DocumentsTravel Consent Letter for Children
Travel Consent Letter for Children
Have a minor travelling alone or without one legal guardian? You’re in the right place.
The Government of Canada strongly recommends that children under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence) carry a notarized travel consent letter when travelling:
- Alone
- With only one parent
- With relatives
- With guardians who are not related (like when they’re on a school trip)
Travel Consent Letter for Children
NotaryPro’s online document creator is designed to make the process of drafting and notarizing your travel consent documents as easy and convenient as possible. Instead of having to make an appointment with a notary public and spend hours drafting a document on your own, you can complete the entire process online from the comfort of your own home.
What is a travel consent letter for children travelling abroad?
A Travel Consent Letter, sometimes referred to as a consent to travel letter, or child travel consent form, is a legal document that gives permission for a child to travel outside their home country alone, with one one of their parents, or with another guardian. This letter is usually required by immigration authorities to prove that the child has the consent of their parents or legal guardians to travel and that the child is not being abducted or taken out of the country without their knowledge or approval. When you create a travel consent letter, important information about the child including their full name, date of birth, passport number, travel itinerary, and contact information for their parents or legal guardians, must be included.
Without a letter you may not be able to travel with your child – this includes being prevented from boarding flights until authorities can get into contact with the other parent or guardian.
What details or information does the travel consent letter contain?
Travel Consent Letters should always include the full names of the child and their parents or legal guardians, the date the letter was written and signed, and a clear statement of consent for the child to travel. It is also important to have the letter notarized to make it an official legal document. Travel consent letters can help prevent potential problems or delays at border crossings and ensure that the child’s travel experience is safe and hassle-free.
What other documents do I need with the travel consent letter?
In addition to the Travel Consent Letter and often a provincial birth certificate, children are also required to have their own valid passport. Depending on family circumstances, the following documents may also be required:
- Divorce papers
- Child custody orders or agreements
- Death certificate of a parent or parents
Do both parents need to sign the Travel Consent Letter?
Travel Consent Letters should be signed by parents who are not accompanying the child on a trip, including: One or both parents who are married or in a common-law relationship and live together with the child. Both parents usually have custody rights over the child.
However, the Government of Canada also recommends that you contact a lawyer about you and your children’s unique situation.
I’m a teen travelling with friends – do I need a travel consent letter?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a travel consent letter?
The Government of Canada strongly recommends that Canadian children carry a notarized consent letter
For the purposes of this consent letter, a Canadian child is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence).
It’s a letter to that allows your child to travel outside of Canada
It’s recommended that a minor travelling carry a consent letter. Especially if your children are travelling alone, travelling with only one parent, or travelling with relatives.
Is a travel consent letter legally required?
A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada.
A notarized travel consent letter can simplify international travel for Canadian children, as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, or by Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. The letter demonstrates that Canadian children have permission to travel abroad from parents or guardians who are not accompanying them. For the most up-to-date travel guidelines, please visit the Canadian Border Services Agency website.
If your parenting arrangement has special terms governing international travel.
The Government of Canada recommends that you talk to a lawyer about the legal issues that apply to you and your children’s unique situation. The Government of Canada recommends that the letter be signed by every non-accompanying person or organisation with the legal right to make major decisions for the child, including anyone with custody rights, guardianship rights, or parental authority (in Quebec only).
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.