Letter of Consent for Child: Everything You Need to Know

Published by:
Abigail Moses

Reviewed by:
Alistair Vigier
Last Modified: 2024-06-22
Are you looking for a letter of consent for the child? You may have heard from other separated parents that you must obtain a travel consent letter before vacationing. However, without further information, why they are necessary and what their purpose is can be confusing. Below is all of the essential information you need to know about travel consent letters. Are you looking for a letter of consent for the child to travel? Read on!
Travel consent is a form signed by one parent or both parents stating that they know the child is going on a trip out of the country and consent to the child travelling. The Government of Canada strongly recommends them if a child under 18 travels abroad alone, with only one parent or guardian, with friends or relatives, or with a group.
It is not mandatory, but some immigration authorities may request it when entering or leaving a foreign country. If an immigration official requests it and the adult does not have one, they may be unable to cross the border.
Parental Consent Form for Minors
A letter of consent for a child to travel with one parent typically includes the following information:
- The full name and birthdate of the child.
- The full name and relationship of the parent or guardian giving consent.
- The full name and relationship of the parent or guardian not giving consent, if applicable.
- The trip’s destination, including the complete address and phone number of where the child will be staying.
- The dates of the trip and the means of transportation (e.g. flight number and departure/arrival times, or car make and model and license plate number).
- A statement confirming that the parent or guardian giving consent is aware of the trip and that they authorize the child to travel with the other parent or guardian.
- A statement confirming that the parent or guardian giving consent has no objection to the child being removed from the country if the trip involves international travel.
- Contact information for the parent or guardian giving consent, including their full name, address, phone number, and email address.
- The parent or guardian’s signature giving consent, along with the date of signing the letter.
It is recommended that this letter be notarized by a notary public or an official designated by the government.
Please remember that while this is a general outline of what would typically be included in a letter of consent, requirements may vary depending on your country and the country of travel. It is a good idea to check the specific requirements with your airlines and/or the embassy of the country you are visiting.

Letter Of Consent For Child To Travel With Grandparents
We can help the parent or legal guardian with the letter of consent. We can help you when the child is travelling to the United States. This will help you get through customs and border protection (border protection CBP).
We can also help you if the child is going to another country. Further, lawyers can help you prevent a child from leaving the country. The lawyer can explain the things they strongly recommend bringing, such as a birth certificate. These forms can be called other things, such as a minor travel consent form. They can be called a letter of consent. They mostly mean the same things.
The Government of Canada recommends that the letter be signed by every non-accompanying person with the legal right to make decisions for the child, such as custody or guardianship rights. They also recommend that letters be signed by any non-accompanying parent with access to the child.
The parent’s signature does not need to be witnessed by a commissioner of oaths or a lawyer. However, the immigration authorities may question its authenticity if it is not commissioned. In family law, it is recommended that parents obtain travel consent from the other parent.
This is important when going alone with any child in the relationship. It is still suggested that a parent with sole custody of the child obtain travel consent from a parent with access to any child in the relationship, just in case.
Why Every Parent Needs a Child Travel Consent Form for International Journeys
As stated above, passing travel consent forms at the border is not mandatory. However, it is suggested that you always obtain travel consent before travelling with your child. This prevents your trip from being cancelled due to your inability to cross. The form is often less than two pages long and inexpensive to commission. This is a small price to ensure your vacation is protected.
Do you still have questions about the travel consent letter for the child? It depends on your family law matter. There may be additional steps you need to take before taking a child on vacation. Have questions about your particular case? Do you want to know if you need a travel consent letter? Make sure to speak to a family lawyer.
Quick and Easy Steps to Secure The Documents
A letter of consent from the other parent (or legal guardian) is often required for a child to travel with one parent. This letter should indicate that the non-travelling parent gives permission for the child to travel with the other parent and include specific details about the trip, such as the destination, travel dates, and contact information for the travelling parent.
The letter should also include the name and contact information of the non-travelling parent and be signed and dated by that parent. Having the letter notarized is also a good idea, as it can help ensure its validity and acceptance.
It is important to note that specific requirements vary by country and sometimes airlines, so before you plan your trip, you should check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to find out their specific requirements.
Minor Consent Authorization Document
While specific format requirements for a letter of consent for a child to travel with one parent can vary by country and sometimes by airline, there are some general guidelines that you can follow. A letter of consent should typically include the following information:
- Contact information of the child, travelling parent, and non-travelling parent
- The destination, travel dates, and mode of transportation for the trip.
- The purpose of the trip (e.g. vacation, business, etc.).
- A statement indicates that the non-travelling parent permits the child to travel with the other parent.
- The non-travelling parent’s signature and date.
If possible, it’s a good idea to provide a letter on the letterhead and ensure that it is legible and easy to read. Notarization by a public notary is sometimes required, although not always, and can help ensure that the letter is valid and accepted.
As previously mentioned, it is also essential to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to determine if they have any specific requirements.
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