A Minor Travel Consent Letter is always recommended in a situation where a child is traveling with only one adult who is a parent/guardian or with a group of people. The consent letters are required in case a problem arises involving the child such as abduction, trafficking etc and to affirm that the child is not forced or illegally traveling. In Ontario, a minor is a child who is under the age of 18. Each province has different definitions of a minor.

The letter should include specific information about the child. The information could include the full name, date of birth, residential address, and phone number. It is recommended that you add the destination of the child’s travel. Other information you should include are the full consent of the parent/guardian and the individual traveling with the child.

To notarize a Minor Travel Consent Letter, the parent/guardian must sign before a notary and confirm the consent and knowledge of the results of the consent.

What is a Minor Travel Consent Letter?

A minor travel consent letter, also known as a parental consent letter or child travel permission letter, is a document that grants permission for a child to travel internationally or domestically without one or both of their parents or legal guardians. This letter is typically required by immigration authorities, airlines, or other relevant authorities to ensure the child’s safety and to prevent cases of child abduction or custody disputes.

Here are the key elements you typically include in a minor travel consent letter:

1. Child’s Information:
   • Full name of the child
   • Date of birth
   • Passport number (if applicable)
2. Parents’ or Legal Guardians’ Information:
   • Full names of parents or legal guardians
   • Contact information (addresses, phone numbers, emails)
   • Passport numbers (if applicable)
3. Travel Companion’s Information (if applicable):
   • Full name of the accompanying adult
   • Relationship to the child
   • Passport number (if applicable)
4. Travel Details:
   • Destination(s) of travel (countries, cities)
   • Departure and return dates
5. Purpose of Travel:
   • Brief description of the purpose of the trip (e.g., vacation, family visit, school trip)
6. Consent Statement:
   • A clear and explicit statement granting permission for the child to travel with the specified adult.
7. Contact Information in Case of Emergency:
   • Name, relationship, and contact information of a person who can be reached in case of emergency in the absence of the parents.
8. Notarization or Witness Signature:
   • Some countries or organizations may require the consent letter to be notarized or witnessed by a notary public or a legal authority.
9. Date and Signature:
   • Date when the letter is written
   • Signature of both parents or legal guardians
10. Copy of Supporting Documents:
    • It’s advisable to attach copies of relevant documents, such as the child’s birth certificate, parents’ or legal guardians’ passports, and the child’s passport (if applicable).

Do all countries have the same requirements?

It’s important to note that the requirements for a minor travel consent letter can vary between countries and airlines. Some countries may have specific templates or forms that need to be used. It’s recommended to check with the relevant authorities, such as the consulate or embassy of the destination country, to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements for the minor’s travel.

In cases of divorced or separated parents, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate that both parents have given consent for the child’s travel. If one parent has sole custody, a copy of the custody decree may also need to be included.

Overall, a well-prepared minor travel consent letter helps ensure a smooth travel experience for the child and the accompanying adult, while also meeting legal and safety requirements.

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