Travel Consent Letter for Children Traveling Abroad

Key Takeaways

• A consent letter is recommended for any child under 19 travelling abroad without both parents or decision-makers, even with one parent.
• Every parent or guardian with decision-making responsibility who isn’t travelling should sign it.
• Any adult can witness it, but a notary public is strongly recommended.
• Bring the signed letter on the trip, along with any custody orders that apply.
• You can start with our free template, then sign it with a notary online or in person.

What Is a Travel Consent Letter for Children?

A travel consent letter is a signed document that shows a child has permission to travel from the parents or guardians who aren’t travelling with them. It names the child, the adult they’re travelling with, where they’re going and when, and how to reach the parents who gave consent.

Is a Travel Consent Letter Legally Required in Canada?

No, but it’s strongly recommended. According to the Government of Canada, immigration authorities, airline agents and Canadian border officials may ask for one. For the full answer, including when you might need one inside Canada, read is a travel consent letter legally required in Canada?

Who Needs a Travel Consent Letter?

The Government of Canada recommends a consent letter for any child under 19 who’s travelling outside Canada:

• Alone
• With only one parent or guardian, even if both parents are on part of the trip
• With grandparents, other relatives or friends
• With a school, sports, music or religious group

This includes 16- to 18-year-olds who have an adult passport.

Who Needs to Sign the Consent Letter?

Every parent or other person with decision-making responsibility for the child who isn’t travelling should sign. This applies whether the parents are married, common-law, separated or divorced.

• Do both parents need to sign? If one parent is travelling with the child, the other parent signs. If neither parent is travelling, both should sign.
• Separated or divorced parents: a consent letter is recommended even if a parenting order or agreement lets one parent make travel decisions alone. Carry a copy of the order or agreement too.

Does a Travel Consent Letter Need to Be Notarized?

It isn’t required. Any adult can witness the signature. But the Government of Canada strongly recommends having a notary public witness it, because officials abroad are more likely to trust a letter with a notary’s signature and seal.

You can sign your letter with a notary online from home, or have it notarized in person. Either way, bring the signed letter with you on the trip.

Common Situations

Travelling With One Parent

The parent who isn’t travelling signs the letter. Bring it even if both parents are travelling for part of the trip.

Separated or Divorced Parents

Each parent with decision-making responsibility who isn’t travelling should sign. Bring a copy of any court order or parenting agreement.

Travelling With Grandparents or Relatives

Both parents, or every guardian with decision-making responsibility, sign the letter and give the travelling adult permission to travel with the child.

School and Group Trips

Parents sign a letter naming the group leader or organization responsible for the child during the trip.

A Parent Has Died

The travelling parent should bring a copy of the other parent’s death certificate. A child travelling without either parent should carry a letter from the surviving parent and the death certificate.

What to Include: Travel Consent Letter Checklist

• The child’s full name, date of birth and passport number
• The destination, travel dates and purpose of the trip
• The name, date of birth and passport number of the adult travelling with the child
• The name, address and phone number of each parent or guardian giving consent
• Copies of the signing parents’ ID, if requested
• Copies of custody or parenting orders, or a death certificate, if they apply
• The original signatures of each consenting parent, with a witness or notary

Free Travel Consent Letter Template

The Government of Canada offers a fillable and printable consent letter on travel.gc.ca. For an easier option, fill in our free travel consent letter template, which walks you through each detail. Don’t sign it until you’re with your witness or notary.

Getting Your Consent Letter Signed Online or at Staples

You can sign your travel consent letter with a NotaryPro notary online from home. If you’d like help in person, you can also visit a notary at participating Staples stores, where staff can help you upload and print your documents. To see what else you can bring, read what documents you can bring to a notary at Staples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a travel consent letter need to be notarized in Canada?

No. Any adult can witness it, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends a notary public. You can sign it with a notary online or in person.

Do both parents need to sign a travel consent letter?

Every parent or guardian with decision-making responsibility who isn’t travelling should sign. If one parent is travelling, the other parent signs.

Does my child need a consent letter if travelling with one parent?

Yes, it’s recommended. The parent who isn’t travelling should sign it, even if both parents are on part of the trip.

Do grandparents need a consent letter to travel with grandchildren?

Yes, it’s recommended. Both parents or all guardians with decision-making responsibility should sign it.

Is a travel consent letter needed for travel to the U.S.?

It’s recommended for any trip outside Canada, including to the U.S. Border officers may ask for it when your child crosses the border.

Do you need a consent letter to travel within Canada?

The Government of Canada’s recommendation is for travel outside Canada. Some airlines may still ask for one on domestic flights, so check with your airline.

How much does it cost to notarize a travel consent letter?

See NotaryPro’s prices page for current prices for online and in-person appointments.

Get Your Travel Consent Letter Signed

A signed travel consent letter can make border crossings and airport checks smoother for your child. Fill in our free template, then sign it with a notary online or in person before the trip.