Now that spring has finally sprung, the travel bug may be getting itchy! If you have a minor child travelling, you may need a travel consent letter.
A consent letter is required when a minor child is travelling:
· Alone
· With only one parent or guardian
· In the care of friends or other family members
· With a group such as sports, school, musical or religious group
· Any child under the age of 19, even if the child is 16 or older and can apply for an adult passport, foreign authorities may still request a consent letter.
When leaving Canada, airlines and border services may ask to see a consent letter when a child is travelling without their parents/guardians. Having this consent letter prepared and available helps to show airlines, border services and other agencies that the child has permission to travel either alone or with the named individual.
The Government of Canada has developed a standard travel consent letter that can be found at www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter. This letter must be completed and signed by the parents/guardians, and it must be witnessed by an adult. It is strongly recommended that a Notary Public act as witness for this letter and that the original letter be used in lieu of photocopies or digital versions which can lead to questions of authenticity.
Galbraith Law can help. If you require a travel consent letter, please visit the above listed website and complete the consent letter with the specific information and then contact our office (https://www.galbraith.ab.ca/contact/) to inquire about our notarization fees.
Safe travels! ????