Passports and Visas - What do you need?

Make sure to carry proper identification and paperwork when traveling, especially when children are involved. If you've seen Babel, you know that border crossing without proper papers can land you and your little ones in more trouble than a long flight with twin toddlers. Leave a copy of all travel documents with someone you trust back at home, just in case.

It can take a month or more to obtain required travel documents. For information on obtaining passports and visas if you are a U.S. citizen or you are traveling to the U.S., you should check out the U.S. Department of State for extensive information on obtaining passports and visas for international travel.

Passports:

Most foreign countries require that you have a valid passport to enter and exit borders. Only the U.S. Department of State may grant U.S. passports. If you need a passport urgently, you can contact one of the state's regional passport agencies. You can be seen by appointment, and you should not be charged a fee.

Visas:

If you would like to visit the U.S. from another country, generally you must obtain a visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your travel. If your stay will be less than ninety days, check to see if your home country participates in a Visa Waiver Program with the United States.

Non-U.S. citizens:

Your country of origin will have a similar agency in charge of issuing travel documents. A simple internet search with the name of your country and "passport" should get you there quickly. Check with them to find out the details, and don't forget to get your applications in well in advance of travel.

Single Parent Travel:

Whether you are actually a single parent or just traveling without your partner, some foreign borders require custody documentation. Make sure to check with tourist offices in the countries you will visit for any special requirements. Carry proper identification. We leave a copy of our travel documents with a friend back home in case anything happens to ours during travel. Kai also carries a copy of documents in his backpack. I carry the originals.

If you are traveling with someone else's children, be extra careful to get proper documentation that they are legitimately in your care (notarized detailed letters from the parents with contact information and travel itinerary and anything else that makes your propriety clear). International policy requires borders to be strict when it comes to children. This discourages kidnapping and other crimes against children (the laws protect your children even if they create a little extra hassle).