NOC for child travelling to Cyprus with single parent

[WhiteTrash]

I've booked a holiday for my family to Cyprus next month, because one of my kids is from a different mother they are asking for a certified translated copy of an NOC from his biological mother giving consent for him to travel with me. He's been living with me now for 10 years and has travelled widely overseas, which is beside the point, fact is they are requesting it so I need to have it.

Does anyone know if this is an official document and if so where do I obtain it from, wife has tried contacting immigration but nobody answers, thinking of driving to Chaengwattana and ask in person but not wanting to waste time if its the wrong office.

Appreciate any feedback

[7by7]

The clue is in

1 hour ago, WhiteTrash said:

they are asking for a certified translated copy of an NOC from his biological mother giving consent for him to travel with me

NOC is notice of consent; it's a letter written by the other parent consenting to your taking the child out of the country. You obtain it from the child's mother.

 

Most countries will accept an official sole custody document instead of such a letter; if you have one. 

 

If not, this can be obtained from an amphur, but his mother would have to go with you. If this is not possible you will have to go to court to obtain one; but this can be a lengthy process if the other parent doesn't co-operate.

[Donutz]

I think 7by7 sums it up pretty well.

 

But to get technical:

If you happen to be an EU/EEA national (such as British, German, anything EU nationality except -in this case- Cyprus nationality) the embassy cannot ask for these papers in regards f custody/parental permission for the visa. This because you would be an EU national taking an eligable non EU national (your kid) to an other EU/EEA memberstate and thus be covered by EU freedom of movement directive 2004/38. All that is required in this case are you and your sons passports, proof that he is your son (birthcertificate) and that you will travel together (a note will do, a travel reservation from an airliner would be better) and nothing else.

 

See:

http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/entry-exit/non-eu-family/index_en.htm

 

Ofcourse youd still need to get the papers regarding parental consent because whenever a adults travel with minor across the border, especially if the child travels with just one parent, they can ask you to show that all is in order with parental consent. This can happen at any border upon exiting or entering in the international fight against child abduction.

[WhiteTrash]

I was mainly asking if there is any official form to fill in or is a hand typed letter from the mother sufficient, the guy at the consulate is not being very helpful, I mean I can type something up in English and have sign it but the certified bit is not clear

[WhiteTrash]

I guess if she typed it in Thai and had the local amphur officer stamp it I could then have it translated by a certified company and produce both docs.

[7by7]

19 hours ago, WhiteTrash said:

 I guess if she typed it in Thai and had the local amphur officer stamp it I could then have it translated by a certified company and produce both docs.

Essentially, yes.

 

Some countries, though, require the translation be certified by the Thai MFA as well as the translator; not sure if Cyprus is one of these or not.

 

Obviously, the Thai original may be needed to take the child out of Thailand, so take that with you when travelling as well as the translation.

[WhiteTrash]

Just got word their UK passports are ready which eliminates the need for a visa, however im still wandering if my son will still need the NOC, never had one before when he's left Thailand with me but guess there's always a first time

[7by7]

Many countries are becoming more concerned over parental child abduction, rightly so in my opinion, and so are checking whether or not the parent the child is travelling with has the consent of the other parent to take the child out of the country more often than in the past; the passport the child is travelling on is irrelevant.

 

Your children should leave Thailand using their Thai passports anyway.

 

You may or may not be asked by Thai immigration on exit to show that you have the consent of the mother; but it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!