Can Your Child Travel to India Without You? Saudi Travel Consent Rules for Indian Families

Many Indian families in Saudi Arabia face this situation: a child needs to travel to India (or another country) without both parents — perhaps to visit grandparents, attend a wedding, or return to school. Saudi Arabia has strict rules about this.

The basic rule

A minor (under 18) cannot travel internationally without proper consent documentation. This applies whether the child is traveling:

• Alone (unaccompanied minor)
• With one parent (when the other parent is in Saudi Arabia)
• With a relative or guardian (not a parent)

When is consent required?

Scenario 1: Child traveling with one parent

If only one parent is traveling with the child, the other parent must provide a consent letter. This applies even if:

• Both parents are in Saudi Arabia
• The parents are married
• The child has both parents’ names on their passport

Scenario 2: Child traveling with a relative

If a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or family friend is taking the child:

• Consent letters from BOTH parents are required
• The relative must carry the consent letter during travel
• The relative’s ID/passport must be copies with the letter

Scenario 3: Child traveling alone (unaccompanied minor)

• Consent from both parents is required
• The airline may have additional requirements
• SAUDIA reserves the right to refuse travel to unaccompanied minors

What the consent letter must include

A valid consent letter should have:

1. Full names of the child, both parents, and the traveling companion (if any)
2. Passport numbers of the child and both parents
3. Travel details: destination, dates, airline, flight number
4. Explicit permission stating the child is allowed to travel
5. Signatures of both parents (or legal guardian)
6. Date of the letter
7. Contact information of both parents

Template structure

CONSENT LETTER FOR MINOR TRAVEL

I, [Parent 1 Full Name], passport number [XXXXX], and
I, [Parent 2 Full Name], passport number [XXXXX],
hereby give permission for our child,
[Child Full Name], passport number [XXXXX],
to travel to [Destination] from [Departure Date]
to [Return Date] with [Companion Name / Alone].

Signed:
[Parent 1 Signature]     Date: ___
[Parent 2 Signature]     Date: ___

Where to get the consent letter validated

While a simple consent letter is often accepted, for added credibility:

• Get it notarized at the Indian Embassy or a notary public
• Some airlines require attested consent letters
• For custody situations, a court order may be required

Absher and child travel

Saudi authorities may check:

• Child’s iqama status — must be valid
• Biometric registration — child aged 6+ must have biometrics registered (Biometric Registration Guide)
• Exit re-entry visa — if the child is leaving temporarily

What airlines require

Most airlines (including SAUDIA, Air India, IndiGo) require:

• Consent letter from both parents
• Copy of child’s passport
• Copy of both parents’ passports
• Booking confirmation

SAUDIA policy: “SAUDIA reserves the right to refuse travel to any unaccompanied minor.”

Common mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming one parent’s consent is enough

Even if you are married and both parents are in Saudi Arabia, if only one parent is traveling with the child, the other must provide written consent.

Mistake 2: Using an expired consent letter

Consent letters should be dated close to the travel date. A letter from 6 months ago may not be accepted.

Mistake 3: Not carrying the letter at the airport

Always carry the physical consent letter (plus digital copies) when traveling. Airlines and immigration will ask for it.

Mistake 4: Forgetting biometric registration

If your child is 6+ and hasn’t had biometrics registered with Jawazat, they may face issues at departure. See Biometric Registration Guide.

Related guides

• Biometric Registration for Children
• Iqama & Residency — Complete Guide
• Exit Re-Entry Visa — How to Apply
• Family Visit Visa — Complete Guide
• Check Iqama Expiry Date

References

1. Saudi Gazette — Exemption for travel of minors — saudigazette.com.sa
2. Visatitans — Saudi visa rules for minors — visatitans.com
3. Saudi Visa — Visa for minors requirements — saudivisa.ae
4. SAUDIA — Travelling with children policy — saudia.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consent rules may vary by airline and change over time. Always verify with your airline and the relevant embassy before traveling.