travelersbrain

I'm planning to travel alone with my child from US to Panama. I have sole legal and physical custody. I am not in contact with other parent, so no notorized agreement will be available. We do have return tickets booked.

Will this suffice for airlines and entry into the country?

pseudoswede

Do you have documentation stating that you have full custody? I'd bring those.

chx1975

That must work: the other half is not always available. To the contrary, I know a couple where the husband has a restraint order against contacting his ex-wife for very good reasons. The divorce involved a big knife (in the hand of the husband) and a 9mm (in clear self defense in the hand of the wife) and the husband did time for it.

Often1

In order to obtain a US Passport (I presume we're talking about a US citizen) for the child, you will need to demonstrate to the State Department Passport Agency that you have full custody. The passport website has a very clear list of the documents you must show in order to prove this and the form you will complete.

You should also check with the Panamanian Consulate to be certain that Panama will not require anything in addition.

Then make sure that you have exactly the documents required. The lawyer who helped you obtain custody can help you obtain anything you do not have. Pay special attention to requirements of court attestation (a court seal) and the like.

Remember that this whole process is designed to protect your child. So, when air carriers and governments seem fussy, they are being fussy for a reason.

Redhead

I also have sole custody of my daughter. In my case, there is no father listed on her birth certificate. Therefore when we travel internationally I take both her passport and bc.

Like others mentioned, getting the passport will be the first hurdle but the documentation is clearly listed on the government website. I would also recommend that you take copies of the proof of custody and do check the Panamanian Consulate's site (or even call)

mauld

I've a slightly different situation needing assistance. I will be taking my 16 yr old niece on a trip to Dublin next year. We have the same last name-- will I need any authorization or additional documents?

cestmoi123

You probably won't be asked for anything. That said, if it's feasible to get it, a letter (preferably notarized, again if feasible) signed by both parents authorizing the trip couldn't hurt. A sheet of paper doesn't weigh much, and it could avoid a difficult scene at the airport if an airline staffer decides that you might be Evil Child Abductor Person.

CDTraveler

Something you should definitely have is a letter giving you permission to consent to medical care for the niece in case of an emergency, plus the niece's medical insurance info.