Planning a family trip is exciting, but if a child is travelling without both parents, it's common to wonder whether a travel consent letter is required.

Whether you're a separated parent taking your child on vacation, a grandparent travelling with your grandchildren, or a coach organizing an international tournament, you may be asked to show that the child has permission to travel.

Although a travel consent letter is not legally required under Canadian law, the Government of Canada strongly recommends carrying one whenever a child travels outside Canada without both parents or legal guardians.

Having the right documents before you leave can help avoid unnecessary delays and questions at airports, border crossings, and immigration checkpoints.

This guide explains when a travel consent letter is recommended, who should sign it, whether it should be notarized, and what information it should contain.

What Is a Travel Consent Letter?

A travel consent letter is a document confirming that a parent or legal guardian has given permission for a child to travel outside Canada.

The letter typically identifies:

• the child travelling;

• the parent or guardian giving consent;

• the adult travelling with the child;

• the destination;

• the travel dates; and

• contact information for the parent providing consent.

Its purpose is to demonstrate that the child has permission to travel and to reduce concerns about unauthorized travel or international child abduction.

Is a Travel Consent Letter Legally Required?

No.

There is no Canadian law that requires every child travelling internationally to carry a travel consent letter.

However, the Government of Canada recommends that children travelling abroad without both parents or legal guardians carry a signed consent letter.

Although Canadian officials may never ask to see it, another country's immigration authorities or an airline may request one before allowing a child to continue travelling.

For the Government of Canada's official guidance and sample consent letter, visit:

Government of Canada – Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad

When Should You Have a Travel Consent Letter?

A travel consent letter is commonly recommended whenever a child is travelling internationally without all parents or legal guardians.

Common situations include:

• One Parent Is Travelling With the Child

If one parent is taking a child on an international trip while the other parent remains home, carrying a travel consent letter may help demonstrate that both parents are aware of and agree to the travel. This is particularly common where parents are separated or divorced.

Learn more: Travelling With a Child After Separation or Divorce in Alberta.

• A Grandparent Is Travelling With the Child

Many children travel with grandparents during school holidays or family vacations. A travel consent letter can help confirm that the grandparents have permission to travel with the child.

• Another Adult Is Travelling With the Child

Children frequently travel with:

• aunts and uncles;

• adult siblings;

• family friends;

• teachers;

• coaches; or

• school groups.

A consent letter helps explain why the child is travelling with someone other than a parent.

• A Child Is Travelling Alone

Older children sometimes travel independently by air. Even when airlines offer services for unaccompanied minors, a travel consent letter is generally recommended for international travel.

Do You Need One for Travel Within Canada?

Generally, no. Unless your parenting plan, order or agreement says otherwise.

Travel consent letters are primarily recommended for international travel.

If a child is travelling only within Canada, a consent letter is not usually required. However, some airlines, schools, camps, or tour operators may ask for written authorization.

Does a Travel Consent Letter Need to Be Notarized?

Canadian law does not generally require a travel consent letter to be notarized.

However, the Government of Canada recommends having the signature witnessed by a notary public.

A notarized letter may provide additional assurance that:

• the identity of the person signing was verified;

• the signature was properly witnessed; and

• the document is authentic.

Many families choose to have their travel consent letter notarized before travelling internationally.

Learn more: Does a Travel Consent Letter Need to Be Notarized in Alberta?

If you already have a completed consent letter, visit our Notary Public Services page:

Who Should Sign the Travel Consent Letter?

Generally, the letter should be signed by the parent or legal guardian who is not travelling with the child.

Who should sign depends on each family's circumstances.

For example, parenting agreements, court orders, or guardianship arrangements may affect who has authority to consent to travel.

If you are unsure, it is important to understand your legal arrangements before travelling.

What Information Should Be Included?

While there is no mandatory Canadian form, a travel consent letter commonly includes:

• the child's full legal name;

• date of birth;

• passport information;

• the names of the parents or guardians;

• the travelling adult's information;

• destination and travel dates;

• emergency contact information; and

• the signature of the parent or guardian providing consent.

Some families may also carry supporting documents, such as birth certificates or parenting orders.

Read our complete checklist: What Information Should Be Included in a Child Travel Consent Letter?

What Happens if You Travel Without One?

Travelling without a consent letter does not automatically prevent a child from travelling.

However, immigration or border officials may ask additional questions if a child is travelling without both parents.

Depending on the circumstances, they may request additional documents before allowing the child to continue travelling.

Carrying a properly prepared travel consent letter can help reduce unnecessary delays.

What if the Parents Are Separated or Divorced?

If parents are separated or divorced, travel arrangements may be governed by a parenting agreement or court order.

These documents may set out whether consent is required before international travel or whether notice must be provided to the other parent.

Read more: Travelling With a Child After Separation or Divorce in Alberta.

What if the Other Parent Refuses to Sign?

Sometimes a parent does not agree to the proposed trip.

Whether a child may travel in those circumstances depends on the family's legal arrangements, any court orders, and the specific facts.

A travel consent letter cannot resolve a disagreement between parents.

Learn more: What Happens if the Other Parent Refuses to Sign a Travel Consent Letter in Alberta?

Other Documents You May Need

Depending on your circumstances, a travel consent letter may be only one of several documents required for international travel.

You may also need:

• passports;

• birth certificates;

• parenting orders;

• visas;

• medical authorization documents; or

• other destination-specific documents.

Before travelling, review the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination: