Big Problems at the Airport

[briancole 1]

Well, My wife and son are at the airport right now and they won't let them check in because they need me to be there in order to give permission. I either have to be on the flight with them or give them a notorized document notorized in Lima. A mother cannot immigrate alone with her son without permission from the father.

Oh my gosh, I'm so angry, we have the flights payed for and everything. I'm flying out today to meet them on the way, and there's nothing we can say or do to dissuade them at the airport!

We've never heard of this but we don't know what we can do! I guess I have of fly back there again

Edit: I should mention that the visa interview went great, I was there for that and all went super well. My wife and son both have there visas. Now it's just this issue we're working through...

Edited December 4, 2011 by briancole

[Done--Really 331]

This is a very important issue--many countries do not let a spouse leave with a minor child without the proper OK from the other parent, so PLEASE be sure to add this to your checklist before buying tickets. I have flown to/from Costa Rica a dozen times and every single time I see a parent fighting with an immigration agent or crying because they didn't have the proper papers ahead of time.

[briancole 1]

This is a very important issue--many countries do not let a spouse leave with a minor child without the proper OK from the other parent, so PLEASE be sure to add this to your checklist before buying tickets. I have flown to/from Costa Rica a dozen times and every single time I see a parent fighting with an immigration agent or crying because they didn't have the proper papers ahead of time.

Yeah, I understand now. We just had no idea. I mean, It's one thing to have that information available and to not have acted, but it's another entirely when that info isn't even there. I mean, how does one just assume something like that? It never even occured to either of us that such a thing would exist. So I guess I'm flying out there this week again. We're rescheduling the flights for next Sunday.

Edited December 4, 2011 by briancole

[pushbrk 12,177]

Yeah, I understand now. We just had no idea. I mean, It's one thing to have that information available and to not have acted, but it's another entirely when that info isn't even there. I mean, how does one just assume something like that? It never even occured to either of us that such a thing would exist. So I guess I'm flying out there this week again. We're rescheduling the flights for next Sunday.

Unless this is your natural son, it is the natural father's permission that is needed.

[mapletree 33]

This is the rule in the USA as well, though often not enforced. If you read your ticketing closely, you will find it, likely buried along with the limitations of liability.

[hikergirl 277]

It is a very common thing world-wide. Part of the Hague Convention to prevent international child abduction.

I'm surprised that your travel agent didn't mention it to you, it's also a "warning" normally when booking tickets on-line.

Just to expand on what Pushbrk mentioned above. Normally you need the child's birth certificate naming both parents AND a notarized letter from the other parent to travel internationally.

The silver lining to this is travelling with your wife and son to their new country will be a nice way to start out your new lives together.

[El Cachalote 12]

Sorry about this mess for you. But the tribulation is worth it. Buena suerte!!!!

Sincerely,

Magnus

[Silverberry1331 25]

A mother cannot immigrate alone with her son without permission from the father.

I am curious, is it the same thing for fathers and their children? Do they need mother's permission? On the one hand, I understand the protection (not to invalidate your frustration by any means---this sucks bigtime) if it works both ways. However, I get super irritated when it applies for mothers only but fathers can do as they please. In that case, it isn't protection---it's patriarchy.

Sorry if that is but it makes me -->

Sending you prayers...be sure you find out exactly what you need before you leave so, you can leave as a family.

Good luck!

[Inky 1,110]

I am curious, is it the same thing for fathers and their children? Do they need mother's permission? On the one hand, I understand the protection (not to invalidate your frustration by any means---this sucks bigtime) if it works both ways. However, I get super irritated when it applies for mothers only but fathers can do as they please. In that case, it isn't protection---it's patriarchy.

Sorry if that is but it makes me -->

Sending you prayers...be sure you find out exactly what you need before you leave so, you can leave as a family.

Good luck!

Yes it is the same, either parent needs a permission letter to travel with a child without both parents present.

[RICARDO4EVA2 194]

This is a very important issue--many countries do not let a spouse leave with a minor child without the proper OK from the other parent, so PLEASE be sure to add this to your checklist before buying tickets. I have flown to/from Costa Rica a dozen times and every single time I see a parent fighting with an immigration agent or crying because they didn't have the proper papers ahead of time.

you are correct.. it has always been this way....

[Roe 3]

Notarized permission from a parent is needed until the child is 16. And if the child (under 16) is traveling alone; permission from BOTH parents is needed.

[Cdnwife 0]

I always carry my notarized letter when travelling with our child; however, I've only been asked once to show it. I was returning to Canada (even though my son is born in Canada) from visiting my husband in the States. The Canadian customs agent said that permission is required ONLY when I am entering a country that my husband does not reside in which is why I've never been asked to show that letter when entering the States.

[Darnell 8,478]

i think someone at the airport made a mistake,

as

the father is in the USA, waiting for wife and son to arrive.

Oh well, let's see how this plays out - I pray the OP not run into more silliness at the airport.

[JeroenAndMichelle 28]

I am curious, is it the same thing for fathers and their children? Do they need mother's permission? On the one hand, I understand the protection (not to invalidate your frustration by any means---this sucks bigtime) if it works both ways. However, I get super irritated when it applies for mothers only but fathers can do as they please. In that case, it isn't protection---it's patriarchy.

Actually, they usually check fathers traveling alone with their children more often than they do the mothers.

Having said that, I have flown a couple of times between the US and Europe with my daughter (2yo now) and never have been stopped. I do carry the appropriate forms with me, just in case, but they never asked me for it. Then again, from what I heard, they mostly only ask for it when it is regarding a kid from countries such as those in South America.

Either way, I feel sorry for the OP, I hope it gets resolved quickly.

[Jim N Augie 16]

It seems country specific. Unlike the US, Philippines has no parental rights law so you either need paper showing there was never a marriage ( custody is with mother by default) or annulment papers showing custody is with mother. And BC of course.