stokebailey

My 16 yo and 18 yo daughters will spend two weeks on their own in Italy and France soon. How likely are they to be detained and questioned by authorities, and any ideas on how to prove they travel with parental permission?

ira

Hi S,

>How likely are they to be detained and questioned by authorities,

Depends on how well behaved they are.

>and any ideas on how to prove they travel with parental permission?

The 18-yr old is an adult.

It would be a good idea if she has a letter signed by both parents giving permission for the minor to travel out of the country, and a letter giving power of attorney in all matters regarding the welfare of the minor.

StCirq

Why would they have to prove any such thing? Forgive me if I'm being naive here, but what's the issue?

If you're concerned, the obvious thing to do is draw up a notarized document giving them permission and give them each a copy to carry with them. Make sure it has contact information for you on it.

hetismij

They are unlikely to be detained by the authorities once they make it to Europe. Make sure you give them a (notarised) letter stating that they are travelling with your knowledge and consent. Also the 18 year old is of age in Europe, so you should maybe give her a letter of consent so she can make emergency medical decisions for the younger one if she has to.
I hope they have fun!

nytraveler

You somehow seem to think it's illegal for young people to travel. It's not.

An 18 year old is an adult - in the US as well - and can go anywhere they choose. Agree she should have a notarized letter for her sister.

But there's no reason for anyone to detain them - unless you mean being questioned by immigration. All they will need to is to be able to show their return tickets, be able to provide the name and address of their first hotel, and that they have sufficient funds to support themselves for the length of their trip (credit and ATM cards will do.)

PalenQ

Since the drinkin age in those countries is 16

they are kind of considered adults in many ways

my French son traveled around on trains himself or with friends a lot below 18 and there were never any problems

The 16 yr old going with an 18 yr old should be the same as going with an 81 yr old, etc.

should not be worried at all IMO

mbresso

If I were you, but I'm not of course, I'd contact the airlines and Italy's and France's offices (consulate) or at least websites directly to determine if there's any formal document required for your adult daughter to travel to another country with a minor, not her child. I mention this because my ex and I took my ex's daughter's friend (both were roughly 16/17) to Mexico a few years back, and before we left, we needed formal documentation (for the friend) indicating we had legal dominion and control over her (both parents approval, etc.). I don't know the prevalence of this in Europe, but at least in Mexico, there are numerous cases of one parent taking a child across the border in custody disputes, and even other unrelated adults taking children to other countries for their own deprivation of liberty plans for things like selling them or putting them into prostitution, etc. Sorry, but it happens and airlines and governments do not desire to be responsible so often require this of you. In any event, paperwork was required and asked for at both the check in gate at the airport and at Customs entering into Mexico. And as mentioned, your 18-year old is not her parent.

If it IS required, obtain it. If you need it and don't have it, there will be huge problems, so for your peace of mind, I'd do that research to determine definitively if it is actually required.

Beyond that, I am hoping you feel that both the 18 and 16 year old are mature and wise enough about the ways of the world to travel there on their own without parental supervision. Personally I wouldn't allow it, but I certainly don't know your situation; only you best know that.

Beyond that, to the extent they are open-minded to new experiences and embracing other cultures, I'm sure they'll have an absolute blast!

stokebailey

Thank you all for your kind replies!

Ira: They are wellbehaved to the point of puritanism, as far as I can tell. And thanks for POA mention; I forgot about that.

StCirc: For possible issues, see above. I have a friend who travelled to Ireland with her 12 yo son, who doesn't resemble her much, for a fiddling contest. I can't remeber who it was who gave her a hard time, but there was an unpleasant issue wiht someone questioning his father's permission to be there.

Thanks, hetismij!

nytraveler, I just want them to to have a hassle-free journey. Didn't think they'd be thrown into the dungeon for being young.

Thanks, PalQ. That's what I'm hoping for. I knew a guy once who fantacized about having a child with women of all different nationalities. My husband probably wishes he had a French son, too.

mbresso, I appreciate your viewpoint on this.