How to Prepare a Consent Letter for a Child Travelling Outside Canada Without Both Parents
The Government of Canada recommends a signed consent letter when a child travels outside Canada alone, with only one parent or guardian, with relatives or friends, or with a group. The letter should identify the child, the non-travelling decision-makers, the accompanying adult and the trip dates, and an original notarized signature is strongly recommended.
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Family ~ 12 min read
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Updated 2026-09-01
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A Canadian child travelling outside Canada without both parents or all persons with decision-making responsibility should carry a signed travel consent letter. The letter is recommended rather than legally required by Canada, but border authorities, airlines or Canadian officials may ask for it and travelling without one can cause delays or refusal to enter or leave another country. The non-travelling parent or other person with decision-making responsibility should sign it. Include the child's name, contact information for the responsible adults, the accompanying adult's details, destination and exact travel dates. Any adult may witness the signature, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends using a notary public. Carry the original signed letter whenever possible.
What you need
- The child's full name.
- The names and contact information of the parents, guardians, tutors or other persons with decision-making responsibility for the child.
- The full name, address and contact information of the adult accompanying the child, if applicable, and that person's relationship to the child.
- The destination and duration of the trip, including specific travel dates.
- The signature of each non-travelling parent or other person with decision-making responsibility whose consent should be documented.
- An original signed letter is recommended because border officials may question photocopies or digital versions.
- A witness to the signature is recommended, and the Government of Canada strongly recommends that a notary public witness the signing.
- Relevant parenting orders, agreements, custody documents or a parent's death certificate should also be carried where applicable.
- The child must also have the travel documents required for the destination, including a valid Canadian passport when required.
Eligibility
A consent letter is recommended whenever a child travels outside Canada without both parents or all persons who have decision-making responsibility for that child. This includes a child travelling alone, with only one parent or guardian, with friends or relatives, or with a school, sports, musical, religious or other group.
To reduce complications, the Government of Canada recommends that any child under age 19 carry a consent letter when travelling abroad without both parents or all persons with decision-making responsibility. This recommendation can apply even when a child is 16 or older and eligible to apply for an adult Canadian passport.
The letter should be signed by each parent or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not travelling with the child. This applies whether parents are married, common-law partners, separated or divorced.
How to do it
- Confirm whether the child will travel alone, with one parent, with relatives or friends, or as part of a group.
- Check who has decision-making responsibility for the child and identify each person who will not be travelling.
- Download the Government of Canada's interactive or printable consent letter template, or prepare your own letter containing the recommended information.
- Enter the child's name, the responsible adults' contact details, the accompanying adult's full details and relationship to the child, the destination and the exact travel dates.
- Have the appropriate non-travelling parent or other person with decision-making responsibility sign the letter.
- Have an adult witness the signature. Although any adult may act as a witness, the Government of Canada strongly recommends having a notary public witness the signing.
- Keep the original signed letter with the child or accompanying adult. Do not rely only on a photograph, scan or photocopy.
- If parents are separated or divorced, carry relevant parenting orders or agreements in addition to the consent letter where applicable.
- If one parent has died, carry the death certificate and, where the child travels alone, a consent letter signed by the surviving parent.
- Check the destination country's entry and exit requirements because some countries require their own authorization form, notarization or additional documents.
- Make sure the child also has the passport, birth certificate and any other travel documents required for the trip.
When should a child carry a travel consent letter?
The Government of Canada recommends a consent letter whenever a child crosses an international border without both parents or all people who have decision-making responsibility for the child.
Use one when the child is travelling:
- alone;
- with only one parent, guardian or tutor;
- with friends or other relatives;
- with a sports team;
- with a school group;
- with a musical, religious or similar organized group.
The recommendation also covers a land-border trip to the United States, even if the child will be outside Canada for only one day.
You can review the official Government of Canada consent letter guidance before preparing the document.
Is a consent letter legally required in Canada?
No. A travel consent letter is not legally required by Canada.
That does not mean it is unnecessary. Immigration authorities in another country, airline staff or Canadian officials when the child returns to Canada may ask to see evidence that the trip is authorized.
If the child cannot produce a consent letter when requested, the trip may be delayed and a foreign authority may refuse to let the child enter or leave the country.
A destination country can also impose its own mandatory rules. Canadian guidance cannot override another country's immigration, border or family-law requirements.
How old can a child be and still need a consent letter?
Definitions of a minor vary between Canadian provinces, territories and foreign countries. To avoid problems, the Government of Canada recommends that any child under 19 travelling abroad without both parents or all persons with decision-making responsibility carry a consent letter.
This recommendation may still apply to a 16- or 17-year-old even though a person aged 16 or older can apply for an adult Canadian passport.
Who should sign the consent letter?
The letter should be signed by any parent or other person who has decision-making responsibility for the child and who is not travelling with them.
This includes parents who are:
- married;
- in a common-law relationship;
- separated;
- divorced.
The relevant question is not simply who the child lives with. The important issue is who has legal decision-making responsibility for the child.
