A child travel consent letter shows that a Canadian child has permission to travel outside Canada from each parent, guardian or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not travelling with them.
A child is generally anyone under the age of majority, which is 18 or 19 depending on the province or territory. Whether your child is flying abroad with a school group, driving to the United States with grandparents, or travelling with only one parent, carrying a consent letter can help avoid questions along the way.
At Crown Seal Notary, we make travel preparation easier with in-office appointments and mobile visits to homes and offices across Hamilton, Halton and the GTA. Remote online sessions are also available, but because original signed letters are best for travel, we recommend an in-person appointment when possible.
Please note: Crown Seal Notary is an independent notary public and commissioner of oaths, not a government agency. Airlines and border officials make their own decisions, and a consent letter does not guarantee boarding or entry.
WHEN A CONSENT LETTER IS RECOMMENDED
A consent letter is not legally required in Canada, but Global Affairs Canada recommends that children travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians carry a signed consent letter. It may be requested by foreign immigration authorities, airline agents, or Canadian officials when the child returns to Canada.
You should carry a consent letter if a child is travelling:
- With only one parent: Even if the parents are married or in a common-law relationship, the parent who is not travelling should sign a consent letter.
- With relatives or friends: This includes trips with grandparents, aunts, uncles or family friends.
- With an organized group: School trips, sports tournaments, faith-based trips or music ensembles.
- Alone: Children travelling on their own should carry a letter signed by each parent or guardian with decision-making responsibility.
WHAT SHOULD THE LETTER INCLUDE?
There is no single required format for a travel consent letter, but a letter with clear, complete details is less likely to be questioned. Your consent letter should include:
The Child’s Details: Full legal name (matching the passport), date and place of birth, passport number, and passport issue date.
The Accompanying Adult’s Details: Full legal name, relationship to the child, and passport number.
Travel Itinerary: Departure and return dates, flight numbers, destination countries, and the address where the child will stay.
Non-Travelling Parent Information: Full names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and signatures of the parents or guardians giving permission.
WHY HAVE YOUR CONSENT LETTER NOTARIZED?
Global Affairs Canada notes that any adult may witness the signing of a consent letter, but it strongly recommends that a notary public witness it. It also notes that original signed letters are best, because border officials may question photocopies or digital versions.
When our notary public witnesses and seals your travel letter, we:
- Check the identity of each signing parent or guardian against valid photo ID.
- Witness the signatures in person and confirm they are given voluntarily.
- Add our signature and official seal, which can give the letter more credibility with airlines and border officials.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL LETTER APPOINTMENT TODAY
Don’t leave your family trip to a handwritten note. Make sure your child’s consent letter is complete, signed and witnessed before you reach the airport.
