Travel permit for children
Some of our clients has asked for getting a Travel permit for children.
When traveling abroad from Bulgaria with a child, the legal requirements vary depending on who accompanies the child.
Here’s a detailed extension of the processes and documentation required:
Both Parents Accompanying:
The child only needs a valid identity document, such as a passport, when needs to grand a travel permit for children.
One Parent Accompanying:
In addition to the child’s valid identity document, a birth certificate is necessary along with a notarized statement of consent from the other parent.
Third Party Accompanying (e.g., grandparent):
The child must have a valid identity document, and a notarized consent from both parents is necessary.
This ensures that the child is traveling with the approval of both legal guardians.
In cases where parents are unable to agree on one parent traveling with the child, the parent wishing to travel can apply to a Bulgarian court.
The court has the authority to permit the child’s travel abroad for a specified time.
It can also issue a substitute consent if one parent is uncooperative about the child obtaining necessary travel documents.
During these legal proceedings, the court will consider the views of the non-consenting parent unless they fail to provide a valid reason for their absence.
Furthermore, Bulgarian law treats taking a child abroad without the appropriate permissions from the other parent or a court decision as a serious offense.
Therefore, compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal complications.
For more specific guidance and the latest updates on travel regulations involving minors, checking our law office articles, and consulting legal experts in family law would be advisable.
Legal requirements for Minors Traveling Abroad
For a minor to travel outside the country, they need a passport and, if traveling alone, must also have written consent from both parents.
If only one parent consents to the child’s travel, a declaration of consent from the other parent must be submitted at the border.
When a minor is accompanied by someone other than their parents, both parents must submit a travel consent declaration.
According to Article 76, Paragraph 9 of the Bulgarian Law on Bulgarian Identity Documents, a minor may be prohibited from leaving the country if they lack notarized consent from a parent or guardian for international travel.
Border authorities require the original consent declaration and an uncertified copy, with the latter retained by the border officers.
This written consent can be notarized by a Bulgarian notary.
If one parent has sole parental rights, they may present a death certificate or other official documentation at the border to confirm that no additional consent is needed.
Imposing a parental travel restriction for a minor
If parents disagree on international travel for their child, the interested parent can file a notarized “declaration of disagreement” with the Border Police.
This declaration indicates that the parent does not consent to the child leaving the country.
Commonly, these declarations are used by parents, including those with dual citizenship, to prevent one parent from taking the child abroad without mutual consent, helping protect against unauthorized international travel.
A declaration of disagreement must be notarized by
A/ a Bulgarian notary,
B/a foreign notary (with translation and legalization), or
C/a consulate.
Once certified, it must be submitted to the Border Police, who issue an incoming number as confirmation.
If the parent wishes to lift the travel restriction later, they can revoke the declaration with a notarized signature.
For more information or assistance contact a legal professional call on + 359 897 90 43 91 or send us a message office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg
