Specific question about parental consent.

[SJChaput]

Hello!

 

I am helping a friend plan a cruise. She is going with her niece and nephew and those kid's grandparents. The kids are 13 and 15.

 

They have their birth certificates. The Grandparents are listed on the BC, they all have the same last name and are clearly related.

 

I see a lot of forum talk based on Google searches that says if you don't have a NOTARIZED form when asked you may not be let on the boat. Is that the case as it conflicts with Carnival's FAQ?

 

When minors (18 and under) are NOT traveling with a relative, we strongly recommend bringing an original signed letter from the absent parent/legal guardian authorizing the minor to travel. This will expedite processing by the Department of Homeland Security. Please note that a notarized letter to this effect is required if debarking with children in Mexico.

 

Notice how it says when minors under 18 are not traveling with a RELATIVE (doesn't mention legal guardian / parent) they RECOMMEND having the form simply to help expedite the process and don't mention NOTARIZATION at all... Except in the case of debarking in Mexico (Which I take to mean terminating the cruise there)... Note that elsewhere in this same FAQ Carnival differentiates between legal guardian and relative.

 

The mother has been AWOL for years but retains custody. Google returns results saying you will be denied boarding without the notarized letter but the Carnival policy seems to say otherwise.

 

If asked for this will they be denied boarding? That's my biggest fear for them.

 

This is a cruise leaving FROM America and returning TO America, no air travel necessary.

 

EDIT: I spoke to several Carnival reps. The first two said that a BC only will be fine and they wouldn't be denied boarding. The third just acted confused and gave me the number to Immigration and naturalization for some reason and the last one said they don't know... So I am at a loss...

Edited June 13, 2014 by SJChaput

[Elaine5715]

You need to contact an attorney. The problem as I read this, is that no adult traveling has or is being given permission to leave the country with these children.

[SJChaput]

While its true that they have no form for the kids it seems that Carnival's FAQ says that its only RECOMMENDED if they aren't traveling with a RELATIVE. They are traveling with their Grandparents and Aunt.

Edited June 13, 2014 by SJChaput

[topofE]

My kid (7 years old) has travelled extensively with me without a peep from her dad and has gone to Canada AND Mexico with my parents (different last name). I gave them a letter and not once were they asked for it and it STILL didn't have any of her dad's info on it. Of course, I wouldn't think to say you'd be okay. I would however say what carnival says...it's recommended. And that's it.

[topofE]

...in fact, my letters purpose was to authorize medical decisions...but we all knew that in an emergency, in a foreign country, they wouldn't really need that either.

[D4]

Hello!

 

I am helping a friend plan a cruise. She is going with her niece and nephew and those kid's grandparents. The kids are 13 and 15.

 

They have their birth certificates. The Grandparents are listed on the BC, they all have the same last name and are clearly related. ...

 

The grandparents are listed on the birth certificates? I've never heard of that, but maybe their state is different.

 

I wish them the best. I agree this is a confusing and potentially messy situation.

[Not_Done_Living]

if parents are both AWOL -- they need to talk to a lawyer about getting guardianship --- but beyond that -- it will only really matter if you go to Mexico -- they are pretty picky about that letter there.

[Taden99]

Have the parents write a letter and have it notorized. They should include that the the adults have permission to make medical decisions I would at least go with a notorized letter. I have never had them ask me for mine since I am divorced, but I take one just in case.

[loxley]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268/kw/minor%20child%20travel/session/L3NpZC9HUjQ3Qy10bA%3D%3D

[diamonddaddy]

You will be fine. They don't check this stuf

f. Don't sweat it

[tammi0916]

You will be fine. They don't check this stuf

f. Don't sweat it

 

 

I would disagree, I have traveled 3x with my DD's BFF and have always had her dad give me a notarized letter giving me and my husband permission to take her out of the country and giving us consent for medical emergencies.

 

Carnival has ALWAYS asked for the letter and took copies of it and because I only had her dad sign the letter (he has full custody since mom is no where to be found) I had to provide a copy of his divorce decree that stated he had full custody. I had all the documentation with me and if I did not I don't think she would have been allowed to board.

 

I do agree that they say the letter does not need to be notorized but I asked for it to be notorized just in case.

