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I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?

You must present the following documents:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• A letter of authorization signed by the parent who is not travelling, containing their address and telephone number, in English or French if possible, and
• A photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s signed passport or national identity card

If the parents are separated or divorced, and share custody of the child, the parent travelling with the child should carry copies of the legal custody documents.

If the parents are separated or divorced and one of them has sole custody of the child, the letter of authorization may be signed by that parent only and they should bring a copy of the custody papers.

If one of the child’s parents is deceased, the travelling parent should bring a copy of the death certificate.

For more information, see Minor children travelling to Canada .

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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• Application for a temporary resident visa

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• Multiple-entry visa
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Temporary residents: Requirements for minors

This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.

Minors traveling alone require a letter from both parents authorizing them to travel. Minors travelling with one parent require a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent.

When travelling alone, minors must be in possession of a passport or travel document issued in their own name. They cannot travel with the passport or travel document of a parent (on which they are listed) unless the holder of the document (parent) accompanies them.

Persons seeking entry at the POE with a child will be asked to produce the above-mentioned documentation. If they are not in possession of such documents, they may be required to provide the telephone numbers for the child's parent(s) and/or other documentation to satisfy an officer of the child's safety and well-being.

Note: It is strongly recommended that children carry a consent letter each time they seek admission into Canada. Although anyone can witness/sign these letters, it is advisable to have them certified, stamped or sealed by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration (ex: a commissioner of oaths, notary public, lawyer, etc.) so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned.

If the minor is not traveling with both parents

It is the mandate of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, in conjunction with the federal Our Missing Children program , to ensure that the child is in the custody of an approved parent or guardian.

If a guardian is traveling with the minor

The guardian should present a statement from the parent(s), which:

• authorizes the child to travel with someone else;
• provides the name and telephone of the guardian; and
• indicates the destination and the period of time the child will be in Canada.

Note: The child should have original identity documents. However, if the officer is not satisfied with the letter's authenticity, a faxed version of a parent's consent letter would be acceptable. The final decision rests with the POE officer. If minor children entering as students have the proper identity documents, they should not have any problems entering Canada.

If the minor is the subject of a custody order or is in a single-parent family

• a copy of the custody order is required; or
• proof of custody and/or the other parent's written consent for the trip.

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International travel documents for children

See what documents a child needs to travel to or from the U.S. alone or with a parent or relative.

Non-U.S. citizen children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa to enter the U.S.

Additionally, if the child is traveling alone, with only one of their custodial parents, or with a guardian to the U.S., they should have:

• Each country has its own rules for the specific documents it requires for a child to be allowed to leave their home country without both of their custodial parents or with a guardian. Contact the embassy or consulate of the country the child is a citizen of to find out what specific documents the country requires to allow the child to leave their country.
• The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• A parent who frequently crosses the border by land with a minor should always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.
• A parent with sole custody of the child they are traveling with should carry a copy of the custody document.

If your child is traveling alone by air, the airline may require you to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay a fee for unaccompanied minor service. This service provides an airline employee escort for your child at the airport and on board the plane. In addition, you and the person picking your child up at their destination may also need to provide the airline with identification and contact information.

Contact your airline before your child’s trip to find out:

• What age requirements the airline has for their unaccompanied minor service
• If you can book a ticket with a connecting flight
• What documents and fees are required

U.S. citizen children traveling outside the U.S.

Children traveling to most other countries are required to have a U.S. passport. 

Learn how to get a passport for a minor under 18.

Depending on the country, the child may also need a visa and other travel documents. Search for the country the child will be visiting to find out what documentation that country requires.

Providing parental consent when a child travels without both custodial parents

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If your child is traveling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they may need a letter of consent from the other custodial parent. 

• The letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent (if the child is traveling with one custodial parent) or signed by both parents (if the child is traveling with a guardian or alone) should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

Additionally, if a minor is traveling abroad alone:

• Contact the embassy or consulate of the country your child will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

U.S. citizen children traveling to Canada or Mexico

Traveling by air.

All U.S. citizen children who are traveling by air to Canada or Mexico must have a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card. 

