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Visas, Electronic Travel Authorizations and other documentation you may need to enter or transit through Canada.

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Use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada

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Travel Consent Letter

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A Travel Consent Letter is used when a child is travelling alone, with only one parent/legal guardian, or with an authorized group. This document notifies authorities or other interested parties that a parent or legal guardian has given their consent for the child to travel without them. This document can be used both for domestic travel inside Canada or international travel across country borders. Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases, and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or other abductions , an immigration officer, airline, or travel company may ask parents to provide some form of letter of consent if a minor child is travelling internationally with only one parent or with another adult, such as a teacher, group trip leader, or grandparent.

How to use this document?

Using this document, a parent can name the children , provide information about their passport if the trip is happening internationally, describe the circumstances of their trip and the people who will be accompanying them, and outline the travel itinerary . Finally, this letter form contains contact information for adult chaperones, if applicable, and parents or legal guardians in case someone needs to be contacted in the event of an emergency. During the signing of this letter, a witness should also sign the letter, as this is required by some airlines.

Travelling children should carry a copy of this letter with them and any adult chaperones should be given a copy of this letter to show to authority figures as needed.

Applicable Law

Although not required by law, immigration officers, law enforcement officers, or custom agents may detain a child if they suspect an abduction or kidnapping has taken place. By travelling with a Travel Consent Letter, these officers will have the necessary contact information and further assurance that no abduction or kidnapping has taken place. Remember that specific requirements for the Travel Consent Letter may vary from country to country or airline to airline. Therefore, it is vital to research the specific guidelines and templates relevant to your travel destination and carrier. Taking these proactive steps can significantly contribute to a stress-free and efficient travel experience for all parties involved.

How to modify the template?

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.

A guide to help you: How to Travel with Minor Children

Other names for the document:

Child Travel Consent Letter, Children's International Travel Consent Letter, Consent Letter for Child Traveling Abroad, International Travel Consent Letter, Minor Travel Consent Letter

Country: Canada (English)

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Free Parental Consent Forms for Minors Traveling Alone

While children between the ages of five and 18 can fly by themselves, younger children in this range usually must participate in an airline's unaccompanied minor program (specific age requirements vary per airline).

If your minor child will be traveling domestically, you will typically need to fill out paperwork through the airline's unaccompanied minor program. But if your minor child will be traveling out of the country alone, with one parent, or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian, he will likely need to carry a notarized letter of consent (and perhaps a medical letter of consent) signed by his parents in addition to the unaccompanied minor program paperwork. Use this guide as a helpful jumping off point regarding such letters of consent, but we advise referring to airline and government websites for more specific information. 

What Is a Child Travel Consent Form?

Because of increasing instances of child abduction in custody cases and a growing number of children who are the victims of trafficking or pornography, government and airline personnel are now more vigilant about traveling children. Therefore, your child will likely be asked by an immigration officer or airline staff member will ask for a letter of consent if he or she is traveling without both parents.

A Child Travel Consent Form is a legal document that allows a minor child to travel without both parents or legal guardians present. It can be used when a child is traveling as an unaccompanied minor, or with another adult who is not the legal guardian, such as a grandparent , teacher, sports coach, or friend of the family. It is advisable for all travel and is particularly important when a minor is traveling outside the country .

The document should include:

• Minor's name, birthplace, and passport information
• Permission from the non-traveling parent or guardian, including his or her contact information
• Relevant information about the traveling parent or guardian, including name, custody information, and passport details
• Travel information, such as the destination and start and end dates for the trip. Note that the consent is temporary and specific to this one trip
• Allergy and special needs information pertaining to the child
• Signature of the non-traveling parent who is giving permission for the child to travel

Be aware that specific rules about documentation can differ substantially from country to country, so you should check the U.S. State Department International Travel website for information about the requirements for your destination country. Find your destination country, click the tab for "Entry, Exit, & Visa Requirements," then scroll down to "Travel with Minors."

What Is a Child Medical Consent Form?

If a minor child is traveling without a parent or legal guardian, a Child Medical Consent Form grants authority to a chaperone to make medical decisions. The form grants temporary medical power of attorney to another adult in case of a medical emergency. You've probably filled out such a form in the past for your child's daycare or school, or for field trips, sleepover camp, and other situations.

• Minor's name and birthplace
• Authorized medical treatments
• Health information about the child
• Identity of the person being granted responsibility
• Health insurance information

There are a number of websites that offer free templates for travel forms. Here are some reliable options:

Free Child Travel Consent LetterFrom LawDepot.com

This form takes five to 10 minutes to complete. Answer a few simple questions and then choose to to print or download.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From eForms.com

This five-step fill-in-the-blank template is straightforward and easy to complete. The user can select his or her home state from a pulldown menu.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From RocketLawyer.com

Build your document, print it out, sign it and get it notarized to make it legal.

Free Child Travel Consent Letter From LegalTemplates.net

Follow the directions on the site to complete the form. Then e-sign, download, and print your legally binding document.

Required Documents for International Travel With Minors

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Does My Child Need ID to Fly?

Southwest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Parent Authorization Letter for Minors Traveling to Mexico

How the Airlines Handle Unaccompanied Minors

Passports and Mexico Entry Requirements for Children

How to Find Your Nearest US Passport Office

Flying While Pregnant? Check Out the Policies on 25 Global Airlines

How to Travel to Cuba If You Are an American

Single Parent Travel Tips and Advice

Booking a Baby Bassinet for Your Flight

Do Children Need a Passport to Visit Canada?

North American Airlines on Rules for Overweight Passengers

Do I Need a Letter of Permission to Travel With Grandchildren?

Car Seat Policies for the Top 15 North American Airlines

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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.

Children traveling to the U.S.

All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents such as a passport or document from a Trusted Traveler Program to enter the U.S. If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents:

• If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents. The letter should say "I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
• If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.
• Parents who frequently cross the border by land with a minor must always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

U.S. citizen children traveling abroad

Ports of entry in many countries have security measures to prevent international child abduction . If you are traveling alone with your child, you may be required to present documentation proving you are the parent or legal guardian. You may also need a letter of permission from the other parent for your child to travel. 

If your child travels alone, depending on the country, they may be required to present a notarized letter from both parents or their legal guardian. If a minor is traveling abroad and is not accompanied by both parents or a legal guardian, contact the embassy or consulate of the country you will be visiting and ask about entry and exit requirements for that country.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Guide 5529 - Applying for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) 

Canada’s entry rules

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and show their valid permanent resident card (PR card) or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier.

If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to make sure your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada and to apply for a new PR card before your current card expires.

You can now apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) online through the permanent residence portal .

You can benefit from:

• Applying anytime, 24/7
• Quick and easy upload of all your information, including payment
• No printing required

Table of Contents

Before you apply.

• Step 1: Gather documents
• Step 2: Fill out the application
• Step 3: Pay the fees
• Step 4: Submit the application

What happens next?

Appendix a: residency obligation.

This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Who should use this application guide?

Use this application if you are a permanent resident outside Canada who does not have a valid Permanent Resident card (PR card) to return to Canada.

The permanent resident travel document (PRTD) is a temporary official document proving your status as a permanent resident in Canada. It proves to transportation companies that you’re allowed to travel to Canada as a permanent resident if you don’t have a valid PR card in your possession.

You need a PRTD if:

• you are a permanent resident outside Canada without a valid PR card
• you plan to travel to Canada by any commercial transporter, such as a plane, train, boat or bus and
• you need to apply to renew or replace your PR card when you return to Canada

These documents are not valid for travel to Canada:

• Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
• Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)

Who should not apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document?

• Canadian citizens
• Foreign Nationals who do not have Permanent Resident status
• Permanent residents with a valid PR  card in their possession
• Permanent residents who want to voluntarily give up (renounce) their permanent residence status
• Past Permanent Residents who have lost their PR status

Note: Permanent residents inside Canada should apply for a PR  card using the application kit Applying for a Permanent Resident Card (IMM 5445) .

What are the requirements?

To apply for a PRTD you need to:

• prove who you are;
• confirm your permanent resident status; and
• meet the residency obligation of a permanent resident.

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5644)   (opens in a new tab) to make sure you have all the documents needed. Send the checklist with your application.

Important information:

Once we make a decision on your application, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how and where to submit your valid passport or travel document as we need it to attach your PRTD.

Send photocopies of all identity and immigration documents, including your valid passport or travel document. Do not send originals , as they will not be returned to you. See the document checklist for more details.

Legal name change

If you are a permanent resident and changed your name outside of Canada, submit:

• a foreign passport or other national authoritative document that shows your new name; and
• an official document linking the old and new names.

NOTE: IRCC will issue a PRTD counterfoil based on the name on your passport. If you had a name change abroad, the name on your foreign passport provided with your application should reflect the new name and you must submit the supporting documents above.

Who may use this application?

You may use this application to apply for a PRTD if you don't have a valid PR card to return to Canada.

You cannot apply for a PR card while overseas. Once you receive your PRTD, you can travel to Canada. You can apply for a PR card once you have returned to Canada using the Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (IMM 5444E) (PDF, 2.7 MB) form.

• meet the residency obligation; and
• are living outside Canada on a long-term basis (for example, if you are a permanent resident accompanying your Canadian citizen spouse).

Include a cover letter that explains your circumstances and request a multiple entry PRTD.

Multiple entry PRTDs cannot extend beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible for a PRTD, you must:

• be a permanent resident outside Canada;
• confirm your PR status;
• not be in possession of a valid PR card;
• meet the residency obligation of a permanent resident;
• not be a Canadian citizen;
• not be a permanent resident who wants to voluntarily give up (renounce) their PR status , and
• not have lost your PR status.

