Authorization for minor to travel with one parent

You must present the following documents:

• A copy of the child’s birth certificate
• A letter of authorization signed by the parent who is not travelling, containing their address and telephone number, in English or French if possible, and
• A photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s signed passport or national identity card

If the parents are separated or divorced, and share custody of the child, the parent travelling with the child should carry copies of the legal custody documents.

If the parents are separated or divorced and one of them has sole custody of the child, the letter of authorization may be signed by that parent only and they should bring a copy of the custody papers.

If one of the child’s parents is deceased, the travelling parent should bring a copy of the death certificate.

For more information, see Minor children travelling to Canada.

Depending on your destination country, you are required to provide passports or other travel documents for any minors travelling with you. Children cannot travel by having their names added to their parents' passports.

In some countries, travel consent from parents or guardians is required for minors travelling alone or in the company of only one parent or guardian. Consent may be required either when leaving or entering the country. To find out whether the authorization of minors will be required on a particular journey, contact the local authorities of the country you are departing from as well as the embassy of your destination country. Read more.

Example of a consent letter

Important Due to Covid-19, processing times for passports are taking longer than normal for both standard and expedited services.

The Minor Travel Consent Form has become increasingly necessary due to the rise in instances of child abduction - particularly instances of custody cases and human trafficking.

If a child is traveling internationally with only one parent or with another adult (i.e., a relative, friend, teacher, etc.), an immigration officer, airline personnel, or travel company may ask for a Letter of Consent.

You can download the minor travel consent form in PDF format at the bottom of the page. The sample form below is a guide only.

You are also encouraged to have the consent form notarized. This can prevent issues establishing the authority and credibility of your documentation.

Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. You can also contact the embassy of the country or countries the minor child will be visiting to confirm travel entry requirements. This proactive step can help avoid issues at border crossings and during the child's stay abroad.

Minor Travel Consent Form

To Whom It May Concern:

I/We,                                                                                                                    
(Full Name(s) of Custodial and/or Non-Custodial Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s))

am/are the lawful custodial parent(s) and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of:

, has my/our consent to travel with:
(Child's Full Name)

                                                                                          
(Full Name of Accompanying Person)

                                                                                          
(U.S. or Foreign Passport Number)

                                                                                          
Date and Place of Issuance of This Passport)

to visit

                                                                                                    
((Name of Foreign Country)

during the period of

                                                                                                    
((Dates of Travel: Departure and Return)

During that period,

                           
((Childs Name)

will be residing with

                           
((Name of Person with Whom the Child will be Residing in Foreign Country)

at the following address:

                           
((Number/street address and apartment number)

                           
((City, State/Province, Country)

                           
((Telephone and fax numbers)

Signature:                             Date:                   
(Custodial Parent, and/or Non-Custodial Parent or Legal Guardian)

Full Name:                                                                                           

Signature:                             Date:                   
(Custodial Parent, and/or Non-Custodial Parent or Legal Guardian)

Full Name:                                                                                           

Signed before me,

                                                                                          , (Full Name of Witness)

this                             at                                                                                           .
((Date) and (Location))

Signature of Witness:                                                                                           

Download: Minor Travel Consent Form

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

Expedite Your Passport Now!

How do you write a letter of consent for a child to travel with one parent UK?

Can a child travel with one parent within the US?

Do you need a notarized letter to travel with child to USA?

Can one parent travel with child to Canada?