What do I need? I have copies of their birth certificates but not the originals - will that do? I plan on getting a letter from parents but do I need to have it notarized? Will witnessing the letter suffice? thanks.

From what I've read and understand, a NOTARIZED statement from both parents (or one if you can provide proof that parent has sole custody) is a must. Unnotarized papers are just too easy to get.<BR>I think it would also be a better idea to have certified birth certificates (not the real original, but something with an offical provincial seal or stamp) rather than copies.And if the kids are old enough to have photo ID(driver's license, school ID) that would certainly help but is probably not required since most kids don't have any.<BR><BR>Check with the US consulate in your province for the real scoop. What they say goes--we can only make suggestions!

My mother took our 12 year old (both US citizens) from US to Bahamas. US govt. advised a notarized letter with signatures from both parents (I have no idea how they would know child has 2 living parents, or even access to 2 parents or who has custody, etc. and since I have different last name than our daughter, it seems silly to me). <BR><BR>Our daughter has a passport, so that solved identity and citizenship issue. But when we went from US to Canada and back several years ago, we carried birth certificates for both of our kids - were never asked to show them, but that was prior to 9/11.<BR><BR>Have a good trip.

Yes a notarized statement is required and it has to be by a barrister not a commissioner of the court. In Nova Scotia you can get a solely picture id from the government department that issues licenses.

I go with Tanya's advice but having taken kids, my own and others, across the border for over 18 years now I would also add that out-of-country medical insurance and a permission slip form parents to authorize you as the decider for emergency care is also a necessity. <BR><BR>This can be stated in the same letter as the other. I only needed it once in all those years but it was a MUST.

quick comment on Tanya's note:<BR>Since the proof that is need is to ENTER the US (not to LEAVE Canada), I would think that the standard of proof required is that of the US Customs and immigration--I don't think they will care about barrister vs. commissioner (here in the US, a notary can be a person in most any job who passes a specific simple test. Typically people go to a notary who is located in a bank or even at a stationary store. You do not have to be an attorney --which explains why having something notarized here is very inexpensive , usually a couple of dollars). <BR>Some of the other examples given here are about US residents going to other countries and also won't necessarily apply.<BR>The advice about medical authorization is a good idea, though it is probably not a requirement (and we're sure you won't need it, but...)<BR><BR>I still advise contacting the US consulate near you

My niece is travelling with another couple and was advised by legal counsel you require a barristers signature as a commissionaire of the court is not recognized outside of Canada. Leaving Canada with underage children is an issue and you must present proof you can do so.

thanks everyone...now let's just hope we can get into the U.S. My grandkids are so looking forward to going to N.Y. City but with the U.S. govt. saying they may close the border if the war materializes..it might be tough. But I do appreciate your input.