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Free Minor Travel Consent Form

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A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, granting permission for the child to travel with another adult . Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the child to have this written permission.

This document is particularly important in international travel situations. It can be used to establish guardianship whether the child is traveling abroad with only one parent or with another trusted adult, such as a family member, friend, or educator.

In today's world, where concerns about child safety are paramount-especially when it comes to child abduction, custody disputes, and human trafficking-a minor travel consent form serves as a protective measure. It provides clear, legally binding, written permission that can be verified by immigration officials, airline staff, or travel companies, to make sure that the child's travel is both safe and authorized.

Without this form, travel may be delayed or denied. Domestic and international authorities need to be able confirm the child's guardianship and obtain the necessary permissions before allowing the child to travel onward.

How to Use the Minor Travel Consent Form

The form available below is a comprehensive template, designed to be easily copy/pasted and adapted in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Given the critical nature of this document, we also provide a downloadable minor travel consent form in PDF format for your convenience.

It's important to note that while this sample form is a valuable starting point, it should be tailored to fit the specific details and circumstances of your child's travel.

Also be advised that this form does not replace a legal power of attorney document that could be used to make critical medical care decisions on behalf of a child.

This form is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that this form remains current with travel and child safety best practices, reflecting our commitment to providing reliable and authoritative travel resources.

The Legal Implications of Traveling Without a Minor Consent Form

While the minor travel consent form is not a universally required legal document, a child traveling without one can lead to serious complications in many countries. Different nations have their own regulations regarding child travel. Being uninformed or unprepared can quickly lead to distressing situations for both you and your child.

1. International Legal Considerations:

• Country-Specific Requirements Vary: Each country has its own set of rules regarding minors traveling without their parents. For instance, some countries in Europe may require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or a parental authorization letter, in addition to the travel consent form. You need to be sure your child and their traveling companion(s) comply with all of the requirements for each country they plan to travel to and through.
• Risk of Travel Disruption: Without a consent form, minors traveling abroad may face delays or even denied entry at border control checkpoints. This can lead to missed transportation departures and costly changes to your travel itinerary.
• Embassy and Consulate Involvement: In cases where a minor is detained due to lack of proper documentation, the local embassy or consulate of the child's home country may need to be involved. This can lead to complex legal situations that take significant amounts of tame and/or money to solve.

2. Domestic Legal Implications:

• Airline and Transportation Policies: Within the United States, airlines and other transportation services have specific policies regarding unaccompanied minors (more on this later). Lack of a consent form, even for domestic travel, can result in the child being denied boarding.
• Legal Custody Disputes: In cases of separated or divorced parents, traveling without a consent form can raise legal issues related to custody agreements. It's crucial to understand and adhere to the legal requirements stipulated in custody arrangements to avoid legal repercussions.

A minor travel consent form can help you avoid many of these situations. Before traveling, be sure to research the specific travel requirements of the destination country regarding minor travel. In addition to the resources provided on this site, this can also be done through a country's embassy website or by consulting with travel experts like registered passport expediting services .

In complex situations, such as shared custody or special travel circumstances, consulting with a legal expert can provide clarity and ensure compliance with both domestic and international laws.

Minor Travel Consent Form Notary Requirements

We strongly recommend that you have any child travel consent form notarized. This can prevent issues establishing the authority and credibility of your documentation.

It can be challenging to find and secure the services of a notary in person. Thankfully, it is possible to use an online notary service to notarize your minor travel consent form. This can save you serious time and stress.

We recommend using NotaryLive , a fully-secure, online notirization platform with an "Excellent" rating from TrustPilot . NotaryLive is fast, affordable, and fully compliant with state law, so you can be sure your notarized minor travel consent form is both legal and valid.

Unaccompanied Minors

Airlines have general rules about the ages and circumstances where children can fly alone, too. There are also usually additional fees that come with buying a ticket for a minor that will be traveling without an adult. As part of that extra cost, many airlines offer some additional supervisory and support services to be sure the traveling child is safe and comfortable while traveling on their own.

For more, check out our guide to unaccompanied minors traveling internationally . There, you will find details about the considerations, accommodations, and policies that apply to kids traveling internationally without an adult parent or guardian.

More Tips for Parents of Minors Traveling Abroad

Besides proper documentation, there are other ways to help a child have a safe international trip. Any time your child is traveling without you, give yourself peace of mind by taking these proactive steps.