 

I think all ports/agents are different because I have read that some ports dont check or don't care but you don't want to be at a port or with an agent that does and you don't have the right paperwork.

 

I have attached a copy of the document that I use, feel free to modify to fit your needs.

 

Tam

AFFIDAVIT OF PARENTAL CONSENT Template.doc

[Jamman54]

I would disagree, I have traveled 3x with my DD's BFF and have always had her dad give me a notarized letter giving me and my husband permission to take her out of the country and giving us consent for medical emergencies.

 

Carnival has ALWAYS asked for the letter and took copies of it and because I only had her dad sign the letter (he has full custody since mom is no where to be found) I had to provide a copy of his divorce decree that stated he had full custody. I had all the documentation with me and if I did not I don't think she would have been allowed to board.

 

I do agree that they say the letter does not need to be notorized but I asked for it to be notorized just in case.

 

I think all ports/agents are different because I have read that some ports dont check or don't care but you don't want to be at a port or with an agent that does and you don't have the right paperwork.

 

I have attached a copy of the document that I use, feel free to modify to fit your needs.

 

Tam

 

Agree 110%!!! Several times Patti or I took the kid(s) on cruises by ourselves and made sure we had the letter with us. We were never asked for the letter, but why take that chance!!!

[cruisingberger]

Two years ago my in laws traveled to Mexico on a 4 day Carnival cruise and took my niece with them. They showed up at the pier very early (like they always do) and were told that the notarized letter they brought with them only had the mothers signature and that they had to have the signature of her Father too!:eek: The the three of them sat in the terminal until her father made the two hour drive from Riverside to San Diego to sign the letter in front of the Carnival check in agent. They had spoken to Customer Service agents on the phone and been told that the mothers signature would be all that was required by the phone agent a few weeks before the cruise. On the other hand, I traveled with my niece on Holland America last year to Alaska with my signed, notarize note that had both her mother and fathers signature and no one ever asked to see it. I learned that you really never know what the check in agent will require and it's best to be prepared either way!:o Good Luck! I hope you are ble to sort everything out.

[irishnyc]

Why are the grandparents on the birth certificate? Have they officially adopted the children? If they're listed as the parent (and not the grandparents) on the bc, then you'd probably be fine. Otherwise I've never heard of grandparents on the bc.

[LMaxwell]

Have not read whole thread, but CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) trumps any cruise line policy. If THEY want the letter and you don't have it, you will be detained from boarding until all facts of the matter are ascertained regardless if Carnival says OK or not. Your chances of missing the ship at that point greatly increase.

[GTO-Girl]

Have not read whole thread, but CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) trumps any cruise line policy. If THEY want the letter and you don't have it, you will be detained from boarding until all facts of the matter are ascertained regardless if Carnival says OK or not. Your chances of missing the ship at that point greatly increase.

 

 

This is 100% correct...........

[bearette]

Better to have it and not need it then the other way around. If mom isn't around something from the court saying so should be gathered.( lawyer). If grandparents or dad is taking care of her they should have something from the court saying so to protect themselves. Then you can show this as proof and it will no longer be an issue for all of you.

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Forums mobile app

[MissKIA]

Bring a court order showing that the GrandParents have Full Custody of the children. What matter is who has legal Custody, not who the parents are. Parents aren't always the LEGAL caregivers.

 

If the Grandparents do not have legal custody they should try to get that legally changed if the Mother is AWOL. Contact a lawyer.

Edited June 13, 2014 by MissKIA

[acbat1]

I haven't read through all the replies yet but here is my experience.

 

We have been on well over 15 cruises with kids that are mine and aren't mine. Never been asked for the letter when boarding. Only once have I been asked for a letter by customs/immigration coming back into Galveston (for my own children but husband was not with us). She asked I said state department website said it is recommended not required she said ok just try and get it next time and that was that.

 

I called travel department after to make clarify and I was told that in Texas because it's a border state they tend to be a little more diligent in fact checking children and the letter would have just expedited a matter if there was one, but it is highly recommended and not required.

 

My personal opinion is that it will not stop you from boarding but may slow you down exiting. Just my opinion.

