The world can be the best classroom for children, and it enriches their life beyond what textbooks or television can offer.

However, as adults we know that children introduce a new dynamic to travel beyond simple day-to-day life in and around town, also when compared to traveling as just adults. There are many more considerations that need to be made, and this page is designed to review some of the top concerns of our client, as well as to discuss some of the legal requirements when traveling with children:

Domestic Travel with Children – Airport Security

Since most of our client’s vacations require air travel during their trip here is a basic overview, and you can find additional information on the TSA website at http://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children

Children under 12 years old

• May leave their shoes on
• Allowed multiple passes through security scanners without enhanced screening
• Will always be kept with their parents, and never separated
• Everything taken will go through the x-ray machine, including car seats, stuffed animals, and blankets — be sure to prepare young children accordingly to be separated from these things
• You can ask a security officer for assistance in gathering your things such as bags and equipment if needed.
• While there is a 3.4 ounce limit for liquids per person, medically required liquids, which include baby formula and food, breast milk and medications are allowed in quantities exceeding 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities required for the immediate flight/trip.

What you need to know about cruising with children

Each line has special programs in place for children. In general the following applies – however please speak to your travel agent about the specifics of your trip.

• Children under 2 (as well as older kids who are not potty trained) will not be permitted in the children’s program, nor in the pool. Swim diapers are not permitted either
• Children will be split into specific age groups. In general siblings will only be permitted in their age group, so they may be split up.
• The youth centers are generally free for the majority of the time, however, they often have an additional charge during meal times, late at night, or sometimes on port days. Hours of operation change daily but are well communicated once on board.
• Expectant mothers who are beyond 24 weeks any time during the will not be permitted on board. All expectant mothers need a note from their doctors with their expected due date.
• Depending on the specific itinerary, infants under the age of 12 weeks, or in some cases 6 months, are not permitted.
• The fare/price is the same regardless of age – so an infant, toddler, teenager or adult all pay the same rate. There is a discount for the third or more guest in a room, but that is regardless of age.

Immigration Needs for cruising and international travel

When traveling outside of the USA with children there are certain things which people must take into consideration. The most common situation we encounter is when children are traveling internationally when they are not accompanied by both biological parents (or both legal guardians), special procedures are necessary to avoid unnecessary delays, as well as to safeguard children against international abduction.
Please remember that almost every ocean cruise is considered international travel.
The following information is provided as a benefit to our clients and is based on material from the US Custom and Border Protection website.

If a child (under the age of 18) is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, what paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?

Due to the increasing incidents of child abductions and child pornography, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child’s other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, or in groups*, a note signed by both parents) stating “I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so.” Sample letter: Consent for Minor Child to travel Absent Parent (singular).

CBP also suggests that this note be notarized.

While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if we do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful. Adults traveling with children should also be aware that, while the U.S. does not require this documentation, many other countries do; failure to produce notarized permission letters and/or birth certificates could result in travelers being refused entry (Canada has very strict requirements in this regard).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What about if there is only one biological parent listed on a birth certificate?

A certified/official copy of a birth certificate is sufficient. Be sure your immigration document and photo ID matches the name on the birth certificate. If your name has changed, be sure to bring a “bridging” document which establishes your legal name change (marriage license, divorce document, etc.).

What if one parent has 100% legal and physical custody of the minor?

Be sure to bring a copy of the birth certificate, along with an official copy of the custody paperwork. If your name has changed, be sure to bring a “bridging” document which establishes your legal name change.

What if the minor has a passport?

In general a passport should be sufficient, however to avoid any additional delay at the border crossing, we still recommend the above consent forms be followed.

We did not have to do this on our last vacation? Our friends didn’t have any problems?

The information provided above is based on the information obtained directly from the US Custom and Border Control office, which alone is responsible for determining policy as it relates to who to permit into the country. Since you will be returning to the US, you will be required clear “customs” to return into the country. While it is possible that you were not presented with this information on your last trip, and/or you have had friends travel without any issues, that experience does not preclude you from problems on your future trip. It is the policy of this office to ensure that our clients are well informed of the official policies to avoid any unexpected surprises during your vacation.

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