Hello - our teenage son's friend will be joining us on on a trip to Italy. We have tied his flight reservations to ours and his parents have prepared a power of attorney.
What other documents/releases do you recommend to demonstrate that he has been authorized to be in our care?
Thank you
I brought along my 12 year old nefew (different last name) on two trips to Europe. The only documentation I brought along was the consent to travel/power of attorney documents notarized by his parents. Traveled through Germany, Denmark, Holland, and back to the US and not a single immigration or airline employee asked to see the document. As it's required by most nations still best to bring it along.
But at Schipol airport traveling back to the USA last month my entire group was singled out for special security screening at the gate; "SSSS" on our boarding passes. We were told it was specifically because my nefew didn't have the same last name as the rest of us.
I don't know that a POA would be necessary, but a notarized letter giving you (specified by names) permission to travel with their child, and signed by both parents, would be. A separate notarized letter authorizing you to seek medical care for the minor while he is in your care would also be a good idea
A separate notarized letter authorizing you to seek medical care for
the minor while he is in your care would also be a good idea
I believe that is what the OP was referring to with the POA.
Immigration officials have a lot of common sense. A teenager with a friend is a lot less likely to be a childnapping, and will attract a lot less attention than a toddler with a different name.
Yes, technically you need a letter of consent from both parents or guardians, just in case you get asked.
US State Department advice:
https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/minor-travel-consent-form.html
You can download the minor travel consent form in PDF format at the bottom of this page. The sample form below is a guide only. You are also encouraged to have the consent form notarized. Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. You can also contact the embassy of the country or countries the minor child will be visiting to confirm.
To Whom It May Concern:
I/We,
(Full Name(s) of Custodial and/or Non-Custodial Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s))
am/are the lawful custodial parent(s) and/or non-custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of:
Child's full name:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
U.S. Passport Number:
, has my/our consent to travel with:
(Child̢۪'s Full Name)
(Full Name of Accompanying Person)
(U.S. or Foreign Passport Number)
Date and Place of Issuance of This Passport)
to visit
((Name of Foreign Country)
during the period of
((Dates of Travel: Departure and Return)
During that period,
((Child̢۪s Name)
will be residing with
((Name of Person with Whom the Child will be Residing in Foreign Country)
at the following address:
((Number/street address and apartment number)
((City, State/Province, Country)
((Telephone and fax numbers)
Signature: Date:
(Custodial Parent, and/or Non-Custodial Parent or Legal Guardian)
Full Name:
Signature: Date:
(Custodial Parent, and/or Non-Custodial Parent or Legal Guardian)
Full Name:
Signed before me,
, (Full Name of Witness)
this at .
((Date) and (Location))
Signature of Witness:
