The legal requirements for parental consent for child travel in Canada are closely tied to the best interests of the child. In situations where one parent refuses to provide consent for the other parent to travel outside of Canada with the children, the traveling parent may need to obtain a court order permitting the travel and dispensing with the other parent's consent. This court order can either cater to a specific trip or cover all future trips. However, obtaining a "blanket" order for all future travel requires a proper evidentiary foundation and can be more challenging to secure.

When a child travels outside of Canada without the company of both parents or guardians, border officials may need proof that the child has permission to travel. This permission, known as a "travel consent", "consent letter", or "consent to travel", plays a crucial role in facilitating the smooth travel of Canadian children. Although not a legal requirement, having a travel consent can significantly simplify the travel process. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of when a travel consent is necessary, the essential information to include in the consent, and the procedure to obtain it.