In today's post 911 culture combined with the recent child abduction cases in the news, it's prudent to study up on the rules and regulations for taking your child out of the country or letting the grandparents take the kids for a week or two. First and foremost to know - it cannot be done without some kind of paperwork in hand along with the passport or birth certificate. Here are a few pointers and questions to ask yourself before loading up the car or heading to the airport:
1. If both parents are traveling with their off-spring a passport and birth certificate is
required by most countries.
2. If one parent is traveling with off-spring, they need a passport, birth certificate AND a
permission to travel letter signed by the spouse or parent not on the trip. Some countries
require it to be witnessed, notarized and be the original copy. If the parent has sole custody,
bring that paperwork too.
3. If one relative (not the parent) is traveling with a minor child, all the above is required
as well as a letter giving the adult medical supervision control and rights for the minor.
This should be notarized and original copy as well.
4. If the minor is traveling with non-relatives, all the above is needed. The permission letter
naming the adults by their proper names, medical supervision letter, passport and birth certificate.
If the trip is not to a international destination eliminate the passport from the list. A minor is any child under the age of 18.
Important Point - The letters for medical care and the authorization letter to travel signed by the non-traveling parent should be date and destination specific.
Even if the minor is going on a trip over a state line, protect the health of the child with the medical supervision letter to the responsible adult going on the trip.
Play it safe and know the rules - it can quickly ruin a vacation if you are not properly prepared with the correct documentation.
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