Consent Letter From Parents: Fill & Download for Free

Just to add to this: I’m in Canada and I had shared custody with my ex, and I probably took my son to the USA 25 times or so, which means 25 times coming back into Canada.I always carried a consent letter, and I’d say I was asked for it at least 50% of the time. Once coming back into Canada they actually called my ex.DO NOT cross without a letter.PS — I’m reminded because I just saw that this answer was just upvoted by the mother of a friend of my son, who I follow here on Quora. If you want to bring kids who are not yours along on an international trip, this advice is even more relevant. Make sure that you have a consent letter, and if that kid’s parents are divorced don’t forget that you need letters from both parents.

From Recommended consent letter for children travelling abroad - Travel.gc.ca:“We strongly recommend that Canadian children carry a consent letter if they are travelling abroad alone, with only one parent/guardian, with friends or relatives or with a group. For the purposes of this consent letter, a Canadian child is defined as anyone who is under the age of majority (18 or 19, depending on the province or territory of residence).“A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children, as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. The letter demonstrates that Canadian children have permission to travel abroad from parents or guardians who are not accompanying them.”Just something to think about.If you go, don’t assume you’ll have as safe and secure an experience as a U.S. minor going to Toronto could expect.Allow a couple of hours prior to departure from Pearson. You’ll pass through U.S. Transportation Security Administration screening there, and again when departing New York.Leave word with somebody you trust in Canada — who isn’t traveling with you — about your plans, and let them know as soon as you’re back home safely.Be careful, please.

Although children under 18 are not required to carry a passport to enter Canada at the border, it is wise for them to do so. A passport provides the necessary identity and citizenship verification to allow any foreign child into the country.Proof of CitizenshipWhile children entering Canada are not required to carry a passport or visa, they are required to show proof of citizenship. This could be a birth certificate, passport or citizenship card. However, the United States has a stricter re-entry policy. If traveling by land or sea, children may continue to use a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship to re-enter the country, but all air passengers, regardless of age, must present a passport or passport card when re-entering the U.S.Authorization LetterChildren traveling alone are encouraged to carry consent letters from their parents or legal guardians. If a child is traveling with only one parent, or with adults other than her legal guardians, consent letters from parents or guardians are mandatory. A consent letter states that the child is authorized to be traveling with the adult or adults and gives the parents' address and phone number in case of an emergency.