Customs question...traveling with 18 yo...not a family member

[Applemomma]

Quick question about going through Customs. I'll be traveling in Feb with my two daughters, aged 14 and 18 and my eldest daughter's 18 year old boyfriend. Every other time we've gone my daughters have stayed with me going through customs being, of course, minors. Would my eldest daughter and her boyfriend both have to go through customs separately or can we still stay together as a group. My eldest has been through a number of times so she's not as concerned but it will be her boyfriend's first time traveling and is, I suspect, a little nervous about going through customs apart from me.

Anyone have any experience with this type of situation?

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[Applemomma]

I'm fairly sure that you could all go through customs together if you are travelling as a group. You would need to have your letter for travelling with your 14 year old. When I travelled to New York with my daughters and a friend that I was chaperoning (no relation) we all stayed together through customs.

Thanks! I always do the letter when traveling; was asked for it only once in 7 trips but I don't take the chance. I'll have one for the boyfriend too just in case even though technically he's of age.

I'll coach him on the process just in case but I'm thinking you're right that we can stay together. Worst that can happen is that they tell the 2 18yos to go back to the line and wait their turn.

 

[Applemomma]

And of course now I have a second question! Normally fill out one declaration card for the girls and I; should I include the bf or should he fill out his own?

 

[keaster]

And of course now I have a second question! Normally fill out one declaration card for the girls and I; should I include the bf or should he fill out his own?

I believe it's one card per household...and since he is 18 and doesn't live with you, he would fill out his own.

 

[SaraMc]

He's 18, so he would be considered a adult. If your driving across they may ask him some questions, but as long and your honest you should be fine.

 

[Starwind]

And of course now I have a second question! Normally fill out one declaration card for the girls and I; should I include the bf or should he fill out his own?

The card is per household.

As an adult who is presumably not living with you, he gets to fill out his own card.

CBP has a sample form here, which says the card is for a traveller or a family and it defines what family is:
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/sample-declaration-form


SW