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Children and TravelTravelling with children can be a rewarding experience; however, one must take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for all. It is important to make sure that you have all of the appropriate documents when travelling with your child as well as to be aware of any regulations and conditions that may affect your trip. This section provides information and advice to assist you in your preparations.
PassportsAll children who travel now need their own valid passport. If however, you are a parent who still holds a valid Canadian passport that lists the name of your child, the passport will remain valid for you and your child until it expires. Yet there are two exceptions: (1) if your child plans to travel without you; or (2) when he or she reaches the age of 16 in which case your children will need to have their own personal documents.
International AdoptionsProvincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied even if the adoption has already been completed. For further information, refer to International Adoption and the Immigration Process, contact your provincial/territorial authorities, or call the CIC call centre nearest you.
Custody/AbductionIf you or your partner are travelling to another country with your child and there is a possibility that a custody dispute might develop, you should talk to a lawyer before the child leaves home. Our publication International Child Abductions: A Manual for Parents contains further information. Remember that customs and immigration officials are looking for missing children and may ask questions about the children travelling with you. Make sure you carry the proper identification for yourself and any children travelling with you. These documents will help prove your citizenship, residency and custodial rights when you return to Canada. In addition, it is advisable to carry a consent letter in situations where a child is travelling with one parent or a child is travelling without either parent.
Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenA few Canadians travel for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with children. In doing so, they take advantage of the poverty and powerlessness of foreign children, expecting to exploit weaknesses in law enforcement. Our publication Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime will provide you with more information on this topic.
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