Documentation For Children Traveling Internationally

Children traveling internationally require the same documentation as adults, that means that even the youngest babies need to get a passport or other accepted ID

International Child Abduction laws mean that you'll need a little more advance preparation and documentation if you are a parent traveling without your spouse, a grandparent, or if your last name is different from your child's last name.

You will need a notarized letter from the absent parent giving their permission for you to travel with the child. The letter must include the absent parents address, phone number, authorization to travel, the destination and the length of stay.
If you are a single parent by divorce, you will need the notarized letter plus your legal papers outlining custody.
If your spouse has died, you will need the death certificate
If a child traveling has a different last name from one of the parents, be prepared to show documentation that shows that both are parents (e.g. a birth certificate or adoption decree).
If the child had only one parent at birth, be prepared to show a birth certificate

Note: Unfortunately I am unable to give advice about specific destinations or situations. Check with your country’s state department, and the embassy of each country you will be visiting regarding the latest regulations and requirements. Try to get written instructions that you can carry with you in case any questions arise at immigration. For US Citizens, the state department website is travel.state.gov

Comments

Michelle
June 3, 2008 at 7:02 p.m.

We are planning to take our 18 months old baby to his grandparents in Romania, Europe and leave him there for few months so his nana and papa will enjoy him.
What documents do we need so when we come back without him we will not have any problems when we re-enter USA.
I want to mention that we will stay in Europe for 3 weeks and one of us will have to go back to bring him back after 3 or 4 months.

Thank you for your help,

Michelle
Debbie
June 7, 2008 at 9:53 a.m.

In addition to the documents listed above, you should contact your local passport office and speak to an officer about any special requirements regarding your situation.
An
December 23, 2008 at 7:23 a.m.

I'm traveling with my husband and his 2 kids to Colombia next February. We are getting their pasports next week. Their mother doesn't have a problem with them traveling with us and I share the same last name. What other documentation we may need for them?

Thank you for your help.
Debbie
December 23, 2008 at 7:54 a.m.

In addition to the documents listed above, you should contact the Columbian Embassy (or review their website) to find out exactly what documentation they require.
Barry Jetko
March 26, 2009 at 6:35 p.m.

My fiancee is from and lives in Bucharest, Romania. We are planning to meet in Paris, France this August. She is a single parent with a 3 year old daughter. The Father left her shortly after the child was born. She has not heard from him since and does not know where he is. 1) Will she need special documentation to travel out of the country with her daughter? 2) Will she also need a passport for her and her daughter?
Any help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Regards, Barry
Debbie
March 26, 2009 at 11:23 p.m.

Barry,

This sounds like a complex situation. She should contact immigration services in both Bucharest and in Paris to understand exactly what documentation they require. In addition, she should get those requirements in writing and carry the correspondence with her documents.

Good luck!
Akiko Clifford
September 8, 2009 at 1:54 p.m.

My nephew is coming from Paris to visit us in the US in December. He will be travelling with his grandparents who will have an authorization to travel with their grandson. On their trip back to France, would American authorities require a similar document in English?
Debbie
September 8, 2009 at 3:57 p.m.

@akiko That would be the safe thing to do. You should check with American Immigration to find out exactly what you will need.