Open ProvincesTravelling 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.
Adapted from a guide first written for Quebec readers: passages specific to Quebec were removed. Rules in your province may differ.
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
The Government of Canada recommends that a child travelling outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians carry a signed consent letter. It is not a Canadian legal requirement in every case, but airline staff or foreign or Canadian officials may request it. A letter does not override a custody order or guarantee entry into another country.
What to prepare
Use the federal sample as a starting point. Include the child’s identity, contact details for parents or decision-makers who are not travelling, the accompanying adult’s identity and relationship, destination and travel dates, including the expected return. Carry the original signed letter when possible.
Check the family and destination details
- Check the destination’s entry and exit rules and ask its embassy or consulate about requirements for minors.
- Bring the child’s passport and relevant custody, parenting or guardianship documents.
- If a parent is deceased, unavailable or there is a custody dispute, obtain advice specific to the circumstances.
- Confirm airline requirements and whether a witness or notarization is useful.
Requirements vary by country and situation. Verify current advice before departure and seek legal advice if consent, custody or safety is disputed.
Government of Canada: consent letters for children travelling abroad
Sources and limits
Source: Global Affairs Canada. Destination-country entry rules and carrier policies can impose additional requirements. Source: Government of Canada travel guidance. A consent letter is recommended, not a guarantee of entry or return; destination-country rules and individual custody arrangements must be checked.
General information based on federal and national rules; provincial rules may differ. Confirm with the official body before acting. Last reviewed : 2026-08-17.