Safety standards vary around the world. Check safety standards of any equipment you’ll be using, like pools and playgrounds. If you’ll be using childcare while you travel, it’s a good idea to look into standards for that too.
Not all medications that are legal in New Zealand are legal in other countries. Before you travel, check that your child’s medications are legal.
Don’t forget to get travel insurance that covers everyone in your whānau and their pre-existing conditions.
Children who are travelling without both parents might need extra documents, especially if they are travelling with an adult with a different surname. The documents may be required by airlines, or by government officials in the destination country.
Your child may need a consent letter to travel:
A consent letter usually includes this information:
It usually needs to be signed by the parents and witnessed by a public official.
You will need to check what the local requirements are with the embassy of the country your child is travelling to, and your airline. If you don’t have the required documentation, you or your child may be denied boarding or entry to the destination.
Foreign representatives to New Zealand
Some countries have different attitudes to LGBTQIA+ people, which can make it more difficult for LGBTQIA+ parents to travel with their children.
Read our travel advice on your destination, and carefully consider if you are comfortable travelling with your child or letting them travel to a country with different social attitudes to New Zealand.
Carry certified copies of documentation that list the custodial parents, including birth certificates or adoption orders, for example.
There’s more information about what to do if your child’s other parent has taken them overseas without your consent on the Someone is missing page.
Before you leave New Zealand, register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis.
