Expert: Roberto Gomes - 7/22/2008

Question
Hello Roberto... It's kind of you to do this service. I wonder if you might be able to help with this. I am travelling to New York to see my cousin with two of our children (aged 12 and 14) next Tuesday. My wife and our child are not travelling with us. I've heard we might need a notarised letter from my wife to say I am not abducting the children. Is this the case for UK passport holders like us? We are not divorced, but a family happily living together. With thanks - Malcolm

Answer
Dear Malcolm,

It is always good to play safe, since regulations can change from one day to another and some agents may have a different view (believe me I witnessed it more than you can ever imagined) on how to apply them.

Below it is a sample of the letter:

LETTER OF CONSENT TO TRAVEL

I ___________________________________________________
       NAME OF PARENT
provide my consent for my child(ren)  ____________________________________________
            NAME OF CHILD(REN)
to travel with
                                             
__________________________________ to ___________________________ from
NAME(S) OF ADULT TRAVEL COMPANION(S)        COUNTRY/COUNTRIES

________ to ______ .
DATE        DATE


List specific travel information in the space below such as airline, flight number, cruise line and ship or tour operator.)  

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Signed_____________________________________________________________
                                                               PARENT'S NAME

Telephone/Contact:__________________________________________________
Address:
___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Signature of Notary:__________________________________________________

Notary's Printed Name: ____________________________________________

Notary Seal:


Hope this helps.
Enjoy your trip with your kids and have fun!
Best Regards,
R. Gomes