In response to growing concerns for child safety, many governments, including Canada, have implemented special requirements for minors under the age of 18 who are traveling without both parents.

In particular, numerous countries now mandate the presentation of a notarized consent to travel letter as documentary evidence to establish that a parent or legal guardian has granted permission for the child to cross international borders with another adult or alone. This requirement is in addition to any other legal stipulations specified by airlines and official authorities.

It is worth noting that a simple letter or travel consent form that has not been notarized by a licensed notary public may be dismissed by border officials due to the ease of forging such documents.

The following are examples of circumstances in which obtaining a notarized consent to travel document may be necessary:

• Child Traveling with One Parent: If a minor is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent is required to provide notarized consent.
• Child Traveling Alone or without Either Parent: If a minor is traveling alone or with an adult other than a parent, both parents (or the sole documented custodial parent) must provide notarized travel consent.
• Child Has Only One Parent: If a minor child has only one parent, as indicated by the child’s birth certificate, a notarized copy of the birth certificate or the original may serve as sufficient proof for travel.