How to Navigate International Customs with Kids CheapOair Staff September 21, 2021 Family Travel, Family Travel, Interests, Travel Tips There’s something special about taking on an international trip with your kids. However, along with the joy of teaching them about new cultures and people, traveling abroad with children in tow can be quite stressful. If you and your family are seasoned domestic travelers, then you’re already equipped to handle most of the ups and downs of international travel…except when it comes to the hassle of having to navigate the complexities of the customs process with children. Going through customs will vary from country to country, but a bit of advanced planning and preparation can make almost any customs check with children a breeze. Check out our tips to help make navigating through customs with your kids as simple as possible. Make Sure Your Kids Have Valid Passports Passports are required for all passengers traveling internationally by air, no matter how old they are. You may have read online somewhere that you can get through customs without a passport for your kids if you’re traveling to Canada or Mexico. But we can assure you that no airline will let your child board international flights without a passport. Not only that, but most airlines will require all international passengers to have passports that don’t expire until at least 6 months after they fly. Even for kids. And it doesn’t matter if the expiration date is only a week shy of the 6-month cut-off or if you have an airline ticket to fly back before the passport expires. So it’s important to make sure that you and your kids have valid passports before take-off. The general rule is that you should submit the application at least 6 months before you leave, but you should send it as soon as possible. There are rush services are available, but you’ll have to pay a hefty price tag for them. Check for Required Legal Documents There are certain legal documents that can be just as important as valid passports when it comes to international travel. These can include: Birth Certificates: Copies of birth certificates or certificates of birth abroad may be required to prove the child’s identity and relationship to the traveling parent or guardian. Parental Consent Forms: Some countries, like Canada and Mexico, require a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent or guardian, especially if you’re traveling solo with your kids. Visa Requirements: Ensure that you check the visa requirements for the destination country. Some nations, such as China and India, require visas even for short visits. Custody Documents: In cases of divorced or separated parents, providing a copy of the custody agreement may be necessary, especially in countries like South Africa. Medical Letters: A letter from the child’s doctor may be required if the child is on medication or has a medical condition. This is often necessary for countries in the European Union. Proof of Return or Onward Travel: Countries like Brazil and the Philippines might require evidence that you have a return ticket or onward travel arrangements. Travel Insurance Documents: Some countries, like the Schengen Area in Europe, require proof of travel insurance that meets specific criteria. Not having the proper documentation can significantly delay your entrance through customs, if not halt your entry completely. Be sure to look up the particular country or countries that you’re traveling to on the State Department’s website to see if any other documentation is needed. Prepare and Practice With Your Kids Kids will generally do better throughout the entire travel experience if you prep them with what to expect. Be sure to explain that after arriving at the destination, you’ll need to wait in line to get through customs. Depending on the age of the children, you can go into deeper details about what this process entails and why they’ll need to be patient. You should look up the procedures for families going through customs and explain if you’ll be going through together as a group or if only one parent can stay with the children. In that case, let them know which parent will be taking them through customs. You can even involve older kids by showing them what a customs form will look like and letting them help you fill it out when you’re on the plane. It’s also recommended to alert your children about some of the questions you may be asked by the customs agent. Your children will do much better if you manage their expectations so that they don’t think they can get off the plane and head right to the hotel. Take a Break When You Get off the Plane Customs lines are notorious for being long and slow-moving. Although some airports now have separate lines for families traveling with young kids, you might not know if that option is available until you get there. And the last thing that you want is to risk subjecting your child to another long wait without a break after just getting off an international flight. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a bathroom and snack break as soon as you get off the plane. Letting your kids stretch their legs, use the restroom, and fuel up will provide them with a much better frame of mind heading into the customs inspection. You don’t want to get halfway through a line only to have a child need an urgent bathroom break. Divide the Responsibilities If you’re traveling with another adult, the customs process will likely be much easier. You can assign one adult to handle all the paperwork duties and keep track of the passports, while another adult is charged with keeping any and all children occupied. Keep in mind that customs paperwork includes a large number of details that require your full attention and focus. If you’re a solo parent traveling with one or more children, consider the following tips to make the process smoother: Prepare in Advance: Organize all your documents in a dedicated folder or travel wallet that’s easily accessible. This includes passports, visas, birth certificates, parental consent forms, and any other required paperwork. Engage Your Child: Explain the process to your child beforehand so they know what to expect. Bring along small activities or snacks to keep them occupied while you handle the paperwork. Use a Stroller or Carrier: For younger children, using a stroller or carrier can free up your hands and make it easier to manage both your child and the documents. Empower the Oldest Child: If you have multiple children, empower the oldest to help keep younger siblings entertained and in line. This can involve simple tasks like reading to them or playing quiet games. Ask for Assistance: Don’t hesitate to ask customs officials for help if you need it. Many airports have staff available to assist solo parents with young children. By preparing in advance and keeping your children engaged, you can navigate the customs process more smoothly, even when traveling solo. Take Advantage of Family-Friendly Lines Many airports have family-friendly lines at customs that are shorter and move faster. Look for these lines to expedite the process. If you’re unsure, ask airport staff for assistance as soon as you disembark. Family-friendly lines at customs are your ticket to a smoother journey with your little ones. They’re designed with families in mind, offering amenities tailored to your needs. From wider spaces for strollers to shorter wait times, these lines provide a less stressful experience for you and your children. Keep the Essentials Handy Ensuring you have all the essentials readily accessible after your flight can help make your journey with kids a breeze. Keep important documents like passports, boarding passes, and customs forms in a dedicated folder or pouch for easy access. Additionally, pack snacks, water, and small toys or books to keep your children entertained during any waiting periods. Whether you’re in line at customs or waiting at the gate, having these items close at hand can help keep everyone comfortable and content. So, before you start your international adventure, double-check that you have everything you need within reach. You May Also Like: Traveling with Kids on a Tight Budget? Here’s How to Save Money on Your Trip! Stay Calm and Patient Customs can be a slow process, but keeping a positive attitude and using this time to talk or play games with your children can make the wait more bearable. Maintaining a calm and patient demeanor is key to navigating international customs with ease, especially when traveling with children. Remember, kids can pick up on your stress, so staying composed sets a positive tone for the entire journey. Embrace the waiting time as an opportunity to connect with your children—engage in conversation, play games, or share stories to pass the time. FAQs: Q: Are there any restrictions on bringing snacks for my children through customs? A: While most snacks are allowed, it’s best to avoid bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, or meat products to avoid potential customs issues. However, this will depend on where you’re traveling to, so it’s wise to research your destination airport’s rules and restrictions ahead of time. Q: Can I bring baby formula or breast milk through customs? A: Yes, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are generally allowed through customs, but be prepared for additional screening. Check the rules of the airport you’ll be traveling to ahead of time. Q: Do I need to declare gifts or souvenirs purchased abroad at customs? A: Yes, you may need to declare gifts or souvenirs purchased abroad, especially if they exceed a certain value. Check your destination country’s customs regulations for specific rules. Q: Can I bring my child’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket through customs? A: Yes, personal items such as stuffed animals or blankets are generally allowed through customs without issue. Know some other tricks or trips for smoothly going through international customs with kids? Share them in the comments below!
