Child General Passport Application (Page 5 of 7) in pdf

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING CHILDREN TRAVELLING ABROAD

Travelling with Children or Children Travelling Alone

Immigration authorities in most countries are becoming increasingly vigilant when children are crossing international borders.

Whether travelling alone or accompanied by an adult, each child travelling abroad must have a valid passport and may also

require supporting documentation. Prior to any travel that includes a child, you should contact the embassy or consulate of all

countries the child will be visiting to inquire about entry requirements.

Documentation to Facilitate Travel Abroad

The following documents may be required to support the entry of a child to another country:

Birth certificate showing the names of both parents

Documents pertaining to custody

If the child is travelling with one parent, a letter signed and dated from the other parent authorizing travel (letter may have to

be notarized)

If the child is travelling with someone other than the parent, a letter signed and dated from both parents authorizing travel

with that person (letter may have to be notarized)

If the child is travelling alone, a letter signed and dated from both parents authorizing travel (letter may have to be notarized)

If one of the parents is deceased, the death certificate.

Documentation and Tips to Facilitate the Return to Canada

The following tips may help to avoid delays when a child is returning to Canada:

Always carry proper identification for yourself and the child – passport, birth certificate, citizenship card, Record of Landing

(IMM 1000), permanent resident card or Indian Status Card.

If you have custody of the child, carry copies of documents specifying custody rights with you .

If you are not the legal guardian of the child, carry a letter of permission or authorization for you to have custody when

entering Canada. When a parent is travelling alone with a child, a letter from the other parent can also facilitate the return of

both the parent and the child. The letter should also contain telephone numbers where the parent or legal guardian can be

contacted.

If you are travelling as part of a caravan, ensure you are in the same vehicle as the child you are accompanying

when arriving at a border crossing.

Have the child memorize your home and/or office telephone number and teach him or her to call you in an emergency.

Custody Information

1. Custody arrangements in Canada may not be recognized in another country. In extreme cases, the child may not be able to leave

the country visited. It is recommended that, before leaving on a trip, you check with the embassy or consulate of the country or

countries the child will be visiting to determine what documentation may be required relating to the custody of the child.

For further information, contact:

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada:

In Canada

1-800-387-3124

Outside Canada

613-943-1055

2. If a custody dispute could possibly arise while travelling with the child, you should talk to a Canadian lawyer prior to your

departure. We suggest you also read the publication, International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents.

For a free copy, call:

You may also order a copy online or access an online version:

Website

In Canada

1-800-267-8376

Outside Canada

613-944-4000

Protection of Information

Personal information provided on this application form is protected and used in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy

Act (Personal Information Bank No. FAI PPU 030). This information is collected under the Canadian Passport Order to

determine the current and ongoing entitlement of the child to a Canadian passport, to administer passport services and to

provide information to the Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in the event that the child requires

assistance while travelling abroad. The information provided, including the child's photo, is subject to routine verifications and security

queries. To further strengthen Canadian passport security, the photo is stored on an alphanumeric template and incorporated into the

passport as a digital image.

Passport Canada may use the services of third parties to receive passport applications submitted in person and to process the return

of incomplete passport applications. In the performance of these services, personal information will be protected and used in accordance

with the provisions of the Privacy Act.

Passport Canada may contact the applicant to solicit feedback about passport services.

PPTC 155 (08-07) M02

Child General Passport Application Page 5

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