1-800-265-3200
27
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
A parental consent letter should be specific to the trip and should include contact information for
the parent(s) or guardian. This could be one document, signed by both parents, or two separate but
identically worded documents.
The consent document could be required even if the separation or divorce documents award custody
of the child to the accompanying parent, but the non-custodial parent has legal access or visiting
rights to the child. If the child is travelling with only one parent, the consent letter authorizing travel
must be signed and dated by the other parent. If the child is travelling without either parent, the
consent letter authorizing travel must be signed and dated by both parents.
If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate (to explain the absence of a second
parent’s signature) should be available. If a legal guardian is accompanying the child, then a copy of
the court order granting guardianship might also be requested.
Although anyone can witness and/or sign parental consent letters, it is advisable to have the letter
certified, stamped or sealed by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn
declaration (i.e. a commissioner for oaths, notary public, lawyer, etc.) so that the validity of the letter
is not likely to be questioned.
While proper documentation for the child is important, make sure that you also have proper identi-
fication for yourself. This includes documentation for entry into any foreign country you are planning
to visit as well as the necessary documentation to be re-admitted to Canada upon your return.
Sample Parental Consent Letter
(Can be amended to meet your specific situation and requirements.)
ToWhom 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 and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s)) of (child’s
full name), born (date of birth (DD/MM/YY))
,
at
(place of birth)
,
passport #
(Canadian
passport number)
,
issued
(Date of issuance of Canadian passport (DD/MM/YY))
,
at
place of
issuance of Canadian passport)
.
(Child’s full name)
,
has my (our) consent to travel with
(full name of accompanying
person)
,
passport #
(
Canadian passport number)
,
issued
(Date of issuance of Canadian
passport (DD/MM/YY))
,
at
place of issuance of Canadian passport)
to visit
(name of foreign
country)
during the period of
(dates of travel: departure and return)
.
During that period,
(child’s
full name)
will be residing with
(name of person where child will be residing in foreign
country)
at the following address:
________________________
(Number/street address and apartment number
)
________________________
(City, province/state, country)
________________________
(Telephone and fax numbers (work and residence))
Any questions regarding this consent letter can be directed to the undersigned at:
________________________
(Number/street address and apartment number)
________________________
(City, province/state, country)
________________________
(Telephone and fax numbers (work and residence))
Signature(s): _________________ Date: ___________
(Full name(s) and signature(s) of
custodial parent,and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s))
Signed before me,
(name of witness)
,
this
(date)
at
(name of location)
.
Signature: _________________
(signature of witness)