parental authority travel together with the child? And has the other parent recognized the child? Then the authorisation form is not needed. However, at the Dutch border control, the parent may be asked to demonstrate that he or she has sole parental authority. We recommend bringing a (recent) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP), including details about the child’s parents and the parental authority.

If the extract BRP including details about the parental authority is not possible at the municipality, we recommend bringing these three documents instead:

• (international) birth certificate or (international) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP), including details about the child's parents;
• recent extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP) relating to the parent with his or her marital status;
• recent extract of custody register (gezagsregister).

Does the parent without parental authority travel together with the child?

Does the parent without parental authority travel together with the child? Then permission is needed from the parent with sole parental authority. We recommend bringing these documents:

Does the child travel alone or with friends or family? Does the parent have sole parental authority? And has the other parent recognized the child? Then permission is needed from the parent with sole parental authority who is staying behind. We recommend bringing these documents:

Does the parent with sole parental authority travel together with the child? And has the other parent not recognized the child? Then the authorisaton form is not needed. However, at the Dutch border control, the parent may be asked to demonstrate that he or she has sole parental authority. We recommend bringing a (recent) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen - BRP), including details about the child's parents and the parental authority.

If the extract BRP including details about the parental authority is not possible at the municipality, we recommend bringing these two documents instead:

Does the parent without parental authority travel together with the child? And has this parent not recognized the child? Then permission is needed from the parent with sole parental authority who is staying behind. We recommend bringing these documents:

• (recent) extract from the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP), including details about the child's parents and the parental authority.

Does the child travel alone or with friends or family? Does the parent have sole parental authority? And has the other parent not recognized the child? Then permission is needed from the parent with sole parental authority. We recommend bringing these documents:

Other advice

In some countries, such as South Africa, additional requirements apply for traveling with children. Check with the embassy or consulate  of the country you are traveling to if there are additional requirements for traveling with children.

If you travel by plane, make sure to get to the airport in time. If extra time is needed to look at your documents at the Dutch border control, you have time to do so without risking to miss your flight.

Ask if the parent who gives permission wants to make sure that he/she can be reached by phone during the trip. If the RNLM has questions, they can contact the parent by phone. This applies to both traveling in and out of the country, since foreign authorities may also ask if there is permission.

Do you have questions? Go to our FAQ or contact us .

The Center IKO wishes you a pleasant trip!

Mediation Bureau

The Mediation Bureau organizes and coordinates cross-border mediations in international child abduction cases, international contact cases and requests for relocation.

The Mediation Bureau is an independent department of the International Child Abduction Center. 

More about the Center IKO

Mediation Bureau P.O. Box 2006 1200 CA Hilversum The Netherlands

About Center IKO

The International Child Abduction Center (Center IKO) in the Netherlands is the legal expertise center on (the prevention of) international child abduction.

More information

International Child Abduction Center P.O. Box 2006 1200 CA Hilversum The Netherlands

National partners

Ministry of Justice and Safety • Central Authority International Children's Issues • Ministry of Foreign Affairs • District Court The Hague • Court of Appeal The Hague •  Liaison Judge International Child Protection • National Police • Public Prosecution Service • Royal Netherlands Marechaussee • National Expertise Center for Honor-related Violence • Legal Aid Board  • Association of Family Law Attorneys and Divorce Mediators (vFAS) • Dutch Association of International Child Abduction Lawyers (D.I.A.L.) • Hague Conference on Private International Law

International partners

Child Focus, Belgium • Missing Children Europe (MCE) and partner organizations • Network of Lawyers in Europe on Parental Child Abduction (LEPCA) • Cross- B order Family Mediators  (CBFM) • Asociación de profesionales contra la Sustracción Internacional de Menores en España (ASIME), Spain • International Child Abduction Lawyers Italy (CALI), Italy • Child Abduction Lawyers Association (CALA), United Kingdom

Bringing a child under the age of 18 to the Netherlands: what do I need to arrange?

If you hold a valid residence permit for the Netherlands and want to bring your minor child to the Netherlands, you may need to apply for a visa or residence permit and take out health insurance for them. 

Questions and answers about what you need to arrange if you are bringing a child under  the age of 18 to the Netherlands  

Unaccompanied minors

It often happens that children travel to the Netherlands on their own, without their parents. More often than not, these so-called unaccompanied minors (in Dutch: alleenstaande minderjarige vreemdelingen, or AMVs) come to Europe with the help of human traffickers. Unaccompanied minors who arrive in the Netherlands can apply to the IND for a residence permit. Our employees treat (young) children with great care, since their interests must come first.

Residency applications for unaccompanied minors

Society pays a great deal of attention to the position of children in the policy on foreign nationals. These children form a vulnerable group always deserving careful consideration. The IND puts this awareness first when assessing applications for a residence permit from unaccompanied minors. Our employees consider the International Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, among other factors. It follows from this that the child's best interests must always be explicitly taken into account in deciding on an application for a regular or asylum residence permit for an unaccompanied minor.

Investigation, application and assistance for minors

In general, the assessment of the request for asylum made by an unaccompanied minor does not differ from that for an adult. The IND does take the child’s age and individual situation into account during the application process. Unaccompanied minors who do not have documents are offered a medical age assessment if it is doubtful whether they are actually minors. The results are leading for the rest of the application.

