savannah_boy

Hi everyone, we will be travelling on holiday to Spain & Italy in May. My step kids have a different surname to myself and my wife (her kids). They are US citizens. Have you ever been asked by customs or immigration for evidence (eg notarised written permission) to allow kids to travel from the non custodial parent? Just want to get our ducks in a row before travel.

I am talking about either at the point of departing from the US or on arrival in either of these places. Thanks in advance

AmerLisa

I'd have a paper just in case.... it certainly can't hurt.

petitefrancaise

Depends on their ages. If they are younger then I would definitely do it. Older than 10, then I don't think it's an issue. One of my friends in france wasn't allowed through security with her toddler and baby because their surnames were not the same as hers. She had to call her husband to come back to the airport and verify her identity. But that is the only time I've heard of a problem.

savannah_boy

Just curious what age has to do with it (up until 18?) They are 12 & 16.

lansbury

As someone who dealt with such things at Heathrow, the difference age makes is the ability of the child to be able to speak for themselves with less chance of being pressured to lie.

If a 12 and 16 year old were being abducted they are more likely to say so than a 5 year old.

petitefrancaise

yes, this exactly.

My friend had no problems once the kids were older.

NiHao

Until very recently two of our children had a different surname to mine and my husbands on their passports and when traveling we were occasionally asked about it so I would recommend carrying paperwork because it just makes one less thing to have to worry about.