Can a minor travel abroad without both parents?
Conditional on age and companion — but yes, a minor can travel. Every minor needs their own travel document (new ID or passport) — there's no "child on a parent's passport". With both parents: the ID/passport is enough. With one parent: the child's document plus a consent declaration by the other parent, with certified signature (gov.gr/KEP) — the Greek MFA recommends it, it's not an absolute requirement for every destination. Alone or with a third party: consent from both parents, naming the companion. In short: yes, with the right document and, where relevant, a consent declaration.
📋 The rules
- Each minor: their own document (ID/passport)
- With both parents: the document is enough, no consent
- With one parent: consent declaration by the other
- Alone/with a third party: consent from both parents
- Signature certification: gov.gr/KEP (no notary needed)
🔓 Exceptions
- Airline "Unaccompanied Minor" rules: separate and stricter
- Sole custody/court order: replaces the absent parent's consent
- Schengen: sporadic checks; non-Schengen: more likely
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no "fine" — the consequence is practical: without the right document or the consent declaration (where the airline/destination requires it), the minor may be refused departure or entry. Beware a myth: "Greece requires a notarized consent letter to travel with one parent" — overstated; the official Greek wording is recommended, and a free consent declaration with signature certified by gov.gr/KEP suffices, no notary. The need depends on the airline and destination, not a blanket Greek law. To stay compliant: prepare the child's own document and, if needed, the consent of the parent(s), and check the airline's rules.
📎 Official sources
- gov.gr — travel documents for minors →
- Hellenic MFA — minors/parental consent →
- Your Europe — travel documents for minors →
❓ Frequently asked
Can my child travel with one parent?
Yes. The child needs their own travel document and a consent declaration by the other parent, with certified signature, is recommended. The Greek MFA recommends it, without it being an absolute requirement for every destination, so check the airline's rules too.
Does the child need their own passport or ID?
Yes. Every minor needs their own travel document, a new ID or passport. There's no longer a "child on a parent's passport" option. Children over 12 must carry their own identity document.
What's needed if they travel alone or with a third party?
When a minor travels alone or with a third party, a consent declaration by both parents is required, with the signature certified, naming the companion. In addition, the airlines' specific, stricter rules for unaccompanied minors apply.
Is a notarized declaration needed?
No. It's an overstatement that a notarized declaration is required. A free consent declaration with the signature certified via gov.gr or KEP suffices. The need for the declaration depends on the airline and destination country, not a general Greek law.
What about sole custody?
With sole custody or a court order, the relevant document replaces the absent parent's consent. It's wise to carry the custody evidence, to avoid problems at checks, especially for non-Schengen destinations.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “minor travel with one parent”
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- “unaccompanied minor flight”
- “parental consent child travel”
- “minor id travel”