where2

I called Delta about this a couple of years ago as I live in London and travel with my kids without my husband back and forth to the US a couple of times a year.

Delta told me that the notarized letter is required when travelling only to certain countries, such as Mexico and Canada, to prevent one parent from stealing a child in a custody disagreement. Going to/from the UK or anywhere in Europe they said was not a problem. I have plenty of American friends who travel with children and without a spouse to/from US/UK and have never heard of a problem.

My sister's step-daughter was prevented from going on a cruise to Mexico/Carribean with her mom from the US b/c the mom did not have a notarized letter from the non-custodial dad.

I never travel with a letter from my husband. I would call your airline before going through a lot of trouble.

Statia

It has become an issue when traveling with grandparents and friend's parents, as well. I know someone who nearly missed out on a cruise due to not having a letter for her grandaughter traveling with her. Luckily she was able to get one faxed to the departure port in time.

schuba

Just be safe and have it notarized.

Apres_Londee

I think most countries have ratified the Hague Convention, certainly every Euopean country has, so the document is actually necessary for travel to the UK and Europe as well. They may not question North Americans as often as EU citizens in Europe, but there is always that one-in-a-million chance of a major hassle.

Statia makes a good point about grandparents, etc. Basically, if a child has two parents (legally) and is not travelling with *both* of those parents, then permission is required. Grandparents, step-parents, god-parents, friends, relatives, and one of the two parents all need permission.

I just did a quick search and found a sample letter from a Canadian gov website, which is extremely detailed. It is in letter form, not affidavit. I don't know if a notary would do a letter like this, that was already done up, as they may have their own standard form or affidavit. It does give some idea of what to include, though.

http://tinyurl.com/2yzcjg

I think the best thing is to have a properly notarized affidavit, hopefully it would help to avoid delays such as questioning, phone calls, etc.

Kellye

Great weblink. Thank you so much. I have already adapted it for my trip this summer in Word!

kattia66

What about if I am a single and the custodial guardian of my child. Do I even need his permision. We have never been married.

kismetchimera

I spent 5 weeks in Europe this past JUne with my 15 years old grandaughter..No problems whatsoever, she has been my travel's companion since she was 7 1/2 years old.

ira

Hi K,

>What about if I am a single and the custodial guardian of my child. Do I even need his permision. <

Probably not. However, you ought to call the airline you will be using.

socialworker

To kattia...I don't think marriage has anything to do with it. Does he have any parental rights, like legal visitation? This sounds like a good question for a lawyer, or at least a good perusal of the State Department website.