Author Topic: Minor accompanied by non-parent - need letter? (Read 3583 times)

shmuelb · « **on:** September 29, 2013, 06:13:02 AM »

Hi everyone,

Maybe someone here can help us with this question. We are sending our son (10yr old) with brother-in-law TLV-EWR, JFK-TLV. Does he need a letter from us that we authorize him? Does it need to be notarized? Child - US and IL citizen, b-i-l US citizen. Passports are valid etc. Flying Elal.

Thanks in advance!

hertzinstl · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2013, 08:08:32 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 29, 2013, 06:13:02 AM

Hi everyone,

Maybe someone here can help us with this question. We are sending our son (10yr old) with brother-in-law TLV-EWR, JFK-TLV. Does he need a letter from us that we authorize him? Does it need to be notarized? Child - US and IL citizen, b-i-l US citizen. Passports are valid etc. Flying Elal.

Thanks in advance!

It doesn't hurt to get a letter . . .

Saver2000 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2013, 08:16:53 AM »

Quote from: hertzinstl on September 29, 2013, 08:08:32 AM

It doesn't hurt to get a letter . . .

That doesn't answer his question.

raphy781 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2013, 09:19:11 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 29, 2013, 06:13:02 AM

Hi everyone,

Maybe someone here can help us with this question. We are sending our son (10yr old) with brother-in-law TLV-EWR, JFK-TLV. Does he need a letter from us that we authorize him? Does it need to be notarized? Child - US and IL citizen, b-i-l US citizen. Passports are valid etc. Flying Elal.

Thanks in advance!

A few years ago I flew internationally with an uncle of mine. We were informed that we would need a letter giving him custody of me temporarily. Aside from one customs agent who we mentioned it to (he said "oh yeah lemme see it") no one checked it out.

sky121 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2013, 09:54:12 AM »

I would get one even if it's not officially needed.

metziah · « **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2013, 10:29:27 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 29, 2013, 06:13:02 AM

Hi everyone,

Maybe someone here can help us with this question. We are sending our son (10yr old) with brother-in-law TLV-EWR, JFK-TLV. Does he need a letter from us that we authorize him? Does it need to be notarized? Child - US and IL citizen, b-i-l US citizen. Passports are valid etc. Flying Elal.

Thanks in advance!

Yes you need a letter from BOTH parents and get it notorized.

shmuelb · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2013, 05:34:35 PM »

Thanks for everyone who took the time to reply!

I think everyone can say "May as well get a letter, signed by both parents and notarized" it does not hurt but costs in Israel around 260 Shekel. I assume anecdotes show that generally you can get by without one. My question is - do we NEED this?

Quote from: metziah on September 29, 2013, 10:29:27 AM

Yes you need a letter from BOTH parents and get it notorized.

can you elaborate?

I am sorry I was not more clear.

In the meanwhile, here is what I found out so far; according to LY agent, "there is a form on the Elal site, because both tickets are on one reservation (minor and accompanier) it should be fine. However maybe in the USA for the return they may need something. May as well get a notarized letter" I can not view it on my computer so I will try to check tomorrow.

According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the USA, found by Amex concierge, we do not need one for the USA but the highly recommend getting a letter from the parents just in case other countries, and they suggest that we get it notarized. See below, emphasis mine. I still would like to hear anything clear...

Quote

If a child (under the age of 18) is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, what paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?
Due to the increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and as possible victims of child pornography, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that _______ (name)_______ is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so." CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if we do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful. Adults traveling with children should also be aware that, while the U.S. does not require this documentation, many other countries do; failure to produce notarized permission letters and/ or birth certificates could result in travelers being refused entry.

metziah · « **Reply #7 on:** September 29, 2013, 09:14:54 PM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 29, 2013, 05:34:35 PM

Thanks for everyone who took the time to reply!

I think everyone can say "May as well get a letter, signed by both parents and notarized" it does not hurt but costs in Israel around 260 Shekel. I assume anecdotes show that generally you can get by without one. My question is - do we NEED this? can you elaborate?

I am sorry I was not more clear.

In the meanwhile, here is what I found out so far; according to LY agent, "there is a form on the Elal site, because both tickets are on one reservation (minor and accompanier) it should be fine. However maybe in the USA for the return they may need something. May as well get a notarized letter" I can not view it on my computer so I will try to check tomorrow.

According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the USA, found by Amex concierge, we do not need one for the USA but the highly recommend getting a letter from the parents just in case other countries, and they suggest that we get it notarized. See below, emphasis mine. I still would like to hear anything clear...

The point is that with these things you'll always be asked for some kind of letter, about getting it notarized its YMMV. But lately with all the craziness going on around more and more of the agents have been getting tougher. Having sent my kids several times through the border with their grandparents, this is what we've been told. And each time they went through they've been asked for a notarized letter. So I don't think it pays to take chances. It might be annoying now but it can save you lots of headache later.they also want to make sure that one of the parents isn't running off with the kids. When my wife went alone with one of our kids through the border she was asked for a letter from me stating that I am aware that she was taking our daughter . So this comes from experience. Good luck!!

shmuelb · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2013, 03:21:24 AM »

Quote from: metziah on September 29, 2013, 09:14:54 PM

The point is that with these things you'll always be asked for some kind of letter, about getting it notarized its YMMV. But lately with all the craziness going on around more and more of the agents have been getting tougher. Having sent my kids several times through the border with their grandparents, this is what we've been told. And each time they went through they've been asked for a notarized letter. So I don't think it pays to take chances. It might be annoying now but it can save you lots of headache later.they also want to make sure that one of the parents isn't running off with the kids. When my wife went alone with one of our kids through the border she was asked for a letter from me stating that I am aware that she was taking our daughter . So this comes from experience. Good luck!!

