Taking children abroad

[Bubbleteaaaaa]

I'm taking my children to the US this summer. It's our first holiday since their Dad died, we weren't together so I don't have any documentation regarding it. Do I need to do anything, previously he'd give me a letter of permission?

You can order a copy of his death certificate. Make sure you use the official gov.uk site, and it should be £11.

You think I'll have to take that on holiday with me from now on? That's depressing 😟

I would I was asked at Orlando airport.

Until your children are 16, that would be the safe thing to do. You may never need it, but you don't want to be refused boarding at the airport or refused entry at your destination because you can't prove that you have the right to take your children out of the country.

I always travel with legal documents just in case, you never know when you'll be asked. I've been stopped at immigration before and my child was asked questions. My DD's dad was asked to prove he is her parent when he took her to France last year, luckily I'd sent her with her birth cert.

I'd get a copy of the death certificate and travel with that and copies of their birth certs so you can prove the connection if necessary.

It sucks but better to have it and not need it than be turned away at the border!

Unfortunately, the US is one of stricter borders regarding this. It explains here what you'll need to do.
https://esta-center.com/en/minority/index.html#:~:text=to%20the%20U.S.-,United%20States%20Customs%20and%20Border%20Protection%20(CBP)%20requests%20written%20consent,consent%20must%20be%20in%20English.

You may not be asked, but if you are asked and don't have it, you may be refused entry. (if you scroll to the bottom of the page it explains what you need to do in your case)

Have a lovely holiday.

Thanks everyone, and particularly the link as that's the first time I've seen this scenario referenced. I've applied for a death certificate. Thanks again