Step 1: Get your supporting documents

What documents do i need.

Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5644) (PDF, 2.19 MB) to confirm which documents you need.

Include the completed document checklist with your application.

Note: We may ask for more documents at any time while we are processing your application. If you do not submit the requested documents, there will be delays in processing.

You must complete and submit these documents:

• Copy of your current and valid passport.

Once we make a decision on your application, you'll receive an email with instructions on how and where to submit your valid passport or travel document.

• Copies of all pages of the passport(s) or travel document(s) used in the past five (5) years immediately before the application, including your valid passport or travel document. Do not send original documents, as they will not be returned to you. Please ensure these are legible, to avoid delays in processing.
• Proof showing that you meet the residency obligation in the past five (5) years immediately before the application. Please refer to Appendix A: Residency Obligation .
• Fees: Copy of the receipt showing the amount paid.

Additional forms and supporting documents to include, if they apply:

Authorization to travel for minors – Provide parent or legal guardian permission to travel and documents giving consent for children to travel as unaccompanied minors.

Note: Children under 18 years of age who are travelling alone must carry written information about the person who will be responsible for them. If a child in this application is under a custody order or is travelling with one parent, you must provide proof of custody or the other parent's consent for the trip. Children travelling without their custodial parent(s) need a letter of permission to travel from the non-accompanying parent(s).

• To be considered on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, include supporting documents that support your request to keep your permanent residence. See the "Humanitarian and compassionate grounds" section of the instruction guide for more information.

If you’re applying from China and have a Chinese passport

• It must show a record of your entry to and exit from China for 5 years before the date of your application.
• You can get the document from the local Public Security Bureau.
• Make sure you translate the document to English or French.

Step 2: Fill out the forms

You’ll fill out this digital form online

• Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (IMM 5444E)

You must type your full name exactly as shown on your passport to digitally sign your application.

NOTE: If you cannot apply online and require accommodations, including for accessibility reasons, you can apply by paper .

If you require additional context on specific questions on the IMM 5444 form, please visit our step by step instructions on how to complete the form . You must answer all questions . If you leave any sections blank, we will return your application and processing will be delayed.

If you need more space, include another sheet of paper with your application and at the top of the page, print your name and the number of the question you are answering clearly in black.

You must also complete and submit the following forms:

If you are applying online, you will fill out and upload these PDF forms into the portal. If you are applying by paper you will need to complete these PDF forms and include it with your mailed application.

• Document Checklist [IMM 5644] (PDF, 2.19 MB)

Additional forms (if they apply):

• you and your immigration representative must sign this by hand
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 593.57 KB)

Warning : It is a serious crime to provide false or misleading information on these forms. We may verify your responses

Technical issues

If you’re having technical issues with the portal, contact us using the web form

• under type of application/enquiry , choose technical difficulties from the drop-down menu
• in the text box, specify what you’re applying for
• the page where you’re having problems
• the error message(s) you get

If you need to upload a number of images, find out how to combine them into 1 document .

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form.

Complete this form only if you:

• are appointing a representative;
• have to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
• are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they are required to complete their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who provides advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process, or in a proceeding and, if you appoint them as your representative by filling out this form, has your permission to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

When you appoint a representative:

• you also authorize IRCC and CBSA to share information from your case file with this person in place of you. Please note the representative will receive all correspondence from IRCC or the CBSA, not the applicant;
• your application will not be given special attention nor can you expect faster processing or a more favourable outcome;
• the representative is authorized to represent you only on citizenship or immigration matters related to the application you submit with this form; and
• you can appoint only one (1) representative for each application you submit.

There are two (2) types of representatives.

Uncompensated representatives:.

Uncompensated representatives do not charge fees or receive any other form of consideration or compensation for providing advice or services to represent you before IRCC or the CBSA.

Uncompensated representatives include:

• Friends, family members or other third parties who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration for their advice and services;
• consultants, lawyers and Quebec notaries, and students-at-law under their supervision, who do not, and will not, charge a fee or receive any other consideration to represent you.

Note: You do not have to pay someone for them to be your representative. IRCC will conduct business with an uncompensated representative if an applicant appoints them on their behalf.

Compensated representatives:

Compensated representatives charge a fee or receive some other form of consideration in exchange for the representation that they provide.

It is important to know that anyone who represents or advises you for payment - or offers to do so - in connection with IRCC proceedings or applications is breaking the law unless they are an authorized representative or they have a specific agreement or arrangement with the Government of Canada that allows them to represent or advise you. This applies to advice or consultation which happens before or after a citizenship or an immigration application is made or a proceeding begins.

IRCC will only conduct business with compensated representatives who are in good standing with their designated regulatory body. For more information see - Find out if your representative is authorized .

Note: If a representative is being paid or compensated by someone other than you, the representative is still considered to be a compensated representative.

Authorized representatives are:

• consultants who are members in good standing of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC);
• lawyers and paralegals who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society and students-at-law under their supervision;
• notaries who are members in good standing of the Chambre des notaires du Québec and students-at-law under their supervision.

If you appoint a compensated representative who is not a member in good standing of one of these designated bodies, your application will be returned. Learn about using a representative .

General Application Information

Appoint a representative.

• Check box to indicate if you are appointing a representative to represent you with your application process. Complete sections A, B and D.

Cancel a representative

• Check box to indicate if you are canceling a representative. Complete sections A, C and D; and
• Check both boxes and complete all sections if you are cancelling a representative and appointing a new one at the same time.

Section A – Applicant Information

Write your last name (surname or family name) and given name(s).

Write your date of birth.

• the name of the office where the application was submitted; and
• the type of application you have submitted.

Write your IRCC’s Identification (ID) or Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number (if known). If you have not dealt with IRCC since 1973, you will not have a UCI or a Client ID.

Section B – Appointment of Representative

Write your representative’s full name.

If your representative is a member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), a law society or the Chambre des notaires du Québec , print their name as it appears on the organization’s membership list .

Check one box to indicate if your representative is uncompensated or compensated.

• the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) ; or
• a Canadian provincial or territorial law society ; or
• the Chambre des notaires du Québec .

Write your representative’s contact information.

If you are appointing a student-at-law to represent you, include their supervising lawyer’s information including their membership ID.

Note: By indicating your representative’s e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing IRCC to transmit your file and personal information to this specific e-mail address.

To accept responsibility for conducting business on your behalf, your representative must:

• sign the declaration; and
• date the declaration.

Section C – Cancel the Appointment of a Representative

Fill in this section if you wish to cancel the appointment of a representative. Write the representative’s full name.

Complete all sections of the form if you wish to both cancel a representative and appoint a new one.

Section D – Your Declaration

By signing, you authorize IRCC to complete your request for yourself and your dependent children under 18 years of age.

For sponsorship application, your spouse or common-law partner does not have to complete a separate request. If your spouse or common-law partner is included in this request, they must sign in the box provided.

Release of information to other individuals

To authorize IRCC to release information from your case file to someone other than a representative, you will need to complete the form Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 593.57 KB) .

The person you designate under that form (IMM 5475) will be able to obtain information on your case file, such as the status of your application. However, they will not be able to conduct business on your behalf with IRCC.

Where to submit the IMM 5475 and IMM 5476 forms

Paper applications.

If you have not yet submitted your immigration or citizenship application:

Send this form along with your application to the office listed in the guide of your application.

If you have already submitted your immigration or citizenship application:

You may use this Web form to upload IMM 5475 or IMM 5476.

If you know which IRCC office is processing your immigration or citizenship application, send the completed form to the office mailing address. Consult IRCC office mailing addresses .

Online applications

Upload this form along with your online application

You may use this  Web form  to upload IMM 5475 or IMM 5476.

Notify IRCC about any changes

You must let IRCC know if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.

Step 3: Pay your fees

You must pay a processing fee when you apply.

Visit the Pay your fees page for instructions on how to complete payment online.

In order to retrieve payment instructions on the webpage, select the country you are paying from, then under the application you are submitting select “permanent residence,” and under the document you are applying for select “permanent resident travel document.”

You must include the payment receipt with your application.

The processing fee will not be refunded:

• once we have started processing your application, or
• if your application is refused.

Step 4: Submit your application

If you apply online

When applying online, submit your application and all supporting documents through the permanent residence portal .

If you submit a paper application

If you choose to submit your application on paper, and the country you’re applying from supports paper applications, submit your application to your nearest visa application centre (VAC) .

In a sealed envelope, submit:

• all supporting documents;
• your completed  Application for a Permanent Resident Card or Permanent Resident Travel Document (IMM 5444) ; and
• the  Document Checklist (IMM 5644) .

You must  provide all information and documents when you submit your application.

To find out where to submit your application, visit  Apply for a permanent resident travel document .

Urgent processing for your PRTD application

If you are applying on paper and requesting urgent processing, write "Urgent" on your envelope.

Provide your date of travel and include a supporting document explaining why.

• your own serious illness;
• the serious illness or death of a family member;
• lost/stolen Permanent Resident card while on temporary travel outside of Canada
• you are in a crisis, emergency, or a vulnerable situation;
• a letter explaining the reason for the urgency with your date of travel; and
• proof of urgency (i.e. a doctor's note, death certificate, etc.)

You must provide the English or French translation for any documents that are not English or French. See the section translation of documents .

Note: If you do not send all this information, we may not process your application urgently. If you qualify, we can't guarantee that you will get your PRTD on time.

An officer will decide if you are eligible for a PRTD . A decision is usually made without a personal interview and is based on your application, information and documents submitted.