Be Proactive In Shared Custody Situations

Parents who share custody of their children should each carry copies of the legal custody documents. You can also contact the embassy of the country or countries the minor child will be visiting to confirm travel entry requirements. This proactive step can help avoid issues at border crossings and during the child's stay abroad.

A simple notarized statement, such as the one below, should suffince in most cases.

"I, [PARENT NAME] acknowledge that [SPOUSE NAME] is traveling out of the country with my [SON/DAUGHTER] whom we share custody of. This authorization gives [SPOUSE NAME] my full permission to do so.

Use a GPS Tracker to Keep Track of Your Child While Abroad

GPS technology makes it possible to pinpoint a person's exact location, anywhere in the world. If your child is traveling without you, it makes sense to keep a GPS tracker on their person so that you know where they are. You can also use additional trackers to help keep tabs on your child's luggage or other valuables.

• Apple AirTags are small, inexpensive GPS tags that can be purchased individually or in packs of 4 . They use bluetooth connectivity and the vast number of Apple users across the globe to create a reliable GPS tracking network. Using your iPhone or Apple device, you can ping any AirTag that is linked to your AppleID and locate it quickly. Thanks to its small size, an AirTag can easily be tucked into luggage, sewn into a child's clothing, or stashed in a travel wallet.
• JioBit is an all-in-one GPS tracking system specifically designed for tracking your child. While it is more expensive than Apple AirTags, JioBit is a durable and secure alternative-particularly useful for those who don't already have an Apple device.

Use a Parent-Controlled Debit Card

Traveling costs add up. Everything from food, transportation, lodging, and fun comes with a price. If your child is traveling without you, you want to be sure they have the money they need, but also that it is being protected.

There are a number of debit cards that allow parents to keep an eye on their child's spending as well as their remaining balance. Should your child and their card become separated, you have the ability to prevent unauthorized purchases and possibly even get a replacement sent to wherever your child is staying.

Traveling with minors requires careful planning and a strict adherence to both American and international laws. This guide and the minor travel consent form we have shared are designed to provide you with the necessary information and tools to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your child. Whether your child is traveling with a guardian, as part of a group, or alone, the right preparation can make all the difference.

Remember, the safety and well-being of your child are paramount. By staying informed about the latest travel regulations and using our resources, you can confidently prepare for your child's next trip. If you have any further questions or need personalized advice, our team of travel experts is always here to assist you. Safe travels!

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Non-U.S. citizen children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa to enter the U.S.

Additionally, if the child is traveling alone, with only one of their custodial parents, or with a guardian to the U.S., they should have:

• Each country has its own rules for the specific documents it requires for a child to be allowed to leave their home country without both of their custodial parents or with a guardian. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country the child is a citizen of to find out what specific documents the country requires to allow the child to leave their country.
• The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• A parent who frequently crosses the border by land with a minor should always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.
• A parent with sole custody of the child they are traveling with should carry a copy of the custody document.

If your child is traveling alone by air, the airline may require you to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay a fee for unaccompanied minor service. This service provides an airline employee escort for your child at the airport and on board the plane. In addition, you and the person picking your child up at their destination may also need to provide the airline with identification and contact information.

Contact your airline before your child’s trip to find out:

• What age requirements the airline has for their unaccompanied minor service
• If you can book a ticket with a connecting flight
• What documents and fees are required

U.S. citizen children traveling outside the U.S.

Children traveling to most other countries are required to have a U.S. passport. 

Learn how to get a passport for a minor under 18.

Depending on the country, the child may also need a visa and other travel documents. Search for the country the child will be visiting to find out what documentation that country requires.

Providing parental consent when a child travels without both custodial parents

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they may need a letter of consent from the other custodial parent. 

• The letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent (if the child is traveling with one custodial parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is traveling with a guardian or alone) should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

Additionally, if a minor is traveling abroad alone:

• Contact the embassy or consulate of the country your child will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

U.S. citizen children traveling to Canada or Mexico

Traveling by air.

All U.S. citizen children who are traveling by air to Canada or Mexico must have a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card. 

Traveling by land or sea

• U.S. passport, or
• An original or a copy of their birth certificate, or
• A Certificate of Naturalization, or 
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad 
• Age 16 or over: show a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card

Parental consent documentation for travel to Canada and Mexico

A child traveling with only one custodial parent or a guardian or who is traveling alone may need to present a written letter of consent at the border. 

