Aussie grandparents shouting the grandkids to a holiday need to prepare carefully before travelling overseas, according to Boomers travel insurance.
Medical needs, immigration requirements and airline policies mean grandparents need to plan ahead to avoid complications that can arise when children travel without their parents, especially for countries that require additional proof of guardianship.
Boomers Travel Insurance’s managing director Ian Jackson said it was increasingly common for Australians to take their grandchildren on overseas holidays, exposing them to difficulties not ordinarily encountered at home.
“Different countries have different policies on allowing children to enter and leave without their parents,” Jackson said.
“Children travelling with a guardian can leave and return to Australia with only their passports, but other countries have strict rules that require documents beyond the regular passport and visa.”
Jackson said it was important to check requirements with the embassy, high commission or consulate of each destination country.
Some countries required evidence that a child had parental permission to travel, or might request other documents to identify the parents such as birth certificates, adoption papers or custody orders.
Boomers Travel Insurance shared a clever little list of tips for grandparents travelling with children:
- Be aware of documentation required by authorities in all countries to be visited
- Carry a letter of permission from parents in addition to any other documents required
- Be aware of medical requirements and plan to ensure access to child medications
- Ensure all travellers are fully covered by travel insurance
- Carry emergency contact numbers, including insurer’s help line
- Be aware of airline procedures for unaccompanied children if collecting from airports
- Consider providing children with identity wristbands showing emergency contact numbers, in case of separation
- Register travel plans with the Australian Government at smartraveller.gov.au.
