While not always a legal requirement, the Government of Canada and many international authorities strongly recommend carrying a Travel Consent Letter. Airline staff, border officials, and immigration agents may ask to see it before allowing a child to enter or leave a country. These travel checks are in place to help avoid international child abductions.

For families where parents are separated or divorced, a Travel Consent Letter can be even more important. Custody agreements or court orders often set out which parent has decision-making authority when it comes to travel. 

In these cases, having a properly signed Travel Consent Letter can serve as documented evidence that the required parental permission was granted. It can be shown to immigration officials to prove whether a child has full consent to leave a country.

Why Do You Need a Travel Consent Letter from Canada?

A Travel Consent Letter demonstrates that a child has permission to travel without any parent or guardian who is not travelling with them. Whether a child travels alone, with one parent, or with other adults, this letter clarifies that all parents have authorized the trip.

If travel authorities request the letter and you cannot provide it, this may result in entry refusal, significant delays, or missed flights. Having the letter ready helps ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.

When To Use a Travel Consent Letter

You’ll want to have a Travel Consent Letter ready any time a child is crossing borders without both parents or guardians. This includes situations such as:

• Travelling alone

• Travelling with only one parent or legal guardian

• Travelling with relatives, family friends, or any adult who isn’t a legal guardian (e.g., grandparent)

• Travelling with a group, such as a school trip, sports team, or community program

• Departing with both parents, but returning with only one

Learn exactly how to use your Travel Consent Letter step by step in our full guide.

Using a Travel Consent Letter Outside of Canada

Each country sets its own entry and exit rules for children. A Travel Consent Letter on its own may not be considered sufficient by foreign immigration authorities. Before travelling, review the destination’s Travel Advice and Advisories and/or contact the nearest embassy or consulate to confirm the required documentation.

Additionally, if you or your child’s other parent is a citizen of another country, your child may be treated as a “deemed citizen”. This means your child may be subject to that country’s citizen entry/exit requirements. 

Should Both Parents or Guardians Sign a Travel Consent Letter in Canada?

Exactly who must sign will vary depending on custody arrangements, guardianship responsibilities, or other legal circumstances. Those who may be required to sign include:

• Married or common-law parents: If one parent is not travelling, they should sign to confirm consent.

• Separated or divorced parents: Non-accompanying parents who have:

• Custody

• Guardianship

• Decision-making authority

*Court orders or agreements may also specify who does or does not need to sign.

• Parents with access or visitation rights: Even if custody is not shared, a parent with visitation rights is generally required to provide consent.

• Legal guardians or caregivers: Foster parents, grandparents, or other appointed guardians must sign if they are responsible for a child’s care.

• Child welfare agency: If a child is in temporary care, a representative from the agency must sign the letter.

• Deceased parent: The surviving parent should sign the letter, and the child should carry a copy of the deceased parent’s death certificate.

Information Your Travel Consent Letter from Canada Requires

The Child’s Information

• Full name, date of birth, and place of birth

• Birth certificate registration number and issuing authority

• Passport number, date of issue, and issuing authority

• Number of children travelling (if applicable)

Trip Details

• Destination(s), dates of travel, and length of stay

• Telephone number and email address of the child’s destination (if available)

• Date the letter was written

Parents or Guardians

• Full names and contact information of both parents or legal guardians

• A clear statement that both parents or guardians give consent to the trip

• Signatures from both parents or guardians (if applicable)

Accompanying Party

• Names and relationship of the person(s) travelling with a child

• The accompanying adult(s)’ passport number, date of issue, and issuing authority

Notary’s Signature and Seal

• Signature and seal of a notary public or other authorized official (recommended to add credibility and prevent border issues)

Does a Travel Consent Letter Need to be Commissioned in Canada?

In Canada, there’s no Canadian requirement that a Travel Consent Letter be commissioned. However, the Government of Canada strongly recommends commissioning your letter, as many foreign authorities and border officials may require it. Having the letter commissioned makes it less likely for the authorities to question its authenticity. 

Generally, a commissioned Travel Consent Letter is all that’s needed to prove parental permission. Still, some countries, especially those outside of North America, may impose additional requirements for children travelling without both parents. So, to be safe, always check with the consulate or embassy of your destination before travelling.

Commissioning a Travel Consent Letter with a Notary

It’s important to provide truthful information in your Travel Consent Letter. Knowingly providing false information could amount to perjury under the Criminal Code of Canada.

You can meet with a notary online to commission your Travel Consent Letter over a secure video call. During your online notary appointment, here’s what will happen:

• An authorized official, such as a notary public, will ask to see your valid ID to confirm your identity.

• The notary will ensure that you understand the contents of the letter and are signing it willingly.

• The notary will witness you sign and date the Travel Consent Letter in real time.

• The notary will then sign the letter themselves and apply their official seal.

Book an online notary appointment with us and have your Travel Consent Letter commissioned in under 7 minutes! You can connect with our notary from anywhere with Wi-Fi using your phone, tablet or computer. 

Documents You May Need with a Travel Consent Letter 

When travelling with a child, it’s important to carry not only the Travel Consent Letter but also any documents that support it. Border officials may ask for proof at any point, so having these papers ready will make the process smoother and less stressful. 

• Child’s Passport and/or Long-Form Birth Certificate: Confirms your child’s identity and your relationship to them. 
• Copy of the Non-Accompanying Parent’s Passport or ID: Serves as evidence that the correct person signed the Travel Consent Letter. 
• Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Information: Shows where your child will be staying and for how long. 
• Child Medical Consent Form: Allows another adult to make medical decisions for your child in an emergency. 
• Custody Orders or Agreements: If parents are separated or divorced, bring any documents that clarify custody arrangements or access rights. 
• Court Order Granting Sole Custody: Necessary if only one parent has legal custody of the child. 
• Court Order Denying Access: If a parent has been denied visitation or decision-making rights, carry a copy of this order to support this. 
• Death Certificate: If one parent has passed away, this document will explain why only one signature appears on the letter.

Draft Your Travel Consent Letter from Canada Today

A Travel Consent Letter confirms that your child has permission to travel without one or both parents or guardians. This letter helps prevent delays at the border and reassures officials that proper consent has been given.

Once you’ve prepared your Travel Consent Letter, you can meet with one of our notaries online to have it commissioned in minutes. Join your notary appointment from anywhere, using any device with a camera. Book a future appointment or enjoy instant online services today!