Travelling to Florida with friends underage. How does immigration work?

[Gotto]

Hi all

I am 22 and will hopefully be travelling to Orlando in January with my best friend (21) and his girlfriend (17) and his brother (17).

We are travelling without parents or guardians.

Firstly, I have checked the hotel website and it states;

"You must be 21 years of age to stay in this hotel without a parent or guardian, proof of age will be required at check-in."

So how would this apply to us? We aren't there guardians. Would the even check the 17's ages?

Secondly, how would the same situation apply during immigration? May there be a problem again with us not being their parents or guardians? I don't really know where to look for this information. So I wondered if anyone has any knowledge of the situation, or have had any experience themselves.

Thanks

 

[Kath2003]

Immigration shouldn't be an issue providing they have a valid ESTA but I know some people have taken a letter from parents/carers, notarised by a solicitor, when travelling with minors that are not their children. Equally I've read of others travelling without any of this and encountering no problems.

With regard to the hotel, if you've an over 21 in each room it won't be a problem I wouldn't have thought. They'll want a security deposit on a credit card. You can always call the hotel to ask.

 

[BadPinkTink]

As a frequent solo traveller to USA, immigration usually ask me alot more questions than when I travelled with friends or family. Just make sure that when you are asked, are you travelling with anyone, to point out your friends in the queue behind you or if they are at a different desk. USA immigration seem to question solo travellers more. Last year I said I was travelling solo and meeting friends who were travelling from a different country. I was then asked why didn't we all travel together.

As regards the hotel, you will be asked for passports and a credit card info when checking into the hotel. When I first started visiting USA some of my friends were 17, and as long they had a credit card as security for the room, I cant remember anyone having any issues. If your name is the lead name for the party, I cant see them having an issue. They say 21 as that's the legal drinking age in USA. Just be careful with alcohol, and going into bars. Some bars have security checks at the door and wont allow under 21's on the premises, even if they wont be drinking alcohol. Last year I was meeting friends in a bar, but I wasn't sure if I was at the right one. I had to show my passport at the door to just walk in to check if I could see my friends.