Single Mom & Travel Abroad

Anonymous
My child's father and I were never married, but he is on the BC. Our son has a passport and eventually I would like to take him on a nice vacation. As of right now there are no legal papers regarding custody and I have been raising my son alone. Does anyone have experience leaving the country with their child and what paperwork is necessary?
Anonymous
If he has a passport already you are fine. I take my kids on the plane all the time when DH has to work.
Anonymous
You'll need permission from the father if you go to Canada. Canada is very strict about it. I always carry a letter of permission stating I can take the child out of the country, but have only been required to show it in Canada. These requirements vary by country, so check our State Department website about whatever country you may be interested in.
Anonymous
that's funny to hear about canada. i just drove to montreal for a short visit with my son and they asked at the border about my son's father. he has a passport with no father listed....
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:that's funny to hear about canada. i just drove to montreal for a short visit with my son and they asked at the border about my son's father. he has a passport with no father listed....


And so what happened? Single mom by choice asking. No father listed on DC's passport.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:that's funny to hear about canada. i just drove to montreal for a short visit with my son and they asked at the border about my son's father. he has a passport with no father listed....


And so what happened? Single mom by choice asking. No father listed on DC's passport.


I mean birth certificate.
Anonymous
It depends on the destination. Check the State Dept and countries' websites before you travel. Some countries are strict - in addition to a passport, you may need a certified letter from the other parent noting that they are OK w/you traveling alone and leaving the country with the child.
Anonymous
OP,

You need a certified letter from your child's father for Canada and Mexico and some other countries, too.

Yes check the State Department. Do not rely on the airlines!

(I know a widow who was asked to provide her child's father's death certificate at the Candadian border. This is serious stuff because of international kidnappings.)
Anonymous
19:29 Better reassess if traveling to Canada or Mexico!
Anonymous
some cruise line also require a letter before they will let you on board
Anonymous
My suggestion would get legal and full custody of child and travel with a copy of that with passport.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:My suggestion would get legal and full custody of child and travel with a copy of that with passport.


He's moron bc he has no legal standing. Who would they call?
Moving on
Anonymous
Just went on a trip and didn't need anything nor was asked for anything. Flew out to Europe, landed on a couple of countries. Just to be on the safe side I took a Consent to Travel letter signed by the father and notarized as a precaution.
Anonymous
My husband took our DC to Canada. We obtained and he provided the paperwork at the border and got in and out fine. Just provide the required paperwork which is easily accessible on the Canadian Embassy website.
Anonymous
PP here. Sorry I did not address your issue. Always good to read the question! Good luck.
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