Official Government of Canada guide
Child Travel Consent Letter Canada: Official Sample and Guide
When a child travels outside Canada without one or more parents or people who have decision-making responsibility, the Government of Canada recommends carrying a signed consent letter. Use the federal guidance and sample letter as your starting point, then check the destination, transit countries and carrier for any additional rules.
This page links to the federal source instead of hosting a copy, so families can reach the current sample and instructions.
When a consent letter is recommended
A consent letter helps show that a child has permission to travel from every parent or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not accompanying the child. Common situations include travel with one parent, with relatives or a group, or alone. A letter may be requested by border officials, immigration authorities, airline staff or Canadian officials returning the child to Canada.
The federal government recommends the letter, but the document does not replace a passport, visa, birth certificate, custody document or destination-specific authorization. It also cannot guarantee that a traveller will be admitted or permitted to depart. Requirements can change according to the child’s citizenship, route, family circumstances and destination.
Information to collect
Child and trip
- Full legal name, date and place of birth
- Passport or travel-document details
- Destinations, departure and return dates
- Flight, accommodation or itinerary details, if available
Responsible adults
- Travelling adult’s full name and relationship
- Non-travelling parent or decision-maker’s contact details
- Emergency contact information
- Names and details exactly as shown on identification
Copy information carefully. Inconsistent spellings, expired identification, vague dates or a destination that does not match the itinerary can create avoidable questions. If more than one child is travelling, follow the official sample and prepare the documentation appropriate to each child.
A practical preparation sequence
- Check current requirements. Read Canada’s travel guidance, then consult the airline and official embassy or consulate information for every destination and transit country.
- Confirm who must consent. Review any parenting order, agreement or other document that identifies decision-making responsibility or travel restrictions. Do not rely on a template to interpret those documents.
- Complete the official sample. Use precise trip dates and contact details. Do not add statements that are untrue or broader than the permission being given.
- Arrange the signature. The non-travelling parent or decision-maker should sign as the document directs. Canada’s guidance recommends having the letter witnessed by a person authorized to administer an oath or solemn declaration.
- Carry supporting documents. Bring the signed original plus any passport, visa, birth certificate, parenting document or death certificate that the official guidance says applies to the situation.
- Keep secure copies. Store a copy separately from the original and share only what is needed. The letter contains sensitive personal and travel information.
At the witnessing appointment
The person giving consent should attend with valid government-issued photo identification and the completed but unsigned letter. Bring the child’s information, the travel itinerary and any relevant parenting or guardianship documents so names and dates can be checked. The witness confirms identity and observes the signature; they do not decide who has authority to consent or whether the trip complies with an order.
Complex family circumstances
If a required person cannot be located, refuses consent, has died, or is affected by a court order, obtain legal advice early. Do not omit a decision-maker or change the sample based only on assumptions. Urgent travel does not remove legal or destination requirements.
Child travel consent questions
Is notarization mandatory?
Canada recommends having the letter witnessed by an authorized official, but a destination, carrier or particular family order may use different language or impose additional requirements. Confirm the exact rule for the journey rather than treating one letter as universal.
How long is a consent letter valid?
Use travel-specific dates unless an official authority instructs otherwise. A precise letter is easier to compare with the itinerary. Recheck the letter if flights, travellers or destinations change.
Can one letter cover several trips?
The federal sample allows you to describe the intended travel, but border officials may scrutinize broad or outdated permission. A new trip-specific letter can reduce ambiguity. Follow any court order and obtain advice where consent is disputed.
Does the child need the original?
The federal guidance recommends carrying the original signed letter. Keep a copy for the consenting person and a secure backup for the traveller, but do not assume a scan will be accepted in place of the original.
Final travel-day check
- The child’s name matches the passport and ticket.
- Travel dates and destinations match the latest itinerary.
- Consent and emergency telephone numbers are current.
- The original letter and requested supporting documents are packed in carry-on baggage.
- The traveller knows who to contact if an official asks a question.
Revisit the federal page shortly before departure. Border, airline and public-health requirements can change after a letter is prepared.
Need a commissioner or notary?
Bring the unsigned document, valid identification and the receiving organization’s instructions. Eligibility for online commissioning depends on the document and recipient.
