by Kyle McCarthy

Did you know that a child departing the United States and traveling with only one parent, a guardian, grandparents or other adults, must have written and notarized permission from both birth parents or legal guardians to enter many countries, even on a cruise ship's shore excursions?

In an effort to halt international child abduction, runaways, and the transport of children involved in child-custody disputes, American carriers have been cracking down on adults departing the U.S. with minors. This is due to the enhanced awareness of children's rights raised by the Hague Convention, a treaty created to deter international child abductions, which, as of July 2001, is in force between the United States and 50 other countries. 

The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade reminds visitors that "Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders.  Make sure you carry the proper identification for yourself and any children traveling with you, including any documents that might be required by the authorities of the country you intend to visit, and by Canadian authorities on your return to Canada with the child."

Additionally, rising health care costs and legal issues have forced many medical providers to deny medical care to minors without proper authorization and, increasingly, proof of medical insurance coverage, from their guardians .

U. S. Passports & Foreign Passports

To enforce the Hague Convention provisions, the U.S. Department of State requires that every citizen, no matter the age, carry her own passport and appear in person to apply for one. Since July 2001, strict guidelines for the issuance of passports to minors have required the presence of both parents, with proof of parentage, or one parent's appearance with a notarized statement of consent from the second parent (or divorce papers, death certificates, lawyer's letters.) 

This is a complex issue, so be sure to call the National Passport Information Center with questions at their toll-free phone assistance line, 877/4USA-PPT (877/487-2778 or  888/874-7793 for TDD/TTY help); or visit check the NPIC website before arriving at their office for an interview.

If you're planning a foreign vacation, start this process early because new Department of Homeland Security laws have created a rush at the National Passport Center.  As part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, re-entering the United States by air, land or ship from any destination -- including neighboring countries which previously required only a birth certificate -- will soon require passports from American citizens of all ages.

If custody issues are a concern, the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program provides notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children, and denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with the CPIAP. The Office of Children's Issues (888/407-4747) will provide more information.

Visas & Travel Documents

In an era of heightened global security, many foreign countries are revising their passport issuance and visa procedures as well. Laura Tischler, a spokesman for the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State advises families:  "Contact the embassy of your destination country or study the Consular Information Sheets provided at http://travel.state.gov to find out what that country's requirements will be in terms of documentation, in order to bring a child into the country."

As one of our editors and her son discovered while checking in for an American Airlines flight to Cancun, Mexican law requires that if only one parent or non-custodial adult(s) is accompanying a minor under 18 into Mexico, he/she must bear a notarized Permission to Travel Letter from the child's other parent(s) or guardian(s) granting permission to enter Mexico with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult's name, contact information, and a notarized signature.

All the airlines follow this protocol. The US Airways website confirms that they enforce this during the check-in process with the posted rule: "If adult passengers do not have the proper documents, as defined by the U.S. Department of State guidelines, boarding is denied in order to comply with international regulations and the foreign immigration process."  

In another incident concerning a press trip to Brazil, FTF's staff learned that some countries require a notarized original copy of the Permission to Travel Letter before even accepting a visa application for minors.

Permission To Travel Letter 

A consular officer at the U.S. Office of Children's Issues (888/407-4747) verified that today many countries require a Permission to Travel letter with parents' notarized signatures, plus identification for the child (certified birth certificate or passport), and that both are essential. Consular Information Sheets issued by the U. S. Department of State (which does not make these regulations) often carry this warning:  "In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points.  These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present.  Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure."

Such concerns apply not only to air and land travel, but to cruise travel as well.  Carnival, for example, requires the notarized Permission to Travel Letter for any children debarking in Mexico, if only on a half-day shore excursion, so it's smart to check ahead with your cruise company.  Mexican Consular Officer Hebe Cue advises, "In case of weather or other cruise delay, it's better if adults have the notarized permission letter. In any case, it is required for American minors entering Mexico by air, no matter how long their stay." At Royal Caribbean, an agent interviewed about Canada-bound cruises suggested single parents or other adults traveling with a minor carry notarized documentation, "to be on the safe side."

Monica Campbell of the Canadian Tourism Commission agrees. "Canadian customs officers, who are the primary line of inspection for visitors, may require a notarized statement from both parents when they find a child under 18 traveling alone or with other adults. All carriers, including air, sea and land, can be fined for bringing people into Canada without the proper documentation."

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

Tip: Notarize several copies of the Permission to Travel Letter at the same time if you are applying for foreign visas.

Medical Treatment Authorization Letter

To eliminate any possibility that an injured child may not receive immediate medical treatment, a Medical Treatment Authorization Letter may also be essential "luggage" for single parents or other guardians, grandparents, or any non-custodial adults traveling with a minor.

For example, any nursery or school, soccer team, gymnastics class or other organized sports activity now requires guardians to fill out a form assigning them responsibility for a child in case of medical emergency. The same applies to non-custodial adults, because most medical facilities will not treat a minor without legal permission from the guardian (or, often, without evidence of medical insurance coverage.)

Click here to access a "Medical Treatment Authorization Letter" you can print out, fill in, and carry with you on all future travels.

Tip: Photocopy the front and back sides of each minor's medical insurance card as proof of coverage.

Travel Prepared 

Thorough documentation is especially important in situations such as travelers or guardians with different last names than each other or the minor. FTF also recommends that birth parents who have different surnames than their child carry a photocopy of the child's birth certificate while traveling, providing legal evidence of "guardianship" in case of trouble.

Same sex couples, and adoptive, divorced or widowed parents should carry certified custody or death certificates, as well as identification for themselves and the child.  

Although travel agents and occasionally, the fine print on a brochure, are supposed to notify families that airlines, cruise lines and bus tours may require proper documentation - or deny boarding - the paperwork can, and often does, slip between the cracks. The same holds true for travel insurance, trip-protection and health coverage that many travel experts find essential, and many travel agents recommend, but many vacationers are reluctant to purchase.

For more information, contact your attorney or a professional travel agent. The staff at the FTF office (212/665-6124), while not attorneys, are happy to help answer any questions.

On vacation, travel prepared. It's better to be safe than sorry.

  

I have made 2 requests for the parental permission travel letter and have not recieved it is there a problem with your system?

Posted Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:29am by anonymous

Let me look into it -- I assume you filled out the form and then were told you would be emailed the letter -- but haven't received it?

Posted Wed Oct 11, 2006 11:37pm by anonymous

I just tried it and was able to very quickly access the documents on my home computer, so I think the problem may be on your system. Be sure to click on the green "Permission to Travel Letter" above and fill out the form. You will then receive an email that will lead you to a PDF of the parental permission travel letter to print.

Posted Wed Oct 11, 2006 11:53pm by lauras

I've made two requests for permission travel letters and have not received an email. I have a mac...is that a problem?

Posted Thu May 29, 2008 2:36pm by gaylene

This is the most frustrating website I have ever used. Are the letters a means of getting people to join Family Travel Forum?

Posted Thu May 29, 2008 3:10pm by gaylene

I have made 2 requests for the parental permission travel letter and medical Release Authorization letter. I click on the link to download the docs, but get sent back to the register page. I have not recieved either doc, is there a problem with your system?


Posted Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:58am by 74vette

I was able to get the docs, cancel the request. If all else fails, read the directions, right? Thanks

Posted Mon Jun 23, 2008 8:59am by 74vette