If your application is complete and you meet the requirements:

• you will be issued a PRTD counterfoil in your passport.

The PRTD is all you need from the visa office for re-entry to Canada.

If your application is incomplete:

• Your application will be returned to you.

If your application for a PRTD is refused:

• you will get a refusal letter, explaining the reasons for the refusal and your appeal rights.

If you decide to appeal a negative decision, follow the instructions in the “Notice of Appeal” form and letter sent with your refusal.

If your application is withdrawn:

• You will get a letter explaining the reasons for the withdrawal.

Calculating days present in Canada

You must meet the residency obligation to qualify for a PRTD.

If you have been a permanent resident for five (5) years or more

• you must have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 730 days within the five (5) years immediately before you apply for a PRTD.

If you have been a permanent resident for less than five (5) years

• you must show that you will be able to meet the minimum of 730 days of physical presence in Canada within five (5) years of the date you became a permanent resident.

Supporting documents showing that you meet the residency obligation

• employment records or pay stubs;
• bank statements;
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment for the five (5) years immediately before the application
• evidence that you received benefits from Canadian government programs;
• rental agreements;
• club memberships;
• or any other documents that prove you met your residency obligation.

Travel journal

Record your trips outside Canada. It will help you fill out your application .

Time spent outside Canada

If you were outside Canada for more than 1095 days, you may count days you spent outside Canada toward the days required for you to meet the residency obligation in these cases:

Situation A. Employment outside Canada

You may count each day you worked outside Canada if your employment meets these requirements:

• a Canadian business
• the public service of Canada
• a province or territory and
• a position outside Canada
• an affiliated enterprise outside Canada or
• a client of the Canadian business or the public service outside Canada

For this application, a Canadian business is defined as:

• a corporation that is incorporated under the laws of Canada or of a province and that has an ongoing operation in Canada
• has an ongoing operation in Canada
• is able to generate revenue
• is carried out in anticipation of profit
• in which a majority of voting or ownership interests is held by Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Canadian businesses as defined above or
• an organization or enterprise created by the laws of Canada or a province

Supporting documents:

• the position and title of the signing official;
• the nature of the business and how it fits the description of a Canadian business (see definition above);
• length of the assignment;
• confirmation that you are a full-time employee of the "Canadian business" working abroad on a full-time basis as a term of your employment, or that you are on contract working abroad on a full-time basis as a term of your contract; and
• a description or copy of the position profile regarding the assignment or contract abroad;
• that you will continue working for the employer in Canada after your assignment ends; and
• that the business was not created mainly for the purpose of meeting your residency obligation.
• articles of incorporation and business licences
• partnership agreements or corporate annual reports
• corporate Canadian Income Tax Notices of Assessment or financial statements
• copies of the Employee Assignment Agreement or Contract
• copies of any agreements between the Canadian business and the business or client outside Canada concerning your assignment to that client or business
• pay statements
• Canadian Income Tax Notice of Assessment for the five years immediately before the application
• any other proof you want us to consider

Situation B. Accompanying a Canadian citizen outside Canada

You may count each day you accompanied a Canadian citizen outside Canada as long as this person is your spouse, common-law partner or parent (if you were a child under 19 years of age before October 24, 2017 or under 22 years of age after October 24, 2017).

Proof needed

You must provide supporting documents to prove that:

• The person you are accompanying is a Canadian citizen; and
• you are the spouse, common-law partner or child of that person.

Supporting documents may include:

• all passports or other travel documents that the person you are accompanying used in the five (5) years before the application;
• documents showing the citizenship of the person you are accompanying, including the date the person became a Canadian citizen;
• proof of the residential addresses of the person you are accompanying for the five (5) years before the application;
• marriage licence or proof of common-law partnership (if you are accompanying a spouse or common-law partner);
• child's birth certificate, baptismal document, or adoption or legal guardianship document (if you are accompanying a parent);
• Canadian Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA) for the past two (2) years
• school or employment records;
• association or club memberships;
• any other documents you want us to consider.

Situation C. Accompanying a permanent resident outside Canada

You may count each day you accompanied a permanent resident outside Canada as long as:

• the person you accompanied is your spouse, common-law partner or parent (if you were a child under 19 years of age before October 24, 2017 or under 22 years of age after October 24, 2017); and
• the person was employed on a full-time basis by a Canadian business or in the public service of Canada or of a province or territory during the time you accompanied them.
• The person you are accompanying is a permanent resident;
• You are the spouse, common-law partner or child of that person; and
• The permanent resident you are accompanying meets the residency obligation.
• documents showing the person you are accompanying meets the residency obligation;
• all passports or other travel documents the person you are accompanying used in the five (5) years before the application
• marriage licence or proof of common-law partnership (if you are accompanying a permanent resident spouse or common-law partner);
• child's birth certificate, baptismal document, or adoption or legal guardianship document (if you are accompanying a permanent resident parent);
• School or employment records;
• Canadian Income Tax Notice of Assessment;

Humanitarian and compassionate grounds

If you cannot meet the residency obligation, it may still be possible to keep your status as a permanent resident of Canada. To assess your application on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, you must show that there were exceptional circumstances or factors beyond your control that have kept you living outside Canada.

Factors that might be acceptable are unusual and undeserved, or disproportionate hardships you would face if you lost your permanent resident status.

To have your application considered on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, you must:

• answer question 5.7 on the application form;
• provide proof that there are compelling humanitarian and compassionate factors in your personal circumstances that justify keeping your permanent resident status;
• describe why you were not able to meet the residency obligation;
• family members who would be directly affected by this decision; and
• the best interests of any child directly affected by this decision, if this applies to you.

While there are no guidelines about the supporting documents to submit, you must provide documents and information on any aspect of your exceptional circumstances that would justify keeping your permanent resident status.

An officer will consider the factors of your case and will make a decision based on the information and documents you provide with your application.

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Free Minor Travel Consent Form

Home » Passports » How to Obtain a U.S. Passport

A minor travel consent form is a legal document, signed by a child's parents and/or legal guardians, giving permission for the child to travel with another adult. Any time a child travels abroad without both parents and/or legal guardians, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the child to have this written permission.

This document is particularly important in international travel situations. It can be used to establish guardianship whether the child is traveling abroad with only one parent or with another trusted adult, such as a family member, friend, or educator.

In today's world, where concerns about child safety are paramount-especially when it comes to child abduction, custody disputes, and human trafficking-a minor travel consent form serves as a protective measure. It provides clear, legally binding, written permission that can be verified by immigration officials, airline staff, or travel companies, to make sure that the child's travel is both safe and authorized.

Without this form, travel may be delayed or denied. Domestic and international authorities need to be able confirm the child's guardianship and obtain the necessary permissions before allowing the child to travel onward.

How to Use the Minor Travel Consent Form

The form available below is a comprehensive template, designed to be easily copy/pasted and adapted in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

Given the critical nature of this document, we also provide a downloadable minor travel consent form in PDF format for your convenience.

It's important to note that while this sample form is a valuable starting point, it should be tailored to fit the specific details and circumstances of your child's travel.

Also be advised that this form does not replace a legal power of attorney document that could be used to make critical medical care decisions on behalf of a child.

This form is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that this form remains current with travel and child safety best practices, reflecting our commitment to providing reliable and authoritative travel resources.

The Legal Implications of Traveling Without a Minor Consent Form

While the minor travel consent form is not a universally required legal document, a child traveling without one can lead to serious complications in many countries. Different nations have their own regulations regarding child travel. Being uninformed or unprepared can quickly lead to distressing situations for both you and your child.

1. International Legal Considerations:

• Country-Specific Requirements Vary: Each country has its own set of rules regarding minors traveling without their parents. For instance, some countries in Europe may require additional documentation, such as a birth certificate or a parental authorization letter, in addition to the travel consent form. You need to be sure your child and their traveling companion(s) comply with all of the requirements for each country they plan to travel to and through.
• Risk of Travel Disruption: Without a consent form, minors traveling abroad may face delays or even denied entry at border control checkpoints. This can lead to missed transportation departures and costly changes to your travel itinerary.
• Embassy and Consulate Involvement: In cases where a minor is detained due to lack of proper documentation, the local embassy or consulate of the child's home country may need to be involved. This can lead to complex legal situations that take significant amounts of tame and/or money to solve.

2. Domestic Legal Implications:

• Airline and Transportation Policies: Within the United States, airlines and other transportation services have specific policies regarding unaccompanied minors (more on this later). Lack of a consent form, even for domestic travel, can result in the child being denied boarding.
• Legal Custody Disputes: In cases of separated or divorced parents, traveling without a consent form can raise legal issues related to custody agreements. It's crucial to understand and adhere to the legal requirements stipulated in custody arrangements to avoid legal repercussions.

A minor travel consent form can help you avoid many of these situations. Before traveling, be sure to research the specific travel requirements of the destination country regarding minor travel. In addition to the resources provided on this site, this can also be done through a country's embassy website or by consulting with travel experts like registered passport expediting services .

In complex situations, such as shared custody or special travel circumstances, consulting with a legal expert can provide clarity and ensure compliance with both domestic and international laws.

Minor Travel Consent Form Notary Requirements

We strongly recommend that you have any child travel consent form notarized. This can prevent issues establishing the authority and credibility of your documentation.

It can be challenging to find and secure the services of a notary in person. Thankfully, it is possible to use an online notary service to notarize your minor travel consent form. This can save you serious time and stress.

We recommend using NotaryLive , a fully-secure, online notirization platform with an "Excellent" rating from TrustPilot . NotaryLive is fast, affordable, and fully compliant with state law, so you can be sure your notarized minor travel consent form is both legal and valid.

