NOTE: this information has been compiled by Valua Travel and may vary depending on nationality and the time of travel. We recommend checking it with the relevant consulates and/or embassies in each case.
A minor needs authorisation to travel abroad without their parents. If the minor is not Spanish, these are the most common recommendations regarding the documentation to carry at the time of travel:
1. Preparing a notarised travel authorisation in Spain
Travel authorisation for foreign minors: Foreign minors who live in Spain are governed by the national legislation of their country of origin. For this reason, the Spanish police or notaries do not issue or process these travel authorisations.
In this case, the minor's legal representatives must go directly to their consular authorities or embassy in Spain to process the relevant documentation according to the specific requirements of their country. We recommend that families contact their consulate well in advance to find out the exact procedure.
The notarised authorisation is generally accepted by airlines and immigration authorities at border controls as a valid document of consent for minors travelling. This document can also be presented to the school as official support for the parents' consent.
2. Including additional documentation
The minor's passport (valid).
The minor's residence card (NIE).
Family book or birth certificate proving the relationship between the minor and the parents (this can help if proof of the family relationship is required at any point).
Travel insurance covering the period abroad, especially if the school does not provide it or if additional cover is required.
3. Authorisation letter in the language of the destination country
It is advisable for the notarised authorisation to be written in Spanish and, if possible, also translated into the language of the destination country (or into English if it is a European destination, as this is generally accepted). The notary can tell you whether they offer certified translations, or you can request an official translation if necessary.
This letter should include details such as the dates of the trip, the destination and the names of the school staff who will accompany the minor, as well as the parents' contact details.
4. Checking with the airline and the school
Contact the airline the school will be using to confirm whether they have any additional requirements for minors travelling without their parents. Some airlines have specific forms or require the authorisation in a particular format.
The school must be informed and ready to present these documents if the immigration authorities ask for them at the airport.
5. Documents for travelling within the Schengen Area
- If the trip is between Schengen Area countries, there should be no border controls when crossing between countries (apart from occasional spot checks at some points), but carrying all the documentation is still important in case the local authorities or airports need to carry out any checks.
6. Checking with consulates at the destination (optional)
- If you still have doubts, you can contact the consulate of the destination country in Spain to check whether they have any additional requirements for foreign minors resident in Spain. However, a notarised authorisation is generally sufficient in most cases.
Summary
Notarised authorisation signed by both parents in Spain.
Passport, NIE and additional documentation such as the family book or birth certificate.
Check with the airline and the school to make sure you meet all the requirements.
Translation of the authorisation (optional but recommended, especially if the destination has a different official language).
NOTE: this information has been compiled by Valua Travel and may vary depending on nationality and the time of travel. We recommend checking it with the relevant consulates and/or embassies in each case.
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