Travel consent letter for children

Planning a trip abroad with a child, without both parents? The Government of Canada recommends that the child carry a signed travel consent letter from every parent or guardian who isn’t coming along. Here’s what the letter is, when your child needs one, what it should say, and how to get it notarized online in minutes.

What is a travel consent letter?

A travel consent letter is a short, signed document showing that a child has permission to travel from the parents or guardians who aren’t travelling with them. It isn’t a legal requirement in Canada, but airline staff, foreign border officers or Canadian officials can ask to see it. Without one, your family could face questions, delays or even be refused entry or exit.

When does your child need one?

The Government of Canada recommends a consent letter whenever a child travels outside Canada:

• alone
• with only one parent or guardian
• with grandparents, other relatives or family friends
• with a group, such as a school, sports or church trip

This applies whether the parents are married, common-law, separated or divorced.

Who signs it?

Every parent or person with decision-making responsibility for the child who isn’t travelling should sign the letter. A few common situations:

• Separated or divorced parents: the parent staying home signs.
• Child travelling with neither parent: both parents sign.
• A parent has passed away: the surviving parent signs, and a copy of the death certificate is carried with the letter.

What to include in the letter

• The child’s full name, as it appears on their passport
• The names, addresses and phone numbers of the parents or guardians giving consent
• The full name, address and contact details of the adult travelling with the child, and their relationship to the child
• The destination and the exact travel dates
• The signature of each consenting parent or guardian

Be as specific as possible. If children will travel separately for part of the trip, prepare a separate letter for each of them. The Government of Canada offers a free official consent letter template you can fill out.

Why get it notarized?

Any adult can witness the signature, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends that a notary public witness it. A notarized letter carries more weight with border officers and airlines, because a notary has verified the identity of the person signing.

How to notarize your travel consent letter online

With Notaring, you don’t need to take time off work or wait in a lobby. It takes three steps:

1. Book a time that suits you and upload your letter and a valid photo ID.
2. Meet a notary on a secure two-way video call from your phone, tablet or computer.
3. Sign electronically. The notary applies their digital seal and you download your notarized letter right away.

Notarization starts at $20. Book your appointment and have your letter ready before your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is a travel consent letter mandatory?

No, it isn’t legally required in Canada. It is strongly recommended, because officials in Canada or abroad can ask for it, and not having one can cause delays.

Do I need one for a trip to the United States?

Yes, it’s recommended for any trip outside Canada, including the United States.

How long is a consent letter valid?

There’s no official expiry date. The letter covers the destination and dates written in it, so prepare a new one for each trip.

Will a digital copy be accepted?

Digital signatures may be accepted, but the Government of Canada notes that border officials may question photocopies or digital versions. We recommend printing your notarized letter and also keeping the digital file on your phone while you travel.

What if both parents need to sign?

Each parent who isn’t travelling signs the letter, and they don’t need to be in the same place. Everyone joins the same secure video call from wherever they are, using the same link.

Source: Government of Canada, Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad.