Most people don’t think about exactly how international travel will work if they’re bringing their children, with only one parent traveling. This is especially important if you and your child’s other parent are divorced. There are practical and legal issues that you have to prepare for before you try to leave the United States.
Children will need their own passports to travel internationally. This requires permission from both parents. While that may seem extreme, it’s a safety measure that’s meant to reduce the chance of one parent getting travel documents without the other parent knowing and then trying to leave the country with the child.
Consent is critical
A child who’s traveling internationally with only one parent is often a red flag for border officials and airline staff. This isn’t because they’re making baseless accusations about your intent for the children. It’s because they want to ensure that everything is being handled properly. Because of this, they may ask to see a letter of consent that shows the trip is authorized by the nontraveling parent. In some cases, this might come in the form of a court order.
Proper documentation
Another consideration is that some destination countries may require specific documentation beyond a basic passport. This may include the letter of consent, the child’s birth certificate and other specific documents. Some of these may need official seals or notarization.
The parenting plan may include travel or geographic restrictions, so those must be complied with. Reading through the plan before planning international travel is a good idea to ensure you comply with the requirements. These cases can be complex, so it might be beneficial to have someone familiar with international travel in cases involving child custody.
