Can minors travel alone to Canada?

Yes, minors can travel alone to Canada. Children under the age of eighteen are considered minors in Canada. To enter Canada, children must follow the same laws as adults do. This means they must provide the proper documentation, which may include a passport, a visa, or a Canada eTA, as well as additional documents particular to children (under the age of 18).

Parents can apply for a Canada ETA on their children's behalf. A child's nationality determines whether they are entitled to apply for one. Children who are not qualified for an eTA must get a standard visa from an embassy or consulate.

Minors attempting to enter Canada without legal paperwork or who are with adults other than their parents will be thoroughly inspected. Border patrol personnel are on the lookout for minors who may require protection or have gone away.

The required documents depend on whether the child is traveling alone, with their parent/s, or with another adult. The following documentation is required in addition to an eTA or visa if a child is traveling alone

Child’s passport (a child can’t use their parent’s passport, even if their details are included inside)
Copy of birth certificate.
Authorization letter (in English or French and signed by both parents or legal guardians, as long as both parents/guardians are alive and have joint custody).

To minimize issues at the border, parents or legal guardians should ensure that their children have the necessary papers. The eTA Canada application takes only a few minutes to complete online, and it is processed very quickly.

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