Travel consent for a child: the notarised declaration

Official documents and institutions · Last reviewed: 2026-10-08

What the law says

Under art. 76 item 9 of the Law on Bulgarian Identity Documents (Закон за българските лични документи), a minor who has no consent for travel abroad from the parents, guardians or curators may be refused permission to leave the country. If the parents disagree, the dispute is settled under art. 127a of the Family Code.

What is asked at the border

• •According to the Ministry of the Interior's July 2023 statement, a notarised consent is required for a Bulgarian-citizen child travelling without parent(s); its absence is grounds to refuse the child's exit.
• •At the exit checkpoint the notarised declaration and a plain copy are presented, and the copy stays at the checkpoint. Copies cannot be made at the checkpoint, so they must be prepared in advance.
• •The Ministry of Foreign Affairs page offers two sample declarations: one for a child travelling independently and one for a child travelling with an escort.

School trips, coaches, group leaders

For a child travelling with a class teacher, coach or group leader, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends presenting a notarised power of attorney from the parent(s). Besides consent to the trip, it recommends an express additional authorisation for the escort to act if the child's Bulgarian identity document is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

For detailed information on border checks of children, the foreign ministry page points to information from the Border Police of the Ministry of the Interior; check it before travelling.

Frequently asked questions

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