As the summer approaches, many are planning their summer vacations. If you are a single parent planning to travel with children, there are a few things you should prepare for in addition to accommodation and transportation.
First, all children travelling outside the country must have their own passports.
Border control officials are vigilant about international child abduction and smuggling. This may include the removal of a child without the consent of the custodial parent, even if the child is travelling willingly with the non-custodial parent. Therefore, border control officials may require further supporting documents besides the passport.
One of the most common supporting documents recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a consent letter from the non-accompanying parent. A sample letter may be obtained from the Ministry website.
The letter should indicate that the parent(s) not travelling with the child consent to the trip. It should also include detailed information such as the child’s name and birthday; the child’s passport number and its date and place of issue; the accompanying adult’s name, birthday, and passport number; the intended duration and destination of the trip, including the intended address while abroad; and any other information relevant to the trip that may help the foreign officials properly identify the child. It’s highly recommended that the letter be notarized.
Other supporting documents may include (but are not limited to):
- a copy of the divorce, separation, or custody decree, if one has been issued;
- a court order granting custody or guardianship, if one has been issued;
- a certified copy or the original birth certificate of the child;
- a certified copy of the death certificate of the other parent if he or she is deceased.
For more information, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website at www.voyage.gc.ca
