A travel authorisation is a written document in which one person (usually a parent or legal guardian) gives permission to another person (e.g. another parent, a relative, a friend or a school) to travel with a minor child. This authorisation may be necessary for domestic or international travel, especially if the child is travelling without both parents or without one parent.
Reasons for a travel authorisation:
Security checks: Border authorities, airports and other checkpoints often require written consent to ensure that the child is not travelling without the consent of the parent or guardian.
Protection of the child: It serves as a protective measure against child abduction or unauthorised removal of a child abroad.
Health emergencies: The person travelling with the child could be authorised to make decisions in health emergencies if this is specified in the power of attorney.
Clarification of responsibility: It clarifies who is responsible for the child while travelling and can avoid any misunderstandings or legal problems.
Legal requirements: In many countries, such authorisation is required by law when travelling with a minor child.
Contents of a travel authorisation:
Full name of the child: Including date of birth and passport number (if available).
Dates of the journey: Start and end of the journey, as well as the exact destinations.
Full name of the accompanying person: Their relationship to the child and contact details.
Contact information of the parents/guardians: For any queries.
Signatures of the parents/guardians: Sometimes additionally certified or notarised.
Special instructions or authorisations: E.g. medical authorisation in an emergency.
A travel authorisation should be drawn up in good time before the start of the trip to ensure that all formalities have been clarified and that there are no problems during the trip.
Please check with the relevant authorities abroad in good time before your trip whether you need an apostille or legalisation. You can find further information here.
Forms:
Authorisation to travel: parents to third parties
English 
German