Travel consent letter for a child

The child is under 19 and is travelling abroad without both parents or persons with decision-making responsibility. 1

Even if a child is 16 or older and can apply for an adult passport, foreign authorities may still request a letter.

The child is travelling alone, with only one parent or guardian, with friends or other family, or with a group. 1

That includes a child who travels with both parents for only part of the trip.

The trip crosses any international border. 1

That includes the land border with the United States, even for a day trip.

The name of the child. 1

The names and contact information of the parents or persons with decision-making responsibility. 1

The full name, address and contact information of the accompanying adult, and their relationship to the child. 1

Where the child is travelling and for how long, with specific travel dates. 1

The Government of Canada publishes a template, as an interactive PDF and as a printable document, on the page listed under Sources.

Every parent or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not travelling with the child signs. 1

That includes parents who are married, common-law, separated or divorced. A letter is recommended even if an order or agreement lets one parent decide travel alone.

If neither parent is travelling, both sign one letter, or each signs a separate one. 1

Children from one family travelling together can share a letter. Use separate letters for children who travel separately for part of the trip. 1

Have the signature witnessed. 1

Any adult may witness it, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends a notary public.

Keep the original signed letter for the trip. 1

Border officials may not accept photocopies or digital versions, and are more likely to question their authenticity.

A copy of any relevant court order or parenting arrangement. 1

If the other parent has died: a copy of the death certificate. 1

A child travelling alone also carries a letter signed by the surviving parent.

If the child is in temporary care: a letter signed by the appropriate child welfare agency representative. 1

Check the destination’s entry and exit requirements, and contact its embassy, high commission or consulate before travelling. 1

Some countries have their own rules for children, and may treat a child as their citizen because of a parent.