Re: Parent permission letter-There is no other parent?

[FTF Staff]

Posted by FTF Staff on June 11, 2001 at 07:35:59:

In Reply to: Parent permission letter-There is no other parent? posted by FrenchyT on June 06, 2001 at 12:03:25:

The few countries that require a parental permission letter are basing their request solely on the parentage as stated in the minor child's birth certificate. We are aware of widowed parents who have been asked to show a death certificate, and certainly divorced parents are expected to produce divorce papers, grating them guardianship, when asked by the airline transporting them and a minor child over international borders. We cannot answer for you in other situations, but the US State Dept. or the embassy or nearest consulate of the country you intend to visit will surely be able to.

[mary ann]

Posted by mary ann on April 27, 2003 at 16:13:08:

In Reply to: Re: Parent permission letter-There is no other parent? posted by FTF Staff on June 11, 2001 at 07:35:59:

I AM TAKING STUDENTS WITH ME ON A MISSION TRIP. THEY HAVE NO FATHERS. ONE IS UNKNOWN AND THE OTHER IS DISEASED. WHAT DO I NEED TO GET THEM EITHER BACK INTO THE COUNTRY OR INTO THE VISITING COUNTRY?
MARY ANN

[FTF Staff]

Posted by FTF Staff on June 11, 2001 at 09:17:15:

In Reply to: Re: Parent permission letter-There is no other parent? posted by FTF Staff on June 11, 2001 at 07:35:59:

ARE YOU A SOLO PARENT HEADING
OUT OF THE U.S. WITH KIDS?

Protect yourself and your child from disappointment! A child departing the
United States and traveling with only one parent, a guardian, or even
grandparents or other relatives, must have written and notarized permission
from both birth parents or legal guardians to enter many countries. Read
more about these stringent new laws below.

Solo Parents Beware!

The US Immigration & Naturalization Service has begun cracking down on
single adults departing the United States with children, at the request of
international border officials trying to halt the transport of runaways and
children involved in child-custody disputes.

As one of our editors and her son discovered on a recent trip, Mexico's
policy is typical. Mexican law requires that if only one parent (or
grandparent, or other guardian) is accompanying a minor under 18 into
Mexico, they must bear a notarized letter from the child’s other parent (or
guardian) granting permission to enter Mexico with the child, including the
dates of travel, the accompanying adult’s name, contact information, and a
notarized signature.

A consular officer at the U.S. Department of State's Office of Children's
Issues verified the facts required by most countries from a 'permission to
travel' letter, and reiterated that a parent's notarized signature and
identification for the child (birth certificate or passport) were both essential.

A spokesperson at American Airlines said that the INS had only recently
begun enforcing this rule through the airlines. Although travel agents have
been charged with notifying clients that airlines will require this letter at the
airport -- before issuing boarding passes -- it can slip between the cracks.

Adults traveling with children should be aware of this regulation, and arrive
prepared. Call the nearest embassy of the country you will be visiting for
up-to- date requirements. Divorced parents should be sure to carry
notarized custody papers, as well as identification for themselves and the
child.

Click here for a sample letter you can print out, fill in and carry with you on
future international travels.

[James]

Posted by James on June 24, 2001 at 09:18:38:

In Reply to: Re: Parent permission letter-There is no other parent? posted by FTF Staff on June 11, 2001 at 09:17:15:

After traveling to Canada with my children and being hassled about not having a permission letter, I decided to carry a copy of their mother's death certificate with me. Last summer we went to Mexico and breezed right thru when I showed them the death certificate. Now I just keep a copy in my passport.

[bhowie]

Posted by bhowie on May 11, 2003 at 13:22:02:

In Reply to: Re: Parent permission letter-There is no other parent? posted by James on June 24, 2001 at 09:18:38:

Does anyone know if the airlines require letters or birth certificates for children travelling WITHIN the states?