Tips for Parents and Legal Guardians

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency(CBSA), Foreign Affairs Canada and the Department of Justice are working together to protect abducted children and runaways who are encountered crossing the Canadian/US border. In co-operation with other Canadian and US agencies, and with law enforcement agencies in more than 40 countries, they exchange information and assist each other in finding missing children and reuniting them with their families.

Since 1986, CBSA officers have recovered over 1 400 runaway/abducted children in Canada. These officials are on full alert for children who need protection and therefore pay extra attention to children as they enter Canada. A child or youth traveling without proper identification, or in the company of adults other than their legal guardian, may be subjected to a more thorough interview. This additional scrutiny is aimed at ensuring the safety of the child.

The following tips may be useful in helping you avoid delays when entering Canada

Tips for Parents and Guardians

Always carry proper identification for yourself and the child(ren), such as: birth cetificate; citizenship card; passport; baptismal certificate; Permanent Resident Card or Certificate of Indian Status.

If you have the legal custody of the child(ren), have copies of relevant documents such as: custody rights.

If you are not the legal guardian of the child(ren), carry a letter of permission or authorization for you to have custody when entering Canada. A letter would also facilitate entry for any one parent traveling with their child(ren). If possible, this permission should contain contact telephone numbers for the legal quardian or parent.

If you are traveling as part of a caravan, be sure that you are in the same vehicle as your child(ren) when you arrive at the border.

Have your child(ren) memorize your home and/or office telephone number and teach him/her to reach you in an emergency situation.

If you are traveling with children and encounter a few or more questions than normal from our CBSA officers, please be patient. The protection and safety of children is everybody's concern.

Please contact us if you require more information.