Consent Letters for Children Travelling Outside Canada and How a Notary Public Can Help

If a child is travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians, a consent letter is strongly recommended. While it is not legally required under Canadian law, it is an important travel document that can help prevent delays, questioning at borders, or even refusal of entry into another country.

As a Notary Public in Ontario, one of the most common travel-related services requested is witnessing consent letters for children. This article explains what a consent letter is, when it should be used, and why witnessing in front of a notary public is often recommended.

What Is a Consent Letter?

A consent letter is a written document confirming that a child has permission to travel internationally from a parent or person who has decision-making responsibility for the child but is not travelling with them.

Border officials, airline agents, and immigration authorities may request this document when a child is travelling internationally. Without it, officials may ask additional questions or attempt to contact the absent parent, which can cause travel delays.

When Is a Consent Letter Recommended?

A consent letter should be used whenever a child is travelling outside Canada:

• Alone

• With only one parent or guardian

• With relatives or friends

• With a school, sports, or organized group

• With both parents for only part of the trip

  
  

Although older teenagers may have adult passports, authorities in other countries may still request proof of parental consent. As a precaution, it is recommended for any child under 19 years of age travelling without both parents or guardians.

Who Should Sign the Consent Letter?

The letter should be signed by:

• Any parent who is not travelling with the child, or

• Any person who has decision-making responsibility for the child

  
  

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

In certain situations, additional documentation may be needed, such as:

• A parenting agreement or court order

• A death certificate if one parent is deceased

• Authorization from a child welfare agency if the child is in temporary care

If obtaining consent is difficult or unsafe, legal advice should be sought before travelling.

What Should Be Included in a Consent Letter?

Awell-prepared consent letter usually includes:

• The child’s full name and date of birth

• Names and contact information of parents or guardians

• The name and contact information of the accompanying adult

• The relationship between the child and accompanying adult

• Travel destination(s)

• Travel dates and duration of the trip

The more detailed the letter, the less likely border officials will have questions.

Why Have a Consent Letter Notarized?

Any adult may witness a consent letter. However, having the letter witnessed by a Notary Public is strongly recommended because:

• It helps confirm the identity of the signing parent(s)

• It increases the credibility and authenticity of the document

• It reduces the likelihood of delays at borders or airports

• Some foreign authorities may expect or prefer notarized documents

Important Limitations of Consent Letters

A consent letter helps demonstrate permission for travel, but it:

• Does not guarantee entry into another country

• Does not replace custody or parenting orders

• Does not prevent international child abduction

It is an important precaution, but not a complete legal safeguard.

When to Seek Legal Advice

You may wish to consult a lawyer if:

• A parent refuses to sign the consent letter

• Parenting arrangements are complex

• There is concern that a child may not be returned to Canada

• Court orders or custody issues are involved

A notary public can witness signatures but cannot provide legal advice regarding custody or parenting rights.

A Notary Public in Ontario can:

• Witness and notarize consent letters

• Verify identification of signing parents or guardians

• Ensure the document is properly signed and dated

Having your consent letter properly prepared before travel can help ensure a smoother experience at borders and airports.

You can find a fillable PDF here: Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad - Travel.gc.ca