Permission for a Child to Travel Abroad in 2026: Documents for Trips With Children

Do you need permission for a child to travel abroad: the short answer

Under martial law, the rules were simplified: in 2026, a child can travel abroad with one parent without notarized consent from the other. But there are situations where consent is still required — we cover each one below.

Important up front: we're a carrier, not lawyers. Rules change, so before traveling check official sources — primarily the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine — or consult a notary.

When notarized consent is NOT required

Consent from the second parent is usually not required if:

• the child is traveling with one of the parents;
• the child is accompanied by close relatives (grandmother, grandfather, an adult sibling, stepfather, stepmother) — with a written statement from one parent, certified by a guardianship authority;
• the trip is temporary — a holiday, treatment, or visiting relatives.

When consent IS required

Notarized consent (or a court decision) is needed if:

• the child is leaving for permanent residence or an extended period;
• the child is accompanied by a third party who isn't a close relative (a coach, teacher, acquaintance);
• the destination country requires it for entry.

What documents to bring for the child

Basic document set:

• the child's biometric passport;
• birth certificate (confirms the family relationship);
• if needed — notarized consent or a statement certified by a guardianship authority.

Teenagers aged 16-17 and boys

Children under 16 may only cross the border accompanied by an adult. From age 16, a teenager can travel alone if they have a passport.

A separate note for boys aged 16-17: military registration begins at age 16. If they don't have a registration certificate, border guards may not let the teenager through. It's worth checking this in advance with official sources.

Traveling to Lithuania with a child? AlexTransfer can help

We drive families with children from Ukraine to Lithuania every day — door to door, with no transfers or overnight stops. Let the dispatcher know you're traveling with a child: we'll advise on seating and make the trip more comfortable.

Read more about other documents for the trip in our article "Documents for a trip to Lithuania" at alextransfer.net. Questions and booking: +380 66 625 22 25, Viber or Telegram @alex_litva_zp.