Unaccompanied Minors

Airlines have general rules about the ages and circumstances where children can fly alone, too. There are also usually additional fees that come with buying a ticket for a minor that will be traveling without an adult. As part of that extra cost, many airlines offer some additional supervisory and support services to be sure the traveling child is safe and comfortable while traveling on their own.

For more, check out our guide to unaccompanied minors traveling internationally . There, you will find details about the considerations, accommodations, and policies that apply to kids traveling internationally without an adult parent or guardian.

More Tips for Parents of Minors Traveling Abroad

Besides proper documentation, there are other ways to help a child have a safe international trip. Any time your child is traveling without you, give yourself peace of mind by taking these proactive steps.

Be Proactive In Shared Custody Situations

Parents who share custody of their children should each carry copies of the legal custody documents. You can also contact the embassy of the country or countries the minor child will be visiting to confirm travel entry requirements. This proactive step can help avoid issues at border crossings and during the child's stay abroad.

A simple notarized statement, such as the one below, should suffince in most cases.

"I, [PARENT NAME] acknowledge that [SPOUSE NAME] is traveling out of the country with my [SON/DAUGHTER] whom we share custody of. This authorization gives [SPOUSE NAME] my full permission to do so.

Use a GPS Tracker to Keep Track of Your Child While Abroad

GPS technology makes it possible to pinpoint a person's exact location, anywhere in the world. If your child is traveling without you, it makes sense to keep a GPS tracker on their person so that you know where they are. You can also use additional trackers to help keep tabs on your child's luggage or other valuables.

• Apple AirTags are small, inexpensive GPS tags that can be purchased individually or in packs of 4 . They use bluetooth connectivity and the vast number of Apple users across the globe to create a reliable GPS tracking network. Using your iPhone or Apple device, you can ping any AirTag that is linked to your AppleID and locate it quickly. Thanks to its small size, an AirTag can easily be tucked into luggage, sewn into a child's clothing, or stashed in a travel wallet.
• JioBit is an all-in-one GPS tracking system specifically designed for tracking your child. While it is more expensive than Apple AirTags, JioBit is a durable and secure alternative-particularly useful for those who don't already have an Apple device.

Use a Parent-Controlled Debit Card

Traveling costs add up. Everything from food, transportation, lodging, and fun comes with a price. If your child is traveling without you, you want to be sure they have the money they need, but also that it is being protected.

There are a number of debit cards that allow parents to keep an eye on their child's spending as well as their remaining balance. Should your child and their card become separated, you have the ability to prevent unauthorized purchases and possibly even get a replacement sent to wherever your child is staying.

Traveling with minors requires careful planning and a strict adherence to both American and international laws. This guide and the minor travel consent form we have shared are designed to provide you with the necessary information and tools to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for your child. Whether your child is traveling with a guardian, as part of a group, or alone, the right preparation can make all the difference.

Remember, the safety and well-being of your child are paramount. By staying informed about the latest travel regulations and using our resources, you can confidently prepare for your child's next trip. If you have any further questions or need personalized advice, our team of travel experts is always here to assist you. Safe travels!

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Our website currently receives over half a million visitors a month. We are committed to going the "extra mile" for all of our readers. Both passport officials and website visitors frequently write to express gratitude for the assistance we provide.

Please contact us if you have any travel related questions - especially ones about passports and visa expediting. We usually respond to e-mails within 24 hours, oftentimes the same day. We are committed to working with you until you get the answer you need.

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Permission To Travel and Travel Consent Letters And Why You Need Them

Article By: Kyle McCarthy

Adults traveling outside the U.S. with children under 18, other than their own, must have a Permission or minor travel consent letter from both of the minors’ guardians. The travel consent letter also covers a child traveling internationally with only one birth parent, one guardian, grandparents or other adults. This written and notarized Permission to Travel Letter from both birth parents, same sex couples, or legal guardians is required to enter many countries, even on a cruise ship’s shore excursions.

“In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling on same sex marriage,” comments a State Department official, “the two parent consent requirement for passport issuance, that all legal parents/guardians of a child, as determined by state law, must consent to passport issuance, remains the same. The validity of consent to travel letters meant for foreign countries or airlines is outside the scope of the State Department.” Learn more in this video:

Travel Documents and Travel Consent Letters Help Protect our Kids

This requirement for an affidavit for children traveling outside their home country was not invented by the Department of State; in fact, it’s due to the enhanced awareness of children’s rights raised by the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction . The Dept of State explains, “The Convention is a valuable civil law mechanism for parents seeking the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside their country of habitual residence by another parent or family member. Parents seeking access to children residing in treaty partner countries may also invoke the Convention. The Convention is critically important because it establishes a legal framework between partner countries to resolve parental abduction cases. The Department of State’s Office of Children’s Issues serves as the Central Authority for the United States under the Convention.”

Offer your family further protection with a solid travel insurance policy. Kids are insured for free through Allianz when traveling with a parent or grandparent.

As of May 2017, this treaty created to deter international child abductions is in force between the United States and 76 other countries and territories, including Canada and Mexico.

Nevertheless, international child abduction stories are in the news all the time. To stop these tragic crimes, and prevent the transport of runaways or children involved in child-custody disputes, American carriers have been told to require special documents such as Permission to Travel Letters from adults departing the U.S. with minors. Note that the country of South Africa has recently revised its entry requirements for minors traveling by air, sea or land into and through the country. A full list of Requirements for Minors Travelling Internationally to South Africa can be viewed here.

Additionally, rising health care costs and legal issues have forced many medical providers to deny medical care to minors without proper Medical Authorization forms. Increasingly, written permission or affidavits from guardians who carry the minor’s insurance coverage as well as proof of that medical insurance coverage are required at emergency care facilities.

Learn more about travel consent letters and how to understand them.

The same regulations apply to minors under 18 who are leaving the United States with school groups, teen tours, or just friends on a vacation. Sports teams and academic study programs require a similar Minor Consent to Travel form.

Read on for tips on how to make this paperwork less of a burden, or just fill in the form to to obtain sample documents you can print out and fill in.

Get Blank Permission to Travel, Minors & Medical Authorization Forms

Remember, having these essential documents for travel with minors could save your next vacation. FTF provides these documents free of charge but asks that you subscribe to our travel alerts e-mail list to keep up to date with ever-changing regulations. You may unsubscribe at any time. We do not sell, barter or trade your personal information. Read Family Travel Forum’s Privacy Policy if you have concerns.

Please complete the following form, then check your email inbox or spam filter. You will be asked to confirm your email address, then will be sent a second email with links to download a Permission to Travel and Medical Treatment Authorization Letter you can fill out and use. Keep blank copies to use on future trips.

Please fill in this form to request Travel Documents by email, and check your spam filter if you do not receive them within a few minutes. Safe Travels!

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• Essential Documents

Canada Requirements for Minor Consent Letters

The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade reminds visitors that, “Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders. Make sure you carry the proper identification for yourself and any children traveling with you, including any documents that might be required by the authorities of the country you intend to visit, and by Canadian authorities on your return to Canada with the child.”

Canada regulations request that adults entering the country with minors also carry a photocopy of the signature page of the passport belonging to the guardian who signed the permission to travel letter.

Although minors under 16 may enter Canada from the U.S. by land or sea with only a photocopy of their U.S. birth certificate, the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) notes that children under age 18 must carry notarized travel permission letters if they are traveling without their parents.

Getting a U. S. Passport or Foreign Passport for a Minor

To enforce the Hague Convention provisions, the U.S. Department of State requires that every citizen, no matter the age , traveling outside the US by air carry her own passport and appear in person to apply for one. The very strictly enforced guidelines to get a passports for a minor require the presence of both parents, with photo ID and proof of parentage, or one parent’s appearance with a notarized statement of consent from the second parent or legal guardian.

Exceptions are made if there’s documented evidence that a minor has only one guardian; for example, divorce papers, death certificate, adoption papers or a lawyer’s letter would indicate that the presence of one legal guardian is sufficient. This is a complex issue, explained in more detail in FTF’s Passport Guide or on the U.S. Passport Office .

If child custody issues are a concern for you, the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program provides notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children, and denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with the CPIAP. The Office of Children’s Issues will provide more information.

Citizens of other countries must check with their own country’s embassy, as passport issuance laws have become more strict all over the world. Many destinations now require that all foreign nationals entering their country have a passport that is valid at least six months after the planned date of departure.

If you’re planning a foreign vacation, start the passport process early. United States’ security and border regulations change frequently and the increased number of passport applications means a processing backlog at the National Passport Center.

Visas & Travel Documents for Minors

In an era of heightened global security, many foreign countries are revising their visa and documentation procedures as well. Laura Tischler, a spokesman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State advises families: “Contact the embassy of your destination country or study the Consular Information Sheets provided at travel.state.gov to find out what that country’s requirements will be in terms of documentation, in order to bring a child into the country.”

A March 2019 report by Scott McCartney in the Wall St. Journal noted some other documents which might prove essential, depending on the destination. These include an original, raised stamp birth certificate for each minor in your party, extra passport photos on white backgrounds, plus about US$50 in small bills so that you can purchase entry visas on the spot. Be sure to assign a neighbor or relative back home the responsibility of retrieving some of these documents and sending them, if you need them after departure.

