Travel Consent Letter
A child travel consent letter is a short signed statement confirming that a child has permission to travel abroad from any parent or legal guardian who is not accompanying them. The Government of Canada strongly recommends carrying one for any child crossing an international border without both parents — whether the child is travelling alone, with one parent, with relatives, or on a school or sports trip.
There is no single mandatory form, but border officers, airlines and foreign authorities can ask for proof of consent at any point, and not having a letter when asked can lead to delays or even a refusal to enter or leave a country. A clear, complete letter naming the child, the accompanying adult, the trip and the consenting parents helps avoid that.
Notarizing the letter isn't legally required everywhere, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends having a notary public witness the signing — some countries and airlines may ask for it, and it makes the letter far harder to question. Xpress Notary can notarize your consent letter after hours, on weekends, or by mobile visit across Edmonton.
When you might need it
- A child is flying without one or both parents
- An airline or border officer asks for proof of parental consent
- A separated or divorced parent is travelling abroad with the child
- A child is joining a school, sports or group trip overseas
When you should carry a consent letter
The recommendation applies broadly — the safest rule is that any child crossing a border without both parents present should carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent(s) or guardian(s).
- A child travelling alone or with an airline's unaccompanied-minor service
- A child travelling with only one parent (the other parent consents)
- A child travelling with grandparents, other relatives or family friends
- A child on a school, sports, church or community group trip
- Separated or divorced families where one parent has the child abroad
What makes a strong consent letter
Officials are checking that the letter is genuine and that everyone who needs to consent has done so. Full legal names, dates, and contact details for the consenting parents all help. Where a parent has sole custody or the other parent is deceased, that should be stated and supporting documents (a custody order or death certificate) carried alongside.
- The child's full legal name and date of birth, exactly as on their passport
- Who is accompanying the child, and their relationship to the child
- The destination, departure and return dates
- The full names, signatures and contact details of the consenting parent(s)
- A notary's seal — strongly recommended by the Government of Canada
How it works
- Answer a few guided questions — the document builds as you go.
- Download the print-ready PDF with a branded cover page (emailed to you too).
- Sign it as the instructions explain, and book an appointment for any notarizing or commissioning it needs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a child travel consent letter have to be notarized?
Not everywhere, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends it, some countries and airlines may ask for a notary's seal, and a notarized letter is much harder to question. Because requirements vary by destination, notarizing it is the safest choice.
Do both parents need to sign?
Every parent or legal guardian who is not travelling with the child should sign. If you have sole custody, or the other parent is deceased, say so in the letter and carry supporting documents (a custody order or death certificate).
Does the child need to be at the notary appointment?
No. The people giving consent — the parents or guardians — are the ones who sign in front of the notary. The child does not need to attend.
How much does it cost to notarize?
Building the letter here is free, and you get a print-ready PDF. Notarization is booked separately with Xpress Notary — see our Rates page for current notary fees.
Can I get it notarized after hours or by mobile visit?
Yes. Xpress Notary offers evening, weekend, short-notice and mobile appointments across Edmonton and the surrounding area.
What should each traveller carry?
Give the accompanying adult the signed, notarized original (and a copy). It's wise for each consenting parent to keep a copy too, along with a way to be reached if an officer wants to confirm consent.