Travel documents for children
Since December 11, 2001, all children who travel need their own travel document. You are now required to complete a separate application form for each child requiring a travel document, including newborns.
Note: For those children born in Canada and therefore citizens of Canada entitled to a Canadian passport, obtain and complete a Child Passport Application.
Why does my child need a travel document?
 The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recommended a policy requiring every individual who travels by air to have his or her own travel document. This policy has been put in place to combat the traffic of millions of children around the world who are often sold into slavery, child prostitution or worse. It increases the protection of children, by ensuring that they have a valid travel document with a photo and other identifying information.
How does this policy affect current valid travel documents?
If you are a parent who holds a valid Canadian travel document that lists the name of your child, the document will remain valid for you and your child until the expiry date.
However, there are 2 exceptions. If your child plans to travel without you or when he/she reaches the age of 16, your child is required to have a separate travel document.
Who can apply for a child travel document?
In the case of custody, separation or divorce
All legal documents that refer to custody or mobility of, or access to the child must be provided. If a divorce has been granted, a copy of the divorce judgement or order must also be provided. Where joint custody provision exist, either parent may apply, but both parents must sign the application.
Validity of a child travel document
To ensure that the travel document and the photo reflect the appearance of the child, the period of validity for a child's travel document is determined by the age of the child.
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Document
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Maximum validity period
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Children under 3 years
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Children from 3 to 15 years
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Travel document
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3 years
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5 years
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Certificate of identity
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3 years
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3 years
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Children who have been issued a travel document in their first 12 months after December 11, 2001 are entitled to a replacement travel document at no cost.
In order to receive such a replacement travel document:
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- The applicant must submit a current photo of the child taken within one month of the date the application is submitted. This is to ensure that the photo reflects a true likeness of the child.
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