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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.
Quick answer
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 15-20 minutes.
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.
Related services you may need: Certified True Copies, Notarizing Signatures, Statutory Declarations
Why it matters
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.
Straightforward process. Most appointments completed in minutes once we're face to face.
Have the child's passport details, travel dates, destinations, and accompanying adult information ready. The more detail, the better for border officials.
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.
The signing parent presents valid government-issued photo ID. The notary verifies their identity.
Review the consent letter for accuracy, ensure all details are correct, then sign in the presence of the notary.
The Notary Public applies a signature and seal to record the witnessed signing. Carry the original signed letter when travelling.
What to bring
Please ensure you have the following items when you visit.
Quick tips to make your appointment go smoothly.
Include exact dates, destinations, flight numbers if known, and the full name of the accompanying adult. Vague letters may not satisfy border officials.
Add phone numbers and email addresses for both the traveling and non-traveling parent. This allows officials to verify if they have concerns.
Bring the child's birth certificate, custody orders if applicable, and proof of relationship to the child along with the consent letter.
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?
This service is commonly needed by the following groups.
When a person with decision-making responsibility is not travelling, the Government of Canada recommends carrying that person’s consent letter.
Grandparents and relatives should check the trip requirements and carry consent from non-travelling people with decision-making responsibility.
Adults travelling with a child who is not their own should carry the recommended consent letter and check airline and destination rules.
Teachers, coaches, and group leaders should follow the organization, airline, and destination requirements for each child’s consent.
Follow any court order and the applicable travel requirements; seek legal advice when decision-making authority or consent is unclear.
Transparent pricing
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.
First stamp / seal
Per document
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
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A child travel consent letter is recommended, not legally required in Canada. Prepare the form online, then follow the airline and destination rules for signing and witnessing.
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$24.95 + HST. 15-20 minutes. Book online, with same-day slots available 7 days a week.
Travel Consent
$24.95 + HST · 15-20 minutes