Travel with Children - US immigration for unaccompanied minors?

I've searched google as well as this forum for information and cannot find anything that addresses this question:

Does anyone know if there are any special immigration requirements for unaccompanied minors (non-US citizens) entering the US? For example, a letter authorizing them to travel alone, a letter detailing with whom they will be staying in the US, etc...

We're planning to send two of our children to the US this summer to stay with friends a week before the rest of the family arrives. They are aged 14 and 12 and so will be traveling as unaccompanied minors on a direct flight to the US from Heathrow. They are UK citizens and so will be using the (now electronic) Visa Waiver Program.

Any advice from someone who's done this before would be much appreciated.

I've searched google as well as this forum for information and cannot find anything that addresses this question:

Does anyone know if there are any special immigration requirements for unaccompanied minors (non-US citizens) entering the US? For example, a letter authorizing them to travel alone, a letter detailing with whom they will be staying in the US, etc...

We're planning to send two of our children to the US this summer to stay with friends a week before the rest of the family arrives. They are aged 14 and 12 and so will be traveling as unaccompanied minors on a direct flight to the US from Heathrow. They are UK citizens and so will be using the (now electronic) Visa Waiver Program.

Any advice from someone who's done this before would be much appreciated.

My best guess would be to search on individual airline's websites for information as they all have different UM policies and procedures. I know some will only allow UM's to fly on non-stops with no connections, and if they do allow connections they don't allow them to be scheduled on the last flight of the day, etc. Once you know what carrier you're leaning towards, if their policy isn't on the website you can call and ask someone in reservations. The f/a's should be able to ensure they have all of the proper forms and even assist them in filling them out and then making sure they have a proper escort through customs and immigration and then on to a connecting flight if applicable.
Maybe others that have flown UMs from UK to US will be able to provide better information.

The green paper still needs to be filled in at the airport. The electronic is just sth extra. I had this explained in puerto RICO. Regards kat


I've searched google as well as this forum for information and cannot find anything that addresses this question:

Does anyone know if there are any special immigration requirements for unaccompanied minors (non-US citizens) entering the US? For example, a letter authorizing them to travel alone, a letter detailing with whom they will be staying in the US, etc...

We're planning to send two of our children to the US this summer to stay with friends a week before the rest of the family arrives. They are aged 14 and 12 and so will be traveling as unaccompanied minors on a direct flight to the US from Heathrow. They are UK citizens and so will be using the (now electronic) Visa Waiver Program.

Any advice from someone who's done this before would be much appreciated.

Did you contact the U.S. Embassy or your nearest U.S. Consulate?

http://travel.state.gov/

Comb their site before asking over the phone (their pet peeve) but usually they're good about questions, especially prefixed with "I couldn't find this on your site, but is...?" ;)

As a Flight Attendant, I had a lot of "UM"s on my flights. We did all their paperwork for them. Please tell your children this and to not ask for their passports during the flight (as they often did).

They are escorted through immigration, usually going through the handicapped lane (faster) with a member of the ground staff. The Flight Attendants only take care of UM's on the aircraft.

I don't believe any letter is required but double check to be sure. You may want to write one up anyway, just so your children don't have to explain anything to immigration. Not that they can't, but after a long flight, it's easier to just show a letter...

The person coming to the airport has to be named and will only be released to that person with I.D. This is not a problem in the U.S. since we are required to carry our driver's licenses at all times in the car (unlike in the U.K.) If they are late, the ground agent will wait with your children. Ask your friends to be on time and that they can't switch people, etc.

Most of the UM's I had were the children of divorced parents. They didn't always want to make the trip and weren't always cooperative (like trying to run away!). If the ground agents seem strict, this is why. I'm sure your children will set a good example for the others!

One last tip, slightly OT, please make sure their electonic gadgets are fully charged before leaving! It's unlikely that can be done on the flight and I hated telling kids that with 6 more hours of flight time! (have them bring the recharger with and an adapter in case of delays).