Parental Consent Letter for Travel: Download Free Sample
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Discover the methodologySometimes it is necessary to write a Parental Consent Letter for Travel when your child is travelling abroad. A consent letter may also be required for a school trip.
But, how do you write this parental consent letter for travel? Is there a sample template you can download? We're here to help.
In this article, you will find the sample parental Consent letter for children travelling abroad, also known as the Child Travel Consent Form, available for free download in Word format. We'll also tell you how to fill it out and what information to include in the consent letter so you can ensure your child a smooth journey without hiccups.
Parental consent letter for travel: Key takeaways
- The parental consent letter for travel is not mandatory.
- A sample parental consent letter is available for free download.
- You will find a sample letter in English, French, and one in Spanish.
- The consent letter must include the parents' contact information.
Beyond a Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad, your child will likely need travel insurance to make sure they're prepared for unforeseen circumstances like flight delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies among others. You can compare the best travel insurance plans here using our free tool below. Get free quotes in seconds.
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Sample Parental Consent Letter for Travel: English
Here is the Recommended Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad from voyage.gc.ca. You can download it for free in Word format, print it, customize it, and use it as needed.
Good to know
You can of course use this sample parent consent letter for travel for a trip to Canada, to another province for example, or a trip abroad, to the USA, Europe, or elsewhere.
Sample Parental Consent Letter for Travel in French
If you are looking for a free child travel consent form in French, you can download the free template below ("lettre d'autorisation parentale" from voyage.gc.ca). This template is the Government of Canada Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad.
Sample Parental Consent Letter for Travel in Spanish
If you are looking for a free child travel consent form in Spanish, you can download the template below ("Carta de viaje para menores de edad").
What is the purpose of the Parental Consent Letter for Travel?
The primary purpose of the Parental Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad is to demonstrate that the child has permission to leave Canada. The parental consent letter for travel is not a mandatory document. That being said, if your child is travelling alone abroad, providing them with a consent letter is highly recommended. Presenting a minor child travel consent form allows for a smooth journey and reassures that your child will reach their destination safely.
Good to know
This does not guarantee the child's entry into a foreign country, but it helps significantly, as some countries require a consent letter.
Another important safety measure for travelling abroad is travel insurance. With flight delays, interruptions, and weather conditions increasingly disrupting travel, your child must have good travel insurance to protect them in all situations. You can explore and compare the best travel insurance plans in the market right here. Get free quotes online based on your needs.
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How to write a travel consent letter for a minor?
A minor in Canada is a child under 18 or 19 years old, depending on the province. The consent letter for travelling with a minor must be completed by the person who has custody of the child, the right of guardianship, or parental authority.
The consent letter for travel abroad must contain the following information:
- The identity of the child
- The identity of the parents
- Information about the accompanying person, if there is one
- The countries where the consent letter or authorization is valid
- Contact details to reach the parents
Good to know
The minor child travel consent form can be notarized to give it more validity in the eyes of the authorities.
Who must sign the travel consent letter for minor?
The parental consent letter for travelling abroad must be signed by:
- One or both parents who are married or living together with the child;
- One or both parents if they are separated or not living together;
- The person with custody or guardianship rights over the child;
- Relatives with parental authority over the child.
Your child will also need a valid Canadian passport. If this is not the case, apply for a child passport as soon as possible. Visit our guide on the Child Passport Application. You will find free application forms, advice on how to fill it out, and everything you need to know.
Watch out!
If there is a risk that the accompanying parent might not return your child to Canada, consult a lawyer and proceed with caution before signing the letter of consent for the child to travel.
Is it necessary to have a consent letter for travelling with only one parent?
Suppose one parent is accompanying the child on the trip. In that case, having a parental consent letter from the other parent in cases of separation, divorce, shared custody, or other complex situations can still be useful.
Similarly, it may also be necessary to have a sample letter of consent for child to travel with grandparents. You can use the same format shared above and customize it accordingly.
