Going Abroad Alone WIth Child - letter needed?

[Neeranam]

I'm going abroad with my 17-year-old daughter, without the mother. Do I need a letter from the Provincial Hall. I got one before, when she was 13, but was never asked for it.

Cheers

[ubonjoe]

Best to get the letter than not having it if asked for.

[AhFarangJa]

Last time I traveled with our Son ( 13 ), Wife stayed at home. She got the letter from the local Amphor office signed by her.

At departure Immigration they asked if I had the letter. I said yes, but when I went to retrieve it from my bag, the officer waved a hand, said "is o.k." and that was that.....But, it is so easy to acquire it is a no brainer not to be prepared.....Safe Travels.

[dsj]

I would get a letter, as this happened to me once. My grandmother and I were taking my cousin from Seattle to Vancouver by car, and we we asked to go inside to show our letter to Canada Immigration, since only 1 parent signed the letter, they had to call the other parent one to make sure it was okay for her to cross the border, as it was explained to me that they needed both signatures in-case there was any problem child custody battle going on. .

[ChipButty]

Just get one then no worries a mate of mine has had a few ploblems

[Neeranam]

19 minutes ago, dsj said:

I would get a letter, as this happened to me once. My grandmother and I were taking my cousin from Seattle to Vancouver by car, and we we asked to go inside to show our letter to Canada Immigration, since only 1 parent signed the letter, they had to call the other parent one to make sure it was okay for her to cross the border, as it was explained to me that they needed both signatures in-case there was any problem child custody battle going on. .

I got the letter yesterday, as one of my daughters needed a new ID card anyway. 

 

I guess I'll have to translate it, as I doubt there are many Thai readers at Heathrow Immigration! 

[richard_smith237]

I’ve travelled twice alone with my Son (when he was 3 and again when he was 4 - the UK and Singapore). 

On both occasions I was not asked by Immigration for any proof of parental rights or permission to travel with a child.

My Wife dropped us off at the airport on both occasions and hung around until we passed Immigration just incase. 

I also carried Signed copy’s of my Wife’s Passport and a letter of permission to travel signed by my Wife (not notarised), and a copy of my Son’s Birth Certificate (my Son has my Surname). 

 

About 3 years ago, and another a year ago, two friends (British with a Thai/British child - with the same Surname as the father) were both stopped by Immigration upon exit from Thailand at Suvarnabumi airport and questioned. Immigration were satisfied after speaking with the Childs Mother, but the child and father were momentarily separated  (which I wholly disagree with). 

 

 

As others have mentioned: The recommendation is ALWAYS to have the Permission to travel document notarised by your local Amphur office, and if you can’t do that ensure your wife (or Childs mother) is there at hand to respond to any questions. 

 

With regards to the necessity for the ‘Permission to travel’ letter at the other end (i.e. UK side upon return) I’m not sure what’s required, but it wouldn’t hurt to have all bases covered and have the permission to travel letter translated and again, the child's mother available (by phone) to receive a call if necessary. 

[Neeranam]

What about if kids are travelling by themselves?

 

I could just tell them to go through by themselves first.

 

The guy at the provincial Hall said I need this letter until they are 20.

[khunPer]

21 hours ago, Neeranam said:

I got one before, when she was 13, but was never asked for it.

I use the letter when travelling alone with my "Luk khrueng" daughter, and I also have never been ask to show it. If same family name, it might help; also I would presume that age makes a difference.

 

However, I would still recommend having the letter from the amphor, just in case; would be bad to loose bout tickets and trip.

 

[Foghorn]

Has this letter got a name ,thai name or number?

or do I get a thai to write it alone

[Chicken George]

No letter needed. I just left with my 9 year old son. They asked where my wife was then took my son to a different counter. Did his passport then asked if I was his dad. I would suggest best to get a letter signed by your wife and copy of her ID to be sure. Especially if the child is very young. At 19 no problem.

[khunPer]

4 hours ago, Foghorn said:

Has this letter got a name ,thai name or number?

or do I get a thai to write it alone

The amphor office should, it's a standard letter they write. It looks like this...

[justin case]

is it still needed if the minor child is above 15 ?

 

I think I once read something about, only needed till 15 ? but now I cannot find the reference ...

 

 

[Foghorn]

Thankyou  KhunPer

[sitesurf]

Thank you KhunPer... that's a great help, much appreciated

[drbeach]

Others have given good advice. Asked recently at a land border checkpoint with Laos about taking my son across without his mother. No problems I was told and no need for any documents - that being said, still good to have the amphur letter although a typed or handwritten letter from the non-accompanying parent along with their ID card or passport copy would probably suffice too, would it not? Certainly better than nothing, in case you're asked.