Travel letters for children in and out of Canada
Notarized Letters Giving Consent To Travel With Kids
Child travel letters are a must if a child is travel without both parents. This is true even if they are traveling with one parent, a grandparent or anyone else. Kahane Law Office has offices located in both central Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta (but not downtown and easy to get to) can have your travel letter done same day. We offer appointment or drop in service for having a travel letter completed. Call today to get your travel on the road (403) 225-8810 for the location in Calgary and (780) 571-8463 for the location in Edmonton.
When People Require Child Travel Letters
Parents who are traveling out of the country with their minor (under 18) child or children without both parents should have a child travel letter. Including these with your travel documentation is a good idea even if the parents live together in one home. While used when separated or divorced parents travel, it is not the need for them. Similarly, the a letter authorizing travel may be required if your child or children are traveling with a non-parent. An example of this is a family friend or grandparent. Essentially the letter is an travel authorization allowing boarder officials to know that the parents or guardians of a child permit the travel with a specific person. This means that anytime this travel situation arises, the party traveling should have the letter with them. Be sure that the letter remains accessible thought the travel.
What Is A Travel Letter?
Travel letters are usually one page documents. They are signed and notarized giving permission for someone to be traveling with a child. They are notarized so that the immigration or customs officer knows that the identification of the person signing the travel letter has been confirmed. The notary seal verifies the authenticity of the authorized individual. At Kahane Law, we also include a clause that allows the responsible adult traveling with the child to make medical decisions for the child if there is a medical emergency. Some foreign countries require such permission or authorization for medical decisions.
Why Are Travel Letters Important?
Travel letters are important to avoid delays and problems at border crossings and customs both at the Canadian and foreign borders. Without one, you may miss your flight or not be able to travel at all. These letters also allow the parent traveling with the child(ren) to make emergency medical decisions if required as stated above. this is a must in some emergencies. School field trips outside the country should always have parental consent travel letters from the parents. These notarized consent letters are especially important for school teams. Delays at boarder crossings often lead to missed flights and increased stressed for everyone involved.
Authorization Documentation At Kahane Law
We help with your travel letter needs. While we usually require a day or two to prepare them and set up an appointment to have the non-traveling parent sign them. In addition, we offer same day appointments where needed. Call or email today so that we can help. Part of a sports team? Our lawyers often arrange to hold a parents day, where all the parents attend at one time to sign all the documentation.
If you have prepared your own version for travel, then we can meet with you to notarize it. Again, it is the non-traveling parent(s) who have to attend and these appointments are usually booked same or next day.
Please note that we offer reduced rates on travel letters for groups. For example, when we prepare them for sporting teams, dance or other competitions or other organized groups. In addition, this includes school and music related trips.
The Canadian government has this information on documentation with leaving the country with children. Click here
Also please feel free to learn form our educational video and watch our Kahane Law Legal Minute on Travel Letters.
Fast, Easy And Affordable Services
Our lawyers care about you, your family and helping to ensure a safe trip. We work with your schedule to ensure you leave home with all necessary paperwork. To schedule an appointment with one of our Lawyers for travel letter services, please contact our team at Kahane Law Office. We offer walk-in or while-you-wait service. Give us a call. Phone our Calgary office at 403-225-8810. In Edmonton, then call our Edmonton number at (780) 571-8463 or long distance toll-free at 1-877-225-8817, or email us directly here.