Travelling in Europe with a USA 15 year non family member

[mrsterryn]

A close friend has asked if I would travel with her 15 year old (will be 15 next year ) in Europe for a week or so
The idea is mum , younger sister and the travelling sister would come to London where I would meet them
Travelling child would stay with me a week or so longer than the other two who would return home to the states
Wondering what legal things I need to consider or is leaving the travel another age eg 16 or 18 easier to do ?

 

[Seat0B]

This situation might just cause a few issues. In our case, our son is a dual Aust/US citizen and that caused enough trouble when travelling together as a family in USA when he was a teenager ( 3 Australians and 1 US -Official to 14 year old - ‘how exactly is it that you know Seat 0B and Seat 0A? Please come here for a quiet chat’ followed by ‘Master Seat, are you under any duress here? Are you happy to travel with these people? Etc’. This happened on several occasions, and we all have the same last name in the passports. So, I would be a bit cautious. Also a close family friend who is separated from her partner was travelling from Aus to Europe with her daughter who has a differgreat net last name and that caused major trouble. In both those cases, the authorities seemed very concerned that th child was not being kidnapped or travelling internationally without consent of both parents.

So as a starting point, I would think you would want to have fully notarised/legally witnessed permission from both parents to travel internationally with the child. You would want to be able to reach them by phone in case of any border drama, and you would want to allow extra time for border formalities just in case.

All of that said, what a fabulous opportunity for your young friend.

 

[mrsterryn]

She is very excited about the idea. Within her family she is definitely the one that will be the international traveller. We expect to have her stay with us for a while between end of high school and college.
I am just a bit concerned about her age and the legalities of it.

 

[Seat0B]

She is very excited about the idea. Within her family she is definitely the one that will be the international traveller. We expect to have her stay with us for a while between end of high school and college.
I am just a bit concerned about her age and the legalities of it.

It is a bit complex from my own experiences and those of my friend, but not insurmountable if you want to do it. It is delightful travelling (well most of the time!) with a teen. They have a unique take on things and it’s lovely to be part of their awakening to new experiences. I’d still do it, just be prepared with documents that give you permission, and also allow enough time that you don’t miss a flight/train etc whilst getting questions resolved.

 

[Anna]

If you stayed within the EU and travelled by train or car it would reduce the fuss, as border and ID checks would be less likely.

But I agree that airports are likely to be more difficult, and good documentation might be needed there.

 

[MelMel]

The other thing to consider (hopefully not) is if she needs medical care at any time. Are you able to authorise treatment or do you need some type of consent form/power of attorney

 

[mrsterryn]

Yes and apparently her father as not travelling initially will need to give consent for the mother . Anyhoo I don't think , sadly, this viable without opening up a can of worms

 

[Seat0B]

Yes and apparently her father as not travelling initially will need to give consent for the mother . Anyhoo I don't think , sadly, this viable without opening up a can of worms

It’s complex, but maybe once she is 18 and an adult things will be easier if you want to help out then.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Here is the official EU page on minors travelling alone or with adults who are not their legal guardian: Documents for minors travelling in the EU. Rules and authorisations needed

While there are no official EU rules, some countries may ask for an authorisation for the child signed by the legal parents. And if there's any air travel, check with airlines to see if they need anything specific.