Traveling with child as single parent

[Denversail]

Has anyone previously traveled as a single parent with their child? Just wondering if you've been asked for additional documentation by RCI or customs? Like some type of authorization from other missing parent. Thanks

[rajacks]

I have traveled many times with my son. I've never been asked for extra documentation....but I always had it with me, just in case! It would be awful to be denied boarding because of something like that...:eek:

[emeraldcity]

Yes. and Yes.

 

My DD was 8 when we started cruising together and I always got a notarized "Permission to Travel" from her dad to present if asked. They only asked once, and if I hadn't had it, I would have been denied boarding.

[DrD]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/268/~/children---child-traveling-with-one-parent-or-someone-who-is-not-a-parent-or

[ColoradoGurl]

I do it all the time. No problems at all. Royal Caribbean only asks for documentation if your last names are different, and this could happen even if you're married. With cruising they don't require both parents to be there and they don't require documents or letters from the other parent. I've cruised 3 times on Royal, most recently 5 months ago, and have never been questioned or asked for documents (and the website lets you know they aren't needed). They have no way of knowing if you're married or not, they just care that the child is with at least one parent or legal guardian, and no permission is needed from the other parent (married or not).

 

However this only pertains to cruising. If you are flying out of the country, then technically you are supposed to bring a letter from the other parent (ESPECIALLY) when flying to Mexico...however, again, I've never been asked to show it. And again, this is for BOTH married and dicorced/single parents. They have no way of knowing if you're married or not, they just see that only one parent is present and therefore they require that the other parent (regardless of marital status) is ok with the child leaving the country. The "issue" with being divorced/single simply comes with the fact that the other parent might not be very cooperative.

 

When flying out of the country, I always bring my court documentation (notarized and signed originals from the judge) showing that I have sole legal custody and therefore do not require permission. So, I'm not even sure how the letter thing works in practice because I've never had to have one, I just know that you're "supposed" to bring it with you if you don't have sole legal custody.

[happy traveler69]

if the child has a passport, good! if the dad's name isn't on the birth certificate, even better!!!! a notarized letter from dad giving permission to travel, best!!!!

[CGoguen]

if the child has a passport, good! if the dad's name isn't on the birth certificate, even better!!!! a notarized letter from dad giving permission to travel, best!!!!

 

 

 

Way to assume the missing parent is the dad. Lots of single dads our there too.

[Iaminspired]

Yes, I always take a Letter of Consent to Travel for my children plus loads of documentation (marriage certificate, divorce papers, court orders, birth certificates, passports). I was only asked once by a Royal check in agent if I had a letter from their other parent, which I did. I was not asked to show it.

 

Being denied boarding is not a chance I am willing to take.

 

Interestingly enough, I have never been asked at the border, which we cross by car before heading to the cruise port.

[adjjb12]

I saw the Discovery special on the maiden voyage of Allure of the Seas and there was a parent on there traveling without that documentation and they had to somehow get it before they let the mother board with her kids.

 

So safest bet is to get a document before hand. Whether they ask or not, better safe.

[Desert Cruizers]

It is always best to have all the necessary documentation, whether your asked for it or not. You don't want to be caught that one time without it and your asked. We even bring our passports on closed loop cruises, since many times you in the Caribbean or going through Mexico and if you suddenly need to fly home, again best to have your Passport.

[waterbug123]

I've traveled multiple times on cruises/flights with my kids and while I've always had a letter signed by their dad and notarized, I've never been asked for it. That said, I have the same last name as my kids and my kids have passports and both of those things make it easier.

[happy traveler69]

Way to assume the missing parent is the dad. Lots of single dads our there too.

 

 

you're right... I apologize.