Travelling Abroad

14^th July 2023

It’s that time of year where we may be planning our holidays and perhaps going abroad.  When travelling abroad with foster children, there are extra checks and documents needed and it is good to allow plenty of time when planning your trip and link in with your social worker well in advance of travel, to access any documentation needed.

‘In addition to travelling with their own valid passport or ID card, all children travelling alone, with adults who are not their legal guardian or with only one parent should note that they may need an extra (official) document signed by their parents, second parent or legal guardian(s) authorising them to travel.’ Department of Foreign Affairs 2023.

Countries can differ in what they require in terms of additional documentation along with the usual travel documents and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) recommend that the Embassy of the country is contacted to enquire about the documentation required.

For more information on travelling abroad with children see the DFA’s webpage:

And also here.

For passport enquiries:

Email: specialdesk@dfa.ie

Or via website

You can also contact the IFCA National Helpline service on Tel: 01 458 5123 or email support@ifca.ie

Quick holiday checklist for travelling with children internationally:

1. Plan the trip ahead of time, make the necessary arrangements, preparations and get the needed permissions that go along with the planned travel.
2. Have you notified the child’s social worker exactly when and where you will be going well in advance of travel in relation to access to any documentation needed?
3. So, what are the necessary documents needed?

• A Valid Passport.
• Some countries require extra documentation showing that one or both of the children’s parents has consented to them travelling.
• A letter of consent from the social worker for passport control as this will be expected when taking a child in foster care abroad. you may need to explain the relationship between you and the child to immigration officers in the country to which you are travelling.
• There are no EU ruleson this matter, each EU country decides if it requires the child to have an official authorisation from their parent(s) or guardian. Check the exact rules for the countries you are travelling to and from.

• Bear in mind that, even if a country does not require minors to carry an official authorisation to leave or enter its territory, other countries they transit through may ask the child to show one.

4. For holidays abroad travel insurance should cover the whole family including your foster children. Take a European Health Insurance card for every traveller if going to the EU.
5. Are there any issues to consider when planning/ preparing for the holiday for example an autistic child may be more impacted by the change of scenery, sleeping arrangements and daily routine than other children.
6. You may need to put together a risk assessment. The social worker can help with this. A risk assessment is simply a document that shows you’ve thought about all the potential risks that any parent would think about for their children – foster carers just need to put it into writing. For example, you’ll need to set out plans for how you’ll manage disagreements, privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms, and outline rules for play (such as in the pool or on a hotel balcony). With older children you might also decide how and if they’ll be allowed to go out alone, and set out rules for using mobile phones, etc.
7. Ensure you take with you any medication, creams, comfort toys, and contact numbers for your social worker and the Emergency Duty Team in case of out of hour’s issues.

Most important of all – enjoy your holiday!