As one of our editors and her son discovered while checking in for an American Airlines flight to Cancun, Mexican law requires that if only one parent or non-custodial adult(s) is accompanying a minor under 18 from Mexico, he/she must carry a notarized Permission to Travel Letter (also known as a Parental Consent Letter) from the child’s other parent(s) or guardian(s) granting permission to leave Mexico with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult’s name, contact information, and a notarized signature.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, although the regulations are very specific, immigration officers often ask for a Consent Letter in much broader circumstances. They recommend “ all minors traveling without both parents carry a notarized consent letter at all times in the event airline or Mexican immigration officials request one” .

All the airlines follow this protocol. The US Airways website confirms that they enforce this during the check-in process with the posted rule: “If adult passengers do not have the proper documents, as defined by the U.S. Department of State guidelines, boarding is denied in order to comply with international regulations and the foreign immigration process.”

In another incident concerning a press trip to Brazil, FTF’s staff learned that some countries require a notarized original copy of the Permission to Travel Letter before even accepting a visa application for minors. Many countries also require that the authorization notes are in the national language of the country and notarized and authenticated by the nation’s embassy or consulate. For information on the requirements for travel to a specific country by an American citizen, visit US Department of State and navigate to the International Travel Information page. When in doubt about the information, it’s best to call the Visa Section of the embassy or consulate of your intended destination.

What Permission To Travel or Consent to Travel Letters Do

A consular officer at the U.S. Office of Children’s Issues verified that many countries require a Permission to Travel letter with parents’ notarized signatures, plus identification for the child (certified birth certificate or passport), and that both are essential.

Consular Information Sheets issued by the U. S. Department of State (which does not make these regulations) often carry this warning: “In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.”

A CBP spokesperson recommends that all travelers read the helpful online resource “ Know Before You Go .”

Childrens Travel Permission Letters Required for Cruises Too

Such concerns apply not only to air and land travel, but to cruise travel as well. Carnival , for example, requires the notarized Permission to Travel Letter for any children debarking in Mexico, if only on a half-day shore excursion, so it’s smart to check ahead with your cruise company. Mexican Consular Officer Hebe Cue advises, “In case of weather or other cruise delay, it’s better if adults have the notarized permission letter. In any case, it is required for American minors entering Mexico by air, no matter how long their stay.” At Royal Caribbean, an agent interviewed about Canada-bound cruises suggested single parents or other adults traveling with a minor carry notarized documentation, “to be on the safe side.”

An officer at the Canadian Tourism Commission agreed: “Canadian customs officers, who are the primary line of inspection for visitors, may require a notarized statement from both parents when they find a child under 18 traveling alone or with other adults. All carriers, including air, sea and land, can be fined for bringing people into Canada without the proper documentation.”

Obtaining a Free Permission to Travel Letter Form

We recommend you download FTF’s sample “Permission To Travel” letter, so you can print it out, fill it in, have it notarized, and carry it with you on all future international travels. We are often asked if notarizing the document is necessary, especially by Canadian families, who pay much higher notary fees than those in the U.S. According to the Canada Consular Affairs Office , “It is strongly recommended that children traveling alone or with one parent carry a travel consent letter for every trip abroad. It is advisable to have the consent letter certified, stamped, or sealed by an official with the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned.”

Tip: Notarize several copies of the Permission to Travel Letter at the same time if you are applying for foreign visas. Carry two copies with you on your vacation in case a border official at either end asks to keep a copy. (It has happened to FTF families.)

Regardless of where you travel outside the United States , when you are crossing a border by land, sea or air you will need to have proper identification documents for each traveler in addition to the above letters.  Please see the Department of Homeland Security Site if you are unsure about the type of ID documents you and your family need.

Travel Prepared to Avoid Confusion

Thorough documentation is especially important in situations such as travelers or guardians with different last names than each other or the minor. FTF also recommends that birth parents who have different surnames than their child carry a photocopy of the child’s birth certificate while traveling, providing legal evidence of “guardianship” in case of trouble.

Same sex couples, and adoptive, divorced or widowed parents should carry certified custody or death certificates, adoption papers, or other proof of sole custody, as well as photo identification for themselves and the child.

Although travel agents and, occasionally, the fine print on a brochure, are supposed to notify families that airlines, cruise lines and bus tours may require proper documentation — or deny boarding — the paperwork can, and often does, slip between the cracks.

We find that travel insurance — trip-protection and health coverage that many travel experts find essential (and many many vacationers are reluctant to purchase) — is important, too.

For more information, contact your attorney or a professional travel agent. The staff at the FTF office (+1 212/595-6074), while not attorneys, are happy to help answer any questions.

On vacation, travel prepared. It’s better to be safe than sorry.</p?

And most importantly, safe there and safe home!

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

48 Replies to “Permission To Travel and Travel Consent Letters And Why You Need Them”

Hello Vinay, If you are the sole legan guardian of a minor child and have a copy of those papers that will travel with the child, you do not need the other guardian/birth parent’s consent. Carry a copy of the papers with you and the child as well as your passports. Please call the airline you are traveling with to make sure they put this information into your passenger record. You may want to check with the U.S. Dept of State regarding any special permission to travel to the Philippines. Please see this page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Philippines.html Safe travels! FTF Editor

Hello, Do I need the fathers consent to travel to the Philippines from USA? I have awarded sole legal decision making authority and Im the primary custodian and the father has only visitation. I know if I ask him he will not sign any consent form, and we also have domestic violence case and criminal judge put a no contact order for us and I also filed a restraining order against him though it’s expiring soon. Pls help me, thank you. Vinay

Hello Daniel, thanks for your inquiry. The immigration authorities don’t like open-ended documents. If you believe the travel dates will fall within a six-month period, we suggest that you list the dates that make up six months; ie. June 6-Nov.. 7, 2020. This way, your child and the adult traveling with them will be covered for any dates within that period.

Is filling out the Departure and Return dates on the document absolutely necessary upfront? What if we are wanting to fill out the form but the travel dates are unknown currently. We know it will be “within the next 6 months” for example.

How long is a consent letter valid? I have generic consent to travel from 3/2019. Dad has been in Wyoming since last Nov.

Really informative article. thanks!

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This blog about Learn More About Travel Permission and Travel Consent Letters for Kids, is a very usefull and i will share it!

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. 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.

thanks for the information

Good morning there, I live in Oakland, California last May I went to my country and legally married with my boyfriend. Now we are spouses but I don’t know how to change my marital status here in California. I am actually pregnant with his baby. Am I going to be able to put my husband on his birth certificate? If so, do I need a consent letter to take the baby with him? I am planning to travel and leave to baby with him for a year so I can bring them with me.

I’m traveling with my two kids to Florida where I’d meet with my bf and then driving to Disney.

On the consent letter do I have to include that I’m meeting with my bf then we’re road tripping to Disney from another city within Florida ?

We are so sorry to hear about your family’s loss and hope that the safeguards in place can help prevent more tragedies like this one. Thank you for sharing your story.

Just a little note as far as the Hague convention act. My sons wife abducted there little boy 3yrs ago and still no help from our state department. With a little research I found there has been 50 children abducted to Brazil and not one has been RETURNED through the state department.

Jesus, these letters are specified by the U.S. Department of State for entering or leaving the U.S. with minors. If your sister is a Mexican citizen and traveling as a minor only within Mexico, please refer to this website: https://www.gob.mx/inm for more information. Safe travels!

My sister that is 12 yrs of age is traveling from Tijuana Mexico to Durunago Mexico with our uncle does she need a letter of any sort ?

Reader CCL wrote to FTF after receiving her forms: “May I assume that this will work in our case? My granddaughter and I both live in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. We will travel to Minnesota together where she will attend a summer camp while I stay with friends. Then we will return together to Mexico. We both have US passports. Thank you. Colleen C.L.”

We replied: “Hello Colleen,

Thank you for your note. We are not attorneys, and in this instance, you are doing the reverse of what most of our readers do. However, the rules still apply and the carrier that is transporting you and your granddaughter to the US would be responsible for checking your papers.

I would recommend checking with them – airline or cruise company – to be sure. Additionally, since it’s you and your minor, please be sure to get a medical authorization letter (does not have to be notarized) from the legal guardians/health insurance policy holders, plus a photocopy of the insurance card, just in case anything happens to her at camp. Most U.S. camps would require proof of health insurance coverage for each camper as well.

Please get in touch if you have any other questions and safe travels”

Thank you for your note. According to the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/minor-children-travelling-canada.html a visitor is considered a minor if under the age of 18, and does require a notarized consent letter from both guardians to enter the country. In your case, you would have to provide this signed and notarized letter to your ex-husband for the trip.

S.A. writes: Hello, my children are visiting their dad My ex husband who lives in Washington next week… They are going to drive to Canada for the day… I have a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old and a 21-year-old… Do I need a certified letter to allow him to take them across the border?

User JC emailed us to ask: “Thank you so much for sending the forms. I will be taking my 16-year-old niece from California to South America in June. I definitely want to get all the forms taken care of by May. Her parents are going through a difficult divorce and it may be tough to get both of them to use one form and go to the same location together to get it notarized. Can I use one form for the mother and one for the father and they can get their own form notarized. “

Thank you for your note and congratulations on planning this exciting trip with your niece. We are not attorneys and cannot offer legal advice, but we suggest you contact the transportation carrier for this trip.

Whether it’s an airline, cruise company, etc that is transporting the minor across international borders, they are responsible for collecting these forms. If, for example, there is an issue and the minor had to be repatriated, that company would bear the cost of transportation and also pay a fine. Since they are responsible, I think it’s best to ask them if they will accept two notarized forms, with the same travel dates and information, for one child on one trip. Make sure they add a note in your travel record so that other company representatives know this was discussed.