What if the parents are separated or divorced?
The Government of Canada recommends carrying a consent letter from the other parent whenever doing so is possible and safe, even where a parenting order or agreement gives one parent authority to make travel decisions alone.
The travelling parent should also carry a copy of any relevant court order or parenting arrangement. Border officers and airline staff may ask for documents explaining the family arrangement.
If an order restricts international travel or requires another person's permission, follow the order. If there is uncertainty about what the order permits, obtain legal advice before travelling.
What if the other parent cannot sign?
A non-travelling parent's consent may still be relevant if that person is abroad, incarcerated, detained or otherwise difficult to reach.
If there is a court order dealing with the situation, carry it. If there is no order and the other parent cannot be reached, or seeking consent could be unsafe, the Government of Canada recommends considering legal advice rather than assuming a signature is unnecessary.
What information should the consent letter include?
Canada does not prescribe one legally mandatory format. However, federal guidance says a consent letter usually includes:
- the child's name;
- the names and contact information of the parents or other persons with decision-making responsibility;
- the accompanying adult's full name, address and contact information;
- the accompanying adult's relationship to the child;
- the destination or destinations;
- the duration of the trip;
- specific departure and return dates.
Providing clear, precise information makes it easier for border officials to understand who authorized the trip and how to contact that person if necessary.
Is there an official Canadian consent letter template?
Yes. The Government of Canada provides templates to help families prepare the letter, although it notes that there are no mandatory federal rules governing the exact content or format.
The Government of Canada consent letter page provides:
- an interactive PDF that can be completed on a computer and then printed for signature;
- a printable document that can be completed by hand.
You may modify the template to fit your family's situation. Include as much relevant detail as practical.
Does the consent letter need to be notarized?
Canadian federal guidance does not say notarization is legally mandatory for every trip. The Government of Canada strongly recommends that a notary public witness the signing.
Any adult may witness a consent letter, but using a notary can make border officials less likely to question whether the signature is genuine.
If the destination country specifically requires a notarized letter or another authenticated authorization, you must follow that country's rule.
How much does notarization cost?
There is no federal fee to create the consent letter itself. Private notaries set their own fees, so the price varies by provider and location.
If a parent living outside Canada has a signature witnessed at a Canadian government office abroad, consular service fees may apply. Confirm the applicable service and fee with the office before attending.
Should the child carry the original consent letter?
Yes. Federal guidance states that original signed letters are best.
Border officials may not accept a photocopy or digital version and may be more likely to question whether a copied signature is genuine. For that reason, give the original signed document to the child or the adult travelling with the child.
What if neither parent is travelling?
If neither parent is accompanying the child, both non-travelling parents can sign the same consent letter, or each can sign a separate letter.
The accompanying adult's full name, address, contact details and relationship to the child should be clearly stated.
This approach applies when the child travels with grandparents, other relatives, family friends, coaches, teachers or other responsible adults.
Can several children use the same consent letter?
Children from the same family who are travelling together may be listed on one consent letter.
However, the Government of Canada recommends separate letters when children will travel separately for any part of the trip. That way, each child can carry the authorization relevant to their own movements.
What if the child is travelling with a school or sports group?
A consent letter is also recommended for organized group travel, including school, sports, musical and religious trips.
The letter should identify the adult responsible for the child where appropriate and provide enough itinerary information to make the authorized trip clear.
Do not assume that a school permission form automatically satisfies border or destination-country requirements. Check with the organizer and the destination authorities before departure.
What if one parent has died?
If the other parent is deceased and the accompanying parent has sole decision-making responsibility, the Government of Canada recommends carrying a copy of the deceased parent's death certificate.
If the child is travelling alone, the child should carry a consent letter signed by the surviving parent together with a copy of the death certificate.
What if the child is in temporary care?
Where a child is in temporary care, the consent letter should be signed by the appropriate representative of the child welfare agency granting permission for the child to travel alone or with the accompanying person.
Carry any additional care or court documents relevant to the child's circumstances.
What if the non-travelling parent lives abroad?
The Government of Canada says the parent living abroad should ideally sign the consent letter.
The signature may be witnessed by any adult, including a consular officer at a Canadian government office abroad where that service is available. Consular fees may apply.
A digital signature may be accepted in some circumstances, but an original signed letter remains the recommended option because it is less likely to raise questions about authenticity.
What other documents should the child carry?
The consent letter does not replace the child's normal travel documents.
Canadian children travelling outside Canada need the appropriate travel documentation. Depending on the trip and family circumstances, this may include:
- a valid Canadian passport;
- a provincial birth certificate;
- visa or electronic travel authorization documents required by the destination;
- divorce documents;
- parenting or custody orders and agreements;
- a parent's death certificate.
The Government of Canada's travel documents for children guidance explains the additional records that may be relevant.
Can another country require a different consent document?
Yes. This is one of the most important points to check before departure.