LAST UPDATED: June 28, 2024

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Travel Consent Form

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What is a travel consent form?

A travel consent form is a document used when a child is traveling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group . This document notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian who is not present with the child has given their consent for the child to travel without them. This document can be used for both domestic travel inside the United States or international travel across the country's borders.

Is it mandatory to have a travel consent form?

No, it is not always mandatory to have a travel consent form. However, it depends on the nature of the travel. When traveling internationally, due to increasing instances of child abduction and trafficking, an immigration officer, airline, or travel company will likely need to see a letter of consent for a child traveling without both parents. For domestic travel, it is less likely that sort of document will be required. However, it is good practice to have just in case it is asked for by an airline or travel company. In school and organized group trips, the group organizers usually require a travel consent for from parents before allowing a child to go on the trip.

What is a "minor"?

A minor is a person who as not reached the age of legal majority in their state. This is typically 18 years old in most jurisdictions.

What is a "legal guardian"?

A legal guardian is anyone who has the legal right to care for a child and make decisions about their care. This includes biological parents are well as adoptive parents and legal custodians.

Who is involved in a travel consent form?

The travel consent form is used by any parents or other legal guardians to give consent that their child travel without them.

What is the duration of a travel consent form?

A travel consent form should be used for only one trip . The trip can include multiple stops, but should be one period of time when the child is away from their parents. Each new trip requires a new travel consent form.

What has to be done once the travel consent form is done?

Once the travel consent form is done, any parents giving their consent should sign and date the form . During the signing of the form, a witness should also sign the form, as that is required by some airlines. To qualify as a witness, a person must be of 18 years of age or older and of sound mind and body to sign an official document.

Traveling children should carry a copy of the finished and signed form with them. Any adult chaperones should be given a copy of the form to show to authority figures as needed.

Which documents should be attached to the travel consent form?

In addition to the travel consent form, the child should also have attached to it a copy of their birth certificate or adoption papers . These demonstrate the legal relationship between the parents giving consent and the traveling children. In situations where there is a legal custody arrangement, this paperwork should also be attached to the travel consent form.

If the child is traveling abroad, it is necessary to consult the country where the child will be traveling to check for any additional documents that may be required. For example, in the EU, a travel consent form should be notarized.

Is it necessary to have witnesses for the travel consent form?

The signing of the form should be witnessed by one person , as that is required by some airlines. The witness should be at least 18 years old and of sound mind and body to sign an official document.

What must a travel consent form include?

A valid travel consent form must contain at least the following mandatory clauses:

• Identifying information : The travel consent form must include identifying information for any parents giving their consent as well as the names, genders, birthdates, and birth locations for any children for whom they are giving consent. If the travel is international, this must also include the children's passport numbers.
• Trip details : The travel consent form outlines the specifics about the trip, including the destinations being traveled to, the start and end dates of the trip, who will be going on the trip, and any relevant contact information for trip chaperones.
• Transportation : The travel consent form describes the details of the transportation that will be used. This could be flights, trains, or other modes of transportation, as well as any associated transportation identification numbers.
• Medical needs : For any children who have medical needs, the travel consent form must include a description of these needs. This can cover allergies, disabilities, medications, and any necessary accommodations or assistive devices.
• Contact information : The travel consent form includes the contact information, such as phone number or email, for any parents who are not going on the trip.

Which laws are applicable to travel consent forms?

Although not required by law, immigration officers, law enforcement officers, or U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents may detain a child if they suspect an abduction or kidnapping has taken place. By traveling with a Travel Consent Form, these officers will have necessary contact information and further assurance that no abduction or kidnapping has taken place.

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Guides to help you

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Travel Consent Form - FREE - Template - Word & PDF

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Free Parental Consent Forms for Minors Traveling Alone

While children between the ages of five and 18 can fly by themselves, younger children in this range usually must participate in an airline's unaccompanied minor program (specific age requirements vary per airline).

If your minor child will be traveling domestically, you will typically need to fill out paperwork through the airline's unaccompanied minor program. But if your minor child will be traveling out of the country alone, with one parent, or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, he will likely need to carry a notarized letter of consent (and perhaps a medical letter of consent) signed by his parents in addition to the unaccompanied minor program paperwork. Use this guide as a helpful jumping off point regarding such letters of consent, but we advise referring to airline and government websites for more specific information. 

