A parent traveling alone with a child by land or sea within the Western Hemisphere may present an original or copy of the child's birth certificate, naturalization certificate or consular report of birth abroad.
Every American (including children and infants) who travels outside of the Western Hemisphere by land or sea or anywhere internationally by air must have a valid U.S. passport, according to the U.S. Department of State.
A parent who does not have sole custody and wishes to take his child across international borders should be prepared to present a notarized affidavit from the non-traveling parent. This letter should contain as much information about the trip as possible including the dates and specific locations of the trip; the non-traveling parent's contact information; a statement from the non-traveling parent giving her direct consent for the traveling parent to travel with the child and make any necessary emergency medical decisions relating to that child while on the trip; and the notarized signature of the non-traveling parent.
A parent who has sole custody of a child should be prepared to present all relevant court orders granting sole custody and any other evidence that proves she has sole custodial rights and that no travel restrictions are in place.
A parent traveling alone with a child to a foreign country bears the responsibility of checking with the embassies or tourist offices of all destination countries in order to determine additional documentation requirements or regulations those countries may impose.
