Below, we have researched the entry requirements for three popular destinations: the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.

PLEASE NOTE: this information is applicable to holders of U.S. passports coming from the US only. If you are either a holder of a non-U.S. passport or are not coming from the US, please do your own research. As much as we would love to write about all nationalities, we simply do not have the resources at this time. At a much later date, we hope to attend to our international subscribers needs. Thank you.

United Kingdom
Mexico
Canada

Would you like us to research another destination for you? E-mail monique@SingleParentTravel.net and we will post our findings in subsequent newsletters.

ENTRY INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM
British Consulate in NY
(212) 745-0200
http://www.britainusa.com

According to Steve Thompson at the NY British Consulate the only thing required to get into the UK for an adult and minor child is a passport, a return ticket and spending money. Continental Airlines confirmed this, but added that it would be better if a single parent traveled with a notarized permission letter. (We have a sample letter of permission, click here.)

ENTRY INTO CANADA

Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20001
1 (202) 682-1740

(From http://www.travelcanada.ca) "Travelers visiting Canada with children should carry the following: 1.Identification for each child similar to identification described for adults. 2. A letter of permission from the parents of any children accompanying them for whom they do not have legal custody. Please note: Divorced parents with shared custody rights should carry legal documents establishing their status. Unaccompanied children should carry a letter of permission from their parents or a legal guardian."

As of the writing of this newsletter, the Canadian consulate had not returned our phone calls. When we get updated information, we will let you know!

ENTRY INTO MEXICO

Embassy of Mexico
1911 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006
1 (202) 736-1000

(From the Mexican Consular's Web site http://www.consulmexny.org/eng/english.htm)
"Minors (individuals under the age of 18) traveling alone, with only one parent or with someone other than his/her parents must have a notarized letter of consent, signed by both parents or the absent parent. If parents are divorced, a Parental Custody document is permissible in lieu of notarized letter."

(From the U.S. State Department's consular sheet on Mexico. http://travel.state.gov/mexico.html)
"In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should document carefully legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, then both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, that they are indeed the parents.

Travelers should be aware that Mexican entry regulations require Spanish translations of all legal documents, including notarized consent decrees and court agreements. Enforcement of this provision is not always consistent, and English-language documents are almost always sufficient."

We spoke to the tourist bureau who said that Spanish translations are not necessary, but are helpful. The Mexican consulate has not yet returned our phone call. When they do, we will let you know.

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