going through hong kong customs with 1 parent
- Thread starter babymommy2
- Start date
Shenzhennifer
Registered User
Carang - I also saw the small print on the Can. website, but I didn`t see that it had to be done in front of a notary public. I mean, I assumed it as it would make it binding, but I didn`t see that on the Can govt website, and I actually had a bit of a chuckle about it. Did you specifically read it on there?
carang
Registered User
the whole point of having it notarised, is that it proves that you are who you say you are... so if it is signed before, or not notarised you could technically have it signed by a friend or even sign it yourself. their idea in requesting such a letter is to stop kidnapping of children by divorcing parents, i believe.
i don't remember if i read about signing it on the website, but we've had a letter notarised twice and that was the procedure. you write the letter, take it to the office, sign it in front of the officer/person, they notarise it... done
however, the first time we did it, it wasn't notarised, i typed a letter out on the computer and had hubby sign it. the immig officer gave me a hard time at canadian immig and suggested that the next time it be notarised, if i remember correctly. it was almost 4 years ago, though, so i don't remember exactly.
i don't remember if i read about signing it on the website, but we've had a letter notarised twice and that was the procedure. you write the letter, take it to the office, sign it in front of the officer/person, they notarise it... done
however, the first time we did it, it wasn't notarised, i typed a letter out on the computer and had hubby sign it. the immig officer gave me a hard time at canadian immig and suggested that the next time it be notarised, if i remember correctly. it was almost 4 years ago, though, so i don't remember exactly.
just found the link...
Passport Canada: Frequently asked questions
Passport Canada: Frequently asked questions
carang
Registered User
"Child Travelling with
•Custodial Parent
•Non-Custodial Parent
•Legal Guardian(s) Child Travelling without Parent or Guardian
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•Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
•Word (.doc)
•WordPerfect (.wpd)
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Note: It is strongly recommended that children travelling alone or with one parent carry a consent letter for each and every trip abroad. Although anyone can witness/sign these letters, it is advisable to have the consent letter certified, stamped or sealed by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration (i.e., a commissioner for oaths, notary public, lawyer, etc.) so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned. It is up to each official/individual who witnesses such a letter to decide what proof he/she needs to see to be able to witness/sign the letter. Officials should only witness/sign a letter of consent if he/she is convinced that the individual requesting the letter is who he/she claims to be and that adequate proof has been provided.
This consent letter may be required by foreign authorities among other additional country-specific entry requirements. You should contact the representatives of the country or countries to be visited by the child to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding their specific entry requirements as permission to enter another country is the sole prerogative of that country.
We also strongly recommend that you contact the transportation company (airline, train, bus, etc.) in order to observe any additional policies that they might have in place.
Further information is available in the FAQ and Children and Travel sections."
just in case you don't feel like following the link.
•Custodial Parent
•Non-Custodial Parent
•Legal Guardian(s) Child Travelling without Parent or Guardian
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
•Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)
•Word (.doc)
•WordPerfect (.wpd)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: It is strongly recommended that children travelling alone or with one parent carry a consent letter for each and every trip abroad. Although anyone can witness/sign these letters, it is advisable to have the consent letter certified, stamped or sealed by an official who has the authority to administer an oath or solemn declaration (i.e., a commissioner for oaths, notary public, lawyer, etc.) so that the validity of the letter will not be questioned. It is up to each official/individual who witnesses such a letter to decide what proof he/she needs to see to be able to witness/sign the letter. Officials should only witness/sign a letter of consent if he/she is convinced that the individual requesting the letter is who he/she claims to be and that adequate proof has been provided.
This consent letter may be required by foreign authorities among other additional country-specific entry requirements. You should contact the representatives of the country or countries to be visited by the child to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding their specific entry requirements as permission to enter another country is the sole prerogative of that country.
We also strongly recommend that you contact the transportation company (airline, train, bus, etc.) in order to observe any additional policies that they might have in place.
Further information is available in the FAQ and Children and Travel sections."
just in case you don't feel like following the link.
babymommy2
Registered User
Yes, that is what I mean, a consent letter from my husband. All the info on the gov of canada website asks travellers to find out the requirements for where you are travelling and I was not sure about hong kong. It is not "required" in Canada, but strongly recommended, and last times I went through the border into Canada alone I was asked for the letter, where my husband was, why he wasn't with me, etc. The children were younger and they didn't ask them anything, but I have heard of customs ( in Canada) asking the children themselves if this is your parent etc. Now that my son is 5 I think they might start asking him. LAst ime we didn't really think of the letter until the day I left so it was not notarized, but it is recommended that it is notarized so this time I'll do that. I was suprised by the amount of questioning because we were entering canada to go home. I expected more of a problem leaving canada than entering it.
Here are some links for passprt canada about the letter you should have.
Passport Canada: Frequently asked questions
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/documents/consent_letter-en.pdf
Here are some links for passprt canada about the letter you should have.
Passport Canada: Frequently asked questions
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/documents/consent_letter-en.pdf
M
MLBW
Guest
I checked on this when I went back to the States with my son last year. I even called the US Consulate here and asked about it. They said that you can get a notarized letter from the parent not accompanying the child but it would probably be a waste of time and money. So, I just took a simple letter with me that was signed by my husband and as my son has his own US passport, it really was no problem whatsoever, going in and out of the USA and also going in and out of HK. They didn't even request to see the letter.
carang
Registered User
actually, it isn't customs that ask for the letter (customs & excise deal with taxation), it is immigration.
i've never been asked when leaving canada, rather when entering. i believe it is because they are afraid that you are removing children and trying to enter into canada having kidnapped your kids.
i've never been asked when leaving canada, rather when entering. i believe it is because they are afraid that you are removing children and trying to enter into canada having kidnapped your kids.
Shenzhennifer
Registered User
Yeah, that`s exactly why a letter is required, bc of child kidnapping, and isn`t such a bad idea in a time of shaky marriages.
BUT - a letter is recommended, NOT LAW (for Canada) and it doesn`t require that the letter be notarised. Sure, they can question it all they like, but according to their boss, the GUVmint, we do not have to (go through the hassle and high cost to) have it notarised. And that is precisely what I think is laughable.
At any rate, I think the original poster`s question was about returning to HK alone, where she resides. And that doesn`t seem to be a problem, which is good for me too.
BUT - a letter is recommended, NOT LAW (for Canada) and it doesn`t require that the letter be notarised. Sure, they can question it all they like, but according to their boss, the GUVmint, we do not have to (go through the hassle and high cost to) have it notarised. And that is precisely what I think is laughable.
At any rate, I think the original poster`s question was about returning to HK alone, where she resides. And that doesn`t seem to be a problem, which is good for me too.