What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?

Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or pornography, government and airline personnel are now more vigilant about traveling children. Therefore, your child will likely be asked by an immigration officer or airline staff member will ask for a letter of consent if he or she is traveling without both parents.

A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that allows a minor child to travel without both parents or legal guardians present. It can be used when a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, or with another adult who is not the legal guardian, such as a grandparent , teacher, sports coach, or friend of the family. It is advisable for all travel and is particularly important when a minor is traveling outside the country .

The document should include:

• Minor's name, birthplace, and passport information
• Permission from the non-traveling parent or guardian, including his or her contact information
• Relevant information about the traveling parent or guardian, including name, custody information, and passport details
• Travel information, such as the destination and start and end dates for the trip. Note that the consent is temporary and specific to this one trip
• Allergy and special needs information pertaining to the child
• Signature of the non-traveling parent who is giving permission for the child to travel

Be aware that specific rules about documentation can differ substantially from country to country, so you should check the U.S. State Department International Travel website for information about the requirements for your destination country. Find your destination country, click the tab for "Entry, Exit, & Visa Requirements," then scroll down to "Travel with Minors."

What Is a Child Medical Consent Form?

If a minor child is traveling without a parent or legal guardian, a Child Medical Consent Form grants authority to a chaperone to make medical decisions. The form grants temporary medical power of attorney to another adult in case of a medical emergency. You've probably filled out such a form in the past for your child's daycare or school, or for field trips, sleepover camp, and other situations.

• Minor's name and birthplace
• Authorized medical treatments
• Health information about the child
• Identity of the person being granted responsibility
• Health insurance information

There are a number of websites that offer free templates for travel forms. Here are some reliable options:

Free Child Travel Consent LetterFrom LawDepot.com

This form takes five to 10 minutes to complete. Answer a few simple questions and then choose to to print or download.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From eForms.com

This five-step fill-in-the-blank template is straightforward and easy to complete. The user can select his or her home state from a pulldown menu.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From RocketLawyer.com

Build your document, print it out, sign it and get it notarized to make it legal.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From LegalTemplates.net

Follow the directions on the site to complete the form. Then e-sign, download, and print your legally binding document.

Related Articles

More related articles.

How to create a minor travel consent form.

If you’re a parent planning to send your child on a trip without you, a minor travel consent form is a must-have document for peace of mind.

A parental consent form for travel lets the airport and travel authorities know that a child is traveling alone and provides them with their emergency contact information. You may also need a consent form for traveling with one parent (typically if the parents are divorced) or for the child to travel with grandparents.

What is a child travel consent form?

A child travel consent form is a legal document that grants permission for a minor to travel without one or both parents or legal guardians. It serves as proof that the child has obtained proper authorization from the absent guardian or guardians to travel and includes important details like personal information, travel dates, destinations, and contact information.

Another type of common form is the parental consent form , which is similar to a child travel consent form and is used for granting permission in various situations other than travel. Both forms are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of minors and provide legal protection, ensuring compliance with regulations and requirements.

Why is it important to have a travel consent form?

Having a travel consent form is important for multiple reasons. A travel consent form helps meet legal requirements when a minor is traveling without one or both parents or legal guardians, serving as proof of permission and preventing potential legal complications.

It is crucial for the child’s safety to provide necessary travel information and specific instructions to those responsible. It also promotes clear communication and establishes responsibilities among all parties involved, offering parents peace of mind. A travel consent form is essential to comply with the law, ensure the child’s safety, and maintain effective communication.

What to include in a parental consent form for travel.

Since the parental consent form for travel is a legal document, it needs to offer specific information, including:

• The child’s full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Passport number and information (for international travel)
• Who is accompanying the child, their contact information, and relationship to the child (if any)
• Destination, including time frames and addresses
• Parent signatures

The best way to ensure you include all the required information is to download a template for a parental consent form for travel. That way, you can simply fill in the information and be confident that you didn’t miss anything important.

What should I do if I need to modify a child travel consent form?

When it comes to modifying a child travel consent form, a few simple steps can help ensure accuracy and compliance. Follow these steps:

• Review the existing form.
• Determine the required modifications.
• Make the necessary edits.
• Review and proofread.
• Obtain appropriate signatures.
• Keep a copy for your records.

