Travel Consent Letters for Children: Do You Need One?
Border officers and airline staff can ask who a child is travelling with and whether the parents agree. A consent letter is not a legal requirement to cross the border, but it is strongly recommended and can prevent a long delay.
- A consent letter is recommended when a child travels alone, with one parent, or with another adult or group.
- It should be signed by the parent or parents who are not travelling, and ideally witnessed by a notary public or a commissioner.
- Carry copies of the signing parents' identification, and any custody order or agreement.
- Some countries and airlines have their own rules, so check with them before you go.
Who should have one
- A child travelling with only one parent.
- A child travelling with grandparents, other relatives, friends, a coach or a school or sports group.
- A child travelling alone as an unaccompanied minor.
- Parents who are separated, divorced or share custody, whoever the child is travelling with.
What it should say
- The child's full name, date of birth and passport number.
- The name and contact details of the parent or parents giving consent, and the adult the child will travel with.
- The destination, travel dates and, where known, the itinerary and where the child will stay.
- A clear statement that the child has permission to travel, and a signature and date.
- A phone number and email where border officials can reach the parent who is not travelling.
Why have it signed in front of a notary
A letter signed by a parent is better than nothing, but a letter signed in front of a notary public or commissioner has the signing person's identity checked and is harder to question. Many countries and airlines ask for it. Take photo identification to the appointment.
Custody and difficult situations
- If one parent has sole custody, bring a copy of the court order or agreement as well as the letter.
- If you cannot reach the other parent, a consent letter is not a substitute for their agreement. Speak to a family lawyer about your options, because moving a child without consent can have legal consequences.
- If a parent is deceased, carry a copy of the death certificate.
Before you travel
- Check the destination country's entry rules for children, which some countries make stricter than Canada.
- Check the airline's rules for minors travelling with one parent or alone.
- Carry the original letter, copies, and your own and the child's passport.
- Keep digital copies of everything on your phone as a backup.
Common questions
Is a consent letter legally required to leave Canada?
Not by Canadian law, but border officers can ask questions, and a letter can prevent delays. Some destination countries make it a condition of entry.
How long is a consent letter good for?
Write it for a specific trip or period. A letter without dates is more likely to be questioned.
Who can help. Licensed paralegals who are notaries public or commissioners can witness a consent letter. Disagreements about custody need a family lawyer.
This guide is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
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