Alternatively, your niece’s parents may know the same notary (often a bank clerk or real estate agent) who may agree to hold onto the form until both parents have come in to sign it. Don’t forget to get a Medical Authorization Letter (one of the sample forms, does not need to be notarized) from the parent holding her health insurance policy in case your niece needs treatment, and safe travels!

Hello, I am 21 years Old and I want to go outside the country for vacation with my 2 years old sister, I am not her guardian so whats the requirment for travel?? Thanks

Although you are an adult sibling, you will need a Permission to Travel Letter notarized by your sister’s birth parents or guardians to enter many countries. It should name you as her guardian for the period of travel. It’s also good to have a Medical Authorization Letter (available at the same email as you request the others) in case she needs care when she is in your care, as her guardian.

Safe travels!

Member C. Boonsong writes:  Dose this FTF form can use travel to Vietnam?

FTF Reply, posted by Admin:

Yes, these forms are good if you are traveling between countries with a minor child under 18 years of age. However, Vietnam requires a visa for entry for citizens of many countries.  If you are a U.S. citizen, please check this Vietnam page on the Department of State website for details.

If you are a citizen of another country, please look online for visa information from your own home foreign office.

We received this note from a user and want to share it so others can learn from it: “ I am traveling to SE Asia with my 15 year old son. We adopted him from Russia. Do I need proof of adoption to travel to these countries? “

Our reply: “If the minor child is not traveling with all legal guardians, the missing guardians will have to complete a Permission to Travel Letter for that child, which should be accompanied by adoption papers that explain the child’s legal status.”

Let us know if you are affected by the same issue, and maybe we can help.

Questions from D.V.: I recently requested travel documents (Permission To Travel Letter, Consent for Minor Travel Form); My question is, can I still use these outlines if my child is traveling by herself (She is 17 years old) without either parents or anyone else? Is it okay to use the templates but leave the spaces provided that asks who will be accompanying them blank? Thank you in advance.

FTF Answer: I think you may be better off using this other form called Unaccompanied Minor Travel Authorization – and call her a Solo Traveler.  If you have trouble filling it out, you can use the other Consent Letter form and in the spaces that ask who is accompanying her, put in Solo Traveler.  We think  it will be fine, but you can also double-check with her airline.

Question from D.V.: do both parents need to sign at the same time (same paper and date)or can each parent have their own signature notarized on different pieces of paper (and dates)?

FTF Answer: Different signatures on two forms would probably work, but make sure to give your daughter a copy of her birth certificate proving the names of her legal guardians so those forms are connected to each other. If you have plenty of time, it’s probably best to get one form signed, then mail it to the other birth parent for signature on the same document. Some border officials who don’t speak English may not understand her situation.

C.S. of Washington DC writes:   “I the parent have sole legal and physical custody of my 9 year old, that is how I had my divorce decree worded so maybe I don’t even need this consent form from other parent? Any thoughts?”

FTF is posting this reply for general interest:

“We are not attorneys, but in our experience, a sole legal custodian with papers traveling outside the US with a minor child does not need a written letter of consent from anyone else.  However, it is up to the transportation company to accept your papers — whether it’s an airline, bus, train or cruise ship.     You would be best to ask them what papers they require and if they say they will accept your sole custody papers with the child’s papers (child must have their own passport), ask them to make a note in your Passenger Record so that there’s no trouble when checking in.”

• admin February 23, 2014 at 2:17 pm J. of PA writes:  Your site is great! But I have a question. I was married and we got divorced and ten years later we got back together (just never remarried) I got pregnant…  Child is now almost five. The birth certificate reads father not listed unknown.  I do have my sons passport (had no problems getting it because father name not on bc) … Anyway, my question is what do I do for the consent letter? We never went to court or nothing as I work and raise child alone. … so my question is would I have any issues traveling with my child?  If a father name is not on any documentation do I need a consent form?  Is this a matter that needs to be handled by an attorney? If so, do u recommend a certain one?     FTF replies:  Thank you for your note.  We are not attorneys at Family Travel Forum, so cannot offer you legal advice. However, in our experience of traveling, we have heard that parents with a child whose birth certificate only has one name on it do not need any further documentation to travel across borders with that minor child. They are considered the sole legal custodians of that child.  In your case, you mention that you were previously divorced from the child’s birth father. If that is the case, perhaps you have legal papers showing your divorced status that you could use if any border or customs official questioned this situation. In any case, it is the carrier you choose (airline or cruise company for example) who will require that you provide evidence of guardianship for the child. If you are planning a vacation, perhaps a cruise that will cross borders such as one from Florida that calls at Mexican ports, you can call the cruise line reservations operators, and ask them if your documentation  is enough to board the ship. The  transportation companies should be the ones responsible for examining your travel documents, so if they approve it, you should be fine to travel with him.     The moderator has shared this email exchange, in part, so that the questions and answers may be of help to others in a similar situation. Thank you.

Thank you so much for making our forthcoming trip so much easier.  It is an emergency trip not a pleasure one and your help at a distressful time is much appreciated.

Sent by reader W.T.

Good morning,

I wanted to give you some feedback….  We went to your site to determine what documentation was needed for my grandson to travel with me to Canada, and printed out two forms.  We had one of the forms notarized as suggested, and set out on our trip the next day.  When we arrived at the border, I was told we did not have proper identification!  The page we had been working from on your site did not say anything about a birth certificate or photo ID, which they said I should have had.  PLEASE amend that page to say something like…  “ In addition to a birth certificate and photo ID , these other documents are recommended…” 

Thank you so much for your responsiveness.  You may mention this on other pages on your site, but it really should also be on the documentation page.

it has been a great piece of information regarding travelling i am sure many people will utiliza this information

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My family and I are wanting to move to Costa Rica here in the next few years.  The problem is, is that I am a single mother of a little boy of whom I have no idea who the father is.  He is not on the birth certificate, and I don't know his name, if I still can prove I'm the mother can we still leave without any problems?

thanks, Ashley

Hi Ashley,   To travel outside the U.S. with a minor child you will first need to get that child a passport.  If you are applying in the US for a US passport, you will need a notarized permission letter from both guardians (unless you have sole custody papers) to apply for one;  you can read more about passports at this story – http://www.myfamilytravels.com/how/advice/11037-Passport-Adventure-Acquiring-Your-Passport.html There is also a phone number of the passport help line there to call for more information.   If your minor child already has a passport, and you have sole custody of the child, you should be able to travel  without a problem. However, for relocation or immigration for longer stays than a tourist visa allows, you must ask that question at the Costa Rica Embassy / Visa office in Washinton DC.  You can call them at (202) 328-6628 and ask about their immigration procedures.   We are not immigation attorneys but we hope this is helpful to you.  Good luck!

Thank you for the documents.   I have a few questions, and hoping you can help me.  First, some background.  My 3 minor boys live with their mother in Illinois, USA, I live in Switzerland.  We are divorced, she has physical custody of children but we both have joint custody.  They will be visiting first Puerto Rico (US posession) for 2 weeks, and then will visit Switzerland for 2 weeks to visit me.  During the travel from Illinois ISA to Puerto Rico, and then from Puerto Rico to Switzerland, and then from Switzerland back to Illinois, they will be traveling only with their nanny (neither mom or dad will accompany them).  Given this scenario:   1) What is the difference between the first letter (Permission to Travel) and third letter (Unaccompanied Minor Travel Authorization) below?  Should both be completed? 2) How do we notarize when both mother and father live in different continents?  Can the same paper be notarized individually in each country?

Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.   thanks jose

Hello Jose,

First, let me say we are not attorneys, but we can offer some advice based on experience.  The transport companies (airlines in your case) are the ones who really care about these papers because they are the ones that are fined if they transport you and the children without the proper documentation and they are responsible for sending everyone back if the guardian does not have the correct papers.  So, your airlines may be a help in answering your questions.

On our end, we recommend using the first form letter you got; the 3rd form letter is very similar but is usually used by an adult hosting groups, such as teachers taking kids on a teen tour.

We suggest you give your nanny 2 original Permission to Travel Letters,  with the 3 children named, and listed as going to each destination (complete itinerary with dates for Puerto Rico and Switzerland).  She should carry extra photocopies of the Permission Letter signed by both of you, and notarized, as well as copies of your joint custodial papers.  She should also have the Medical Authorization Letter in case the children require any medical care while they're en route.

If you have enough lead time, the best option is to have each parent sign and notarize 2 original Permission to Travel Letters and send them to the other parent for signature.  I don't know the procedure for notarizing a document in Europe but if you both try at the same time, there's a good chance that one of you will succeed at getting both signatures on the same letter.  We've had this question often from military families and they can FedEx the letters to each other.

I hope this information is helpful and I wish your children a safe trip, Kyle McCarthy

Thanks! Form was helpful, made it easier. Glad to have found you!

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传奇私服

Lisa – Sorry about your loss. You should call The Office of Children's Issues (888/407-4747) at the State Department in Washington DC to determine next steps.

My husband ex-wife died this morning in Mexico and has their children in Mexico with her. How can we bring them back to the United States? We are desperatly seeking help.

thanks for explaining this clearly. it's such a hassle but I am glad to know the reasons behind it and of course want to keep our kids safe from the predators.

Valuable information and excellent design you got here! I would like to thank you for sharing your thoughts and time into the stuff you post!! Thumbs up!

Thanks for posting this article. I'm definitely frustrated with struggling to search out pertinent and intelligent commentary on this subject. Everybody now goes to the very far extremes to either drive home their viewpoint that either:  everyone else in the planet is wrong, or two that everyone but them does not really understand the situation. Many thanks for your succinct, relevant insight.

Valuable information! I am looking forward to get some more info from your notes.