A Canadian consent letter does not guarantee that another country will accept the document as sufficient. Some countries have their own entry and exit rules for children and may require a specific form, notarization, legalization, translation or additional supporting documents.
Before travelling, check the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories and contact the destination country's embassy, high commission or consulate in Canada if its rules are unclear.
Does a consent letter guarantee entry or exit?
No. A consent letter is evidence that the child's travel has been authorized, but it does not guarantee admission to another country or permission to leave that country.
Border authorities can apply their own laws and may ask additional questions or request other documents. A consent letter also does not guarantee that a child taken abroad will be returned to Canada.
What if the other parent refuses to sign?
Do not forge a signature or travel in breach of a parenting or court order.
The Government of Canada suggests trying to resolve the issue directly or considering family justice services such as mediation where appropriate. A family lawyer or other legal adviser can explain whether a court order is required.
If you believe there is a risk that the child will not be returned to Canada, seek legal advice promptly before signing a consent letter or allowing the trip.
Common consent letter mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a consent letter is unnecessary because the child is travelling with one parent.
- Using a vague letter that does not identify the trip dates or destination.
- Forgetting contact information for the non-travelling parent or decision-maker.
- Relying only on a photograph, scan or photocopy instead of carrying the original signed letter.
- Ignoring a parenting order or agreement because one parent normally has the child in their care.
- Assuming notarization is never needed without checking the destination country's rules.
- Using the consent letter as a substitute for a valid passport or required visa.
- Failing to carry a death certificate where the absence of a deceased parent needs to be explained.
- Assuming a Canadian template automatically satisfies every foreign country's entry and exit requirements.
- Signing a consent letter despite concerns that the child may not be returned to Canada without first getting legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does a child need a consent letter to travel outside Canada with one parent?
The Government of Canada recommends one. A child travelling abroad with only one parent should carry a signed consent letter from the non-travelling parent or other person with decision-making responsibility whenever possible and safe.
Is a child travel consent letter legally required in Canada?
No. Canada recommends the letter but does not generally make it a legal requirement. Airlines, Canadian officials or foreign immigration authorities may still ask for it.
Who signs a Canadian child travel consent letter?
Any parent, guardian, tutor or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not travelling with the child should sign the letter.
Does a child travel consent letter need to be notarized?
Notarization is not a general Canadian legal requirement, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends having a notary public witness the signing.
Can any adult witness the consent letter?
Yes. Canadian guidance says any adult may witness the signing, although a notary public is strongly recommended.
Can I use a photocopy or digital copy of the consent letter?
The original signed letter is recommended. Border officials may not accept photocopies or digital versions and may question their authenticity.
What should be written in a child travel consent letter?
Include the child's name, contact details for the parents or other decision-makers, the accompanying adult's name, address and contact information, that adult's relationship to the child, the destination and specific travel dates.
Is there an official Government of Canada consent letter template?
Yes. Travel.gc.ca provides both an interactive PDF template that can be completed on a computer and a printable version that can be filled in by hand.
How much does a child travel consent letter cost?
There is no federal fee for preparing the letter. A notary may charge a private fee if you choose to have the signature notarized.
Does a 16- or 17-year-old need a travel consent letter?
The Government of Canada recommends that any child under 19 travelling abroad without both parents or all persons with decision-making responsibility carry a consent letter to reduce possible complications.
Can siblings travelling together be listed on one consent letter?
Yes. Children from the same family travelling together may be listed on one letter. Separate letters are recommended if they will travel separately for part of the trip.
What if a child is travelling with grandparents?
A consent letter is recommended. It should identify the grandparents or other accompanying adults and be signed by the parents or other decision-makers who are not travelling.
Does a child need a consent letter for a school or sports trip?
Yes, it is recommended. Canadian guidance specifically includes children travelling with school, sports, musical, religious and similar groups.
What if one of the child's parents has died?
The accompanying surviving parent should carry a copy of the deceased parent's death certificate. If the child travels alone, the child should carry a consent letter from the surviving parent and a copy of the death certificate.
What if the parents are separated or divorced?
A consent letter from the other parent is recommended whenever possible and safe. The child or accompanying parent should also carry relevant parenting orders or agreements.
What if the other parent lives outside Canada?
The parent abroad should ideally sign the letter. The signature may be witnessed abroad, and an original signed document is recommended even though digital signatures may sometimes be accepted.
Can another country require its own parental consent form?
Yes. Foreign governments set their own entry and exit rules for minors. Check the destination country's requirements before travelling because the Canadian consent letter may not be sufficient.
Does the consent letter replace the child's passport?
No. The consent letter is an additional document. The child must still carry the passport, visa and any other travel documents required for the destination.
Official sources
Government of Canada: Consent letter for children travelling outside CanadaGovernment of Canada: Travel documents for childrenGovernment of Canada: Travelling with childrenGovernment of Canada: Children and travelCanada Border Services Agency guidance on children crossing the Canadian borderGovernment of Canada: International child abductions guide for affected parentsGovernment of Canada: Travel Advice and AdvisoriesRelated procedures
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