Traveling To The Us Under 18: What You Need To Know

If you are under 18 and planning to travel to the US, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, for domestic US travel, minors under 18 are usually not required to present identification, although each airline may have its own policies. However, for international travel to the US, minors under 18 must provide the same travel documents as adults, such as a passport or visa. Additionally, if you are travelling without both of your custodial parents, a letter of consent from the absent parent(s) may be required. Certain countries have specific additional restrictions, so it is important to check the regulations for your country of origin. Furthermore, some airlines offer an unaccompanied minor service for young travellers, which may be mandatory or optional depending on the age of the child and the airline's policies. This service often includes early boarding, assistance with connections, and escort to the authorised adult picking up the child.

Domestic travel ID requirements

For US domestic travel, the TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when travelling within the United States. However, each airline determines the identification requirements for minors, so it is important to contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to determine their specific policies and procedures for minors. Typically, airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of minors.

From May 7, 2025, all US travellers must be REAL ID-compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID will be required, which will be indicated by a star and/or flag, or the word "Enhanced" on the card. A passport can be used as an alternative form of identification in place of a REAL ID.

For unaccompanied minors, some airlines have specific requirements and services in place. For example, American Airlines requires children aged 5-14 travelling alone to use their unaccompanied minor service, which is optional for children aged 15-17. The service includes early boarding, kids-only lounges for flight connections, and an airport escort to help the child with flight connections and to meet the authorised adult picking them up. A birth certificate or passport is required as proof of the child's age, along with the adult's government-issued photo ID and contact information.

International travel documents

International travel can be stressful and frustrating if you are not prepared with the correct documents. Here is a list of the most important documents to have when travelling internationally:

Passport

A valid passport is essential when travelling abroad. Most countries require visitors to have a valid passport for six months after their planned arrival date at their destination. However, this period can vary, so it is crucial to check the specific passport validity requirements for your destination country. Remember that passports issued to children under 16 are only valid for five years, and you should start renewing them at the four-year mark.

Travel Visa

A travel visa is another crucial document for international travel. Check with the embassy of your destination country to determine the specific visa requirements and ensure you allow enough time for any necessary applications or renewals.

National ID Card or Driver's Licence

Having multiple forms of identification is always a good idea when travelling internationally. In addition to your passport, consider bringing your national ID card or driver's licence. If you are uncomfortable carrying multiple documents, making copies of your originals can be a safe alternative. These copies can be extremely useful if your passport is lost, as they can help prove your citizenship at your country's embassy or consulate.

Health Travel Documents

Certain countries have specific entry requirements regarding health, such as yellow fever vaccination certificates. In recent years, the majority of countries have also enforced COVID-19-related travel document requirements. While these restrictions are now being reduced, it is still important to check for any last-minute changes before your departure.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended when travelling internationally. It can provide essential coverage for unforeseen situations, including medical expenses and trip cancellations. Keep a copy of your travel insurance certificate with you, and verify what is covered under your specific plan.

Travel Itinerary Details

Keeping track of your travel plans is made easier by having copies of your flight ticket details, accommodation reservations, and car rental confirmations. This can help you during check-in at the airport or hotel, and it ensures you have all the necessary information readily available.

Consent for Travel with Minors

If you are travelling alone with children, some countries may require custody documents or notarized written consent from the other parent. Check with the embassy of your destination country to understand their specific requirements.

International Driving Permit

If you plan to drive during your international trip, note that many countries do not recognize a U.S. driver's licence. However, most countries accept an International Driving Permit (IDP), which can be obtained in advance.

Unaccompanied minor services

It is important to note that flight attendants cannot continuously monitor the child during the flight. The child should be instructed to ring the call button if they need any assistance. An adult must accompany the child to the departure gate and stay until the flight is airborne. The gate agent will notify the adult when the flight is airborne, and the adult can then leave the airport.

When booking travel for an unaccompanied minor, it is necessary to do so by phone. Parents or guardians will need to provide a birth certificate or passport as proof of the child's age, along with their own government-issued photo ID. They will also need to provide contact information for themselves and the authorised adult meeting the child at the destination. A security pass will be provided to allow the adult to accompany the child to the gate.

For international travel, additional documentation may be required, such as a Letter of Consent or travel authorisation from both parents. It is important to check the specific requirements for the country of destination.

Consent letters for minors

A consent letter for minors is a document that allows a minor to travel alone or with another person who is not their parent or legal guardian. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for writing a consent letter for minors travelling to the US:

When to use a consent letter

Consent letters are typically used when a minor is travelling internationally without both parents or legal guardians. This includes scenarios where the minor is travelling:

• With only one parent or guardian
• In the care of friends or relatives
• As part of a group, such as a sports team, school group, or religious organization

Information to include in the consent letter

There is no standard format for consent letters, but they typically include the following information:

• The name of the minor
• The names and contact information of both parents or legal guardians
• The name and relationship of the person accompanying the minor
• Details of the trip, including destinations and duration

Signature requirements

The consent letter should be signed by both parents or legal guardians, even if one of them is not accompanying the minor. If the parents are separated or divorced, the consent letter should be signed by the parent with custody, decision-making responsibility, or guardianship of the child.

It is also recommended to have the signature of a witness, preferably a notary public, to authenticate the document.

Additional considerations

While a consent letter is not a legal requirement, it can simplify the travel process and may be requested by immigration authorities. It is important to check the specific entry and exit requirements of the destination country, as the consent letter may not always be sufficient.

Additionally, if there is a risk that the accompanying parent will not return the minor, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before signing the consent letter.

Accompanied minor policies

American Airlines

American Airlines allows children aged 2-14 to travel as accompanied minors with someone aged 16 or older. For children aged 15-17, travelling with an accompanying adult is optional, but a fee is applicable if the service is requested. The unaccompanied minor fee is $150 each way, plus applicable taxes, in addition to the ticket price. This service includes early boarding, kids-only lounges in hub cities for flight connections, an airport escort to help with flight connections, and escorting the child to the authorised adult picking them up.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines defines minors as children under 18 years old. They require that minors be accompanied by a passenger aged 18 or older. They offer an unaccompanied minor program for children travelling alone, which includes features like a trackable wristband, a Sky Zone lounge for kids, and a personal escort. The program fee is $150 USD/CAD/EUR each way, and it is mandatory for children aged 5-14. For 15-17-year-olds, the program is optional, and they can choose to travel as standard passengers instead.

United Airlines

According to The Points Guy, United Airlines requires that minors be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or someone who is at least 18 years old. They do not specify an age range for minors.

It is important to contact the specific airline you are considering for up-to-date information on their accompanied minor policies, as requirements may change.

Frequently asked questions