Peace of Mind While They’re Away
A travel consent letter is a document signed by one or both parents or legal guardians giving permission for a child to travel without them. It’s often needed when a minor (anyone under 18) is travelling: alone, with one parent, with grandparents, family friends, teachers, coaches, or school groups. Let’s say your 12-year-old daughter is going to Disney World with her aunt. At the airport, border agents ask for proof she has your permission to travel. Without it, she might not be allowed to board or cross international borders. A simple, signed travel consent letter avoids that risk. It’s not just a formality — it’s a safety measure.
When would you use one?
Travel consent letters are most often used when:
- A child is travelling internationally with one parent (e.g., after divorce or separation)
- A child is going on a school trip or summer camp in the U.S.
- A child is visiting family overseas without a parent
- A child is flying alone (unaccompanied minor) for a custody or visitation arrangement
- A family has shared custody, and one parent isn’t travelling with the child
Here’s a real-life example:
Ben, a father from Edmonton, was sending his 10-year-old son to California with his ex-wife. Border officers in Vancouver asked for his written consent. Fortunately, he’d had it notarised ahead of time — and avoided delays or questioning at the gate.
What’s Included in a Travel Consent Letter?
The letter should be clear, complete, and specific. Most letters include:
- Full name of the child and date of birth
- Names of accompanying adults and relationship to the child
- Destination(s), including cities and countries
- Travel dates (departure and return)
- Parent/guardian contact details
- Any special medical needs or custody details (optional but helpful)
Most importantly, the letter should be signed in front of a notary public or commissioner of oaths to prove its authenticity.
How to get a travel consent letter signed?
Getting it done right is easy. Here’s how it works:
- Download and complete the template
Fill in the required details. Be accurate and clear about travel dates, destinations, and who’s travelling with the child. - Book a notary appointment
Choose between online or in-person. Both parents can attend, or just the one not travelling, depending on your situation. - Present valid ID
Bring government-issued photo ID for any parent or guardian signing the form. - Sign in front of the notary
The notary will witness the signing, add a stamp/seal, and validate the letter. - Print extra copies
Carry one with the child, one with the accompanying adult, and keep one on file in case authorities ask.
That’s it — quick, official, and travel-ready.
Why It’s Important (Even If Not Legally Required)
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other international border authorities strongly recommend having a signed travel consent letter — even though it’s not a legal requirement.
Without one, border agents may:
- Refuse entry or boarding
- Delay travel while contacting a parent/guardian
- Flag the trip as a custody or abduction concern
Having a notarized letter gives everyone — from airlines to customs officers — confidence that your child is travelling with full permission.
Shared Custody? Special Situations? We’ve Got You
We often help parents in:
- Divorce or separation agreements
- Guardianship situations
- Blended families or informal custody arrangements
If you’re not sure how to word your letter, or which parent needs to sign, we’re here to help you get it sorted without the legal headache.
In-Person & Hassle Free
We’ve made it easy to get your documents notarised with a local notary — no complicated tech, no video calls, no second-guessing. Here’s how it works:
Download the forms
Head to our site and download the Last Will and Power of Attorney templates or bring your own if you’ve already prepared them.
Book an appointment
Use our directory to find a trusted public notary near you. Pick a convenient date and time that works best for your schedule.
Print Your Documents
Make sure all pages are printed clearly and completely — double-sided printing is fine if everything’s visible.
Bring Your Checklist
Details matter but don’t stress — we’ve laid out everything you’ll need to bring with you in a simple checklist below.
Appointment Checklist
To get your Last Will and Power of Attorney legally notarised, bring the following:
- Two pieces of valid ID (at least one government-issued photo ID)
- Printed documents (Last Will and/or POA)
- A clear understanding of your wishes (your notary may ask for clarification)
- The name and contact info of your chosen executor or attorney(s)
- Any other relevant documents or instructions related to your estate, assets, or healthcare wishes
- Print your receipt (emailed to you after your online purchase)
Tip: If your documents need witnesses in addition to a notary, ask the notary in advance if they can provide them — or bring someone with you who’s not listed in your Will or POA.
Why Go With a Local Notary?
There’s value in sitting down with a real person — someone who can walk you through the process, check the documents carefully, and make sure everything’s done right.
Here’s why people like you choose to meet with a local notary:
- Verified professionals: Every notary is law society–registered and vetted
- No tech headaches: Just a friendly, in-person service
- Neighbourhood convenience: Find someone close to home or work
- Legal peace of mind: Properly signed, sealed, and backed by real legal credibility