USVI-On-Line

So many of you know we have a trip planned and we are hoping to adopt a baby that is due next month. We are really wanting to make the trip and I think I'm getting brave enough to take the baby along if everything works out.

Here is my question, the birth cert with our names on it won't be issued until 6 months after birth. I need to find out what would be acceptable documentation for the baby to travel. Who would you call? I'm afraid a general call to the airline won't cut it and I want to get something in writing that proves what we have been told. Your thoughts?

I think I'd try and get info from the State Department. The adoption agency might know of what other people have done in the past. Also, I'd definitely take a copy of some adoption paper and the baby's original birth cert if you have one.

Just to clarify:

I have talked with our attorney and he knows what is required for within the 50 states and has suggested what he thinks we will need, but encouraged me to contact the airline.

The airline reports we just need the order of temporary custody saying that we are legal guardians of the baby.

A lot of pieces have to fall into place for this to be possible and we will not be making any decisions until after the baby arrives and we talk to his pediatrician. I just want to have all my info gathered now in case we decide to go for it!

I don't know if this would help but if you are not listed on the birth cert. by your travel dates and you know the birth parents you could get a certifed letter from them permitting you to take the baby. We have taken friends for my daughter and we have always taken a certified letter allowing us to take them. We also have the letter give us authority for any medical decisions if case of emergemcy. Hope this helps.

I don't know the answer but wanted to send you my best wishes and my prayers that your sweet baby will be in your arms very soon!

Not sure of the answer either, but we adopted our two sons a while back and I flew home (within the 50 states) with my youngest son when we took custody. I would think any relevant adoption paperwork would do - but as Scott mentioned, if you have a relationship with the birthparents, maybe a letter that you can write out and have them sign would be helpful as well.

More importantly, CONGRATULATIONS! I totally get it!!

Can't help ya with any of the info, but I just wanted to send you my best wishes for a healthy baby and a smooth process. I wishes you many happy trips to STJ with your new family!

Thank you all for the good wishes! We are hopeful that he will be our son!

I think I have the travel figured out. After talking with Customs and Border Control and the State Dept, it appears we will need documentation from the hospital that the baby was born in the US and then the court documents showing that we are the legal guardians with an adoption in process.

We'll be overjoyed if the adoption happens and if we get to go to St.John it'll just be a bonus. Only time will tell!

Just curious, how old will the baby be for the trip?

Congrats too! How wonderful!

DJmom-the baby will likely be 6 weeks. I realize that is a very small infant, but I also realize they are very portable at that point. Now, I know you didn't ask, but just in case others have questions!

I should also add that I was a newborn doula and nanny for several years, have traveled with infants and am familiar with round the clock care!

If I found out that a lot of rain had happened the week before our trip and the bugs were really bad, I would definitely not go. We will be traveling with four other adult family members and our villa is fully a/c. We know that our days would not be spent totally at the beach like usual, but honestly, just being away would be amazing!

There are several things that will go into making the decision on what we end up doing and we will not take this lightly!

Congratulations and I hope the baby is home with you soon.

Sounds like you are better prepared than that vast majority of the new parents out there

Maybe it was his personality but we had fantastic luck travelling with our infant son. We did two beach trips (flying) before he was 5 months old, one to STJ. We had a little tent for the beach that was perfect for napping.

I am so excited for you and hope beyond belief that it all goes as planned. Our dear friends are in the middle of adopting daughter number 2.

I would also check with customs or INS. We took our two daughters to STJ with us and didn't bring their birth certificates, since they are not required. It wasn't a problem on the way down, but on the way back, the customs agent in St. Thomas gave us a bit of a hard time, and said that we should travel with the birth certificates even though they're not required. Our kids were 3 and 5 at the time, and both on the way down and back, the agents at security asked them their names. I'm not sure what they would do for an infant who can't talk.

I contacted a friend at the Delta corporate offices and asked her your question. Her response was not what you wanted to hear. I am sorry it took so long, and as you can see, she was too.

"I haven’t forgotten about you.

Everything I have found indicates that the baby needs a passport to return back into the United States, even from STT. That is using the Timeatic program /system.

http://www.timaticweb.com/"

The web site apparently requires a subscription to get any information. I was able to go to their FAQ's and get this:

What is TimaticWeb?
TimaticWeb is a web-based service used to determine traveler border control requirements. The service is based on Timatic and is used by the entire aviation industry to access personalized information based on the passengers destination, transit points, nationality, residence country, etc. TimaticWeb includes information on:

Passport requirements and recommendations
Visa requirements and recommendations
Health requirements and recommendations
Airport Tax to be paid by the traveler at either departure or arrival airport
Customs regulations relating to import/export of goods and small pets by a passenger
Currency regulations relating to import and export by a passenger


I hope that helps you some. Come see us soon.

JIM

Congrats! how wonderful!!