<p>Would a 17 year old, traveling in Europe without a group (but with an 18 year old friend), need any sort of letter from a parent saying that he/she has permission to do so? If so, should it be notarized?</p>
<p>I could not find any information from the State Dept on this.</p>
<p>Any help greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>My 17-year old went to Cambodia, Thailand, and India by herself - nothing at all required except a passport, visa when necessary, and a plane ticket. (Some money is nice. ;))</p>
<p>What country? I noticed on the UK visa website that minors (children under 18) need to have permission from their legal guardians. I don’t know if they ever ask or check it – but it certainly wouldn’t hurt for him/her to carry a letter like that. </p>
<p>"If a child visitor is travelling to the UK without an adult (someone over the age of 18) you will need to provide:
evidence to show that suitable living arrangements have been made for their stay in the UK, and
contact details of the parent or guardian in the child’s home country. "</p>
<p>It wouldn’t hurt to have a notarized letter signed by both parents to take on the trip. My 16yo is travelling with another family in Europe right now and my ex and I had to have a notarized letter saying it was okay for him to travel with the family out of the country. This was requested by the family though, not by the State Dept.</p>
<p>Possibly the 18yo would be responsible for the 17yo? Interesting question you post as my son will be travelling at 17 next summer with 18yo.</p>
<p>my guess is they will be staying at youth hostels…make sure they reserve them, as they do fill up</p>
<p>when D and I travelled, many young people would show up and not be able to stay and have to go wander off and find another place at 10 at night, so those reservations are imperative</p>
<p>you might also note that some youth hostels have age restrictions – although my son says that they have never said anything about his age, and he has been staying in hostels since he was 16. He avoids the ones with the bar on the premise, since it stands to reason they might be the most strict about the age requirement of 18.</p>
<p>I live in Germany. A couple of months ago I drove to England to watch my daughter’s high school team play against another AMerican high school. I brought my daughter’s boyfriend with me. He’s only 16. In Calais the English boder guard gave me a bit of a hard time before finally allowing us to board the ferry. She said that wne attampting to take a minor across borders I should have a letter of permission from his parents. </p>
<p>I know that this is not the exact same condition or problem, but I would reccommend a letter.</p>
<p>Momfromme, definitely have him bring a letter if he’s not part of a chaperoned tour. The more westernized countries may ask. Sometimes Canada does. And Murphy’s law states that if he doesn’t have one, he will be stopped & asked. If he brings it, nobody will request it.</p>
<p>StickerShock has it right! I am guessing no one will ask if he has the letter with him – but if he doesn’t, it will be a big issue.</p>
<p>My older son is heading to London on the 3rd to attend a formal program, but he is showing up three days early to see London on his own – guess I need to get him a letter, too. I keep forgetting – but I would hate for it to be an issue. He will be in London on his own. He is 17 (almost 18) and looks 22 – but I am guessing if he doesn’t have the letter, there might be issues.</p>
<p>D is attending school in Spain, and for anyone under 18, the consulate requires a letter from the parents (notarized) that the student can go study in Spain. It can’t hurt to be prepared. Not needing it and having it is no big deal. Not having it and needing it is a big deal.</p>
<p>Having another letter that gives permission for medical treatment, and guarantees payment, is also a good thing to have. Especially in the event that your D is unable to communicate.</p>