Valuable information! Looking forward to seeing your notes posted.

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Travel Consent Letter: Is It Legally Required?

In case your child travels abroad, it is recommended to notarize a  Travel Consent Letter. All-Canada Notary can help you with notarization of your child’s consent letter. It can be notarized online / remotely  or in-person in one of our offices by a licensed notary public. 

What Is a Travel Consent Letter?

A travel consent letter is a document that provides authorization from a parent or guardian for a child to travel alone or with someone other than their parents.

Is a Travel Consent Letter Legally Required?

While a consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, some other countries may refuse to allow your child to enter if the consent letter is not provided. It can simplify travel for Canadian children as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials or airline agents when re-entering Canada. The Government of Canada strongly recommends that this is done.

Do I Need to Notarize a Travel Consent Letter?

A notarization for the letter is not a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended by the Canadian government. Because notaries have the legal power to verify that signatures are true and genuine, your consent to travel letter is more likely to be accepted as authentic by immigration authorities.

Please do not sign any documents required to be notarized or commissioned until you meet our notary public, as we need to see you sign the document as required by law.

Can This Letter Be Notarized Online?

The travel consent letters can be notarized online. You can book an appointment with us today and have your consent letter notarized remotely. Book an appointment here

When Is A Travel Consent Letter Required?

There are certain conditions that require the child to have a travel consent form to travel outside the country. Some of the conditions include:

• When children are traveling alone without a parent or a guardian.
• If a child is traveling with only one legal parent.
• When the child is traveling with a legal guardian.
• If the child is traveling with a group for a school or college outing.

Minors Travelling within Canada

Minors (individuals under 18 years of age) should carry identification when traveling within Canada. While a passport is not mandatory for domestic travel, it is highly recommended, especially for air travel. Other accepted forms of identification for minors may include a birth certificate, citizenship card, or provincial/territorial identification card.

Can You Use a Copy of the Consent Letter Or Original?

It is generally recommended that the person accompanying a child carries the original signed letter rather than a copy.  While officials may accept a copy of the letter, having the original document can help establish the authenticity and legitimacy of the letter.

At What Age Consent Letter Is Not Required?

The age of majority is generally 18 years old in most provinces and territories, including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. However, there are a few exceptions:  In Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, the age of majority is 19 years old .

Because the definition of a child varies from country to country, so any child under 19 years old should carry a consent letter.

What Should a Child Travel Consent Letter Contain?

A child travel consent form in Canada should contain the following information:

• Child’s Information: Full name, date of birth, and passport information (if applicable) of the child traveling.
• Parent/Guardian Information: Full name, address, contact information, and relationship to the child of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) providing consent.
• Travel Details: Dates of travel, destination(s), purpose of travel, and mode of transportation (flight, train, etc.).
• Accompanying Adult(s): Full name, address, contact information, and relationship to the child of the adult(s) who will be accompanying the child during the trip.
• Consent Statement: A clear and unambiguous statement indicating that the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) consent to the child traveling with the accompanying adult(s) for the specified period and purpose.
• Notarization: The consent form should be notarized or witnessed by a legal authority, such as a lawyer or notary public. This adds credibility and authenticity to the document.
• Contact Information: Provide emergency contact information for the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Copies of Supporting Documents: It is advisable to attach copies of the child’s birth certificate, passport, and any other relevant identification documents.
• Additional Instructions: Any specific instructions or restrictions related to the child’s travel, such as medical conditions, allergies, or necessary medications, should be clearly stated.

Who Should Sign the Consent Letter?

Generally, if a child is traveling with only one parent or without either parent, it is recommended to have a travel consent letter signed by the non-accompanying parent . In cases where the child is traveling with someone other than their parents, both parents may need to provide a travel consent letter.

If neither parent is accompanying the child, they can both sign 1 letter or they can each sign a separate letter. Children from the same family who are travelling together may be listed on 1 (one) letter

If Parents Separated or Divorced

Parents who are not accompanying the child travelling outside Canada and who have 1 of the following:

• custody of the child
• decision-making responsibility for the child
• guardianship of the child (in Alberta and British Columbia

If One of The Parents Is Deceased?

It is preferable for the parent travelling with the child to carry a copy of the death certificate.

Should Witness Sign a Consent Letter?

Canada does not require a travel consent letter to be signed by a witness. However, any adult may witness the signing of a consent letter.

What Are the Other Names for the Document?

Child Travel Consent Letter, Children’s International Travel Consent Letter, Consent Letter for Child Traveling Abroad, International Travel Consent Letter, Minor Travel Consent Letter

Does the Length of the Trip Matter?

It is recommended to have a travel consent letter for a child, even if their trip abroad is for a single day.

Do Teens Need Travel Consent Letters?

As mentioned above, a minor is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory they live in). This means that teens travelling abroad will also benefit from carrying a notarized travel consent letter

What If There Is Not a Father On the Birth Certificate?

If the birth certificate does not include the father’s information , a consent letter is unnecessary. However, the long form birth certificate will need to be presented, stating that there is only one parent.

Now, you must have a clear knowledge about why and when the travel consent letters are essential. It is important not just for the safety of the kids but also for the parents. Parents can also be assured of their kids going with a known guardian or group of people for international trips or outings. It has helped the Canadian government suppress child abduction and other heinous crimes against kids.

To help you with it, All-Canada Notary is here to assist you with Notary Public Services. We have the best team of professionals to look after your needs at an affordable rate. For more information, you can visit the  website  and book an  online appointment  today!

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Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Canada - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Read the Country Information page for additional information on travel to Canada.

If you decide to travel to Canada: 

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Canada.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.  Exercise normal precautions in Canada.

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

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Not required for stays under 180 days

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Ottawa

490 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1G8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (613) 688-5335 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (613) 238-5335 Fax:  +1 (613) 688-3082 Email:   [email protected]

The Ottawa consular district includes the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont in Eastern Ontario, and those parts of the Québec regions of Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue near Ottawa.

U.S. Consulate General Montreal

1134 Rue Ste- Catherine West Montréal, Quebec H3B 1H4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (514) 398-9695 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 645-9124 Fax:  +1 (514) 398-9748 Email:  [email protected]

The Montreal consular district includes Greater Montreal and the regions of Southern Quebec Province (Laurentides, Lanaudiere, Laval, Montreal, Montregie, Estrie, and the southern parts of Centre-du-Quebec), including Joliete, Drummondville, and Sherbrooke.

U.S. Consulate General Toronto

360 University Ave Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4 Canada Telephone:  +1 (416) 595-1700 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (416) 201-4056 Fax:  +1 (416) 595-5466 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes the province of Ontario except for the counties of Kingston, Lanark, Leeds, Prescott, Refrew, Russell, and Stormont, which are served by the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa.

U.S. Consulate General Vancouver

1075 West Pender Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 2M6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (604) 685-4311 Fax:  +1 (604) 685-7175 Email:  [email protected]

The consular district includes British Columbia and the Yukon Territory.

U.S. Consulate General Halifax

Purdy's Wharf Tower II 1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3R7 Canada Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (902) 429-2480, Press 1 Email:  [email protected]

The Halifax consular district includes New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and the French islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

U.S. Consulate Winnipeg

201 Portage Avenue, Suite 860 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3K6 Canada Telephone:  +1 (204) 940-1800 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 and press "0" for assistance (Consulate General Calgary) Fax:  +1 (204) 940-1809

The Consulate in Winnipeg provides only emergency services for U.S. citizens. Routine services such as visas, passports and notarials are handled at other U.S. Consulates General, primarily Calgary.

U.S. Consulate General Quebec  2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin (Vieux Quebec, behind Chateau Frontenac) Quebec, Quebec G1R 4T9 Canada Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2095 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +1 (418) 692-2096 Fax:  +1 (418) 692-4640 Email:   [email protected]

The consular district includes Quebec City and those regions of Quebec Province to the North and East of the Montreal and Ottawa Districts (indicated above) – to include the area around Saguenay/Lac Saint-Jean, Rimouski and the Gaspé Peninsula – as well as the Territory of Nunavut.

U.S. Consulate General Calgary  615 Macleod Trail S.E., 10th Floor Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 Canada Telephone:  +1 (403) 266-8962 Fax:  +1 (403) 264-6630 Email:   [email protected] The consular district includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories, excluding Nunavut.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

For tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas. Other types of travel generally require visas. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current information.

If you have a criminal record, you may be unable to enter Canada. To determine whether you are criminally inadmissible and get information about how to overcome this finding, refer to the  IRCC website .  Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officials determine if you can enter Canada in accordance with Canadian law.  

Travel Programs:  Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the  NEXUS trusted traveler program .

Entry into Canada:  Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.

Entry into the United States:  When traveling by air from Canada, U.S. citizens must present a U.S. passport book or other approved identification document. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website provides a full list of allowable documents.

Travel with Minors:  If you plan to travel to Canada with a minor for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require a letter of authorization from the minor’s parents or legal guardian(s). Please refer to the  CBSA website  for more details.

Private Boaters Entering Canada:  Canadian law requires all foreign private boaters, including recreational vessels, to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada to the CBSA. See the  CBSA website  for relevant reporting requirements.

Private Boaters Exiting Canada: Boaters may report their arrival to the United States or apply for a registered boater program using the CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile (CBP ROAM) app. Please visit the  CBP ROAM webpage for more information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to Canada. For information on restrictions for HIV positive foreign residents of Canada visit the IRCC website .

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

911 is the emergency telephone number in Canada.

