What Is The Age At Which A Canadian Child Can Leave The Country Alone ?

In practice, about 5 years old. But lots of conditions apply. 18 with no evidence of parental consent -- in theory.

Believe it or not, it depends on the carrier (airline, bus, etc.), more than the governments.

Assuming that the child has a valid passport and visa documents (for entering the destination country), then most immigration officials will let them in. Most airlines will also demand proof of parental consent, for children under 14. Official advice is that the child should carry a letter of consent from any unaccompanying parents for every trip taken.

Many Canadian airlines run services for unaccompanied minors, age 5-15. Pay extra and the airline staff look after the child en route, and help them get through immigration at the other end, in some cases.

From the age of 14+, things start to get fuzzier. And after 16 the teen may not be asked to produce proof of parental consent at all. If the teenager has a valid visa to enter country X, then neither Canada nor Country X is likely to stop them.

Some airlines will insist on proof of parental authority even after age of 16. But that doesn't stop someone from walking through a border checkpoint.

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