MINORS TRAVELING WITHOUT A PARENT
A child can travel internationally with a grandparent, relative, family friend, school official or another responsible adult when the child has the required travel documents. Additional parental authorization may be required by the destination country and is useful evidence of the adult’s authority to travel with the child.
CBP states that children traveling internationally generally must have the passport, visa or other international entry documentation applicable to the trip.
Traveling with a grandparent does not allow a child to rely on the grandparent’s passport or immigration document.
DOS states that when a child travels alone or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, some countries require a notarized written permission letter from the parents or legal guardians.
U.S. government guidance does not establish one universal federal consent-letter requirement for every minor departing or entering the United States with another adult.
Nevertheless, a detailed authorization letter can help demonstrate that the trip is legitimate and approved by the child’s parents.
U.S. citizen children under 19 traveling by land or sea from Canada or Mexico with qualifying school, religious, social, cultural or sports groups can use special document procedures when the group satisfies CBP’s requirements.
An adult should not rely on a permission letter that conflicts with a valid court order restricting international travel. Court orders can have direct consequences when international parental abduction concerns exist.
CBP and the Department of State maintain specific procedures to help prevent international parental child abduction when qualifying court orders and alerts exist.
Yes, if the child possesses the required travel documents and the trip complies with applicable custody and destination-country requirements.
It is prudent because some countries require notarized parental permission when a child travels with someone other than a parent or guardian.
Potentially yes, but the child must have the required travel documents and any parental authorization required by the countries involved.
The best documentation identifies the child, accompanying adult, trip, parents and any custody limitations before the traveler reaches the border.