There are few gifts a parent can give a child that are more valuable than the experience of travel. International travel can provide kids with a more well-rounded view of the world, including other peoples, languages, cultures, food and art. But in addition to that added expense and time that an international trip takes, it means that you have to navigate customs, both entering a foreign country and then coming back into the United States. What do families need to know and be on the watch for? Here are our tips for managing customs with kids:
It’s always important to have a discussion with your kids about what will happen at the airport (or port or border). I always start with reviewing security, so they understand why we have to wait in line and why it’s important to be patient. I explain what customs is and when we’ll experience it. (Realize that in some situations, such as flying from Toronto to Chicago, you’ll clear U.S. customs at the airport in Canada, instead of on the ground at O’Hare.)
Don’t pack your documents or passports, always keep them in your carry-on luggage or on your person.
Our family is one that’s generally silly and sarcastic, so I stress to my sons that security and customs are places where we will NEVER joke around. Security personnel may take jokes or goofy behavior as evidence that someone is nervous and trying to cover something up. When you’re actually in line at customs, avoid the temptation even to sarcastically comment on the length of the line to your spouse. Model perfect behavior for your kids.
Divorced or LGBT parents need to take extra care and make sure they have all their documents in order, especially if different last name are involved. While the U.S. Customs and Border Protection only “recommends” a consent letter for children only traveling with one parent, make sure to get one and carry it with you just in case. There is no official form, but the letter should include who’s traveling, when they’re going and returning, where they’re going and for what purpose. It should state that the non-traveling parent gives their permission for the travel. Also, you should have the non-traveling parent list their contact information. It’s a good idea to have the letter signed and notarized, but this isn’t a strict requirement.
For LGBT parents, it’s also a smart idea to have copies of birth certificates, adoption papers (if applicable), or custodial documents with you at all times.
While passports for adults are valid for 10 years, passports for children under 16 are only valid for five years. What’s more, many countries – including members of the European Union –require that the passport be valid for at least six more months for entry. So be sure to take that calculation into account when planning your trip.
When you’re in the actual immigration line, no cell phones are permitted to be on. Have the kids power them down and put them in your bag.
Children must stay with you in line; they aren’t allowed to sit elsewhere while you queue and join you at the end of the line. Make sure they have a (non-electronic) game, book or magazine to read if you think they’ll get fidgety.
Don’t answer for your kids (if they’re old enough to speak) when they’re questioned by a customs official. Let them answer for themselves and don’t prompt them unless they or the customs agent asks for your help directly.
Some travel between the U.S., Canada and Mexico falls under less stringent guidelines. For example, children traveling with a school, sports team, or religious group by land or sea are allowed to enter the U.S. with a notarized birth certificate and a letter on organizational letterhead. But it’s always best to check the latest information at cbp.gov, as well as the foreign country’s website, as their rules may be different.
Paul J. Heney is an award-winning writer and avid world traveler. He has written extensively about family travel, green issues, cruises, and LGBT travel issues. He lives in suburban Cleveland with his partner and two sons, Joshua, 16, and Mathew, 10. Follow him on Twitter at @paulheney or Instagram at @paulheney.
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