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Consent Letter for Children Travelling Outside Canada

A consent letter is not legally required in Canada, but it is strongly recommended when a child travels abroad alone, with one parent, or with other adults. It is signed by each parent or guardian who is not travelling, and should list the child, the adults, the destination and the travel dates.

By Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

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When to carry one

Bring a consent letter when a child under 19 crosses any international border:

  • alone,
  • with only one parent or guardian,
  • with friends, relatives or a group.

This includes day trips to the United States. Foreign officials, airlines and Canadian border officers may ask for it.

Special situations

A parent lives abroad: they should sign. A Canadian consular officer can witness it for a fee.

A parent has died: bring a copy of the death certificate.

A court order exists: still bring a letter, plus a copy of the order.

A parent refuses to sign: consider mediation or family justice services, and get legal advice.

What it does not do

A consent letter shows permission. It does not prevent a child from being taken or kept abroad. If you fear that, do not sign, and get legal advice.

Step by step

  1. Use the official template.

    Travel.gc.ca has a fillable PDF and a printable version. There is no required format.

  2. Fill in the details.

    The child's name, the names and contact details of the parents or guardians, the accompanying adult's name, address and relationship, the destination and the travel dates.

  3. Have every non-travelling parent or guardian sign it.

    This applies whether parents are married, common-law, separated or divorced.

  4. Have the signature witnessed.

    Any adult can witness it, but a notary public is strongly recommended.

  5. Carry the original signed letter.

    Photocopies and digital copies may be questioned.

Related

Child Passport in Canada: How to Apply for Under 16 Children under 16 get a 5-year passport that costs $58.50 in Canada. Child passports can't be renewed, so you apply for a new one each time. A parent or legal guardian applies with the child's proof of citizenship, two photos and a guarantor. Canadian Passport Fees 2026: Adult, Child and Urgent Service A 10-year adult passport costs $163.50 and a 5-year adult passport $122.50 when you apply in Canada. A child passport (5 years) costs $58.50. Urgent pickup by the end of the next business day adds $125.75. These fees took effect on March 31, 2026. Passport Processing Times in Canada: How Long It Takes Passport applications by mail or online take up to 20 business days plus mailing time. In person, standard service takes 10 or 20 business days. If you have proof of travel, passport offices offer express pickup in 2 to 9 business days or urgent pickup by the end of the next business day.

Frequently asked questions

Does a consent letter need to be notarized?

It is not required, but it is strongly recommended. A notarized letter is less likely to be questioned.

Does a 17-year-old need a consent letter?

It is recommended for anyone under 19. Foreign officials may ask for one even if the teen has an adult passport.

Is a consent letter needed for a road trip to the U.S.?

It is recommended for any border crossing, including by car.

Sources

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.