Thinking of sending your child abroad? You may be wondering: can a minor travel internationally without parents? Short answer: YES! Long answer: Yes, but…
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This post is not intended as legal advice.
As summer approaches and international travel re-opens, you may be thinking of sending your child abroad. Whether to camp, to visit relatives, or for some other reason, he may be going alone. Whether or not this is a simple or complex endeavor will depend on a number of factors. Read on to learn what to take into consideration for a minor to travel internationally without parents.
- Country of Origin
- Destination Country
- Custody Status
With almost 200 countries in the world, I can not provide information about them all. Furthermore, protocols are always changing. I will try to provide current information about some of the most common countries applicable for my readership.
Consideration #1: Country of Origin
The world in which we are raising our children is very different from the world in which we grew up. I am not sure if there really is an uptick in child trafficking and child abductions due to custody disputes or if the international community is just more inclined to [try to] do something about it. Either way, traveling internationally with children–even our own–has become more complicated.
For a child to travel internationally without parents, the necessary documentation is dependent on the country of origin.
When I was a child, we travelled abroad multiple times with only my mother. The only time I remember anyone asking for any type of documentation from my father was on a trip to Mexico (by air). And even now, Mexico seems the most strict. Again, from the US Department of State, “A parent or legal guardian departing Mexico with minor children should carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent if traveling separately.” However, if the child is traveling without either parent, then at least one parent must fill out the Formato de Salida de Menores (aka SAM; Minor Exit Form) and have originals and multiple copies of several documents. This only applies to Mexican citizens or legal residents. And, according to the Mexican Consular Services, it is pretty extensive.
On the other hand, according to the US Department of State, “The United States does not have exit controls or require two-parent consent for a minor to leave the country.” So, it seems that the greater concern for a minor to travel alone will be the entry requirements of the destination country.
Furthermore, the US Department of State explains that “Israel does not require minors (defined as under the age of 18) traveling with one parent or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian to have written consent from the other parent or parents to either enter or depart Israel. Nonetheless, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a signed, dated, and notarized letter from the non-traveling parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with neither parent, a letter signed by both parents) stating “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my/our permission to do so.”
Similarly, Canada recommends, but does not require, a consent letter for all minors departing Canada without both parents. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, “A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but it can simplify travel for Canadian children, as it may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country or by Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. The letter demonstrates that Canadian children have permission to travel abroad from parents or guardians who are not accompanying them.”
The European Union is the most vague, since each country still maintains its own autonomy in some ways. “each EU country decides if it requires the child to have an official authorisation from their parent(s) or guardian”. This seems the most interesting to me since there really is no border control when crossing between member countries. For example, driving over the border between France and Belgium is like driving over the border between California and Arizona. Nonetheless, departure by air is still different and you should consult with each specific country even if your child will just be transiting through.
Consideration #2: Destination Country
So, you have determined that your child can leave home. But, will he or she be allowed in at their destination?
As mentioned above, Israel does not require consent to enter.
The US Department of State reminds travelers that “if you plan to travel to Canada with a minor who is not your own child or for whom you do not have full legal custody, CBSA may require you to present a notarized affidavit of consent from the minor’s parents.” The Canada Border Service Agency “recommend[s] that the letter be signed by every non-accompanying person or organization with the legal right to make major decisions for the child”. There is an interactive form on the CBSA website that you can customize for your particular situation.
Considering how strict the Mexican policy is towards its own citizens, it seems very lax towards foreigners. Peculiarly, according to the Mexican Consulate, “Foreign minors (under 18 years of age) travelling to Mexico alone or with a third part of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle, etc.) as visitors (tourists or with a short study stay of up to 180 days), do not require authorization or a letter of consent from their parents or guardians. Mexican migratory authorities will allow these minors to leave Mexico upon presentation of a valid passport.”
As each European Union country has its own rules for entering (and transiting), you should consult with the embassy or consulate of the country in question.
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Traveling to the United Kingdom will require consent as well as proof of finances and accommodations. The type of consent and documents needed depends on the purpose of the, the age of the child, and type of accommodations, amongst other things. Refer to the Visit UK government site for more details.
According the the US Customs and Border Protection, when arriving in the United States, “unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the child should have a notarized letter from the other parent or signed by both parents stating, ‘I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission.'” Notice that it says “should” not “must”. While it is not a requirement, the child could be detained in order to ensure his/her safety (i.e. that they are traveling of their own free will, etc.).
Being called aside is never fun. For a child alone, it can be scary.
For all other countries to which your child plans to travel internationally without parents, consult their embassy for specific requirements.
Consideration #3: Custody Status
With more and more kids growing up in “non-traditional” households, an important consideration is custody status. If your child will be travelling abroad with only one custodial parent or legal guardian, in most cases a notarized letter from all other legal guardians granting permission is recommended. If the child is going alone, documentation will need to be provided by all parties (as mentioned above).
In a situation where there is only one custodial parent/guardian, things will be a bit different. This will be true whether or not the child will travel with the parent. If the child is traveling with the parent, they may still need to present documents confirming that this parent has sole custody–and therefore does not need permission form someone else. This is anything from a court ordered custody document to a birth/adoption certificate only listing the one parent to a death certificate of the deceased parent. the documentation varies based on circumstances.
If the child will be traveling without the parent, the abovementioned custody documents will still need to be provided in order to justify why only one parent is providing a consent letter.
Sound Advice to Travel Internationally Without Parents (or even with)
All this being said, most countries are signatories to the Hague Convention designed to prevent child abduction. Therefore, it is prudent in this day and age to travel with certain documents at all times. At the very least, you won’t be detained if you are ever asked for proof. The first is obviously a passport, regardless. Second is a travel consent letter (and custody documents if applicable), as we have been discussing. According the the CBP, it should include the basic who, what, when, where, why, and contact information for the parent(s). You may also want to include medical consent, an expiration date, and have it notarized.
The third document may seem strange, but it is a sad statement of society that it even needs mentioning. You may want to consider traveling with a document proving your relationship to your child–regardless if you have the same last name. This could be a birth certificate or a court document like adoption papers. Having this with you could save you unnecessary aggravation (and trauma) if you are ever detained for such verification.
Quick Story:
I wonder in this day and age how many eyebrows would raise if I had my 14 year-old attempt the same solo flight that I did at her age (without a cell phone, GPS, Uber, etc.). I flew by myself from Israel to Iowa. And if you guessed that there was no direct flight, you would be right!
I flew from Tel Aviv to Orly airport in Paris. In Paris I had to gather my suitcases (remember 2 free checked bags?), go through customs, and change money. Then, I had to buy a ticket and find the bus that would take me to Charles de Gualle Airport an hour away. And, I don’t speak French. Once at de Gualle, I had to check in for my flight to Boston. Remember no smartphones or online check-in. Once arriving in Boston, I had to once again gather my luggage and clear US customs. Then I had to take a shuttle to a different terminal to check-in for my domestic flight. At least I speak English. I then flew to St. Louis where I only had to change gates to catch the final leg of my flight to Des Moines!
Putting a child on a plane on his own can be daunting. Be prepared with these three essential pieces of information and documentation.
At what point would you feel comfortable allowing your child to travel internationally without parents? Let me know.
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