How to make a travel authorization for a minor
Planning an international experience for teenagers and children requires special attention to documentation. If you are organizing a trip for a minor, be it for a High School program or any other experience abroad, the travel authorization is an essential document that guarantees the safety and legality of the trip. In this complete guide, we will explain in detail how to obtain this authorization, the different types available, and all the necessary procedures to ensure that the trip goes smoothly.
Why is a travel authorization for a minor mandatory?
A travel authorization for a minor is not just a bureaucratic formality — it's a fundamental protection measure. According to Resolution No. 295 of 13/09/2019 of the National Council of Justice, every minor under 18 who travels abroad without the company of both parents needs an international travel authorization.
This requirement aims to:
- Preventing international trafficking in children and adolescents
- Protect minors against kidnapping or unauthorized dislocation
- Ensure that both legal guardians are aware of and in agreement with the trip
- Facilitate identification and contact with those responsible in case of emergency
Even for domestic trips, children under 16 years of age also need specific authorization when traveling unaccompanied or in the company of third parties.
Modalities of international authorization for minors
There are three ways to obtain international authorization for a minor to travel abroad. Let's explore each one of them:
1. Express authorization in the passport
This is the most practical option for families planning frequent trips. At the time of issuance or renewal of the passport, both parents can go to the Federal Police and fill out a form authorizing the minor to travel unaccompanied.
Features:
- The authorization is recorded on page 3 of the passport
- It is valid the same as the passport (generally 10 years)
- Eliminates the need for additional authorizations for each trip
- Requires the presence of both parents at the time of applying for the passport
Procedure:
- Schedule assistance at the Federal Police to issue a passport
- Both parents must show up with original documents
- Please indicate at the time of the request that you wish to include the travel authorization
- Sign the authorization on the specific form
2. Minor Travel Authorization Form (2-way)
This is the most common option when the minor already has a passport, but without express authorization, or when only one parent can attend the Federal Police.
Features:
- Physical document that must be presented upon boarding
- Requires notarized notarization
- Requires two copies (one is withheld by the Federal Police)
- Valid for 2 years, unless a shorter period is specified
Required documents:
- Completed authorization form (2 copies)
- Minor's passport
- Documents from parents or legal guardians (RG or CPF)
Important notes:
- In the event of the death of one of the parents, present a certified death certificate
- If the parents reside in different cities, one signs and sends it to the other to sign and recognize a signature
- The form template does not interfere with the validity, as long as it contains all the necessary information
3. Electronic Travel Authorization (AEV)
This is the most modern option, recently implemented by the Brazilian government. It allows parents to request authorization digitally.
Features:
- Completely online process
- Possibility of broadcasting in person or remotely (by videoconference)
- Elimination of paper and greater convenience
- Same legal validity as other modalities
Procedure:
- Access the official portal gov.br
- Select the “Electronic Travel Authorization” service
- Sign in with your account gov.br (silver or gold level)
- Fill in the details of the minor and the trip
- Choose between in-person validation or video conferencing
- After approval, issue the digital document
Step by step to obtain authorization via physical form
If you choose the physical form, follow these detailed steps:
1. Gather the necessary documents
Before starting the process, have in hand:
- Valid passport of the minor
- Parent/guardian identification documents (RG and CPF)
- Proof of travel (tickets, confirmation of registration at language programs abroad, etc.)
- Minor's birth certificate (to verify affiliation)
2. Choose and download the authorization template
Although the format is not standardized by law, it is recommended to use a template that contains all the necessary fields:
- Complete details of the minor (name, date of birth, identity document, passport)
- Data from parents/legal guardians
- Information about the trip (destination, date, airline)
- Companion details (if any) or information that you will be traveling unaccompanied
- Space for parents/guardians to sign
3. Please fill out the form carefully
Complete all fields carefully, noting:
- Use full names, exactly as they appear on the documents
- Fill in the document numbers correctly
- Clearly specify the destination and period of the trip
- If it's an exchange trip, include information about the school/institution and accommodation
4. Signature and notarization
This step is crucial for the document's validity:
- Both parents/guardians must sign the document
- Recognize a notary by notary authenticity (ideal) or by similarity
- If it is impossible for one of the parents to sign:
- If deceased: attach a certified copy of the death certificate
- If one of the parents has exclusive parental authority: attach a court document that proves
- In case of separated parents without a travel agreement: judicial authorization will be required
5. Make two copies of the document
It is important to have two complete and identical routes:
- One will be withheld by the Federal Police upon leaving the country
- The other must be kept with the minor throughout the trip
- It is recommended to make scanned copies as a backup
Authorization for domestic travel
For trips within Brazilian territory, adolescents between 16 and 18 years old can travel unaccompanied without authorization. However, children under 16 years of age need specific authorization.
Options for national authorization:
1. National Authorization Form (2-copy)
Simple document that can be completed by parents/guardians:
- It must contain details of the minor, parents and travel information
- It must be signed by the parents with a notarized signature
- Must be presented when checking in for the domestic flight
- You need two copies, as one will be retained by the airline
2. Juvenile Court Authorization
Alternative to the form, obtained directly from the official agency:
- A parent must appear in Juvenile Court with:
- Own identity document
- Minor's document (ID or birth certificate)
- Proof of travel (ticket or reservation)
- The authorization issued by the Court has national legal force
Special cases and specific situations
Exchange and High School Programs
For minors who will participate in programs such as High School, it is recommended that the authorization:
- Explicitly mention the program and educational institution
- Include the full period of study
- Contain information about the accommodation and local manager
- Expressly authorize participation in extracurricular activities
Traveling with just one parent
Even when the minor travels accompanied by one of the parents, the other parent's authorization is still required, except in cases of:
- Unilateral custody proven by a court document
- Express authorization in the passport signed by both
- Proven legal impossibility (death, dismissal of family power, etc.)
Travels with third parties (not parents)
When the minor travels accompanied by other adults (grandparents, uncles, those responsible for exchange programs), the authorization must:
- Clearly identify the companion, with full name and document
- Specify the relationship between the companion and the minor
- Contain express authorization from both parents
Practical tips and recommendations
- Advance: Start the process at least 30 days in advance
- Extra documentation: Bring copies of all relevant documents
- Emergency contacts: Include parents/guardians' phones and emails
- Bahasa: For greater security, have bilingual versions of the authorization
- Communication: Inform the airline in advance about traveling with an unaccompanied minor
Be Easy
The travel authorization for minors is a fundamental document that guarantees the safety and legality of international or domestic travel of children and adolescents. Whether for a program of High School Or stop Learn a language abroad, this document is indispensable and must be treated with attention.
Na Be Easy, we understand the importance of adequate documentation to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Our team is ready to assist at every stage of this process, ensuring that your child or dependent can make the most of their international experience, with all the necessary security and support.
Plan ahead, follow all the guidelines and count on us to make the exchange dream a hassle-free reality!
