Minor Children Travelling to Canada

In Canada, children under the age of 18 are considered minors. They must meet the same entry requirements as any other visitor. Minors travelling with adults who are not their parents or legal guardians may face additional scrutiny and must provide proper documentation to prove they have permission to travel.

Key Requirements for Minor Children

The required documents depend on whether the child is travelling alone, with one parent, or with someone other than their parents or legal guardians.

1. Travelling Alone:

The child must present:

Their own passport (a parent’s passport is not acceptable, even if the child’s details are included).
A copy of their birth certificate.
A letter of authorization (preferably in English or French), signed by both parents or legal guardians, including:

The name, address, and telephone number of the adult in Canada who will care for the child.
The parents’ or guardians’ address and telephone number.

2. Travelling with One Parent Only:

The accompanying parent must present:

The child’s passport.
A copy of the child’s birth certificate.
A letter of authorization (preferably in English or French), signed by the non-travelling parent, including:

A photocopy of the non-travelling parent’s signed passport or national identity card.
The non-travelling parent’s address and telephone number.

3. Separated or Divorced Parents:

Shared Custody: The travelling parent should carry copies of the legal custody documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent.
Sole Custody: The travelling parent should bring a copy of the custody decree and a letter of authorization signed by themselves.

4. If One Parent is Deceased:

The travelling parent should bring a copy of the death certificate.

5. Travelling with a Legal Guardian or Adoptive Parents:

The child must have a copy of the guardianship papers or adoption papers.

6. Travelling with Someone Other Than Parents or Legal Guardians:

The accompanying adult must have a letter of authorization from the parents or guardians, including:

A photocopy of the parents’ or guardians’ signed passports or national identity cards.
The parents’ or guardians’ addresses and telephone numbers.