Traveling to the U.S. with Minor Children? Know the Rules

Traveling to the United States with a child requires careful planning to ensure a smooth entry process. Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or relative, having the correct documents can help avoid delays at the border. Here, we’ll cover essential travel requirements for minors, including passport rules, consent letters, and special provisions for Canadian citizens.

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1. Do Children Need Their Own Passport?

Yes. Every child, including infants, must have their own passport to enter the U.S. if traveling by air. However, different rules apply for land and sea crossings.

Children Traveling to the U.S. as Canadian Citizens

• Under Age 16 (Land or Sea Travel):

  • May present an original or copy of one of the following:
    • Birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department)
    • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
    • Naturalization Certificate
    • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Hospital-issued birth certificates are accepted only if the child is a newborn and the official birth certificate has not yet arrived.

• Ages 16–18 (Land or Sea Travel):

  • Must have a passport, NEXUS card, or other approved travel document.

• All Ages (Air Travel):

  • A valid passport is required for all travelers, including infants.

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2. Traveling with a Group of Children

If a child under 19 is traveling with a school group, religious group, social organization, or sports team, they may enter the U.S. by land or sea using an original or copy of their birth certificate.

The group must also provide a letter on official organizational letterhead, including:

• The name of the group and supervising adult
• A list of all children on the trip, including:
  • Primary address
  • Phone number
  • Date and place of birth
  • Name of at least one parent or legal guardian
• A signed statement from the supervising adult certifying they have parental or legal guardian consent for each child

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3. Consent Letter: When Is It Needed?

If a child is traveling with only one parent or a guardian, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent is highly recommended. CBP officers may request it to prevent disputes over custody or child abduction concerns.

How to Write a Consent Letter

There are no official guidelines for a consent letter, but it should include:

• The child’s full name and date of birth
• The names and contact information of both parents or guardians
• The name and relationship of the accompanying adult
• Travel details, including destination and duration of the trip
• A signed statement of consent (example below)
• The signature of the non-accompanying parent, preferably notarized

Example Statement:
“I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [name of accompanying adult] with my permission.”

Single or Multiple Letters?

• If neither parent is traveling with the child, they can both sign one letter or each provide a separate letter.
• Siblings traveling together can be listed in a single letter.
• Separate letters are recommended if children will travel separately for part of the trip.

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4. What If One Parent Has Sole Custody?

If one parent has sole custody, they should carry legal documents proving their custodial rights. Acceptable documents include:

• A court order granting sole custody
• A death certificate, if the other parent is deceased
• An adoption decree, if applicable

Having these documents readily available can help avoid unnecessary questioning at the border.

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5. Frequent Cross-Border Travel with a Child

For parents or guardians who regularly cross the U.S. border with a minor, it’s best to always carry:

• A notarized letter of permission from the other parent (even for routine trips)
• A copy of a custody agreement, if applicable

This is especially important for families living near the U.S.-Canada or U.S.-Mexico border who travel frequently for school, sports, or family visits.

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6. Additional Considerations

• Traveling with a Child Who Has a Different Last Name? Bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate or other proof of relationship.
• Traveling with a Child Who is Not Your Own? A notarized letter from both parents is highly recommended.
• Traveling Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)? Ensure the child has ESTA approval before flying to the U.S. (CBP, 2023).
• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), Refugees, and Asylees:
  • May continue using their Green Card (Form I-551) or other valid documents proving legal status for U.S. entry.

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Final Tips for a Smooth Trip

✔ Double-check passport and visa requirements well in advance
✔ Bring extra copies of consent letters and custody documents
✔ Keep all paperwork in an easily accessible travel folder
✔ Be prepared to answer CBP officers’ questions about the child’s travel

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

Citations

• Children – Traveling to the United States as a Canadian Citizen

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