Prepare for travel in foreign countries. Single parents crossing international borders need to be prepared with proper papers even when they have sole custody of the child or are widowed parents.

If you are crossing an international border with a child under 18, traveling without one parent, and traveling without custody papers, you could have problems. Border officials the world over are paying close attention to one-parent families in an attempt to block runaways, of course, but also to stop abductions in child-custody disputes.

International Travel with Children.
By Jan Wilson

You're finally taking that long-awaited trip out of the country with your child. Since you have moved to Texas and your child is still with your ex in Ohio, it is a double dream come true for both of you: three weeks traveling together. Three weeks being together!

You're going over all your plans again,  enjoying the anticipation (which is half the fun), and making certain no detail is overlooked.

Everything is in shape. You're ready to go. Just a few more weeks.

Traveling with children as a single parent takes planning.

No, wait, there is a potential problem.

If you are crossing an international border with a child under 18, traveling without one parent (or both parents if you are a grandparent or other guardian/chaperone), and traveling without custody papers, you could have problems. Border officials the world over are paying close attention to one-parent families in an attempt to block runaways, of course, but also to stop abductions in child-custody disputes.

Start by contacting the tourist offices or embassies of the countries you will visit. Get all the rules and regulations that apply to that particular country.

General Rules

Before you leave:

1. Get proper IDs for both of you.

2. If you are not the custody parent, as you are not, have a notarized document from the custody parent giving you permission to cross international borders with your child. Have as much information about the trip as possible included in the document. Also make certain the custody parent includes his/her address and phone number in this paper.

3. Even if you are the custody parent, have copies of relevant papers with you. All single parents are suspect.

After you get arrive in foreign lands:

1. Keep your child's ID with you at all times.

2. Have your child carry a copy of his/her ID, your itinerary, and any contact information with him or her at all times.

3. If you are on a tour, be with your child when you cross any border. That is no time to be separated.

The week before you leave, contact the tourist offices of the countries where you will travel. Make certain no policies have changed before you travel to that country with your child.

Bon Voyage!