canadaman111 Posted December 17, 2017 #1 Share Posted December 17, 2017 We are going on our first cruise in February. We are driving down to Galveston from Canada. I have a letter from my ex allowing me to take my two boys across the border into the USA. My question is will I need the same letter when we stop in Montevideo bay, Cayman Islands, or Cozumel? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riffatsea Posted December 17, 2017 #2 Share Posted December 17, 2017 You don't need separate letters for each destination but I'd have had it written that you have permission to take your child out of the country and not just into the USA!! I doubt if anyone will look at the letter but it is not a bad idea to have it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hftmrock Posted December 17, 2017 #3 Share Posted December 17, 2017 you don't need separate letters for each destination but i'd have had it written that you have permission to take your child out of the country and not just into the usa!!I doubt if anyone will look at the letter but it is not a bad idea to have it. ^^this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyjr88 Posted December 17, 2017 #4 Share Posted December 17, 2017 We were never asked for our letter for my nephew getting back I the ship in ports but I think they did ask my sister for it when she checked in for the cruise. Make sure yours includes the cruise not just US border. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseGal999 Posted December 17, 2017 #5 Share Posted December 17, 2017 I've seen people mention these letters need to be notarized. Is that true for people coming from Canada to US and then to Cruise? Just curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hftmrock Posted December 17, 2017 #6 Share Posted December 17, 2017 I've seen people mention these letters need to be notarized. Is that true for people coming from Canada to US and then to Cruise? Just curious. https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter we strongly recommend that you have the letter certified by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration (e.g. a commissioner of oaths, notary public or lawyer), so that border officials will be less likely to question its authenticity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadaman111 Posted December 17, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted December 17, 2017 https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/children/consent-letter It is recommended but no one does it. I have never notarized it in the past. They usually don’t even ask for a letter Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DramaQueen22 Posted December 17, 2017 #8 Share Posted December 17, 2017 I had one ready when I traveled to Cozumel with my boys...hubby couldn't make the trip. We were never asking for it, either when checking on or getting back on the ship. Good idea to have it just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyjr88 Posted December 17, 2017 #9 Share Posted December 17, 2017 My sister got hers notirized. It's not expensive so you might as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loxley Posted December 18, 2017 #10 Share Posted December 18, 2017 You will only need the letter to cross the Canadian border. They are pretty firm on that. It is not recommended, it is required. Big difference. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadaman111 Posted December 18, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted December 18, 2017 So do you have to show your passport when you arrive on the islands and when getting back on the ship? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine5715 Posted December 18, 2017 #12 Share Posted December 18, 2017 So do you have to show your passport when you arrive on the islands and when getting back on the ship? Sent from my iPhone using Forums No, you only show your sail and sign and an photo ID at port. You can use your passport, but license is fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted December 18, 2017 #13 Share Posted December 18, 2017 No one will ask for anything on the islands. It's only for boarding and disembarking you might need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynt Posted December 18, 2017 #14 Share Posted December 18, 2017 What if the parent is a dead beat parent and you have no idea where they are? They've had no contact with the child for over 10 years. No child support and no contact by their choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hftmrock Posted December 18, 2017 #15 Share Posted December 18, 2017 What if the parent is a dead beat parent and you have no idea where they are? They've had no contact with the child for over 10 years. No child support and no contact by their choice. full custody papers..... there is always paperwork that can prove that. the good news is that its rare when asked but if you have any paperwork for what you describe above, that will work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare KmomChicago Posted December 18, 2017 #16 Share Posted December 18, 2017 So do you have to show your passport when you arrive on the islands and when getting back on the ship? Sent from my iPhone using Forums The Carnival staff specifically recommend that you do not carry your passport off the ship as it is not needed and there is no point in risking it getting lost or stolen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cynt Posted December 18, 2017 #17 Share Posted December 18, 2017 full custody papers..... there is always paperwork that can prove that. the good news is that its rare when asked but if you have any paperwork for what you describe above, that will work Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Havingfun2010 Posted December 18, 2017 #18 Share Posted December 18, 2017 We are going on our first cruise in February. We are driving down to Galveston from Canada. I have a letter from my ex allowing me to take my two boys across the border into the USA. My question is will I need the same letter when we stop in Montevideo bay, Cayman Islands, or Cozumel? Sent from my iPhone using Forums At most islands you do not go through customs/immigration so you do not need it. However you need it for the ship and returning to the USA. Your letter should include the ship and ports just in case. You may never be asked but if you are you better have it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CeleBrat Posted December 18, 2017 #19 Share Posted December 18, 2017 My kids have cruised several times with friends or grandparents, and I always notarize the letter that I send with them. That being said, I've also traveled several times with the kids but without my husband, and have never taken a letter. It's never been an issue. CeleBrat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookworm1985 Posted December 18, 2017 #20 Share Posted December 18, 2017 Its one of those things that I would personally rather have just in case and never need, then not have it and need it. But that is just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted December 18, 2017 #21 Share Posted December 18, 2017 Its one of those things that I would personally rather have just in case and never need, then not have it and need it. But that is just me. Totally agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted December 18, 2017 #22 Share Posted December 18, 2017 If you’re already getting the letter anyway, just include permission for the whole trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winddawn Posted December 18, 2017 #23 Share Posted December 18, 2017 I've seen people mention these letters need to be notarized. Is that true for people coming from Canada to US and then to Cruise? Just curious. I had my letter notarized when I took my niece on cruises in the past. I was never asked for it, but it is essential just in case someone does ask for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baxter Posted December 18, 2017 #24 Share Posted December 18, 2017 We do the drive from Canada to Galveston as well. When we travel separate we have only ever been asked for the letter coming back into Canada. I can't understand the logic...we can leave the country...drive all around...even fly to foreign destinations out of the US, yet bringing them home is the only concern?!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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