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Traveling with Children

Are you planning to travel with your kids?

Since 1986, Canada Border Service Agency has recovered over 1,400 missing children. To ensure children are not illegally removed from Canada, the Canada Border Service Agency requires parents have travel documents for all children.

Proper Documentation

You generally do not need any documents to travel within Canada with your children. However, if there is any possibility of any dispute and your children are traveling alone, with one parent only, or with a family member or friend, a consent letter should be signed. The children should also bring their Nova Scotia Health cards.

The age of majority varies from country to country and province to province, so to be safe, a consent letter should be signed for all children under the nineteen (19) years old.

Here are the documents you will need when crossing an international border:

All children need a passport no matter what their age. Go to Passport Canada’s office at www.ppt.gc.ca for information on how to apply and exceptions for travel to the United States.

If your child is traveling alone with only one parent or guardian, or with a family member or friend, he or she should carry a consent letter confirming permission to leave the country. See www.voyage.gc.ca for a sample letter or you can see your family law lawyer to assist with drafting the consent letter.

You should also carry a copy of any court orders or any other documents you have giving you custody or access rights.

If you think a custody dispute might arise, you should get legal advice before your child leaves Canada.

Travel to the United States

Canadian citizens, of all ages, traveling to or from the United States by air must show a valid passport (or NEXUS card).

Until the Western Hemisphere Travel Inititive (WHTI) is fully implemented, which is expected as of June 1, 2009, Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by land or water can show any of the following documents:

A government issued photo ID, such as a drivers’ license, PLUS a birth certificate or citizenship card
A passport
A NEXUS card
A Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card
A British Columbia (B.C.) enhanced driver’s licence (EDL)
A Certificate of Indian Status card

Please note, for those aged 18 years and under, only proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card is required.

After the WHTI is fully implemented, Canadian citizens traveling to the United States by land or water can show any of the following documents:

A passport
A NEXUS card
A FAST card
A B.C. EDL or an EDL from another province of territory where a U.S. approved EDL program has been implemented

Canadian citizens 15 years of age or under will only require proof of citizenship, such as an original or a copy of a birth certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card. Canadian citizens 18 years of age or under who are traveling with a school or other organized group, under adult supervision with parental/guardian consent, may also present proof of citizenship alone.

Other countries may not recognize your child custody arrangements. For more information, see International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents at www.voyage.gc.ca

Double-check any court orders and agreements between you and your ex-spouse to make certain there are no limits on taking your child out of the province or country. If you are unsure, get legal advice.

For more information, call:

Passport Canada: 1-800-567-6868

The Consular Affairs Bureau: 1-800-267-6788

This Lawletter has been provided for general reference only. For advice on an actual matter, you should consult a lawyer.

Prepared by:
Terrance G. Sheppard

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