WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELLING FROM THE NETHERLANDS WITH CHILDREN
The European border controls are getting strict on seeing proper documentation in case a minor child is travelling with only one parent. Travelling with children can seemingly add miles to your checklist, and travelling as a solo parent can be even more complicated. Current policies designed to protect children from international abduction mean that you will need to provide extra documentation if you are traveling solo with your child or children.
Without the required documentation, you might be delayed at Passport Control. Traveling with the correct documents will save you time and hassle, and can protect you and your children. We have attached the links you will need at the bottom of this article.
If you are traveling from the Netherlands with children then identity checks are performed for travel outside of the Schengen Area. Therefore, travel from The Netherlands to most European countries will not require any extra documentation. However, as the UK is not a Schengen state, you do need to provide documentation if that is your destination.
The Ministry of Defence offers information about traveling with children. You can also download, print and fill out a consent letter for minors traveling abroad. According to the Defensie, other helpful documentation includes:
- A copy of the passport of the other parent, who has given consent
- A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
- A recent extract from the parental authority register
- A recent extract from the Personal Records Database of your municipality (GBA)
- If applicable, a statement regarding custody and visiting rights
People have reported being asked for documentation regardless of whether their surname is the same as their child. Don’t assume you will not be questioned just because you share the same last name. You must be able to prove that you have parental/custodial rights, and that you have the consent of the other parent to take the child out of the country.
If you forget the documentation at home, don’t despair. Standard procedure is for the Passport Control officer to check with the municipality (GBA) records to confirm parental authority, and/or contact the other parent for consent. If you have questions, it is always advisable to contact the Ministry of Defense before travelling.
For full information I strongly recommend you check the information from the Ministry of Defense: https://english.defensie.nl/topics/travelling-with-children
The European border controls are getting strict on seeing proper documentation in case a minor child is travelling with only one parent. Travelling with children can seemingly add miles to your checklist, and travelling as a solo parent can be even more complicated. Current policies designed to protect children from international abduction mean that you will need to provide extra documentation if you are traveling solo with your child or children.
Without the required documentation, you might be delayed at Passport Control. Traveling with the correct documents will save you time and hassle, and can protect you and your children. We have attached the links you will need at the bottom of this article.
If you are traveling from the Netherlands with children then identity checks are performed for travel outside of the Schengen Area. Therefore, travel from The Netherlands to most European countries will not require any extra documentation. However, as the UK is not a Schengen state, you do need to provide documentation if that is your destination.
The Ministry of Defence offers information about traveling with children. You can also download, print and fill out a consent letter for minors traveling abroad. According to the Defensie, other helpful documentation includes:
- A copy of the passport of the other parent, who has given consent
- A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
- A recent extract from the parental authority register
- A recent extract from the Personal Records Database of your municipality (GBA)
- If applicable, a statement regarding custody and visiting rights
People have reported being asked for documentation regardless of whether their surname is the same as their child. Don’t assume you will not be questioned just because you share the same last name. You must be able to prove that you have parental/custodial rights, and that you have the consent of the other parent to take the child out of the country.
If you forget the documentation at home, don’t despair. Standard procedure is for the Passport Control officer to check with the municipality (GBA) records to confirm parental authority, and/or contact the other parent for consent. If you have questions, it is always advisable to contact the Ministry of Defense before travelling.
For full information I strongly recommend you check the information from the Ministry of Defense: https://english.defensie.nl/topics/travelling-with-children
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