I'm taking one of my brother's kids to Italy in a week. The airline said they don't need a permission letter, just a passport for her. A friend suggested I would have a problem getting her treated in an emergency situation, as I am not her parent. Any suggestions from those who've done the same would be appreciated. Many thanks.
Posted by
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
2779 posts
I assume the kids and you have got the same family name? How old are they? With that Maddie McCann case still being unsolved and knowing at least Germany pretty well I'd get a letter of permission on the same sheet with a photocopy of your brother's passport.
Posted by
OP
San Diego
17 posts
Yes, I have the same last name as my niece. Her mom is deceased, so we thought we'd bring a copy of her death certificate along with my brother's permission letter. The copy of my brother's passport sounds like a good idea, and I wouldn't have thought of that. Thanks.
Posted by
Calitri, Avellino, Italy (& US - where I live the majority of the time)
223 posts
My infant son had to be hospitalized in Europe (not Italy though) while my husband and I were away for the day...my in-laws had no note, no id for him....nothing and there was NO PROBLEM at all admitting him. the european system works very differently and I doubt ANYWERE in Europe would they not treat an injured or sick child...even with no note. that said...it can't hurt to have a notarized letter with you. Also, I have heard of some parents(!) being held up at the airport when BOTH parents are not travelling together...worried one was taking the child out of the country without the other's consent...so...BRING a notarized note to sasve an possible hassle. (I, honestly, do not think they would hassle you...but alwasy best to be prepared!)
Posted by
Seattle
223 posts
Google "Power of Attorney for Medical Care of Minor Child" (without the quotes) and you'll bring up several example forms that if signed by your brother will give you authority to obtain any necessary treatment. Have it notarized when he signs it. Don't forget that Italy is only one part of your trip. There is the travel to/from Italy where you might need this form if a child is injured or gets sick while in the US.
Good luck - have a fantastic trip.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
320 posts
Louise - the US State Dept website has some info and forms on that. We took our friends 13 yr old daughter with us to France and Italy in 2004. We had the notarized permission papers with us at all times. Although she (obviously) has a different last name than us - nobody - either here or in Europe ever asked why she was travelling with us. I am sure that if I did not bring the papers, we would have been asked - better safe than sorry! Have fun!