Any single parents cruised to Alaska?

[bumbershoot]

We have a family member that will be travelling with his child....he's gotten his passport and the other parent had to sign for the passport. No need for that letter with the passport, is there?

Absolutely there is. Just about any kid who has been abducted by a parent and taken to another country HAD a passport initially. So they had both parents, and then something changed, and the one parent took the child without the other parent's permission.

I've gotten away with crossing a border without DH, luckily, twice without having a letter. Once coming home from Canada and once coming into Heathrow. Coming home from Canada I explained that DH had come with us then flew out for a work trip after our leisure-time. The second time it took quite a few questions from the agent, with almost no sleep from Vancouver (aha, realized I got onto the flight from Seattle to Vancouver without any questions at all) to Heathrow and while running to our next plane, to determine that DH was already where we were going. Involved the question "if you are an at home parent, WHERE did you get the money for this trip?" Ah, good times, good times...

Even with a passport, if the other parent has a legal say over where the kid goes, get the letter.

Obviously, if there is no second parent at all, the child's passport will reflect this (ie, there will only be one parent's name). If the other parent on the passport is deceased, you may be asked to provide a death certificate.

There is no parent name on a passport. I just checked. Parent names on the BC, but not on the passport.

Oh I forgot to mention, they did do that thing where they addressed the children directly and asked them where they were going and if I was their mom etc. I always worry that my sons will try to be funny and make some kind of joke and We will end up in the back in some room talking to the TSA or something.

Leaving MCO. DS and I were in line. DH was on a different flight and had gone through on his own. The TSA person asked who I was. DS said "Molly!" Which is 100% accurate. That's who I am. Surprised the TSA person, though. (I grew up calling my mom by her name and DS called me by name until HE chose to not do it anymore, and I know from experience that there are many people out there who are shocked and appalled by it) I said to DS "he is asking who I am *to* you, what my title is". And he answered that I was his mom. They are pretty good about figuring out when kids are just being kids.

We don't have easy access to a notary.

Banks have notaries!

I'm going in August and am slightly nervous myself. My son who is 9 has his own passport. I am the only parent listed on the birth cert and have never had a problem getting a passport. His dad for the most part is out of the picture and we've never had any reason to get custody established as he's always been gone. He was absent the first 8 yrs, met him for the first time last year and he's seen him a few times last summer. He has now chosen to not continue to be part of his life. This is where it gets interesting. We don't communicate much at all and honestly I don't even want to ask him for a letter. I have heard they ask kids questions when they go over the border. My son DESPERATELY wants his dad in his life and makes stuff up. For instance he's told his teacher that his dad is a veteran in the military and creates these elaborate stories that are completely false. I plan on carrying the birth cert showing I'm the only parent, but if they ask him questions I'm sure it can get crazy. I will try to prep him ahead of time but I'm not sure what will come out. Sorry to throw this all out here but I've tried calling the Canadian border patrol and really got no definitive answer about my specific situation and was told just to prepare for my son to be detained and ask questions. I guess this could get crazy if he makes something up.

It's just about June and you have until August. Start working on establishing things now. Right now you have nothing legally stating that it's just you. While the one name on the BC is a great start, and obviously you were able to get the passport, I would get things legally worked out.

 

[sdjen]

Op here. Thanks to all for the advice. I've cruised 3 times before and not been asked any questions but this is our first time to Canada. From what I've read, Canadian customs are a little more likely to cause an issue. I'm going to get the letter just in case. It won't be a problem and it looks like it's better to be safe than sorry!!

 

[TXTransplant]

There is no parent name on a passport. I just checked. Parent names on the BC, but not on the passport.

You are so right! After all of the rigmarole we went through to get the stupid passport, I thought for sure both parents' names were on it...but they are not!

This opens up an interesting point...basically, if you adopt a child as a single parent, a widowed parent, are a single mom by choice, or are the parent of a kid whose other parent is not at all involved, then you basically HAVE to travel with additional documentation when you travel internationally. The passport is not sufficient if there is truly only one parent. You either need a birth certificate (that shows there is only one parent), a death certificate (to show the other parent is deceased), adoption papers, or court documentation proving that the other parent is not at all involved, just in case someone asks. This is definitely something that I had not fully considered.

 

[divabydisney]

I'm thinking I read somewhere since my name is the only name on the birth cert that I shouldn't need any other docs other than his passport & birth cert. I'm hoping this is the case though. Again, you would think calling Canada to confirm they could help but the gentleman I got was not very helpful. If they don't know, then I'm not sure where else to go with it.

 

[MousseauMob]

I'm thinking I read somewhere since my name is the only name on the birth cert that I shouldn't need any other docs other than his passport & birth cert. I'm hoping this is the case though. Again, you would think calling Canada to confirm they could help but the gentleman I got was not very helpful. If they don't know, then I'm not sure where else to go with it.

I went back to the site I researched for my situation and it doesn't mention the scenario of an single parent on the birth certificate.

Here's the site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/minors.asp?_ga=1.225281304.346042655.1433088097

I personally believe as long as it is a certified copy it would meet the requirement of sole custody, but it would be nice if they specifically spelled out the situation.

 

[divabydisney]

I found this site and it appears that this does cover it, however I believe it was intended for Canadian children. I hate assuming but if you bring the birth cert with just the one name on it to Canada it should be the same.

http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/faq#DOCUMENTATION

 

[AngelDisney]

Maybe you can tell him that Mickey does not like children lying and may not let him on his ship if he lies. Then you show him the Disney DCL CD...
I usually travel with DD since DH is not crazy about Disney. First time travelled by ourselves when DD was 13. No one asked any question but DD was big for 13. I had a consent letter from DH which was not notarized. I did not want to spend the money. I think they may ask questions if you have a younger child.
Pixie dust!!

 

[KatieMill]

I did some searching to find a sample letter this weekend. Found this site: www.ezbordercrossing.com It is dedicated to the US / Canada border crossing issues and has a sample letter that can be used. Printed off the letter and it had 2 pages of information that can be given to the other parent. Was very helpful. And I'm VERY thankful this thread was started...as we honestly had no idea anything else would be needed. It makes perfect sense. Just had never thought about it. Thank you all!