Remember, if you are unsure about modifying the form or if the changes involve complex legal matters, it’s always advisable to consult with a legal professional to ensure that the modified form is valid and meets the required legal standards.

Submit and sign a travel consent form for a minor as a PDF.

Although the child should carry a printed version of the travel consent form, you may also be able to submit the form electronically. In that case, it’s a good idea to save the form as a PDF with software like Adobe Acrobat. It’ll maintain the formatting during the upload, helping the submission process go smoothly. You can also add your legal signature with the click of a button using an e-signature .

Want more tips and tricks for working with PDFs online ? Discover what more you can do with Acrobat to simplify creating and submitting templates, as well as editing , rearranging PDFs , and compressing PDF files .

Child (Minor) Travel Consent

A child travel consent form allows a minor to travel alone or with another person or group. It is filled out by one or both parents and can be used for domestic or international travel. Fill out our template or upload your own form and meet with a notary in seconds.

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Frequently asked questions, can the child (minor) travel consent be notarized online.

Yes. Online notarization of the Child (Minor) Travel Consent is completely legal and secure. Your documents can be notarized online in minutes through the Notarize Network, starting at $25.

What are the requirements for the Child (Minor) Travel Consent?

The child travel consent form should include the child's full name, date of birth, travel details, and the accompanying adult's information. It's crucial for both parents or legal guardians to sign the form to prevent any issues, although in cases of sole custody or other legal circumstances, one parent's signature may suffice. The form's validity depends on the airline, travel company, or destination country's regulations, and it's often recommended to specify the travel dates and ensure coverage for the entire trip. Notarization of the form is frequently recommended or required to confirm the authenticity of the signatures. If the child is traveling with only one parent, a consent form signed by the non-traveling parent is advisable, especially for international travel, to avoid custody dispute or abduction concerns. While a generic consent form may be adequate for some trips, tailoring the form to each specific journey is recommended to avoid potential delays. The accompanying adult should carry the original signed form during the trip for presentation to authorities as needed. While not always mandatory, a minor travel consent form is highly recommended for international travel and certain domestic situations, with specific requirements varying by airline, travel company, and destination.

What else do I need to know about the Child (Minor) Travel Consent?

Here are additional resources for the Child (Minor) Travel Consent that may be helpful:

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Travel Consent Form for Minors

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Free Travel Consent Form for Minors Template

Travel consent forms for minors provide permission for children to take a trip without being accompanied by their parents or guardians.

Airlines, border control, and other organizations often require a consent form, which should include the child’s name, age, destination, and the name of the accompanying adult, as well as contact information for the parents or legal guardians.

To be valid, it may need to be notarized by a public notary.

What information should be included in a Travel Consent Form for Minors?

When it comes to minors traveling, a Travel Consent Form should contain comprehensive information about their journey plans and the adults who will be travelingwith them.

The form should include the minor’s full name, where they’re going, when they’re traveling, and the contact data of the people they’re with. It should also consist of the guardian’s full name, address, and contact info.

Last but not least, the form must contain the legal guardian’s signature, allowing the minor to travel with the specified persons.

In summary, the form should include:

• Name of the child, age, traveling dates, destination, and contact details of accompanying adult and parent/legal guardian
• Details of any medical conditions, allergies, medication, and special needs
• Duration of travel, mode of transport, and cost of trip
• Signed by both parent/legal guardian and accompanying adult

Who is responsible for making sure the Travel Consent Form is filled out correctly?

The person legally in charge of the child is responsible for making sure the Travel Consent Form is filled out correctly. If the child is flying alone, then the form must be signed off by both custodial guardians.

It is vital that the form is completed correctly, since the document is giving consent for the minor to travel without an adult.

How do I write a Travel Consent Form for minors using a template?

Creating a Travel Consent Form for minors with a template like this one is a great way to make sure all the important info is included. But it is also important to make sure it’s suitable for the airline or transport provider. Also, both guardians need to sign it.

In some cases, you may need to attach proof, like photocopies of passports, or even a letter from the parent not going on the trip.

Don’t know what to do? Then you should check with the trip organizer who will advise you on what is required and will often provide you with a copy of their own child consent form.

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Travel Consent Form for Minors Template

Below you can see a sample of the Travel Consent Form for Minors template:

Travel Consent Form for Minors FAQs

What is a travel consent form.

A Travel Consent Form is a document that grants permission for a child to travel without their parents or legal guardians. It's often required by airlines, border control, and other organizations to ensure the child’s safety during the trip.

