On this page:
- What to do before you travel
- Children travelling without one or both parents
- Child custody
- International child abduction
What to do before you travel
- Read the travel advice for your destinations and subscribe for updates. Also read about your transit locations.
- Buy travel insurance that covers your whole family. Read the fine print and know what it covers.
- Look online for tips on travelling with kids in the country you're going to.
- Leave an itinerary with someone at home. Plan to keep in contact.
Local laws and culture
Research the local laws and culture where you're going. They may differ from what you're used to in Australia.
- Check the safety standards of any equipment you'll use. This includes pools, balconies, car seats, cots and play equipment.
- Find out local attitudes towards breastfeeding in public.
- Learn the laws around disciplining children. In some countries, physical punishment is illegal, including smacking.
Childcare
Research any childcare you plan to use overseas. Standards in other countries may vary.
Look at:
- the accreditation of providers
- the provider's child abuse prevention plans
- how they screen their staff, including police checks and qualifications
- the ratio of staff to children
- staff training, including first aid and emergency processes
- security on the premises
- their injury liability insurance.
Staying healthy
Take your children to a doctor or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before you leave.
- Get a basic health check-up.
- Ask if your travel plans may affect their health.
- Plan any vaccinations they need.
- Find out if there are common health risks for kids where you'll travel.
Medicines
Check if your child's medicine is legal where you're going. For example, some countries control or ban ADHD medicines.
Some over-the-counter medicines are also banned overseas.
- Check the 'health' section of your destination's travel advice.
- Talk to the embassy or consulate of that country.
See our advice on taking care of your health. And read more about travelling with medication.
Children travelling without one or both parents
There are laws around children travelling without both parents. Airlines also have rules you must follow.
Travelling with only one parent
You may need extra documents if only one parent is travelling. Particularly if you don't have the same surname as your child.
For example, you may need:
- proof of the other parent or guardian's consent for the child to travel
- proof of any custody agreements
- proof of guardianship
- adoption papers
- a certified copy of their birth certificate. Particularly if it doesn't list the travelling parent.
Travelling without parents
Most airlines have rules for children under 15 who travel alone. You may need to fill out a permission form. Contact your airline for details, including in-flight protocols for kids travelling alone.
The country your child travels to may also have forms you must complete. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country they're going to. Find out if there are entry rules for children before they travel.
Child travel consent
Your child may need a consent letter if they travel:
- alone
- with someone who isn't their parent or guardian, such as a school group or grandparent.
The letter usually states:
- the child's name, gender and place and date of birth
- who the child is with
- where the child is going
- the child's passport information.
The letter should be signed by the parents and witnessed by a public official.
Child custody
Before taking your child overseas, you must get consent from anyone with parental responsibility for them. Or get a court order to let them travel. You may be breaking the law if you don't.
Many countries recognise Australian parenting orders. Some will not.
Read more about international family law and children (Attorney-General's Department).
Child support payments
Your child support payments must be up-to-date before you can leave Australia. Services Australia can stop you from leaving if they aren't. If you have overdue child support and haven't made a payment plan:
- call 131 272 to discuss your options
- visit the Services Australia website.
Dual nationality and child custody
Some countries don't recognise dual nationality. This can affect how local authorities make custody decisions.
Get legal advice before travelling with children who may be dual nationals.
Stop orders on women and children
In some countries, husbands or relatives can place a 'stop order' on women and children. A stop order can stop a person from leaving the country, regardless of nationality.
Contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate if you or your child are being stopped from returning to Australia.
International child abduction
If you think someone may try to take your child out of Australia without your consent, report it. Get legal advice, they can help you:
- get a court order to register your children on the Australian Federal Police's Family Law Watchlist
- submit a Child Alert Request with the Australian Passport Office.
Learn more about international child abduction (Attorney-General's Department).
Help from the Attorney-General's Department
The Attorney-General's Department may be able to help if someone has taken your child overseas without your consent.
Contact the International Family Law Section:
- 1800 100 480 (within Australia)
- +61 2 6141 3100 (from overseas)
- australiancentralauthority@ag.gov.au
The help they can give you depends on where your child is taken.
Help from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
If someone has taken your child while you're overseas, contact the Consular Emergency Centre.
DFAT may be able to give:
- a list of local lawyers
- information on local child welfare agencies or organisations
- consular help to the parent who is left behind.
You may also find a lawyer overseas through:
Read more
- Find out more about buying travel insurance.
- Check which vaccinations you should get.
- See our advice for pregnancy, adoption and surrogacy overseas.
See also
- Carry-on luggage restrictions (Department of Home Affairs)
- Separated parents (Services Australia)