help..documentation needed to bring child's friend

[cableman]

We are traveling to Hope Town in a couple of weeks and we are bringing a friend of our daughters with us (age 14). It is our understanding that we need a medical authorization form signed and notarized by her parents. Any additional form/note needed? The friend has a passport of course, just trying to cover our basis and avoid any problems. Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated. We are first timers, so any additional advice is welcome.
Thank You!!

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

That's all we've ever needed for the grandkids and Scout and missionary work-and-witness groups come down year-round that way.

Enjoy!

[Tolerance]

Assuming that you (and the guest) are US citizens, why not ask at the American Citizen Services Center at your Embassy in Nassau? You may write to them on acsn@state.gov or phone on 242-336-9174
I say ask the folks who are in charge!
It's also a good idea to register with them to let them you know you are in country, in case of any emergencies at home or here.
Pattie

[JJ]

Our daughters have gone on cruises with friends and that is all we needed to provide (signed authorization form for medical care).

[floridaskater]

It wouldn't hurt to have a notorized letter from the parents stating the medical release, and the fact that it's OK for her to travel abroad with your family for the dates you are going. A couple years ago my son and I went over without Mom, and they wanted us to have a signed notorized letter with my wife's signature approving the trip. They don't want people stealing children and leaving the USA. In my case even if it's my kid.

[Zancada]

Floridaskater made a good point about the notorized letter signed by the parents also including permission for the child to travel with you outside of the US.

[Coolstr85]

It wouldn't hurt to have a notorized letter from the parents stating the medical release, and the fact that it's OK for her to travel abroad with your family for the dates you are going. A couple years ago my son and I went over without Mom, and they wanted us to have a signed notorized letter with my wife's signature approving the trip. They don't want people stealing children and leaving the USA. In my case even if it's my kid.florida skater is correct. when my younger sister used to bring friends over they wanted a notarized letter. a regular signed letter wasnt enough...

[tmccaffery]

When my kids went on a trip to Mexico last year with their Grandfather and Aunt, each child was required to have a notarized medical / parental permission letter. One letter was not acceptable to cover both children.

[cableman]

Thanks!! Anyone know of a website where we can download such a form?
Just trying to cover all of our basis. Would hate to mess up our trip over a permission note gone wrong. :eek:

[Cathy Arizona]

I agree with floridaskater. Also, if the parents of the friend are divorced it might be good to have a notorized letter from each parent stating the dates of stay out of the country. That's what my daughter was advised to do when taking her son with her to the Bahamas. No one ever asked for the document but she had it if needed. We did have to show such a document when taking a friend with us on a trip to Abaco, but that was back before the days of required passports. (Don't know if that makes a difference or not).

[gatorman71]

Never had to have a medical letter and The Bahamas authorities didn't seem to care. However, major US air carriers definitely wanted a letter or document authorizing a child with a different name to travel from the US. Customs was also very interested in the more than one last name arrangement on return.