DocumentsFree Travel Consent Letter for Children Sample
Free Travel Consent Letter for Children Sample
Have a child travelling alone or with one parent or legal guardian? Draft a travel consent letter for children with our free sample.
A travel consent letter is a document that proves a child has permission to travel without one or both of their legal guardians. While having a letter isn’t legally required, the government of Canada strongly recommends drafting one. Immigration authorities often request to see a travel consent letter when a child is travelling abroad, and having one can prevent unnecessary airport delays.
Children under the age of majority should carry an original, notarized travel consent letter when travelling without one of their legal guardians. The definition of a child varies in each country, so children under 19 years old should carry one if they are travelling:
- With just one parent or legal guardian
- With an adult who is not their legal guardian, like a relative or a family friend
- In a group with friends, siblings, a sports team, their school, a religious group, etc.
- Alone
Travel Consent Letter for Children
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What is a travel consent letter for children travelling abroad?
A travel consent letter is a legal document that proves a child has permission to travel abroad without one or both of their parents or guardians. This letter shows that a child is not being abducted or taken out of the country without the consent of their legal guardians. A letter is also required for shorter day trips, where a child is with one parent for only part of their trip. Failure to produce a travel consent letter upon request can result in delays or outright refusal to enter or exit a certain country.
What details should a travel consent letter for children contain?
Your travel consent letter should include:
- The child’s full name, date of birth, and passport number.
- The child’s travel itinerary and the duration of the trip.
- The full names and contact information of the child’s parents or legal guardians.
- The names of the people accompanying the child, and their relationship to the child.
- The date the letter was written.
- A clear statement of consent to the child’s travel from both parents or legal guardians.
- A signature from both parents or legal guardians.
- A notary stamp from a notary public.
You can customize the letter to fit your specific needs, but try to include as many details as possible.
Does a travel consent letter for children need to be notarized?
Although it’s not a legal requirement, the government of Canadian strongly recommends getting your travel consent letter notarized. When your letter is witnessed by a notary public, border officials will be less likely to question its authenticity. During notarization, a notary public will verify your identity and signature, and stamp the letter to make it an official legal document.
What supporting documents are required with a consent letter?
The traveling parent will want to bring some documents to support their travel consent letter, like their child’s birth certificate. Depending on personal circumstances, the following documents may also be required:
- Divorce papers
- Child custody orders or agreements
- Death certificate of a deceased parent or parents
- A signed consent letter from a child welfare agency
Do both parents need to sign the Travel Consent Letter?
If the parents are married or in a common-law relationship, the letter should be signed by one or both parents not accompanying the travelling child. If the parents are separated or divorced, the parent singing should meet one of the following criteria:
- Have custody of the child
- Have decision-making responsibility for the child
- Have guardianship of the child (in Alberta and British Columbia)
Sometimes, there is a court order or agreement that specifies who needs to sign a consent letter for a child travelling abroad. If the child is in temporary care, a representative from the appropriate child welfare agency should sign the consent letter. It is best to consult with a lawyer if you require clarification about your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a teen travelling with a group, do I need a travel consent letter?
Yes, a teen travelling with a group should have a travel consent letter.
If a teen is under the age of 19 and travelling without one or both of their parents or legal guardians, they should bring a travel consent letter.
Is a travel consent letter legally required?
A travel consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada.
However, having one is strongly recommended by the government of Canada. A letter might be legally required in foreign countries — and one can always be requested by immigration authorities in Canada and abroad. Having a travel consent letter can help you avoid airport delays that can lead to missed flights, entry refusals, and endless headaches. For the most up-to-date travel guidelines, please visit the Canadian Border Services Agency website.
Is NotaryPro’s online drafting & notary service legally recognized?
Yes, NotaryPro’s documents are legally recognized.
NotaryPro’s documents have been accepted by border authorities all over the world, including Canada Border Services and US Customers and Border Protection.
Is NotaryPro’s online drafting & notary service secure?
Yes, NotaryPro uses the latest encryption technology.
Your personal information and documents are subject to the highest level of digital security, and we ensure that your documents are notarized in compliance with all applicable Canadian laws and regulations.
How much does it cost?
It’s free to create your document, although we do offer online notarization for a small fee.
That’s right! Creating your document comes at no cost to you, but if you would like to notarize it at the same time, we’re happy to help. Please find our detailed prices here.
What if my parenting arrangement has special terms governing international travel?
If your parenting arrangement has special terms governing international travel, the Government of Canada recommends consulting with a lawyer.
Before drafting a letter, it’s best to be clear on the legal issues that apply to you and your child’s unique situation. A court order or agreement might outline needs to must sign a consent letter for a child travelling abroad.