Thanks for explaining. Which borders are you talking about? Thanks!! According to the USA, the line of protection for custodial battles/kidnapping is issuing the passport, not at border control.

bklyn · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2013, 06:04:32 AM »

My children fly alone often- ages 10 and 12.
If they fly as unaccompanied minors (ie. you sign the airline forms/pay for service) then you don't need a letter from parents.
One time they flew into USA with a cousin and immigration made a major problem because they didn't have letter from parents.
So if flying into USA send a letter.

Bostener · « **Reply #10 on:** September 30, 2013, 08:59:07 AM »

I can tell you that crossing the US-Canadian border its very common that they demand such a letter.

shmuelb · « **Reply #11 on:** September 30, 2013, 03:21:24 PM »

Thanks everyone! In the end, to be safe, we just did the notary for 269 shek.

It would be better to know the facts and come prepared with a printed letter from the gov web site, than to shell out cash for lack of info.

Safe travels!

metziah · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2013, 02:38:36 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 30, 2013, 03:21:24 AM

Thanks for explaining. Which borders are you talking about? Thanks!! According to the USA, the line of protection for custodial battles/kidnapping is issuing the passport, not at border control.

USA / Canada

Bostener · « **Reply #13 on:** October 01, 2013, 08:51:06 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 30, 2013, 03:21:24 PM

Thanks everyone! In the end, to be safe, we just did the notary for 269 shek.

It would be better to know the facts and come prepared with a printed letter from the gov web site, than to shell out cash for lack of info.

Safe travels!

In NY the notary fee cannot be more then $2.

hertzinstl · « **Reply #14 on:** October 01, 2013, 03:20:53 PM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 30, 2013, 03:21:24 PM

Thanks everyone! In the end, to be safe, we just did the notary for 269 shek.

It would be better to know the facts and come prepared with a printed letter from the gov web site, than to shell out cash for lack of info.

Safe travels!

can you notify us what happened in the end, did they ask for the paper?

elikay · « **Reply #15 on:** October 01, 2013, 03:33:08 PM »

Quote from: shmuelb on September 30, 2013, 03:21:24 PM

Thanks everyone! In the end, to be safe, we just did the notary for 269 shek.

It would be better to know the facts and come prepared with a printed letter from the gov web site, than to shell out cash for lack of info.

Safe travels!

Smart move. You do need a letter and they can make huge issues if you don't.

shmuelb · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2013, 04:37:10 PM »

Quote from: hertzinstl on October 01, 2013, 03:20:53 PM

can you notify us what happened in the end, did they ask for the paper?

cheeky

yup they asked for it, at all the borders, especially in SVO, major hock! (joking, they did not fly yet...)

Quote from: elikay on October 01, 2013, 03:33:08 PM

Smart move. You do need a letter and they can make huge issues if you don't.

Why do we really need it? I still can not figure it out.

Quote from: Bostener on October 01, 2013, 08:51:06 AM

In NY the notary fee cannot be more then $2.

as they say in Moscow; it's not Kansas anymore.

Bostener · « **Reply #17 on:** October 02, 2013, 02:35:11 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on October 01, 2013, 04:37:10 PM

cheeky yup they asked for it, at all the borders, especially in SVO, major hock! (joking, they did not fly yet...)
Why do we really need it? I still can not figure it out.
as they say in Moscow; it's not Kansas anymore.

elikay · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2013, 11:06:01 AM »

Quote from: shmuelb on October 01, 2013, 04:37:10 PM

do we really need it? I still can not figure it out.

Seems like it varies based on origin/destination here are some more pointers:
http://www.google.com/search?q=unaccompanied+minor+parental+consent
http://hola.jetblue.com/enes/sdhelp/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=288,E=0000000000141902159,K=7539,Sxi=8,t=casePrint,case=obj(4962)
http://ww3.aaa.com/travelviews/2009/05/07/sample-permission-letter-for-traveling-child/

shmuelb · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2013, 04:14:33 PM »

Quote from: Bostener on October 02, 2013, 02:35:11 AM

Quote from: elikay on October 02, 2013, 11:06:01 AM

Seems like it varies based on origin/destination here are some more pointers:
http://www.google.com/search?q=unaccompanied+minor+parental+consent
http://hola.jetblue.com/enes/sdhelp/SRVS/CGI-BIN/webisapi.dll/,/?St=288,E=0000000000141902159,K=7539,Sxi=8,t=casePrint,case=obj(4962)
http://ww3.aaa.com/travelviews/2009/05/07/sample-permission-letter-for-traveling-child/

I did not get much info from those links, I am not flying to Aruba.
from http://travel.state.gov/abduction/prevention/prevention_560.html

Quote

The Department may not, however, revoke a passport that has already been issued to the child. There is also no way to track the use of a passport once it has been issued, since there are no exit controls for people leaving the U.S. If your child already has a passport, you should take steps to ensure that it is kept from a potential abductor by asking the court or attorneys to hold it.

IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND:

The United States does not have exit controls.
The Department of State may not revoke a passport that has been issued to a child, but you can ask a court to hold onto it.
There is no way to track the use of a passport once it has been issued.
Your child might also be a citizen of another country (dual nationality). Even if he/she does not have a U.S. passport, your child may be able to travel on the other country's passport. .