Travelling with Unrelated Minor

[lozzypop]

We are planning a trip to DLR this August and my DD wants her step-sister to join us (this is my ex-husband's current wife's daughter, no blood relation to me or DD). Believe it or not, I am totally on board with this (as is step-sister's Mom) and I know to bring everything I need to cross the border with an unrelated minor - notarized permission, separate health insurance, parental contact info, etc.

So my questions is - what happens with the customs declaration when we cross the border? (both going to the US and returning to Canada) I assume that step-sister will have to have her own declaration card since she lives at a different address. But she won't be able to sign it since she is underage. Or do I need to list her on my card since she is travelling with me?

Does anyone have any experience with this? I have checked the US and Canadian government customs websites but can't find any specific information (nothing in the FAQ or in a search).

 

[Terra Nova guy]

As far as I understand, since she lives at a different address, she would have to fill out her own card. But since she is not 16, she does not have to sign the declaration card. Any questions that come up from immigration would be covered by all the documentation you have. In the interest of full disclosure, I do not have any experience with that scenario, it is just my understanding of the process (I travel overseas frequently for work).

 

[ccudmore]

The first line on the Declaration Card says "All Travellers (Living at the same address)". The corresponding instructions say "You may list up to four people living at the same address on one card."

The signature sections says anyone 16 and over must sign. So that all matches up with what the previous poster said.

 

[Leafsgirl36]

We just got back from a week at Disney, our niece and nephew went with us. I filled out the declaration form for both my husband and I and a separate one for my niece and nephew (who are both under 16 so they didn't have to sign it). When going through customs you just hand them the two forms and away you go

 

[lozzypop]

Thank you so much Leafsgirl136! I was pretty sure that having two declaration cards was the logical answer, but it was so nice to have it confirmed by someone who actually had a recent experience. I have never had trouble in customs/immigration at either border, but it is nice to feel confident that you are doing the right thing. That and I watch just a little too much "Border Security".

 

[pooksma]

This is great to know as I am also taking a non relative minor on our trip.