Crime: Although Canada generally has a lower crime rate than the United States, violent crimes occur throughout the country, especially in urban areas. Criminals may target parked cars, especially in large cities and popular tourist destination, for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts. Do not leave unattended possessions in a vehicle, even in the trunk. Some jurisdictions such as Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver may fine you for leaving your car doors unlocked or for leaving valuables in view. Pickpockets may target you, especially in popular tourist areas. Exercise caution. Safeguard yourself and your property.

Demonstrations  occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

While there is a very small likelihood of violence at a political gathering in Canada, we strongly encourage U.S. citizens to avoid all protests and demonstrations and maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +1(613) 688-5335. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

•    Help you find appropriate medical care

•    Assist you in reporting a crime to the police

•    Contact relatives or friends with your written consent

•    Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion

•    Provide a list of local attorneys

•    Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

•    Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution

•    Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home

•    Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulates for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. 

Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. If you are considering travel outside of populated areas, particularly in the northern Arctic territories, you need to know that search and rescue capabilities are limited because of extreme isolation and the harsh climate. You must be prepared for significant delays in receiving emergency assistance in these areas and plan accordingly.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Controlled Substances:  Canadian law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. Canada has legalized the personal consumption of recreational cannabis, but Canadian law prohibits taking cannabis across Canada’s national borders . Drug smugglers risk substantial fines, a permanent bar from Canada, and imprisonment.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

Firearms : Canada controls firearms more strictly than the United States. Violation of firearms restrictions may result in prosecution and imprisonment.

Visitors bringing any firearms or ammunition into Canada must declare the firearms in writing using a Non-Resident Firearm Declaration form. If you plan to borrow and use a firearm in Canada, you must obtain a Temporary Firearms Borrowing License in advance. You must present these forms in triplicate and sign them in front of a CBSA officer at the border. (It is not possible to make photocopies at the border). Full details and downloadable forms are available at the Canadian Firearms Program website .

Canadian law requires officials to confiscate firearms, ammunition, and other weapons from persons crossing the border who do not declare having the items in their possession. Officials will not return confiscated firearms, ammunition, and weapons and possession of any of these items may result in your arrest and imprisonment. You should inspect all belongings thoroughly before traveling to Canada to avoid the accidentally importing firearms, ammunition, or other weapons.

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Canada. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Pornography: Canada has strict laws concerning child pornography, and in recent years there has been an increase in random checks of electronic media of travelers entering Canada.

Canadian officials may search your computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices without a warrant at the border and illegal content can result in the seizure of the device as well as detention, arrest, and prosecution of the bearer.

Tax Issues:  For information on U.S. Federal tax issues, please refer to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website for international taxpayers .

• Refer to this link for reporting requirements regarding Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) .
• Refer to this link for information on the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) .
• Refer to this link for information about the Voluntary Disclosure Practice .

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Canada prohibitsdiscrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is as prevalent as in the United States. For more information, visit the Accessibility Standards Canada website .

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

For emergency services in Canada, dial 911 . Ambulance services are widely available.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with Health Canada to ensure the medication is legal in Canada.

Healthcare in Canada : The level of public health and sanitation in Canada is high. Adequate health facilities are available throughout Canada.  Canada’s medical care is of a high standard but is government controlled. Access to ongoing medical care is difficult for temporary visitors who are not members of a Canadian province’s government-run health care plan. Many physicians will not take new patients. Specialist care is only by referral and may take months to obtain. Although trauma-care is on par with that in the United States, emergency room waits for non-life threatening problems can be very long. Some health care professionals in the Quebec may only speak French.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all CDC-recommended vaccinations .

Further health information:

World Health Organization U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Air Quality:  Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.

Pharmaceuticals:  U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:  If you are considering traveling to Canada to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911.

For detailed information on road conditions throughout Canada, as well as links to provincial government websites, please see the Transport Canada website or the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) website. The CAA honors American Automobile Association memberships. Automobile warranties of vehicles purchased in the United States may not be valid in Canada.

Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and hazardous icy conditions. Some provinces require snow tires. CAA has tips for winter driving . Both winter conditions and wildfires may prompt the sudden closure of highways. Provincial ministries of transport typically post closures and other alerts about road conditions on their websites.

Traffic Laws:  Driving in Canada is similar to driving in many parts of the United States. Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour and some signs, particularly in Québec, may only be in French. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid for visitors in Canada. Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted  for tourists in Canada. For specific information concerning Canadian driving permits, mandatory insurance, and entry regulations, please contact the Canadian National Tourist Organization .

Some provinces require drivers to keep their vehicles’ headlights on during the day and some have banned driving while using a hand-held cell phone. Motorcycles cannot share a lane, and safety helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers are mandatory.

It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, the Yukon, or the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether they are used. Police may confiscate radar detectors and impose substantial fines.

Drivers approaching border crossings into the United States may encounter traffic backups. Drivers should be alert, as lane restrictions at border approaches exist for drivers in NEXUS and FAST expedited inspection programs.

Public Transportation: Public transportation options vary across Canada, but all cities and most major towns have a public transit system .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Canada’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Canada’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Canada should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Canada .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Permission to travel – letters for children traveling outside of canada.

What You Need to Know

A Consent Letter, also referred to as a Permission to Travel Letter, is a crucial document that serves as proof that a child has obtained permission to travel outside Canada from each of their parents or guardians who will not be accompanying them on their trip.

When Should a Permission to Travel Letter be Used?

Parents should obtain a Permission to Travel Letter for all international travel. This includes both day trips and longer journeys. Permission to Travel Letters are also recommended where a child is accompanied by only one parent for a portion of the trip. For instance, a child may depart Canada with both parents but return with only one parent. The following are additional scenarios for which parents should obtain a Permission to Travel Letter:

• When a child is traveling alone
• When a child is traveling with only one parent or guardian
• When a child is under the care of friends or family (relative or immediate family)
• When a child is traveling with a group, such as a sports team, musical ensemble, religious organization, or on a school trip.

It is recommended that the person accompanying the child, or the child carry the original signed Permission to Travel Letter rather than a copy. This will reduce the likelihood of any doubts regarding the authenticity of the document.

It is important to note that the legal definition of a minor differs from one country to another. Therefore, Permission to Travel Letters are recommended for any individual under the age of 20.

To ensure a problem free travel experience when accompanied by a child for whom you are the sole parent or guardian, it is recommended to carry a document, in addition to the Permission to Travel Letter, which verifies your status as the child’s only parent or guardian. This may include a long form birth certificate that clearly identifies you as the sole parent.

In Canada, a Permission to Travel Letter is not mandatory; however, it can facilitate travel for Canadian children as it may be requested by immigration authorities upon entering or departing a foreign country, or by Canadian authorities or airline agents upon re-entry to Canada.

Contents of a Permission to Travel Letter

When writing a permission to travel letter, it is important to include the child’s name as it appears in travel documentation, the names and contact information of parents or guardians, and the name and relationship of the accompanying person. Additionally, it is necessary to provide information on the destination and duration of the trip, such as the address where the child will be staying and departure and arrival dates.

Depending on the situation, one or multiple letters may be used. For instance, if neither parent is accompanying the child, both parents can sign one letter, or each parent can sign a separate letter. Children from the same family who are travelling together for the entirety of the trip may be listed on one letter, while separate letters are recommended if the children will be travelling separately for part of the trip.

Generally, a separate Permission to Travel letter is required for each trip a child takes. In cases where specific dates are unknown or for frequent cross-border trips, it is advisable to consult a lawyer.

Signing the Permission to Travel Letter

For a child travelling outside Canada, the Permission to Travel Letter requires signatures from parents who are married or in a common law relationship but are not accompanying the child. In the case of separated or divorced parents who are not accompanying the child, the permission to travel letter should be signed by the parent who has custody of the child or guardianship of the child. Additionally, a court order or agreement may dictate who needs to sign the letter for a child travelling abroad.

It is permissible for any adult to witness the signing of a permission to travel letter, however, it is highly advisable to have a lawyer or notary public witness and sign the letter. This will ensure that border officials are less likely to question the authenticity of the document.

If your child will be travelling abroad without both parents, the Lawyers at Malicki Sanchez would be happy to prepare a Permission to Travel Letter or notarize a letter you have prepared.

written by Alfredo Figueroa

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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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Answers others found useful

• Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
• Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?
• How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
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• Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?
• How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
• What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
• Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

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• Application for a temporary resident visa

Glossary term

• Multiple-entry visa
• Single-entry visa
• Temporary resident

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Can I travel with my child after I separate or divorce?

Question & Answer

As of March 1, 2021, the term custody  has changed to decision-making responsibility . And in most situations, the term access  has changed to parenting time . Now, all parents usually have parenting time.

Also, a person who isn't a parent or step-parent may get a contact order to spend time with a child. For example a grandparent can get this order.

It's hard to know what you may be asked when travelling to another country. Officials in Canada or in the other country you are going to can ask you for documents to prove you can travel with your child. These officials can decide whether to let you in or out of the country.

To avoid delays or being refused entry or exit at the border, it's safest to have a travel consent letter signed by the other parent.

Even if you have all the decision-making responsibility, you may be required to show that you have permission from your partner who has parenting time, to travel with your child. Decision-making responsibility and parenting time used to be called custody and access.

The only time you can travel freely with your child is if you have a parenting plan , separation agreement or court order that says you don't need your partner's permission to travel with your child. It's important to carry a copy of your agreement or court order with you to prove that you don't need anyone's permission.

You should check your agreement or court order to see if you need the other parent's permission and if you need to provide the other parent with information about your travel plans, such as your flight details and emergency contact numbers.

If your partner won't agree to let you travel with your child, you may have to go to court and ask for permission to travel.

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