What to do without a consent letter

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When traveling internationally with children, parents need to consider more than just passports and visas. The U.S. government and other countries strongly recommend bringing a notarized letter of consent signed by the non-traveling parent. This document aims to prevent child abduction and ensure the child’s safety.

While protecting children is a noble cause we all support, what happens when obtaining a consent letter is impossible? How can you work around this requirement? For instance, if the other parent is deceased or unreachable, are you legally obligated to have a consent letter?

Finding a straightforward answer to this question can be frustrating. Even official government websites that advise bringing a consent letter often don’t explicitly state it’s a legal requirement. The consensus seems to be that officials strongly recommend having one to avoid potential entry denials.

Alternative Options

If you can’t get a consent letter, you have other options. These involve paperwork you likely already possess, though you may feel reluctant to carry or present it due to emotional reasons:

  • For deceased parents: Bring the death certificate
  • For divorced or separated parents: Carry court documents proving full custody
  • For unknown fathers: Show the child’s birth certificate with no father listed
  • For single-parent adoptions: Bring adoption paperwork

Personal Experience

So far, neither airlines nor customs and border patrol have asked me to produce this kind of proof. Airport security (TSA) has occasionally asked my child to confirm our relationship while checking our passports before luggage screening. When entering or exiting non-U.S. countries, I’ve never been questioned about this. This experience seems common, though it’s wise to be prepared as some travelers report being questioned.

Not being asked for proof has been a relief. Despite the time passed since my divorce, it still triggers sadness for both my child and me. Starting or ending a vacation on such a note would be rough. Honestly, I don’t like that this is a thing that we might go through someday. But, I just have to remind myself why they do this and I become a little less irritated.