Jordan Child Travel Consent Legalization

Travel Consent for Children Visiting Jordan

Summer visits to grandparents in Amman, Irbid or Zarqa are a tradition for many Jordanian-American families. When a child travels with only one parent, or with relatives, the absent parent’s written consent can prevent problems, especially when the child has Jordanian nationality and needs to leave Jordan again or obtain Jordanian documents. A consent letter notarized in the U.S. and legalized by the Embassy of Jordan is the safest way to show it.

Guardianship in Jordanian practice

Under Jordanian personal status law, guardianship over a minor, including decisions about travel and documents, has traditionally rested with the father, while custody of young children often rests with the mother. In practice, Jordanian authorities may ask for the guardian’s consent when a minor’s passport is issued or renewed, and a guardian can in some circumstances ask a court to restrict a child’s travel. For dual-national children, Jordanian rules apply while they are in Jordan. Families should check current requirements with the Embassy of Jordan or a Jordanian lawyer before booking, particularly where parents are separated.

Writing the consent letter

Include the full names, dates of birth and passport numbers of each child; the full name, passport number and relationship of the accompanying adult; the destination and travel dates, or the period the consent covers, including the return; and the consenting parent’s address and phone number. State clearly that the parent consents to the child traveling to Jordan and departing Jordan with the named adult. Bilingual English and Arabic letters are practical. Attach a copy of the consenting parent’s passport.

Separated parents and special cases

Where parents are divorced, bring the legalized custody order as well as the consent letter. If a court order restricts travel, it governs and no letter can override it. If one parent has died, the legalized death certificate takes the place of that parent’s consent. Jordanian parents in the U.S. may also be able to sign consent forms directly at the Embassy of Jordan or a consulate.

Legalization in time for the trip

The absent parent signs before a U.S. notary; the letter is then authenticated by the Secretary of State and the U.S. Department of State and legalized by the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C., which takes about a week. Jordan does not accept apostilles. Order under Case 3, personal documents, and give us your departure date so the letter is back in time.