MINOR TRAVEL WITH ONLY ONE PARENT
The United States does not generally require proof that both parents consent before a minor travels internationally. However, some destination countries require a signed or notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent, and U.S. government guidance recommends checking those requirements before travel.
Current Department of State guidance states that the United States does not require evidence of both parents’ permission for a minor to travel internationally.
A consent letter is therefore not a universal U.S. federal entry document comparable to a passport or visa.
The destination or transit country may impose its own rules. DOS states that some countries require a parent traveling alone with a child to carry a signed and notarized letter from the other parent or proof of sole legal custody.
CBP guidance concerning infants and minors notes that consent documentation can be useful when a child is not traveling with both parents because of concerns involving custody disputes, international child abduction and trafficking.
If the traveling parent has sole legal authority and the other parent’s consent is not legally required, carrying the relevant custody order can help explain the situation when another country requests proof of authority to travel.
Parents and children frequently have different surnames. Carrying a birth certificate, adoption decree or other relationship document can help demonstrate the connection if questions arise.
The child must still possess the passport, visa or other entry document required for the trip. A parental consent letter addresses permission to travel; it is not an immigration admission document.
Parental permission and immigration documentation are separate issues.
No. DOS states that the United States does not generally require proof of both parents’ permission for international travel, although other countries may require a notarized consent letter.
A death certificate can help explain why consent from the other parent cannot be provided.
No. The child must independently satisfy the passport, visa and other travel-document requirements applicable to the trip.
The U.S. rule, destination-country rules and any custody order should all be checked before a parent travels internationally with a minor.