Travel Consent Letter for Children: Complete 2026 Guide
What a child travel consent letter records, when Canada recommends one, who may witness it, and what to check before a trip.
Last updated: August 11, 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. Minute Notary offers optional in-person notarial witnessing at an Ottawa office or by mobile visit for $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 in-person office or mobile appointment.
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 witness and notarize the signature in person at an Ottawa office or mobile appointment. 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 |
|---|---|
| A notarial signature and seal are requested or independently chosen | Use an in-person Ottawa office or mobile appointment. |
| 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 for optional in-person notarial witnessing. Any mobile travel fee, additional-signer charge, 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
Duong Quan Nguyen
Notary Public & Licensed Paralegal, Province of Ontario (LSO #P21230)
Duong Quan Nguyenis an Ottawa Notary Public and Licensed Paralegal, appointed under Ontario’s Notaries Act and a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Since 2020 he has helped Ottawa clients with certified copies, affidavits, statutory declarations, travel consent letters, and immigration paperwork. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
