Single parent question

[VailaTigger]

Myself and DF took his two boys last year to Orlando, I have a different surname to them (at the moment )

They live with Mummy, so we asked for a letter to say that we had her permission to take them on holiday (I think there's even a template somewhere which we followed). It was signed by Mummy, witnessed, and we got it notarised for good measure.

We WERE asked if we had any letter, as the boys don't live with us, and the lovely security man read the letter and said that all was fine, but for future trips we didn't need to get it notarised, just keep the template, change the dates and hotel details and get Mummy to sign, and that would save us some money He was a lovely man.

We plan to take them again in a few years (once we've saved up again after our honeymoon) and I would definitely take a letter signed and dated by Mummy - even though I'll have the same surname by that time, so might not be asked for it. I'd rather make sure it was all above board, than get to Orlando immigration and be worrying.

Each family and situation is different as previous posters have said, you can only make a decision based on your own situation, and after hearing what others have experienced.

 

[2Tiggies]

I think a letter is unnecessary, I don't see why they would ask

They don't ask as such. On the CBP website it is 'recommended' and they state that although you are not likely to be asked for it, if you are and are unable to produce one, it could lead to delays. It's really up to you. I can do without delays so I choose to take something with me. I understand that not everyone is in a position where they have a piece of paper or have a co-operative ex who will oblige and they will no doubt take these things into account. But if you can get a letter or a Court Order to take with you, at least it is one thing you don't have to have niggling in the back of your mind on the way out

They state that the reason for asking is due to the increasing number of custody related child abduction cases. I would guess that where one parent holds a US passport and the other does not, this could potentially be more of an issue and may be closely monitored. Again, I don't know, but I feel better having an official piece of paper with me.