Use this Legal Health Check to prepare for a safe and happy trip. It applies whether you are in a relationship, separated or divorced, or travelling with someone else’s child.
Information we advise you have with you
- Be sure to have a current passport for each child and send copies to non-accompanying parents.
- Certify copies of important documents (like separation or custody agreements, court orders or death certificates), and send copies to non-accompanying parents
- Identification in the child’s pocket, should you get separated
- Recent photographs of the child (on camera or phone provides a digital backup)
- A Travel Consent letter, notarized and signed by non-accompanying parents, organizations with guardianship rights and individuals with parental authority (Quebec). Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has a model you can download from this site,
letter:https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter
CHECK
- With the airline, and the destination country’s embassy or consulate about documents they require.
- Check travel advisories
IF YOUR CHILD IS TRAVELING ALONE
Check with the airline. Will the airline escort and supervise the child throughout the trip? Are there age restrictions? A parent or guardian should stay at the airport until the fight leaves, and the person meeting the child at their destination should have proper identification and authorization.
CAUTION
You could be accused of child abduction and face serious consequences for travelling with children without consent.
If you must travel and expect problems obtaining consent, consult with a family lawyer about including sole decision-making authority for travel and passports in your order or agreement.
If concerned about another parent’s travel plans, consult with a family lawyer before consenting.
Will the airline escort and supervise the child throughout the trip? Are there age restrictions? A parent or guardian should stay at the airport until the fight leaves, and the person meeting the child at their destination should have proper identification and authorization.