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What Information Should Be Included in a Child Travel Consent Letter?
Travel Consent
What Information Should Be Included in a Child Travel Consent Letter?
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What Information Should Be Included in a Child Travel Consent Letter?
A travel consent letter is most effective when it is clear, accurate, and complete.
Whether you're preparing your own letter or having one drafted professionally, including the correct information can help airline staff, border officials, and immigration authorities understand who the child is travelling with and who has authorized the trip.
There is no single mandatory format under Canadian law. However, most travel consent letters contain the same core information.
This guide explains what should generally be included before travelling internationally with a child.
This article provides general legal information only and is not legal advice. The information required may vary depending on your family's circumstances and your destination country.
1. The Child's Information
Start by clearly identifying the child who will be travelling.
This commonly includes:
full legal name;
date of birth;
passport number;
passport issuing country; and
passport expiry date.
The child's name should match their passport exactly.
Even small differences in spelling or the use of nicknames can create unnecessary questions during travel.
2. Information About the Travelling Adult
The consent letter should identify the adult who will accompany the child.
Include:
full legal name;
relationship to the child;
address (if appropriate);
telephone number; and
email address.
If the child is travelling alone, the letter should indicate that the child will be travelling as an unaccompanied minor.
3. The Parent or Guardian Giving Consent
The person providing consent should be clearly identified.
Include:
full legal name;
address;
telephone number;
email address; and
relationship to the child.
The contact information should remain available during the trip in case airline staff or border officials need to confirm the travel arrangements.
4. Travel Details
The more specific the travel information, the better.
Include:
destination country (or countries);
departure date;
return date;
cities being visited;
airline (if known);
flight numbers (if available); and
accommodation details, where appropriate.
The consent letter should clearly identify the trip it relates to.
If travel plans change significantly, it may be appropriate to prepare a new letter.
5. A Clear Statement of Consent
The heart of the document is the parent's authorization.
The letter should clearly state that the parent or guardian gives permission for the child to travel with the named adult for the specified trip.
Avoid vague wording.
A simple, straightforward statement is usually the easiest for others to understand.
6. Signature and Date
The consent letter should include:
the signature of the parent or guardian providing consent; and
the date the document was signed.
If the document is being notarized, it should generally be signed in the presence of the notary public.
7. Notary Information (If Applicable)
Although Canadian law does not generally require notarization, the Government of Canada recommends having the signature witnessed by a notary public.
When notarized, the document will usually include:
the notary's signature;
official seal or stamp;
notarial certificate; and
date of notarization.
This helps demonstrate that the signature was properly witnessed.
Learn more: Does a Travel Consent Letter Need to Be Notarized in Alberta?
Supporting Documents You May Wish to Carry
A travel consent letter is often only one part of your travel documentation.
Depending on your circumstances, you may also wish to carry:
the child's passport;
birth certificate;
parenting agreement;
parenting order;
death certificate (where applicable);
visa documents; and
destination-specific documents.
Different countries have different entry requirements, so it's important to verify them before travelling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Before travelling, take a few minutes to review the document for accuracy.
Some of the most common mistakes include:
using names that don't exactly match the passport;
listing incorrect travel dates;
forgetting contact information;
leaving out destinations;
signing before the notary appointment;
using an outdated passport number; and
reusing an old consent letter for a different trip.
Carefully reviewing the letter before departure can help prevent unnecessary delays.
Do You Need a Lawyer to Prepare a Travel Consent Letter?
Many families prepare their own travel consent letter using the Government of Canada's sample template.
However, a professionally prepared document may be helpful where:
parents are separated or divorced;
there are parenting orders or agreements;
the itinerary is complex;
several countries will be visited;
the child has a different surname than the travelling parent; or
parents want additional peace of mind before travelling.
Bridgestone Law's Travel Consent Letter Service
Bridgestone Law assists families throughout Calgary and Alberta with professionally prepared child travel consent letters.
Our flat-rate service includes:
preparation of the travel consent letter;
review of the travel information provided;
notary appointment for the signing parent; and
notarization of the completed document.
Parents can begin the process online using our secure intake form.
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