What a child travel consent letter records, when Canada recommends one, who may witness it, and what to check before a trip.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
Quick answer: A child travel consent letter records permission from a non-travelling person with decision-making responsibility. It is not legally required in Canada, but the Government of Canada recommends carrying one. Any adult may witness it, while the Government strongly recommends a notary public. Leave the letter unsigned for the witness, carry the original signed letter, and check the airline and destination-country requirements. A travel consent letter can be commissioned online when it is prepared as a statutory declaration — the parent declares the consent and the notary commissions the declaration over secure video under O. Reg. 431/20. If the airline, border service or consulate asks for a notary-witnessed signature instead, that is an in-person appointment at our Orléans office or a mobile visit. Either way, Minute Notary charges $24.95 per seal plus HST.
If you choose optional notarization after checking the airline and destination rules, review the Travel Consent Letters service, then book with travel consent preselected. Preserve the unsigned letter for the appointment, online or in person.
What the Letter Is—and Is Not
The letter identifies the child, the trip, the accompanying adult, and the non-travelling person or people giving consent. Immigration authorities, airline agents, or Canadian officials may ask for it.
The letter does not replace a passport, visa, court order, or destination-specific form. It also does not guarantee that an airline or another country will accept the travel arrangements.
When Canada Recommends One
The Government of Canada recommends a letter when a child travels abroad:
- alone;
- with only one parent or guardian;
- with grandparents, relatives, friends, a school, or a sports group; or
- without every person who has decision-making responsibility.
This is a recommendation, not a Canadian legal requirement. Airline and destination rules are separate, so check both before the trip.
Who Signs and Who May Witness
The non-travelling person or people with decision-making responsibility should provide consent, subject to any court order. Any adult may witness the letter. The Government strongly recommends a notary public so the signer's identity and live signature are recorded.
Minute Notary can commission the letter online when it is prepared as a statutory declaration (the parent declares the consent and the notary commissions the declaration over secure video under O. Reg. 431/20), or witness and notarize the signature in person at our Orléans office or by mobile visit when the airline, border service or consulate asks for a notary-witnessed signature. Do not pre-sign the letter. If consent is unavailable, unsafe to request, or disputed, seek legal advice before travel; a notary cannot decide who has decision-making responsibility.
What to Include
Use the current Government of Canada consent-letter guidance and any airline or destination form. A useful letter generally includes:
- the child's full legal name, date of birth, and passport details;
- the accompanying adult's name, relationship, and contact information;
- each consenting person's name, relationship, and contact information;
- destinations and departure and return dates;
- a clear statement of consent; and
- a signature made live before the chosen witness.
Medical authorization, accommodation, and emergency details may be useful when the relevant form asks for them, but do not substitute blog wording for a required official form.
Choosing a Witness
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| The letter is prepared as a statutory declaration | Book an online appointment; the notary commissions the declaration over secure video. |
| A notary-witnessed signature is requested | Book an in-person appointment at our Orléans office or a mobile visit. |
| No notarial act is requested | Follow the Government guidance; any adult may witness the letter. |
| Airline or destination specifies a form or witness | Follow that exact requirement. |
| Consent is unavailable, unsafe, or disputed | Speak with a family lawyer before booking a notary. |
After signing, carry the original signed letter. A digital copy can be a backup, but the Government recommends the original. Acceptance remains the decision of the airline and authorities reviewing the trip.
What If a Signer Is Unavailable?
Do not invent consent or assume a notarized explanation replaces it. Review any court order or supporting document and get family-law advice when authority is unclear. The notary can witness an available signature but cannot resolve a dispute or determine who must consent.
Pricing and Next Step
Minute Notary charges $24.95 per seal plus HST, whether the declaration is commissioned online or the signature is witnessed in person. The first signer is included; each additional signer is charged an additional-signer fee of $24.95. Any mobile travel fee and online card-processing fee is disclosed before checkout.
Review the Travel Consent Letters service, then book with travel consent preselected. Preserve the unsigned letter for the appointment.
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About the author
Kai Mai
Content Editor, Minute Notary
Kai Mai writes and edits the Minute Notary guides, working from the published federal and Ontario guidance each article links, and from what Ottawa clients actually run into with certified copies, affidavits, statutory declarations, travel consent letters, and immigration paperwork. These guides are general information written by our editorial team — not legal advice, and not a professional opinion on your document. The receiving authority always has the final say.