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Learn why Solo Parents, Grandparents and Guardians have legal requirements before crossing international borders with minors, and get Permission to Travel forms here.

Did you know that a child departing the United States and traveling with only one parent, a guardian, grandparents or other adults, must have a written and notarized permission letter from both birth parents or legal guardians to enter many countries, even on a cruise ship's shore excursions?

In an effort to halt international child abduction, runaways, and the transport of children involved in child-custody disputes, American carriers have been cracking down on adults departing the U.S. with minors. This is due to the enhanced awareness of children's rights raised by the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, a treaty created to deter international child abductions. As of January 2010, the Hague Convention on Abduction is in force between the United States and 75 other countries and territories, including Canada and Mexico.

The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade reminds visitors that "Foreign officials and transportation companies are vigilant concerning documentation for children crossing international borders. Make sure you carry the proper identification for yourself and any children traveling with you, including any documents that might be required by the authorities of the country you intend to visit, and by Canadian authorities on your return to Canada with the child."

Additionally, rising health care costs and legal issues have forced many medical providers to deny medical care to minors without proper authorization. Increasingly, written permission from guardians who carry the minor's insurance coverage as well as proof of that medical insurance coverage are required at emergency care facilities. Read on for tips on how to make this paperwork less of a burden, and to obtain sample forms. (Sample forms available here.)

U. S. Passports & Foreign Passports

To enforce the Hague Convention provisions, the U.S. Department of State requires that every citizen, no matter the age, carry her own passport and appear in person to apply for one. Since July 2001, strict guidelines for the issuance of passports to minors have required the presence of both parents, with proof of parentage, or one parent's appearance with a notarized statement of consent from the second parent or legal guardian.

Exceptions are made if there's documented evidence that a minor has only one guardian; for example, divorce papers, death certificate, adoption papers or lawyer's letter would indicate that the presence of one legal guardian is sufficient.

This is a complex issue, so American citizens should be sure to call the National Passport Information Center with questions at their toll-free phone assistance line, 877/4USA-PPT (877/487-2778 or 888/874-7793 for TDD/TTY help); or visit check the NPIC website before arriving at their office for an interview. Citizens of other countries must check with their own country's embassy, as passport issuance laws have become more strict all over the world. for more information on this topic, and tips for parents with dual nationality or different counties of citizenship, Michelle Higgins' story in the New York Times Practical Traveler column should be of help.

If you're planning a foreign vacation, start this process early. As part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, re-entering the United States by air, land or ship from any destination -- including neighboring countries which previously required only a birth certificate -- requires passports from American citizens of all ages. Exceptions, such as those being made for children 16 and under who may travel by land or sea to neighboring WHTI countries with only a birth certificate, do exist. But rules change regularly. The increased number of applications have created a processing backlog at the National Passport Center.

If custody issues are a concern, the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program provides notification to parents of passport applications made on behalf of minor children, and denial of passport issuance if appropriate court orders are on file with the CPIAP. The Office of Children's Issues (888/407-4747) will provide more information.