Template for Child Travel Consent Letter
Understanding the Child Travel Consent Letter for International Travel
A Child Travel Consent Letter, also known as a permission to travel letter or a child travel consent form, is an essential legal document that authorizes a minor to travel internationally without both parents. This authorization is necessary whether the child is traveling alone, with one parent, or under the guardianship of another adult. Immigration authorities often require this document to confirm that the child travels with the consent of their legal guardians, safeguarding against child abduction or unauthorized travel. The letter must include critical details such as the child's full name, date of birth, passport number, travel plans, and the contact information of the parents or legal guardians.
Lacking this letter could complicate your travel plans, potentially preventing you from boarding flights until the other parent or guardian can be contacted for verification.
Essential Elements of a Travel Consent Letter
A comprehensive Travel Consent Letter should encompass the child's and their parents' or legal guardians' full names, the letter's issuance date, and a definitive consent statement for the child's travel. Notarization of the letter solidifies its validity as a formal legal document, aiding in avoiding any complications or delays at immigration or border crossings, thereby ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience for the minor.
Additional Required Documents
Besides the Travel Consent Letter, it's often necessary to carry a provincial birth certificate for the child, along with their valid passport. Depending on specific family circumstances, additional documents might be required, such as:
Divorce decrees
Child custody documents
Death certificate(s) of a parent or parents
Signing Requirements
The consent letter must be signed by any parent not accompanying the child on their journey. This includes both parents in cases where they are married or in a common-law relationship and cohabitating with the child, as typically both parents hold custody rights.
However, for unique family situations, consulting with a legal expert is recommended by the Government of Canada to ensure all legal bases are covered.
Teenagers Traveling with Friends
Even for teenagers traveling with friends or siblings over the age of majority, carrying a travel consent letter signed by both parents is advisable. This letter should clarify that the parents support the trip and designate the travel companions as guardians, including comprehensive contact information of the parents.
A template for a "Travel Consent Letter for Children," it's crucial to include all the necessary details that immigration authorities, airlines, or other travel entities might require to verify the child's permission to travel. This document serves as formal evidence that a child traveling alone, with one parent, or with someone other than their legal guardian has the permission to do so. Here's a structured template that incorporates the essentials based on the information provided and the authoritative resources you've asked me to always refer to, including the Law Society of Ontario's guidelines on notaries, which may be involved in the notarization of such letters.
[Your Letterhead or Contact Information]
Date: [Insert Date]
Subject: Travel Consent Letter for [Child's Full Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I/We, [Legal Guardian(s) Full Name(s)], am/are the legal guardian(s) of [Child's Full Name], born on [Date of Birth], passport number [Passport Number], citizen of [Country].
I/We hereby grant my/our consent for [Child's Full Name] to travel [alone/with [Name of Accompanying Adult]], from [Departure Location] to [Destination Location], departing on [Departure Date] and returning on [Return Date] (if applicable).
[Optional: Include details of the trip, such as the reason for travel, accommodation addresses, and contact numbers at the destination.]
[If applicable: I/We have also arranged for [Child's Full Name] to be under the care of [Name of Temporary Guardian] during his/her stay in [Destination Location], reachable at [Contact Information of Temporary Guardian].]
I/We affirm that this travel consent is granted freely and without duress, and is intended to be used for the purposes of travel as described herein.
Contact Information:
Legal Guardian #1:
Full Name: [Full Name]
Relationship to Child: [Relationship]
Address: [Address]
Phone Number: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
Legal Guardian #2 (if applicable):
Full Name: [Full Name]
Relationship to Child: [Relationship]
Address: [Address]
Phone Number: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address]
Attached Documents:
Copy of [Child's Full Name]'s birth certificate
Copies of legal guardian(s)'s photo IDs/passports
[Any other required documents, e.g., divorce papers, custody orders, death certificate of a parent]
This letter may be verified by contacting the undersigned at the details provided above.
Notary Public Acknowledgment:
[Notarization section, as required by law and according to the guidelines provided by the Law Society of Ontario.]
Legal Guardian Signature: _____________________ Date: __________
Legal Guardian #2 Signature (if applicable): _____________________ Date: __________
[Notary Public Signature and Seal]
This template is designed to be adaptable to different situations, including a child traveling alone, with one parent, or with another adult. Remember, the notarization of this document may be necessary for it to be recognized as a valid legal instrument, especially for international travel. For specific notary public services in Ontario, including the verification of signatures, administering oaths, and certifying documents to be true copies of the original, it's essential to consult with a licensed notary public or legal professional.