[3ricT]

All this talk of letters of consent is moot if the Mom is AWOL

[acbat1]

Have not read whole thread, but CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) trumps any cruise line policy. If THEY want the letter and you don't have it, you will be detained from boarding until all facts of the matter are ascertained regardless if Carnival says OK or not. Your chances of missing the ship at that point greatly increase.

 

I agree but as in the link posted earlier even CBP says recommended. Without the note you can be delayed. As stated below:

 

If a child (under the age of 18) is traveling with only one parent or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, what paperwork should the adult have to indicate permission or legal authority to have that child in their care?

 

Due to the increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and as possible victims of child pornography, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, the adult have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, friends, or in groups*, a note signed by both parents) stating "I acknowledge that my wife/husband/etc. is traveling out of the country with my son/daughter/group. He/She/They has/have my permission to do so." See our Q&A parental consent.

 

* School groups, teen tours, vacation groups.

 

CBP also suggests that this note be notarized.

 

While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if we do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed. If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.

[topofE]

Half of the responses on here are "missing the boat" since its obviously not a matter of hopping down to the bank and getting a letter signed real quick.

 

The letter is recommended for convenience if something comes up or if cbp wants to question it further. Even they don't say you have to have a letter so I wouldn't go through hiring a lawyer and filing court papers for a cruise. However, if you're going to do it eventually, May as well do it now.

 

They also reccomend you bring bug spray. Not because it is a requirement. But because it will be more convenient for everyone if you don't have to find a shop that sells it.

[loxley]

Half of the responses on here are "missing the boat" since its obviously not a matter of hopping down to the bank and getting a letter signed real quick.

 

The letter is recommended for convenience if something comes up or if cbp wants to question it further. Even they don't say you have to have a letter so I wouldn't go through hiring a lawyer and filing court papers for a cruise. However, if you're going to do it eventually, May as well do it now.

 

They also reccomend you bring bug spray. Not because it is a requirement. But because it will be more convenient for everyone if you don't have to find a shop that sells it.

 

They also RECOMMEND a passport but one is not NEEDED.

 

If this all important letter was REQUIRED, it would be REQUIRED, but it is not.

 

I am still wondering why people are being asked for this letter when they come back as the USA has no requirements or even suggestion for the letter, that would be Mexico. And they only require it if Mexico is your destination, not just a day stop.

[SJChaput]

I would disagree, I have traveled 3x with my DD's BFF and have always had her dad give me a notarized letter giving me and my husband permission to take her out of the country and giving us consent for medical emergencies.

 

Carnival has ALWAYS asked for the letter and took copies of it and because I only had her dad sign the letter (he has full custody since mom is no where to be found) I had to provide a copy of his divorce decree that stated he had full custody. I had all the documentation with me and if I did not I don't think she would have been allowed to board.

 

I do agree that they say the letter does not need to be notorized but I asked for it to be notorized just in case.

 

I think all ports/agents are different because I have read that some ports dont check or don't care but you don't want to be at a port or with an agent that does and you don't have the right paperwork.

 

I have attached a copy of the document that I use, feel free to modify to fit your needs.

 

Tam

 

I wonder if this is due to it being someone not related to you. Your daughter's isn't related.

[SJChaput]

They also RECOMMEND a passport but one is not NEEDED.

 

If this all important letter was REQUIRED, it would be REQUIRED, but it is not.

 

I am still wondering why people are being asked for this letter when they come back as the USA has no requirements or even suggestion for the letter, that would be Mexico. And they only require it if Mexico is your destination, not just a day stop.

 

That's my rationale in this...

 

Both Customs and Carnival say its recommended... If they can't get on the boat without it then its pretty darn REQUIRED.

 

Carnival says they recommend a non notarized letter if your're not related to the kids... They are related to the kids. It seems a huge company like Carnival wouldn't have their official site tell people they only recommend a letter if you're traveling with unrelated minors if you needed a notarized letter traveling with your grandkids or you will be denied boarding.

 

I think they would make a point saying its REQUIRED.

 

I see people saying they were denied boarding but it seems many of them are in Canada or taking a flight to a foreign counttry. Even most of the people I see who are ASKED for it are traveling with non-related kids.