Traveling to South America with Minors

If you plan to travel with your underage (17 years or younger) child without their other parent, or if you plan to travel with your underage grandchild, niece or nephew without their parents, we recommend visiting the US Customs and Border Protection website (hyperlinked). This site provides information about what documentation you need in order to take a child or adolescent on an international trip without both parents, including instructions (hyperlinked) on a parental consent letter.

If a child or adolescent under the age of 18 years is traveling with only one parent, we recommend the adult have a signed, notarized letter from the child’s other parent. In the case that a child or adolescent is traveling with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, we recommend the adult have a note providing consent of travel, signed by both parents and notarized. The parent or supervisor should be prepared to present this documentation upon arrival to Customs and Immigration. A sample form letter is below. Please note: this parental consent letter must be written by the parents of the traveling child and filled out with personal information of the traveling child or children, personal information of the parents of the traveling child or children, and personal information of the supervisor that is authorized by the parents to travel with the child or children.

June 6, 2019

To Whom It May Concern:

[I/We], [parent’s complete name], acknowledge that [supervising adult’s complete name], my [wife/husband/mother/etc.], is traveling out of the country with my [son/daughter/children]. I authorize [child’s full name/children’s full names] international travel. Traveler details below:

              Name: [Child’s full name]

              Passport number: [Child’s passport number]

              Passport expiration date:

              Address:

              Primary Phone Number:

              Date of Birth:

              Place of Birth:

              Full Name of Parents or Legal Guardians:

[Supervising adult’s name], passport number [supervising adult’s passport number], has my permission to take [child/children’s name(s)] to [visiting country] from [date of departure] to [date of return].

Signed,

[Parent’s complete name(s)]

[Street Address]

[City, State Zipcode]

[Primary Phone Number]

Travel is a great way for children to learn and experience new things! By following the above steps, you can help ensure that your trip goes smoothly. If you are interested in visiting South America to learn more about the traditions and cultures of the continent, contact us about one of our family friendly itineraries.