Guide
Travelling with a child: consent letter, one parent, grandparents or solo travel
Prepare a consent letter and supporting documents when a child travels with one parent, grandparents, a group or without either parent.
A consent letter is strongly recommended. The Government of Canada recommends that a Canadian child travelling without both parents or legal guardians carry a letter showing that the non-accompanying parent or guardian consents to the trip.
Common situations
- Child travelling with one parent.
- Travel with grandparents, relatives or friends.
- School, sports or group travel.
- Child or teen travelling alone.
- Separated parents or specific parenting arrangements.
What should the letter include?
Use the Government of Canada template. It includes the child's identity, parent/guardian contact information, accompanying adult, destination and travel dates.
Should it be notarized?
The government recommends using a witness and notes that notarization can help establish authenticity. Destination-country and carrier requirements can be stricter, so check before departure.
Documents to carry
- Passport or required travel document.
- Consent letter.
- Parent/guardian contact details.
- Relevant parenting or custody documents when required.
- Documents required by the destination country.
Official source
Source: Global Affairs Canada. Destination-country entry rules and carrier policies can impose additional requirements.
Ad placement — see README for Google AdSense integration