Legal issues of traveling with a minor

Posted by Mike (Clawson, MI, USA) on 02/09/14 05:53 AM

Hi all, I'm taking both of my nieces to Europe with me this summer. One niece is 24 the other will be 17. My sister (the mother of the 17 year old) will take her to Italy and then to Paris. My older niece and I will meet them in Paris then my sister will fly home a day or two later. My plan is to take them through Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and possibly Czech Republic too. Does anyone know what (if any) documentation we would need for my 17 year old niece to travel with me since I'm not her legal guardian?

Thanks.

Posted by Deanna

Piedmont Triad, NC

02/09/14 07:14 AM

174 posts

Hi Mike, take a look at this link - https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268/~/children---child-traveling-with-one-parent-or-someone-who-is-not-a-parent-or - The US customs and border patrol recommends that the adult carry a notarized letter, signed by both parents, acknowledging that the parents have given permission for their child to travel with you. We sent our daughter to Niagara Falls with her grandfather a few years ago, with just such a letter, and they had no problems whatsoever, although the border patrol did ask for the documentation. And may I just say, what a wonderful uncle to take your nieces on such a trip! You will give them memories that will last a lifetime!

Posted by Mike OP

Clawson, MI, USA

02/09/14 05:21 PM

199 posts

Ok, but what about the Schengen Zone? Are there any requirements for that?

Thanks Deanna, that will help a lot.

Posted by Paul

Eastern Iowa, USA

02/09/14 06:44 PM

7899 posts

The information from the customs website is general enough to be useful for the Schengen zone. I do not believe that there are any additional requirements. The only other item I would get is a letter stating that you have permission to authorize any medical treatment needed, it could be a separate paragraph in the letter permitting her to travel with you.

Posted by Ann

Plano, TX

02/09/14 07:00 PM

135 posts

Your sister needs a letter from the girl's father authorizing her to take the minor child out of the country.
You need a letter from both parents authorizing you to travel with the minor; include consent for medical treatment.
The older niece should also have a letter authorizing her to travel with the younger one and make medical decisions...hope for the best, plan for the worst...