It is possible for a child to travel abroad accompanied by a grandparent, but the documents for such trips are checked more carefully than when traveling with the mother.
To avoid unnecessary questions at the border, it is important to have documents confirming:
- Who accompanies the child?
- Family ties
- Parental consent, or lack thereof, in certain cases
Below is a detailed and simple explanation.
In what cases can a child leave with a grandparent without the consent of both parents?
During martial law, the rules were simplified. A child can travel with a grandparent without the other parent's notarized consent if:
- The trip is temporary.
- The child has documents confirming the relationship.
- There is proof that one of the parents is already abroad.
- The child is going for treatment/education/evacuation.
However, it's important to note that border decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, it's best to prepare your documents so that they logically explain the circumstances of your trip.
Important note: rules may differ in the destination country.
Even if Ukrainian border guards don't require permission, that doesn't mean you won't need it:
- in the transit country
- in the destination country
- when submitting documents to school or social services
What documents are required when leaving?
At the border, the following are most often checked:
- Child's birth certificate or passport
- Grandparent's passport
- Documents proving kinship (birth certificate of one parent, indicating the grandparent)
- Documents explaining the purpose and duration of the trip (tickets, school certificate, invitation, proof of accommodation, etc.)
They may also specify:
- What is the planned duration of the trip?
- Who will the child live with while abroad?
- Are there any legal disputes between the parents?
When it's better not to travel without a power of attorney
Despite the simplified rules, in a number of situations a power of attorney significantly simplifies border crossing.
It is recommended if:
- The trip is planned for a long period.
- The child will live abroad for part of the year.
- There is a conflict between the parents.
- This is not the child's first trip.
- The accompanying person is not a close relative.
- The child is applying for study or medical treatment abroad.
In such cases, the power of attorney:
- Confirms parental consent
- Reduces the number of questions at the border
- Protects the child's interests in legal disputes
Parental consent is required if the child is already 16 years old.
According to the Civil Code of Ukraine, a child over 16 years of age can travel abroad independently.
If your situation is:
- Non-standard
- Involves an extended stay abroad
- Concerns different countries or complex logistics
- You're not sure whether a power of attorney is required
In such cases, it is safer to prepare documents in advance rather than finding out about them directly at the border.
The notary handles powers of attorney for accompanying children and traveling abroad on a daily basis. Learn more about this service by following the link.
07.01.2026
