Do I need a power of attorney for children to travel abroad

It is not uncommon to hear or read on the Internet that one parent with minor children cannot travel abroad if you do not have a notarized power of attorney for him from another parent or parents. But this is actually outdated information.

The procedure for traveling abroad for Russian citizens is prescribed by the federal law "on the procedure for leaving the Russian Federation and entering the Russian Federation", which specifies all the requirements. And this law establishes that a power of attorney for the departure of a minor child is required only if he leaves independently or accompanied by relatives (not parents) or guardians. It is issued by any notary for a fee, costs from 1200 rubles. It is issued without the participation of a child, for a period of up to several years (it is more profitable, since the fee charged by notaries does not depend on the term), it is issued on a special form.

The erroneous opinion that if a child travels abroad with one of the parents - it is necessary to issue a power of attorney, has remained since very ancient times. Now, in order for one of the parents to declare his disagreement on the departure of his child abroad, he needs to apply to the FMS.

Whether you need a power of attorney to enter another country is quite another matter. For most countries, it makes no difference whether a child travels with a single parent and Guardian. But the Schengen countries have established requirements for obtaining a visa and entering a child with one of the parents or guardian only if there is a power of attorney.