Some parents believe that their status as the “sole custodial parent” entitles them to travel with their children without a travel consent. This is not the case. Even parents who have sole/full custody should obtain a consent letter from the non-travelling access parent. Absent a court order expressly allowing the sole custodial parent to travel without the consent of the access parent, the access parent’s consent is required.
In cases where a parent has sole/ full custody and the other parent does not have any access rights, a travel consent letter is not required from the non-travelling parent. However, the child should carry a copy of the court order that outlines the custodial and no-access arrangement with them when they travel.