Who should sign the Travel Consent Form for Minors?

The form must be signed by the legal guardian(s) of the child and, if required, by the adult accompanying the child during the travel.

What details are essential to include in the form?

Essential details include the child's full name, age, travel dates, destination, contact details of the accompanying adult, guardian's full name, address, contact info, and any relevant medical information.

What if the child has medical conditions or special needs?

Details of any medical conditions, allergies, medication, and special needs should be clearly stated in the form to ensure proper care during the travel.

Can this form be used for all airlines and transport providers?

While the template may be generally acceptable, it's important to check with specific airlines or transportation providers as they may have additional requirements or specific forms that need to be completed instead.

How do I know if my form is filled out correctly?

It's advisable to consult with the trip organizer to ensure all necessary details are correctly included and the form meets all requirements.

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Consent letter for children travelling outside Canada

A consent letter demonstrates that a child has permission to travel outside Canada from every parent or guardian who is not accompanying them on the trip.

On this page

When to use a consent letter, how to write a consent letter.

A consent letter should be used for all cross-border travel when a child is travelling:

• with only 1 parent or guardian
• in the care of friends or relatives
• with a group, such as a sports, school, musical or religious group

This includes day trips and travel where a child will be with only 1 parent for part of a trip. For example, a child will leave Canada with both parents but will return with only 1 parent.

A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials or airline agents when re-entering Canada.

The person who is accompanying the child should bring the original signed letter rather than a copy. Officials may be less likely to question the authenticity of an original document.

If you are travelling with a child for whom you have always been the sole parent or guardian, you can bring a document that shows you are the child’s only parent or guardian, such as a copy of a long form birth certificate that identifies you as the only parent.

If the other parent is deceased and you have full custody of your child, you should bring a copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent when accompanying the child on a trip.

The definition of a child varies from country to country, so any child under 19 years old should carry a consent letter.

Using a letter of consent outside Canada

Countries have their own entry and exit requirements for children. The consent letter may not be considered sufficient by a country’s immigration authorities and there is no guarantee that they will recognize it. In some countries, your child may be deemed to be one of its citizens if you or the other parent is a citizen of that country. As a “deemed citizen,” your child may be subject to the same entry and exit requirements as other citizens of that country.

For more information, check the entry and exit requirements in the Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination country or contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the destination country before travelling.

Travel Advice and Advisories

Foreign representatives in Canada

Risk of abduction

If there is a risk that the accompanying parent will not bring your child back to Canada, consult a lawyer and proceed with caution before signing a consent letter.

International child abduction

There are no official guidelines for the content and format of a consent letter, but they usually include:

• the name of the child
• the names and contact information of parents or guardians
• the name and relationship of the person who is accompanying the child
• information on where the child is travelling and the duration of the trip

You may use 1 letter or multiple letters depending on the situation:

• If neither parent is accompanying the child, they can both sign 1 letter or they can each sign a separate letter
• Children from the same family who are travelling together may be listed on 1 letter
• Separate letters are recommended for children who will be travelling separately for part of the trip
• Consult a lawyer when writing a letter without specific dates or for frequent cross-border trips

A sample letter and interactive form are available to guide you in writing a consent letter:

• Sample consent letter
• Interactive form for writing a consent letter

You can change the letter to fit your specific situation, but you should try to include as much detail as possible.

The consent letter should be signed by:

• Parents who are married or in a common law relationship who are not accompanying the child travelling outside Canada
• custody of the child
• decision-making responsibility for the child
• guardianship of the child (in Alberta and British Columbia)

A court order or agreement may also specify who does or does not need to sign a consent letter for a child travelling abroad.

If the child is in temporary care: The consent letter should be signed by the appropriate child welfare agency representative granting consent for the child to travel with the accompanying person. If in doubt about who should sign the letter, consult a lawyer.

If one of the parents is deceased: If the child is travelling alone or without the surviving parent, the child should carry a consent letter signed by the surviving parent and a copy of the death certificate of the deceased parent.

Signature of a witness

Any adult may witness the signing of a consent letter. It is strongly recommended that a notary public witness and sign the letter as border officials may be less likely to question its authenticity.

Learn more about notarial services abroad.

• Children and travel
• Travelling with Children brochure  
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Travelling as a dual citizen
• Children travelling to Canada  (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)