Travelling to Cuba with children requires more document preparation than many families expect. Every child needs an individual passport, and families travelling without both parents or legal guardians should carry a signed consent letter and supporting legal documents.
Documents every child should carry
- A valid passport issued in the child’s name
- The correct Cuba visa or eVisa information for the itinerary
- A completed D’Viajeros declaration and saved QR code
- Travel medical insurance proof covering the full stay
- Flight, hotel and transfer confirmations
- Emergency contact information stored offline
- Copies of prescriptions for essential medication
Canadian children need their own Canadian passport when travelling outside Canada. A parent’s passport cannot replace the child’s document.
When a consent letter is recommended
The Government of Canada recommends a consent letter when a child travels abroad without one or both parents or persons with decision-making responsibility. This includes travel:
- with only one parent;
- with grandparents, relatives or family friends;
- with a school, sports or cultural group;
- alone as an unaccompanied minor;
- with both parents for only part of the itinerary.
A consent letter is not generally a legal requirement in Canada, but airline staff, immigration officers or border officials may request it. Not having the letter can create delays, additional questioning or difficulty entering or leaving a country.
What the consent letter should include
- The child’s full name and date of birth
- Passport number and issuing country
- Names and contact information for all parents or guardians
- Name and contact information of the accompanying adult
- Destination and travel dates
- Flight and accommodation details when available
- A clear statement authorizing the trip
- Signature of every non-travelling parent or guardian
Carry the original signed letter rather than relying only on a phone photo. A notarized signature is not always mandatory, but it can make the document easier for officials to accept.
Supporting documents for different family situations
Depending on the family situation, carry copies of documents that explain who has legal responsibility for the child:
- birth certificate;
- custody order or parenting agreement;
- divorce or separation documents;
- death certificate of a deceased parent;
- adoption documents;
- guardianship documents;
- copy of the non-travelling parent’s signed identification.
Families with different surnames should carry documents showing the relationship between the child and accompanying adult.
Passports and Cuba entry preparation
Before departure, confirm that every passport is valid for the full expected stay and meets the airline’s own boarding rules. Keep passports and entry documents in the carry-on bag, never in checked luggage.
Review the Cuba entry requirements guide, the Cuba eVisa guide and the D’Viajeros English guide before travelling.
Travel insurance for children
Each child should be covered by travel medical insurance valid in Cuba. Confirm that the policy covers emergency treatment, hospitalization, medical transportation and trip interruption. Save the policy number and emergency telephone number offline.
Read the Cuba travel insurance guide and carry printed proof for every insured traveller.
Medication and health preparation
- Pack enough prescription medication for the full trip plus a delay buffer.
- Keep medicine in original labelled packaging.
- Carry prescriptions and a brief medical summary.
- Pack fever medication, oral rehydration salts and basic first-aid supplies.
- Do not assume preferred children’s products will be available locally.
Use the prescription medication guide and the Cuba packing list when preparing.
Flights, seating and child restraints
Airline policies for infants, car seats, strollers, bassinets and unaccompanied minors vary. Confirm rules directly with the airline before departure. Transport Canada recommends an approved child restraint system for young children rather than holding an infant for the entire flight.
Keep diapers, formula, snacks, medication, one change of clothing and important documents in the carry-on bag. Delayed luggage can be more difficult to manage when travelling with children.
At the airport
- Arrive earlier than you would when travelling alone.
- Keep the consent letter and supporting documents easy to reach.
- Prepare children for questions from airline or immigration staff.
- Confirm that surnames and passport details match every booking.
- Save the hotel address, transfer contact and emergency numbers offline.
Resort and transportation planning
Confirm room occupancy rules, crib availability, connecting-room requests, children’s club age limits and transportation arrangements before arrival. Do not assume that car seats or booster seats will be available in taxis or transfer vehicles.
Families may also find these English guides useful:
- Family hotels in Varadero
- Baby supplies at Cuba resorts
- Kids clubs and childcare
- Connecting rooms for families
- Food and water safety
Family document checklist
- Passport for every traveller
- Cuba eVisa or visa information
- D’Viajeros QR code
- Travel insurance proof
- Original consent letter when applicable
- Birth certificate and custody documents when relevant
- Flight and accommodation confirmations
- Prescriptions and medical information
- Emergency contacts and offline copies
Frequently asked questions
Does a child need a separate passport for Cuba?
Yes. Canadian children need their own valid passport for international travel.
Is a consent letter mandatory?
It is not generally required by Canadian law, but the Government of Canada strongly recommends it whenever a child travels without one or both parents or guardians. Airlines and border officials may request it.
Should the consent letter be notarized?
Notarization is not always compulsory, but it can strengthen the document and reduce questions about the authenticity of the signature.
What if the other parent is deceased?
Carry a copy of the death certificate together with the child’s birth certificate and other relevant legal documents.
What age should carry a consent letter?
Canada recommends using one for any child under 19 travelling abroad without all parents or persons with decision-making responsibility, because definitions of a minor differ between jurisdictions.
Official sources
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