Minors travelling: documents in Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Every traveller, including a child, must have their own Australian passport. Before taking a child overseas, consent from everyone with parental responsibility or a court order is needed, and a consent letter may be asked for when a child travels with one parent or a non-parent.

RuleWhat applies
Child needs own passport or ID cardChild travelling across a borderYes [1]
Consent when travelling with one parentChild travelling across a borderConsent required (written proof advised) [2]
Consent when travelling without parentsChild travelling across a borderConsent required (written proof advised) [2]
Official consent form or declarationChild travelling across a border⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Applies to Australian citizens departing Australia, whatever their age. Entry documents for the destination depend on that country.
  • Smartraveller says a person may be breaking the law without consent or a court order, and that proof of the other parent's consent, custody agreements and a certified birth certificate may be needed. Many countries recognise Australian parenting orders; some do not.
  • A consent letter may be needed for travel with someone who is not the parent or guardian, such as a school group or grandparent. It usually gives the child's details, destination and passport information and is signed by the parents and witnessed by a public official. Airlines and destination countries may have their own forms.
  • The official pages read describe a consent letter but do not name an official form; the airline or destination country may set its own.

Sources

  1. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Smartraveller): Passport services (Internet Archive snapshot of 18 September 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Smartraveller): Travelling with children (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 March 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.