Online & virtual notary service
Travel Consent Letters
A child travel consent letter is not legally required in Canada, but the Government of Canada recommends carrying one when a child travels without every person who has decision-making responsibility.
- Posted price
- $24.95 + HST
- Appointment length
- 3-4 minutes
- Where
- Online or by appointment
If more than one person is signing, an additional signer fee also applies.
Quick answer
Written by Kai Mai, Content Editor, Minute Notary. General information, not legal advice.
Travel Consent can be commissioned online over a secure video appointment with an Ontario Notary Public under O. Reg. 431/20, or handled in person in Ottawa. The flat rate is $24.95 + HST and most appointments take 3-4 minutes. Remotely commissioned affidavits and declarations are accepted by Ontario courts, ServiceOntario, IRCC, and most Canadian institutions; when the receiver is a foreign embassy or a land registry, ask them first.
- Posted price
- $24.95 + HST
- Appointment length
- 3-4 minutes
- Where
- Online or by appointment
- Hours
- 7 days a week, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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What is travel consent letters?
A travel consent letter records permission from the non-travelling person or people with decision-making responsibility for a child.
The Government of Canada says the letter is not legally required in Canada, but recommends carrying one because immigration authorities, airline agents, or Canadian officials may ask for it. Any adult may witness the letter, while the Government strongly recommends having it witnessed by a notary public. Carry the original signed letter and confirm destination-country and airline requirements; no consent letter is guaranteed to be accepted by every receiving authority.
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Why it matters
When a Travel Consent Letter May Help
The Government of Canada recommends a consent letter for a Canadian child travelling abroad without every person who has decision-making responsibility, although the letter is not legally required in Canada.
Immigration authorities, airline agents, or Canadian officials may request it. Any adult may witness the letter, and the Government strongly recommends a notary public. Carry the original signed letter, check destination and airline rules, and remember that a letter does not guarantee acceptance by another country.
Official guidance
Check the rules at the source
The claims on this page follow the published federal and Ontario guidance below. Rules change; the receiving authority always has the final say.
How to get travel consent notarized
Straightforward process. Most appointments completed in minutes once we're face to face.
- 1
Gather Travel Information
Have the child's passport details, travel dates, destinations, and accompanying adult information ready. The more detail, the better for border officials.
- 2
Non-Travelling Signer Attends Live
For optional notarization, each non-travelling person with decision-making responsibility who is providing consent signs in person before the notary at an office or mobile appointment. Do not sign in advance.
- 3
Identity Verification
The signing parent presents valid government-issued photo ID. The notary verifies their identity.
- 4
Letter Preparation & Signing
Review the consent letter for accuracy, ensure all details are correct, then sign in the presence of the notary.
- 5
Notarization & Completion
The Notary Public applies a signature and seal to record the witnessed signing. Carry the original signed letter when travelling.
What's Included
- Comprehensive travel consent letter template
- Optional in-person notarial witnessing
- Includes complete child and parent information
- Emergency contact details included
- Optional medical treatment authorization
- Template provided or your custom letter accepted
- Prepared for the traveller to carry as an original signed letter
Common Uses
- Child traveling internationally with one parent
- Child traveling with grandparents or relatives
- School trips and field trips abroad
- Sports team travel and competitions
- Child traveling with family friends
- Custody agreement travel arrangements
- Minors traveling to visit family abroad
- Group travel with chaperones
What to bring
Requirements to bring with you
Please ensure you have the following items when you visit.
- 01For optional notarization, non-travelling signer(s) must sign in person before the notary
- 02Child's travel itinerary (dates, destinations, flight info if available)
- 03Valid photo ID for the signing parent(s)
- 04Child's passport or ID details (name, date of birth, passport number)
Pro tips before your visit
Quick tips to make your appointment go smoothly.
Be Specific About Travel
Include exact dates, destinations, flight numbers if known, and the full name of the accompanying adult. Vague letters may not satisfy border officials.
Include Contact Information
Add phone numbers and email addresses for both the traveling and non-traveling parent. This allows officials to verify if they have concerns.
Carry Supporting Documents
Bring the child's birth certificate, custody orders if applicable, and proof of relationship to the child along with the consent letter.
Plan Ahead
Don't wait until the last minute. Get the consent letter notarized at least a few days before travel to avoid rush situations.
Is This For You?
Who Needs This Service
This service is commonly needed by the following groups.
- 01
Separated or Divorced Parents
When a person with decision-making responsibility is not travelling, the Government of Canada recommends carrying that person’s consent letter.
- 02
Grandparents & Relatives
Grandparents and relatives should check the trip requirements and carry consent from non-travelling people with decision-making responsibility.
- 03
Family Friends & Chaperones
Adults travelling with a child who is not their own should carry the recommended consent letter and check airline and destination rules.
- 04
School & Sports Groups
Teachers, coaches, and group leaders should follow the organization, airline, and destination requirements for each child’s consent.
- 05
Single Parents
Follow any court order and the applicable travel requirements; seek legal advice when decision-making authority or consent is unclear.
Where it gets done
Travel Consent: where and how it gets done
Travel Consent is handled by an Ontario Notary Public and Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. Here is where it gets done.
Office
8056 Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard North, Ottawa, Ontario. Walk in by appointment; same-day slots most days.
Mobile visits
A notary comes to your home, hospital, care residence or office across the Ottawa area for one travel fee per trip.
Online
Affidavits and statutory declarations that qualify under O. Reg. 431/20 are commissioned over secure video from anywhere in Ontario. Certified copies and signature witnessing stay in person.
Transparent pricing
$24.95 + HST. Every fee shown before you pay.
The price you see is what you pay at the counter. HST applies. If more than one person is signing, an additional signer fee also applies.
Booking online instead? Online appointments add HST plus a small card processing fee, shown in full before you pay.
See the full price breakdown, HST and card fee includedPricing details
- $24.95
First stamp / seal
Per document
- $24.95
Each additional stamp / seal
Each additional stamp
Ready when you are. Same-day slots available 7 days a week.
A travel consent letter is not legally required in Canada, but the Government of Canada recommends carrying one. Any adult may witness it, and the Government strongly recommends a notary public. Confirm airline and destination rules; the letter does not guarantee acceptance.
FAQs
Common questions about travel consent
If your question is not here, .
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Related services
View All ServicesA travel consent letter can be commissioned over secure video, so both parents can be sworn from home before the trip.
Travelling to Brazil with a child? The consulate asks for its own notarized parental authorization, separate from the travel consent letter.
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Travel Consent
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