Travel.gc.ca advises that children travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or persons with decision-making responsibility should carry a signed consent letter. A consent letter is not legally required in Canada, but officials or airlines may ask for it, and not producing one could lead to delays or a refusal to enter or leave a country.
When a consent letter is recommended
A consent letter is a written statement showing that a child has permission to travel abroad from a parent, legal guardian, tutor or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not travelling with the child.
The guidance recommends using a consent letter when a child is travelling with only one parent or person with decision-making responsibility, with friends or other family members, or with an organized group such as a sports, school, musical or religious group.
To help avoid complications, any child under 19 should carry a consent letter when travelling abroad without both parents or persons with decision-making responsibility. The guidance notes that foreign authorities may request a letter even when a child is 16 or older and can apply for an adult passport.
Who should sign and what to carry
The letter should be signed by any parent or other person with decision-making responsibility who is not travelling with the child. This includes parents who are married, in a common-law relationship, separated or divorced.
Travel.gc.ca also recommends carrying a copy of any relevant court order or parenting arrangement. A consent letter may still be useful where a parenting order or agreement allows one parent to make travel decisions alone, as border officials or airline staff may ask for proof that those with decision-making responsibility agree to the trip.
Where obtaining the other parent’s consent is not possible or could be unsafe, the government suggests seeking legal advice. It also notes that relevant court orders may be needed where a parent is abroad, in prison or detention, or otherwise difficult to reach.
Details to include in the letter
There are no official rules for the content or format of a consent letter. However, the government says it usually includes identifying and contact details for the child, the parents or persons with decision-making responsibility, and the accompanying adult.
The letter should also set out where the child is travelling, how long the trip will last and the specific travel dates. One letter can cover children from the same family travelling together, while separate letters are recommended if children will travel separately for part of a trip.
Any adult can witness the signature, although Travel.gc.ca strongly recommends having a notary public witness it. Original signed letters are preferred because border officials may not accept photocopies or digital versions and may question their authenticity.
Consent letters do not guarantee entry or return
A consent letter can help demonstrate permission for travel, but it does not guarantee that a destination country will accept the document. Countries may have their own entry and exit rules for children, including for children who may be considered citizens of that country.
The letter also does not guarantee that a child will not be taken abroad without permission or returned to Canada. Travel.gc.ca describes it as an important precaution rather than a complete safeguard against abduction.
Parents and guardians are advised to review the entry and exit requirements for the destination country and contact its nearest embassy, high commission or consulate before travelling.
Source: travel.gc.ca