Expert: Pam Smith - 8/12/2008

Question
I am so frustrated!  I am hoping you can help me out.  My son is going across the border with his Aunt and Uncle from Winnipeg to Grand Forks for 3 days and I refuse to believe that I have to get a notarized letter for that.  Wouldn't a signed letter by both parents, witness and proper id be sufficient?  It's getting very close to the day he's leaving and I am an extremely busy single mom who would love to hear that that I would have to run around for a notarized letter if I don't have to.  It will save me a great deal of time!!

Answer
I understand your frustration but rules are rules.  I checked and Canadian Citizen and US Citizens should have a notarized affidavit signed by both the parents, if they have a child traveling outside of their country without one, or both of their parents.

Not everyone at airlines, check-points, etc will ask to see this document, but do you really want to risk the chance of causing travel problems for your son and his Aunt and Uncle? I advise you to get the document notarized and not take that chance.

Pam