What documents do I need to travel?

Compulsory are:

• a valid passport (in some countries an ID card is also acceptable);
• a valid passport for the child under 18 (in some countries an ID card is also acceptable);
• a consent letter signed by the parent or foster parent, carer or the institution with authority or guardianship over the child under 18, or the letter stating that the court has granted substitute consent.

It is advisable to also bring the following documents:

• an international extract from the Key Register of Persons (Basisregistratie Personen/BRP) (preferably no older than 3 months) for the child with parental and parental responsibility details, or an international birth certificate; you will need both the extract from the Key Register of Persons and the birth certificate of the child to apply to the court for substitute consent;
• of the non-travelling parent with parental responsibility, a recent extract from the BRP showing his or her civil status;
• if there was no automatic parental responsibility, but you, the other parent, or the foster parent with guardianship has applied to the court for parental responsibility: a recent extract from the custody register;
• If there is a foster parent with guardianship: a copy of this person’s passport, ID card or driver’s licence.

In some countries additional requirements for travelling with children apply. For more information, contact the embassy or the consulate of the country you are travelling to.