Autonomous Travel for Romanian Minors Over 16: What Law 274/2023 Changes

Romanian teenagers between 16 and 18 years old now have a new option for international travel. Law 274/2023 allows them to travel abroad without an accompanying adult, under specific conditions designed to keep their journeys safe and well-documented.

What changed

Previously, Romanian legislation required all minor citizens to be accompanied by an adult when traveling abroad, regardless of the circumstances. Law 274/2023 creates a legal framework that reflects the reality that adolescents sometimes need to travel alone, whether to visit relatives, take part in official competitions, or receive medical treatment.

How it works

Under the new law, border police authorities will allow Romanian citizens who have reached the age of 16 and hold an individual travel document or identity card to exit Romania without an adult companion, provided they present a notarized declaration. That declaration must be signed by both parents or, in specific situations, by the parent to whom the minor has been entrusted by a final court decision, the parent exercising sole parental authority under a similar decision, the surviving parent, or the minor's legal representative.

What the notarized declaration must include

The declaration is central to the process and must specify:

• The purpose of the journey
• The destination country or countries
• The duration of the travel
• The consent of the parents or legal representatives for the autonomous trip

Validity and required documents

The notarized declaration is valid for three years, and the requirement applies regardless of whether the parents are married. To obtain it, the following documents are generally needed:

• The parents' identity documents
• The minor's birth certificate
• The minor's passport or identity card

Why this matters for families

Law 274/2023 gives Romanian adolescents a legal path to travel independently for legitimate purposes, such as education, competitions, or family visits, while keeping parents and legal representatives informed and in control through the notarized declaration requirement. Before a minor travels independently, it is worth having an open conversation about the purpose and destination of the trip, and researching the customs and rules of the destination country to help ensure a safe, well-prepared journey.

Sources: Law 274/2023, Romanian Border Police