Summer is the perfect time for adventures, and if your plans take you out of the country, especially with children, preparation is key. When travelling with minors, it’s essential to ensure all necessary documents are in order to avoid any complications.
Consent Letter
One crucial document is a consent letter. This letter confirms a child has permission to travel outside Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians. Whether the child is travelling by car to the USA or flying to a far-off destination, this document is a must-have.
Common Scenarios Requiring a Consent Letter:
- One parent is travelling with the child while the other stays home.
- The child is travelling alone.
- The child is travelling with a non-parent, such as a coach, teacher, or group leader.
To help you get ready, here is a legal checklist to ensure your child is prepared for international travel.
Verify Travel Documents
Check the child’s passport and other relevant documents to ensure the name matches exactly. This includes accuracy of middle names or initials, as well.
Sign the Consent Letter
If your child is travelling outside of Canada with an adult who is not a parent, like with a sports team, school group, or other family member, you need to have the parent(s) sign the travel consent letter 2-4 weeks before the trip. A consent letter is also needed if the child is travelling with just one parent.
Digital Copies
Scan the signed consent letter and save it on the child’s phone, the accompanying adult’s phone, and the parent(s)’ phones. Emailing a PDF copy to the individuals on their phones achieves this.
Birth Certificate
Carry a scanned copy of the child’s birth certificate showing the parents’ full legal names. Parents often have a different last name from their child and this document will connect the names together.
Custody Documents
Should your child be a part of any custody agreement, be sure to bring photocopies of any custody or guardianship documents. Even if they are travelling with one of their parents. It can be helpful to use a highlighter to show the relevant sections.
Death Certificate
If applicable, carry a photocopy of the deceased parent’s death certificate.
Court Documents
Have any court or legal documents that show custody arrangements on hand.
Border Agent Calls
Be prepared for a call from a USA border agent at the time your child crosses the border. These calls may come from a no-caller ID phone.
Travel Cancellation Insurance
Obtain travel cancellation insurance for peace of mind.
Important information package or binder – Itinerary and Contact
Create a package which includes:
- List of places the child will be visiting with contact information for those places.
- Phone, text and email contacts for the people they will be visiting and travelling with.
- Phone, text and email contacts for the parents and safe contacts.
- Have an additional photocopy of your child’s passport.
- Travel and flight information.
Think about all the information you would need to know if you were questioned or needed to get in contact with someone. In travelling we can have no access to cell service or it might be complex.
A paper package with copies of all the important information and documents can be a great backup to send with the traveler, as well as keeping one for yourself.
By following this checklist, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for your child. If you need help preparing your child’s travel documents, contact Carter Notary at (250) 383-4100.
Enjoy your travels and have a fantastic summer exploring new destinations!