Travel to Mexico?

[WetNap]

What is the name of your state? TX

I am a NCP. Nothing regarding limitations on domestic or international travel is addressed in my court order. Over the years, I have mailed a handful of inquiries to my ex regarding items not specified in the order (sports, driver-training, camp, passports, etc.) The requests to discuss such items have always gone ignored and unanswered. So, I wind-up doing what I think is best each summer.

Although I have traveled with the children (ages 14, 16) extensively in the US, I have been unable to initiate any communication with my ex regarding international travel / passports. I guess I'll have to ask the judge to decide.

This summer I have a 5-day trip planned in Mexico during my visitation time (resort/beach vacation.) Because we are driving, no passport is required -- and I have the children's birth certificates.

Other than courtesy, is there any reason that I have to inform my ex of this trip in advance? My attorney is on vacation -- any experience with this subject out there?

 

[LdiJ]

Generally, you aren't supposed to take the children out of the country without either a passport or written permission from the other parent. Would you want your ex to take the children out of the country without you knowing about it?

You are going to need to address the passport issue pretty soon. Before long a passport will be required to enter and leave the US period...even to and from Canada and Mexico.

 

[texastepmom]

do they usually make both parents sign for a passport for kids over 14? I got this off of the government web site, it states under 14 they have to have both parents, over 14, parental consent may be required (does that mean both parents or only one?)

"FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 14:

Each minor child shall appear in person. Both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity when they apply for a minor under the age of 14. Read more information on the identity requirements for minors under the age of 14.

FOR MINORS 14 to 17:

Your child MUST appear in person.
For security reasons, parental consent may be requested.
If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child, present identification and co-sign the application. "

 

[mom6stepmom2]

do they usually make both parents sign for a passport for kids over 14? I got this off of the government web site, it states under 14 they have to have both parents, over 14, parental consent may be required (does that mean both parents or only one?)

"FOR MINORS UNDER THE AGE OF 14:

Each minor child shall appear in person. Both parents or legal guardians must present evidence of identity when they apply for a minor under the age of 14. Read more information on the identity requirements for minors under the age of 14.

FOR MINORS 14 to 17:

Your child MUST appear in person.
For security reasons, parental consent may be requested.
If your child does not have identification of his/her own, you need to accompany your child, present identification and co-sign the application. "

I just applied for and received passports for my 14 and my 15 year old kids. Only one parental signature was required.

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

I just applied for and received passports for my 14 and my 15 year old kids. Only one parental signature was required.

It doesn't matter,

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, including requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) or legal guardian not present for the child's travel. Parents of minor children (under 18 years old) should document carefully legal custody prior to traveling to Mexico. If a minor child is traveling with only one parent, the absent parent should provide notarized consent. If only one parent has legal custody, that parent should be prepared to provide such evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities. In cases in which a minor child is traveling to Mexico alone or in someone else's company, both parents (or the sole, documented custodial parent) should provide notarized consent. If a child traveling to Mexico has a different last name from the mother and/or father, the parents should be prepared to provide evidence to airlines and Mexican authorities, such as a birth certificate or adoption decree, to prove that they are indeed the parents.

 

[WetNap]

Generally, you aren't supposed to take the children out of the country without either a passport or written permission from the other parent.

I will have my attorney work on the passport issue as we plan to travel to Europe next summer.

When I have traveled to MX with my step-children, we're simply asked at the border, "American citizens?" although I always carry our passports. I will mail CP a letter outlining the trip with a "release" form to sign for this vacation...I fully expect no response as usual.

If I get no response from my ex, and since it's not addressed in the order -- do I have to cancel this trip?

 

[ceara19]

I will have my attorney work on the passport issue as we plan to travel to Europe next summer.

When I have traveled to MX with my step-children, we're simply asked at the border, "American citizens?" although I always carry our passports. I will mail CP a letter outlining the trip with a "release" form to sign for this vacation...I fully expect no response as usual.

If I get no response from my ex, and since it's not addressed in the order -- do I have to cancel this trip?

If there is no response, I wouldn't cancel the trip unless you are worried about being detained at the border for not having mom's express written consent. I travel internationally with my kids quite a bit and although I do have my court order explaining I have sole custody, I have NEVER been asked for anything other then their passports and I normally travel alone with them. If your wife is traveling with you also, you would look like a typical intact family traveling together.

You just have to weigh the risks with the benefits for yourself or try to get written permission from mom or the court before you leave.

 

[DsmithAsmith]

Mexico Travel

I thought that now passports were required for travel to Mexico and Canada. We recently went thought this with my SD and my husband ended up obtaining sole legal custody over the whole thing.

About 5-8 years ago my father was traveling alone with my baby sister who was between 15-17 years old at the time. The had no problems getting in to Mexico, but upon their departure they were detained until my mother faxed a notorized letter giving her permission for my little sis to travel alone with my father from Mexico.

I think it all depends on the person at the border. If you can get a passport for your child I think that would be the best idea!

 

[ceara19]

I thought that now passports were required for travel to Mexico and Canada. We recently went thought this with my SD and my husband ended up obtaining sole legal custody over the whole thing.

About 5-8 years ago my father was traveling alone with my baby sister who was between 15-17 years old at the time. The had no problems getting in to Mexico, but upon their departure they were detained until my mother faxed a notorized letter giving her permission for my little sis to travel alone with my father from Mexico.

I think it all depends on the person at the border. If you can get a passport for your child I think that would be the best idea!

They aren't REQUIRED yet, but they will be very soon. I believe it is either in late 2006 or early 2007. But, it is just easier to have a passport when leaving and entering the country.

 

[jslopez711]

I thought that now passports were required for travel to Mexico and Canada. We recently went thought this with my SD and my husband ended up obtaining sole legal custody over the whole thing.

About 5-8 years ago my father was traveling alone with my baby sister who was between 15-17 years old at the time. The had no problems getting in to Mexico, but upon their departure they were detained until my mother faxed a notorized letter giving her permission for my little sis to travel alone with my father from Mexico.

I think it all depends on the person at the border. If you can get a passport for your child I think that would be the best idea!

New Requirements for Travelers


The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 requires that by January 1, 2008, travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. In order to facilitate the implementation of this requirement, the Administration is proposing to complete it in phases following a proposed timeline, which will be published in the Federal Register in the near future.

In the proposed implementation plan, which is subject to a period of initial public comment, the Initiative will be rolled out in phases, providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable them to meet the terms of the new guidelines. The proposed timeline will be as follows:

December 31, 2006 - Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
December 31, 2007 - Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens entering the United States from countries within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess valid passports. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.

 

[WetNap]

Update...

THIS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU...CHECK WITH AN ATTORNEY!

Got an email response from my attorney today...

He told me to have a good trip -- that because travel restrictions were not included in my order, I could go. He will start working on the passport issue this week.

I had already sent the letter and "release" form to my ex...My attorney indicated that regardless of the response (if any) from the CP (JMC) that I needn't worry about making this trip.

Thanks for the input. I'll let you know if there are any problems in court next month!