Your Guide to Consent Letters for Children Travelling Abroad

Key Takeaways

• A consent letter is not required by law, but it remains highly recommended because it helps confirm that a Canadian child has permission to travel abroad from non-accompanying parents or guardians.
• All non-accompanying individuals with legal decision-making rights for the child (custody, guardianship, or parental authority in Quebec) are urged to sign the consent letter.
• Consulting a lawyer is highly recommended if special parenting arrangements exist, especially those concerning international travel.
• Carrying a consent letter does not guarantee that a child will be allowed into or out of a country, but it does make the process of travelling easier.
• The Government of Canada offers a customisable consent letter form (GAC-AMC 2123E), while NotaryPro can offer online notary services to complete it.

It is highly recommended that you talk to a lawyer about the legal issues that may apply to you and your children’s situation, particularly if parenting arrangements have special terms governing international travel. Carrying a consent letter does not guarantee that children will be allowed to enter or leave a country, as every country has its own entry and exit requirements.

For additional information about entry and exit requirements for Canadian children travelling alone, with only one parent or with another accompanying person, see Government of Canada: Travel Advice and Advisories or contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination country (see: Global Affairs Canada: Foreign Representatives in Canada).

It is recommended that the letter be signed by every non-accompanying person or organization with the legal right to make major decisions for the child, including anyone with:

• custody rights;
• guardianship rights; or
• parental authority (in Quebec only).

It is also recommended that the letter be signed by any non-accompanying parent who has access to the child.

Additional Resources

Global Affairs Canada provides an interactive form available that allows you to tailor a consent letter to fit your specific situation: Recommended Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad (GAC-AMC 2123E).