Summer trips. March break. A visit to grandparents abroad. These are exciting moments but if your child is traveling without both parents, you may need more than just a packed bag.

A travel consent letter could be one of the most important documents you prepare before your child boards that flight.

What Is a Travel Consent Letter?

A travel consent letter is a document signed by one or both parents (or legal guardians) giving permission for a minor to travel. Border officers in Canada and many other countries can ask for this document, especially when a child is:

• Traveling with only one parent
• Traveling with a grandparent, relative, or school group
• Entering or leaving Canada without both parents present

Without this letter, border officials have the authority to delay or deny entry. It does not happen every time, but when it does, it can derail an entire trip.

Does It Need to Be Notarized?

The Government of Canada strongly recommends having your travel consent letter notarized. It is not always legally required, but here is why it matters in practice.

A notarized letter tells border officials that:

• Your identity as the parent or guardian has been verified
• You signed the document willingly and understand its contents
• The letter is authentic and has not been altered

That peace of mind is worth a lot, especially when your child is crossing an international border without you.

Who Needs to Sign?

This depends on your family situation:

• If both parents share legal custody, both parents typically need to sign
• If one parent has sole custody, that parent signs and should carry supporting documents like a custody order
• If the other parent is deceased, a notarized copy of the death certificate should travel with the child

If getting the other parent to sign is not possible or they are unreachable, it is best to consult with a legal professional about your options.

What Should the Letter Include?

A well written travel consent letter should cover:

• The full name and date of birth of the child
• The name of the accompanying adult (if applicable)
• The destination country and travel dates
• Contact information for both parents or guardians
• A clear statement of consent

Avoid using a generic, open ended letter with no dates. Border officials are trained to question vague consent letters, and it can cause unnecessary delays.

What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment

Getting your travel consent letter notarized is quick and straightforward. Bring:

• The completed but unsigned letter
• Valid government issued photo ID
• Any custody or legal documents if relevant to your situation

The entire appointment usually takes just a few minutes.

Serving Families Across the Durham Region

If you are in Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, or the surrounding area, Notable Notary offers flexible booking options including mobile notary appointments so you do not have to disrupt your schedule before a trip. Remote online notarization may also be available for this document depending on your situation.

Ready to Protect Your Child’s Trip?

Do not let a missing document create stress at the border. Getting a travel consent letter notarized is a small step that makes a big difference.

📞 Call us at (289) 312-6678

💻 Book online at notablenotary.ca/book-now

📧 Email info@notablenotary.ca

Notable Notary is here to make sure your child travels smoothly and safely, with every document in order.