What do I need to take my 14-year-old grandson on a visit to Canada?

by Paula
(Springfield MI 49037)

Question: What documents do I need to take my 14-year-old grandson to Canada for a visit? I plan to visit Toronto next month and would like to take my 14-year-old grandson with me. We plan to be in Canada for 4 days. Does he need a passport? I live in Michigan and he lives in Indiana. Thank you.

Answer: Your grandson only needs a passport if you plan to travel to Canada and return to the U.S. by air. If you travel by land, then all he needs is a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy).

According to the State Department, U.S. citizen's who plan to travel to Canada with a minor who is not their own child or for whom you do not have full legal custody, may be required to present a notarized affidavit of consent from the minor’s parents.

There is no specific form for this document, but it should include dates of travel, parents’ names and photocopies of their state-issued IDs. Click on the link for a model consent form.

Minor Travel Consent Form