If you have a parenting order, read the order to see if there are any limits on where and when you can take your child on vacation. If there are restrictions, you will need to work with the other parent to come to an agreement or get the court’s permission to travel. If you do not have an agreement or court approval, you may not be able to travel as planned. A parent or guardian traveling with children outside of Canada without the other parents or guardians should take a consent letter. A consent letter is a document signed by the child’s parents and guardians saying the travelling parent has permission to travel with the child. The Government of Canada recommends that you have the letter witnessed by a Notary Public so that border officials will be less likely to question whether the letter is real or not. If a guardian refuses to sign a consent letter, you can ask a judge for an order allowing you to travel with the child. The judge will ask for a copy of your travel itinerary and will decide if travel is in the best interests of the child. If you are the parent staying home and you think the other guardian will not return the children to you, get legal help immediately. In an emergency, you can apply to the court to have the children’s passports taken away from the other guardian. You can appear in court without notice to the other side. If you are worried about an international abduction, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Last Reviewed: March 2021