Child Travel Consent Letters: Documents for One-Parent Trips

If a child travels internationally with only one parent, with another adult, or alone, the practical answer is simple: carry the child's own passport, and carry a signed consent letter from the parent or parents who are not travelling. Some countries also require extra documents for children. Border officers can question children and can ask for proof that everyone with parental responsibility agrees to the trip.

Who this affects

This applies to any child crossing an international border without both parents or legal guardians. That includes a child travelling with one parent, with grandparents, friends or other family members, with a school, sports or religious group, or alone.

The Government of Canada recommends that any child under the age of 19 carry a consent letter when travelling abroad without both parents or persons with decision-making responsibility. Even if a child is 16 or older and can apply for an adult passport, foreign authorities may still request a consent letter.

For travel to South Africa, there are special requirements for children aged 17 and under, and for unaccompanied children entering the country. The South African Department of Home Affairs has more information.

For Canada, if a child travels alone or with only one parent or legal guardian, they should carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parents or guardians. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language to see if there are any concerns about child abduction.

What to do step by step

1. Check the destination country's rules first. Contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country the child will visit and ask about letters of consent and other entry and exit requirements. Each country sets its own rules for minors.
2. Make sure the child has their own passport. Children travelling to most other countries are required to have their own passport. All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa, to enter the United States.
3. Write the consent letter. It should be signed by any parent or person with decision-making responsibility for the child who is not travelling with them. This includes parents who are married, in a common law relationship, separated or divorced.
4. Include the right details. A consent letter usually includes the name of the child; the names and contact information of parents or guardians; the full name, address and contact information of the accompanying adult and their relationship to the child; and where the child is travelling and for how long, including specific travel dates.
5. Use the recommended wording. The letter should say: "I acknowledge that my child is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
6. Get it witnessed. Any adult may witness the signing of a consent letter, but it is strongly recommended that a notary public witness it. Original signed letters are best. Border officials may not accept photocopies or digital versions and are more likely to question their authenticity.
7. Carry supporting documents. If you have sole custody, carry a copy of the custody document. If a parent has died and you have sole decision-making responsibility, bring a copy of the death certificate. If a parenting order or agreement exists, carry a copy of it.
8. Tell the airline if the child flies alone. If a minor travels abroad alone, contact the airline about its requirements, permissions or additional fees. The airline may require an unaccompanied minor or travel consent form, and you may have to pay a fee for unaccompanied minor service.

Costs and timing

There is no single fee for a consent letter, because there are no official guidelines for its content and format. Costs come from notarial services if you choose to have the letter notarised. If a parent lives abroad, their signature can be witnessed by any adult, including a consular officer at a Canadian government office abroad, and fees apply for that service.

Timing matters more than cost. Start well before the trip. Contact the destination country's embassy or consulate early to confirm what documents your child will be asked to present at the border. If a visa is needed for the child, apply in advance. And if the child is flying alone, contact the airline before booking to find out its age requirements, whether connecting flights are allowed, and which documents and fees you are responsible for.

Exceptions and special situations

• Sole custody or decision-making responsibility. A consent letter is recommended even if a parenting order or agreement allows one parent to make travel decisions alone. Border officials or airline staff may still ask to see proof that all parents agree to the child travelling.
• A parent who cannot be reached. Consent may be needed if a parent is out of the country, in prison or detention, or otherwise hard to reach. Carry any relevant court order that addresses the situation. If no order exists or the other parent cannot be reached, you may wish to seek legal advice.
• A parent living outside the country. The consent letter should ideally be signed by the parent living abroad. Digital signatures may be accepted, but carrying the original signed letter is the recommended option.
• A parent has died. If the other parent is deceased and you have sole decision-making responsibility, bring a copy of the death certificate. If the child travels alone, they should carry a consent letter signed by the surviving parent, along with a copy of the death certificate.
• A child in temporary care. The consent letter should be signed by the appropriate child welfare agency representative granting permission for the child to travel alone or with the accompanying person.
• Dual or deemed citizenship. In some countries, your child may be deemed a citizen if you or the other parent is a citizen of that country. As a deemed citizen, your child may be subject to the same entry and exit requirements as other citizens of that country. Check the destination country's rules before travelling.
• Frequent land border crossings. A parent who frequently crosses the border by land with a minor should always carry a letter of permission from the other parent.

Other rules to check

For South Africa, from 1 July 2026, all travellers entering or leaving through air, land, sea and rail ports of entry are required to submit an online traveller declaration before travelling. Check the South African Department of Home Affairs and the UK travel advice for South Africa for the current process.

For Canada, temporary border measures for travellers arriving from regions affected by the Ebola outbreak are in place until 29 August 2026, including a 21-day quarantine for some arrivals without symptoms. Check the Government of Canada's official website for the latest information.

This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Family situations differ, and you may want to get legal advice specific to your circumstances.