Traveling by land or sea

• U.S. passport, or
• An original or a certified copy of their birth certificate, or
• A Certificate of Naturalization, or 
• A Consular Report of Birth Abroad 
• Age 16 or over: show a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveler Program card

Parental consent documentation for travel to Canada and Mexico

A child traveling with only one custodial parent or a guardian or who is traveling alone may need to present a written letter of consent at the border. 

LAST UPDATED: October 10, 2024

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Single Parent Travelling With a Child? What you Need to Know about Consent Letters

January 18, 2017

By Nerissa McNaughton | January 18, 2017

If you are a divorced parent and are planning on crossing the border with your child, it’s not as simple as packing up a suitcase and heading to the airport. One of the most important things you need to do is to ensure your documents are in order.

When travelling with minor children some of the documents you should carry include a copy of your Divorce Decree, copy of Name Change documents if you have reverted to your maiden name, copy of marriage certificate if you have remarried and changed your name, long form birth certificate showing the names of both parents and most importantly, a letter of consent from the other parent.

A letter of consent shows border officials that  ex-partner knows you have the child and gives you permission to travel with the child. While it is not a mandatory document, failing to have it can get you delayed or even denied access in or out of a country.

The consent letter is for the child’s best interests, as it helps to guard against child abduction. However, a letter is not necessary if the other parent has been denied access rights. In this case, you should carry a copy of your sole custody agreement or court order.

How Do You Write the Letter?

The letter should indicate who the parents are, and explicitly express permission from the non-present parent that he or she grants permission for the child to travel with the guardian/parent present. The letter should also state the trip’s duration, destination and how both parents can be contacted. It must be signed by the parent(s) that are not travelling with the child, and by an adult witness. The best witness to sign (although this is not mandatory) is a commissioner of oaths, a notary public or a lawyer.

The Government of Canada has a sample consent letter on its website, and also has an interactive form that you can use to quickly and easily complete and print your letter.

What if the Other Parent Denies Consent?

If you and your partner or ex-partner cannot come to an agreement about taking the child out of the country, you may require government-based family justice services . If you are a parent that is being bullied about signing a letter and you have a valid concern that the child will be in danger or not be returned to you, immediately seek legal help.

Where can I Learn More?

Visit the Government of Canada’s website for more comprehensive details along with a list of FAQ about this topic.

Don’t let your Travel Plans Go Astray

It’s easy to overlook the importance of a consent letter in the anticipation of a fun holiday with your child, but failure to get this document can derail your plans – fast. If a border official asks for the letter and you don’t have it, they can deny you access in or out of the country. The official may also ask your child a few questions, such as, “who are your travelling with?” and “what is your father’s or mother’s name?” The questions may be bolder, such as, “does your dad know you going on this trip?” Don’t be alarmed. This is all part of the process.

Put getting a consent letter on the top of your to-do list, so you can enjoy making memories on vacation, instead of making a frantic drive back home to get your ex-partner to sign documents.

Categories: Canada , News & Reviews , Travel Tips Tags: Divorced Parents , Family Travel , Single Parent , Travel Tips

Nerissa McNaughton

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Travel documents for children

Canadian children need a Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada.

They may also need the following documents:

• Consent letter that confirms the child has permission to travel outside Canada (for example, when taking a trip alone or with only 1 parent or guardian)
• Provincial birth certificate

If your child needs a Canadian citizenship certificate to get a Canadian passport, you must apply for proof of citizenship .

Other legal documents may be needed depending on family circumstances, including:

• Divorce papers
• Child custody orders or agreements
• Death certificate of a parent or parents

A child travelling as a dual citizen will need a valid Canadian passport to board a flight to or transiting through Canada by air .

The definition of a minor changes from province to province and from country to country.

Before you leave, check the foreign diplomatic mission or consulate in Canada and the Travel Advice and Advisories  for your destination for any specific entry or exit requirements for minors and other laws and regulations that affect children.

Related links

• Air travel with children
• Citizenship and assisted human reproduction and surrogacy arrangements (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
• International adoption
• International child abductions
• Provincial definitions of a minor   (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada)
• Travelling with Children