Crossing border with someone else's child?

[MelindaKiah]

We're going to Universal in December and we'd love to take my daughter's friend. She's 13 and her family has done so much for our daughter and we know they'd have a blast. What we're wondering is if we'd have any problems crossing the border with her, or what we need to do so. If there is a slight chance even of a problem we won't take her. I don't want to risk being turned away.

Any input? Thanks

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

You should not have any problems. A letter from the girls parents giving you permission to take their daughter across the border. The note should also give you authority to make medical decisions (just in case) in their absence. Some say the note should be notarized.

 

[i12go2wdw]

Our daughter has travelled with her friend's parents to the US and a note was all that was required. We talked to immigration and they said if there are dates ie. travelling on or about Nov. 10 2004 and returning on or about ..... then it did not need to be notarized. Hope this helps, we did send our daughter with her passport and they did not even ask for a note.

 

[MelindaKiah]

She doesn't have a passport (actually, we don't either!LOL)....but would birth certificate, photo ID and a letter with the approximate dates be okay?

 

[pjpoohbear]

The notorizing would most likely be needed just incase of medical treatment. Many hospitals in the states are unlikely to perform medical procedures, with a risk of legal action.

Penny

 

[Sandyincanada]

We take our nephew everywhere, the letter really should be notarized. I'm surprised that Customs would tell you otherwise. We have done this for several years. Sometimes its no problem and other times, everything is scrutinized and our nephew has been questioned by the customs officer. Is the friend living with both parents? If not, that will be an issue that will require more paper work.

You will need authorization for medical treatment which should list her medical number and any insurance number her parents may have. The phone numbers too.

Its not a hassle but personally, I wouldn't do it without a notarized letter.

 

[talicskai]

Definately get a notarized letter from the parents with their full names, dates of birth, childs full name, date of birth and their complete address and phone numbers. I have taken my niece several times and never had a problem. Just remember to answer only their questions. Don't volunteer any information at the border. If they assume she is yours ~ fine. If they ask which children are yours ~ then tell them. Sometimes we give more information than needed and get into a pickle with the line of questioning. Also, Don't be Nervous! You are not doing anything wrong and if you have a notarized letter ~ have done everything right. Have a great trip ! I hope your daughter and her friend realize how lucky they are!

Teresa

 

[Debbie]

All five of my kidlets have travelled with their aunts/uncles and others over the course of time. I always have a letter drafted with: name, age, dates of travel, destination, car make/license number and permission to treat medically/legally in my absence etc. We've never had to notarize it, and, my 4th child is travelling to the States in 2 weeks with her choir. She will have her passport, health card, out of province insurance card, and the managers have the (not notarized) letter from each parent.

Oh, and the last time that the youngest went, I think that the border guards just assumed that she was my sister's kidlet. No questions asked either leaving or entering the country. Go and have a blast....the girls will!