Why Is Fathers' Consent Important for Children's Travel Abroad in Kuwait?

Arab Times

19 hours ago

KUWAIT CITY, Jul 1: In Kuwait, a mother cannot take her minor child out of the country without the explicit consent of the child's father, who is legally recognized as the guardian and, in most cases, the visa sponsor under Kuwaiti law. This requirement applies to both Kuwaiti and expatriate families, with increased scrutiny for non-Kuwaiti children sponsored by their fathers. This is a precautionary measure to prevent marital disputes on custodial rights.
The rule, enforced by Kuwait, mandates that fathers sign an official No Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing their children to travel, even if accompanied by the mother. This step is designed to prevent unauthorized relocation or international custody disputes.
According to officials, the father must visit the Embassy or the nearest Residency Affairs Office Passport Office in person, with valid identification, to fill out and sign the required authorization form. This signed document must be presented at the airport during departure.
A source familiar with the policy told Arab Times: 'This regulation is particularly important in cases of divorce, custody disputes, or when one parent resides outside Kuwait. It helps prevent child abduction and ensures both parents are aware of travel plans.'
In situations where the father is unavailable, uncooperative, or legally absent (e.g., deceased, missing, or imprisoned), the mother may petition the Personal Status Court to obtain a judicial order permitting the child's travel. The court evaluates such requests based on the best interests of the child.
For consular or embassy-related travel requirements, parents may also seek a notarized Travel Authorization Letter through the Ministry of Justice's Notary Public Office, or through services like BLS International, which handles documentation for Indian citizens. These authorizations typically include full names, passport numbers, travel dates, and a statement of consent, and must be signed and legalized in front of officials.
Recent incidents have prompted renewed attention to the enforcement of this rule at Kuwait airport, where immigration officials have reportedly stopped minors from boarding due to a lack of proper authorization, even when traveling with their mothers. Authorities continue to advise families to plan and complete all legal formalities before booking international travel for children.
HOW AND FROM WHERE TO GET AUTHORIZATION
Embassy
Obtain a form from the embassy website or visit your embassy
Required documents:
Travel NOC/ Authorization for Minor Child typed or filled in English (As per your embassy suggestion)
Self-attested Passport and Civil ID copy of the parents.
Photocopy of the Passport and Civil ID of minor child.
Self-attested Passport and Civil ID copy of authorized person traveling along with the child.
If only single parent is in Kuwait, need consent from other parent for travel.
Please Note:
Both parents presence is mandatory.
The Ap
Applicant must produce Passport and Civil ID in original for verification.
Spouse name should be entered in the both husband and wife passports (if both passports are issued after marriage).
If the spouse's name is endorsed on one of the passports, but the other passport was issued after marriage, copy of duly attested Marriage Certificate must be submitted. The original Marriage Certificate must be presented for verification.
If neither the husband nor the wife has the spouse's name endorsed on their passports, and the passports were issued after marriage, one of them must have the spouse's name added to their passport. Copy of duly attested Marriage Certificate must be submitted, and the original Marriage Certificate must be presented for verification.
Visit the Airport Passports Department (part of the General Department of Residency Affairs) or your local Residency Affairs office.
The father/sponsor must sign the official consent/declaration form in person before travel. This is the legally recognized form used by Kuwait immigration authorities
Travel NOC/ Authorization for Minor Child by Indian Embassy Form