My sister is planning to visit for three weeks next summer. She is bringing her two children with her. Does she need to get written permission from her ex to come for a holiday? (they have no formal custody agreement)

Thanks in advance for help

In theory, she will. Border agents in Canada treat one parent traveling with children very differently to what you are likely to be used to in Europe.

I think so. The US and Canada are very strict in regards to this. They will ask where the father is and if she says they are divorced they will ask to see documentation.

+1

Yes do so, my Stepson was questioned extensively even though we had a letter from his Mum and we all have the same last name - he was old enough to understand and answer all questions.

She never married him (thank goodness) but they carry his surname. I will make sure she comes with plenty of documents!

Its a good job I asked!! I don't think she would have even realised!
Thank you

What happens with married parents who just can't travel together? If I go to France this summer with my son, and my husband stays in Canada, is this problematic?

Interesting thread Tootlepootle, tank you for bringing it to my attention.

It depends on the country and their stance with the international treaty on child abduction. Some countries haven't signed the treaty and others aren't so strict when it's their own (i.e. French mother bringing kids into France vs. American mother bringing kids into France). The US and Canada both take a strong stance to protect the children first. This has gotten a lot more so over the last couple years with a lot of high profile abduction cases involving parents taking kids out of the country. Here's an article on the subject:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/article...g-problem.html

Exactly the same. The presumption appears to be that, if only one parent is traveling without documentation, an abduction is taking place. It doesn't matter whether the parents are/were married.

Here is a linky: Consent to Travel Letter

As someone who deals with this on a daily basis I suggest any parent who travels with kids without the other parent have at least a letter or other documentation (custody agreement, birth certificate not naming father/mother etc).
It doesnt have to be notarized and sets out basic details example

I (name) of (address) hereby give consent to (name) to take (name/s) to (place) between the dates of travel. Any further information please contact (name) at contact number(s).

This link lets you fill one out online even
http://www.torontonotary.com/travel-consent-letter

Even when bringing the kids back into Canada how am I supposed to know that the kids have not been abducted from the parent overseas and are now being brought into Canada.
Yes some people think its a hassle etc but we do it in the best interest of the child as CBSA is a partner in Our Missing Children programme.

The CBSA plays a vital role in this award-winning partnership by protecting children at border points of entry. Since Our Missing Children began, officers have reunited over 1,750 missing or abducted children with their legal guardians.

http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/security-secur...c-ned-eng.html

So, if border officials are so concerned about child abduction, could you please explain why there are no checks when children leave Canada, only when they come into Canada? I appreciate that the US is equally as anal as Canada is, but the rest of the world isn't.

Good point why dont we have exit controls? That would mean hiring more officers as flights depart and arrive at the same times. Dependent on the age of the child sometimes its just verifying with the child by asking questions.
Some agree with the checking others don't. Many custody agreements have clauses where permission is needed by the other parent to even take the kid(s) out of Province.
How many would be turned back if the US Pre Clearance officers DEMANDED such a letter?
Should border officials in any country be checking for this as Ive received both negative and positive dealings with the parent.
At the end of the day if the parent or child(ren) is not a Canadian citizen, a PR of Canada or Status Indian then I am under no obligation to allow them entry into Canada and will refuse them if they cannot satisfy me.

How are you supposed to know that the person you're interviewing:

- has paid all their taxes
- has paid all their court/traffic fines
- isn't inadmissible to Canada because of prior offences
(for most countries it's impossible to check)

So why not require anyone entering/leaving Canada to carry tax receipts, ACPO checks, etc. valid for the past 10 years? Or perhaps the results of a recent HIV or DNA test while we're at it?

If this idea is ludicrous, why is it suddenly acceptable regarding travel with children?

I would love to know how what percentage of children passing the border with only one parent *aren't* abducted. Is it 99.99% or 99.99999% ?

Nah dont think the Govt would go for that For whatever reasons the Govt decided that this is a good idea and guess what lets have CBSA officers do these checks at the border. If they turned around tomorrow and said dont do these checks then I wont complain.
Yes I agree the percentage of single parents travelling with kids who have been or being abducted is low but I can imagine the uproar if CBSA turned around and said the following
CBSA will no longer be carrying out checks as its not our responsibility.
If you believe your child has been abducted and is possibly being taken to Canada then please contact the RCMP.
If your child has been abducted and is heading to Canada what would you want to happen?

Well presumably you get in touch with the police, who in turn informs CBSA who will flag the people involved in their database.

If you really wanted to abduct a child, a fake consent letter is easily typed up...

I have the feeling that the consent letter is just a scapegoat for CBSA and the politicians.