vdubug

Hello All,

Hope you can help, as I can't find a definitive answer.

My wife and I live in the UK (I am British). My wife is American and both my kids have dual-citizenship. We are travelling to the US next week for a family wedding. My son and I are travelling a day early to spend some extra time in NYC. My wife following the next day, separately.

My son will have to enter the US with his American passport, do we need any other form of documentation, as we will be entering the US without my wife? We have never travelled separately before...does she need to provide any kind of permission?

Any answers or if you know of a thread that covers this would be really appreciated!

Thanks,

Pete

BTJ

CBP says you should have a letter from your wife.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...ot-a-parent-or

vdubug

Very useful! Many many thanks!

lansbury

The advice in the CBP bulletin is for people leaving the USA. However the exact same advice is applicable to people leaving the UK in those circumstances.

You might be asked for it leaving the UK, I doubt you will be ask for it entering the US. Be interested to know if you are at either end.

vdubug

I will update the post with my experience later next week.

Thanks for all your help!

SEL_boy

For what it's worth, I am UKC, wife is USC, 2 x kids are USC.

I have travelled with one or other of the kids back and forth to London many times without the missus, and nothing has ever been said. Never a question asked.

I've always had a return ticket, and the trips have always been under a month. We go through the local immigation lines both sides (I have a Green Card).

Jerseygirl

Many of us have had the same experience...but it's better to be safe than sorry and carry the letter with you.

MarylandNed

I agree with those who say to take the letter. It's easy to create a letter and it will give you peace of mind.

My wife and I have travelled many times under similar circumstances. Usually we're never asked any questions. Sometimes we're asked if the other parent knows about the trip and a simple "yes, I have a letter" is usually sufficient without actually having to produce the letter. However, a couple of times the immigration officer actually inspected the letter. Make sure the letter contains contact numbers in case the immigration officer decides to make a call.

I would suggest having a photocopy of your wife's passport on the flip side of the letter. Also, it's not clear from your post whether your wife is travelling with one of your children. If so, remember to have your wife take her own letter (with a photocopy of your passport on the flip side).

SEL_boy

If you do take a letter, do as the CBP recommend and take the time and spend the money (less than $10 usually) to get the letter notarized.

A simple letter you write yourself is really not worth the paper it's written on if they decide to stick their oar in. Getting it notarized will give the impression that's it's legal and official.

Bob

Most town halls will have some one do it for free for town residents and same with most banks having someone who could do it free for customers.

And chances are, someone at most high schools, if you've got kids of high school age.

JAJ

Note that these letters are not a legal requirement in either the United Kingdom or United States. That's not to say you shouldn't have one as evidence if questions are asked, but you should not volunteer that you have one unless asked (you probably will not be asked).

Canada is a little different, same applies regarding legalities, however being asked to produce a letter is much more common.

MarylandNed

Right - not a legal requirement but it can grease the wheels. I never offer the letter unless the questions start. My wife and I have travelled many times as a lone parent with one or more of our kids. In our experience, the younger the child is, the more likely you are going to be asked questions. Also, we have noticed that I have been asked more questions than my wife has - so there definitely seems to be less suspicion when the mother is travelling with the children.


I haven't found any difference between Canada and the US. US CBP recommends that a lone parent have a notarized letter.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...ot-a-parent-or