In the Netherlands, all unaccompanied minors are assigned a guardian by Stichting Nidos and a lawyer to represent their interests. Minors are assisted and accommodated at a special COA reception centre for young asylum seekers, in a foster family, or a so-called protected reception facility.

Child-friendly interview rooms for stories of flight

In the asylum process, it can be very challenging to tell about your journey to the Netherlands or why you fled, even more so for children. Our employees are aware of this. That is why we interview children between 6 and 12 years of age in a special child-friendly interview room at our office in Den Bosch. The IND has a specialised team for these interviews.

The child-friendly interview room is designed to help children tell the account of their flight piece by  piece. The interviewers try to connect with the child’s experiential and conceptual world as much as possible. For this purposre they use specially adapted questions during the interview and take extra breaks if necessary.

Someone may be present during the interview to support the minor. In practice, this is usually the guardian, an employee of Nidos, the Dutch Council for Refugees, or, in a few cases, a lawyer.

Family reunification

Whatever the outcome of a residence permit application from  a minor, the importance of reunification with family members is high on the agenda. If the IND decides that the child may stay in the Netherlands, they can, in principle, have their parents come over to the Netherlands in due course. There may be  Dublin indications , with the child initially having been registered in another EU country. In that case, too, the IND will take the minor’s interests into account. The IND staff member will then make inquiries into whether the minor has any family members in the Dublin country in question with whom they may be reunited. In the Dublin procedure, the IND staff member also takes the minor’s well-being and social development into account.

Rejection of a minor’s application?

If the minor’s application for asylum is rejected, the Repatriation and Departure Service (in Dutch: Dienst Terugkeer en Vertrek, or DT&V) tries to arrange the departure from the Netherlands. Until then, the minor remains entitled to reception.

Reception of unaccompanied minors

Sometimes, following the rejection of an asylum application, it is impossible to find adequate reception for a minor in the country of origin or another country. In such cases, the minor may qualify for a regular residence permit. The same applies if departure from the Netherlands is unsuccessful, in spite of active efforts made by the minor. The unaccompanied minor must still be underage and unaccompanied, and at the time of the first asylum application must have been under 15.

Important topics

Penalties and the IND

If someone applies for residency in the Netherlands, the IND must decide on this application within a certain period. This is the legal decision period. If the IND does not decide within this legal period, we may have to pay a sum of money to the…

National security

The IND is on the alert for risks and threats to national security when assessing applications for residency. For example terrorism. The IND can also take measures that help to protect national security.

Anyone who is not safe in their own country can obtain protection in the Netherlands (asylum). Status holders who have a right to this can build a future in the Netherlands. Sometimes, reunification with family members who have stayed behind is part…

Consent letter for minors travelling outside the Netherlands

Do you intend to travel outside the Netherlands with a child over whom you do not have parental authority? Please use this form to prove that the persons with parental authority over the child have given you permission to travel outside the Netherlands with the child. If you are travelling alone with your child you can also use this form to prove to border control officers that you have permission from the child’s other parent.

Download "Consent letter for minors travelling outside the Netherlands"

PDF document | 2 pages | 155 kB

Form | 06-12-2023

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Schengenvisa.info

Traveling with children to schengen countries.

Conditions and additional rules for traveling with children

If you are traveling to the Netherlands with or without a Schengen visa with a child under the age of 18, please note that additional rules apply and that an identity check may be carried out.

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar) carries out such checks to prevent child abduction. They may ask you for your identity document. KMar employees can also carry out checks when a child has the Schengen area enter or exit with only 1 of the parents. You will need written permission from the other parent of the child for this.

Permission to travel

The non-accompanying parent who has custody of the child can complete the consent form for traveling with a minor child to give permission for the accompanying parent to travel abroad with the child. A separate form must be completed for each child.

Single parent situations

There are several possible situations in which a parent travels alone with a minor child. For example:

• Parent with joint parental authority travels alone with child. You need permission for this.
• Parent with sole parental authority (single person) travels alone with child. You do not need permission for this, but you do need additional documents.
• Parent without parental authority travels alone with child. You do need permission for this.
• 1 parent has died. 

If you need permission, you can  permission form for traveling abroad with a minor  to fill in. You sign this together with the other parent. If you have several children, you must complete a consent form for each child. 

You need the permission form to enter and leave the Netherlands. You may need other documents or forms for the country you are traveling to. Please check with the local authorities.

More detailed information about these situations can be found at  childabduction.org . Here you can also read which documents you need to bring with you.

Be on time!

The extra checks that are performed will take up a little more of your time. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and Border Police (KMAR) therefore advises parents traveling with children to be present at the airport on time and to give them the opportunity to carry out these checks.

There is a checklist available for a Schengen visa application for parent(s) of a minor Dutch child.

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The sole purpose of this website is to provide practical information about a Schengen visa. We are not affiliated with the EU, the Dutch government or the IND. No rights can be derived from the texts on this website. Always check with the official authorities for the most recent information and regulations.

I’m under 18. Do I need a consent letter from my parents to travel?

If you are 12 years or older, you can fly with us without an adult. We don't require a consent letter from the guardian, but the authorities of some countries may do. To find out about the requirements, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of your child's destination country.

Example of a consent letter (PDF)

Please note that when travelling to the United States, a child under 15 years of age travelling alone must have an unaccompanied minor reservation. Read more here .

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