A Chennai-based makeup artist’s post detailing her daughter’s ordeal during her attempted trip to Dubai is going viral. Nisha, in a post dated January 29, 2025, revealed that her daughter was denied boarding a Dubai flight because she was traveling with her grandparents and cousins. The airline allegedly refused to allow the child to travel, citing the absence of her parents.
What Nisha Wrote
“Previously we had kids in our family travelling to Dubai UAE with their grandparents and cousins for vacations without their parents.
The Airport authorities say it was 2 months back only they’ve implemented this rule of not allowing kids to travel with their relatives for vacations. The travel agency which we booked said it’s manageable if we carry the necessary documents like parent’s official consent letter etc
We produced the necessary document and even after requesting so much the airport authorities didn’t allow our kid to board the flight. As parents we were not able to travel with her immediately on these a dates bcos we had important commitments and couldn’t postpone them right away …
It was her first ever international trip , totally disappointed …
I accept … the Worst feel in the world is to see your child breakdown and cry for something you did out of carelessness … ”
Watch Video Here..
According to an Indian Express report quoting experts- In India, the age range for unaccompanied minors is five-12 years for domestic travel, whereas for international travel, it ranges from five-15/18 years, depending on the airline and destination.
If Kids Are Travelling Alone..
Typically, the documents required for a kids’ travel without parents are a valid photo ID, birth certificate, consent form signed by both parents or guardians full contact details of the parent/guardians seeing off/receiving the unaccompanied minor at the origin/destination. However, some airlines may require additional documentation like passport copies of parents, a medical certificate, a police certificate, indemnity, proof of vaccination, a valid passport, and visa.
To combat child trafficking, the UAE has implemented strict travel rules for minors under 18. Since June 1, 2024, children traveling without their parents—such as with relatives—must have official parental authorization. This rule, enforced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (Immigration), ensures added security for young travelers.
