USVI-On-Line

Looks like we are taking the 17 year old girlfriend with us. She doesn't have a passport but will does have a valid driver's license and original birth certificate.

The rest of our party has passports. Will she have any problems? Flying into STT from the US and have no plans to leave US territory.

jp

I would advise getting a notarized letter from BOTH her parents allowing you to take her. Be specific with flight numbers and stuff. "they" may not ask for it, but if they do, you will be prepared. I always get one from my son's father since we are divorced. No one has ever asked for it, so far!

I have never personally travelled with a child not my own but a close friend was involved in a group trip (a bunch of friends) to Mexico.

One woman and young daughter were detained because the father listed on the birth certificate was not the man she was travelling with. It was sorted out after a delay.

Now, it could have been the age of the child or that particular agent being overly cautious but I would follow Ksea's advice, better safe than sorry.

As long as you plan to stay on STT/STJ (no day trips to the BVI - jost, norman, etc.), she will be fine with a driver's license and birth certificate.

I believe a 17 year old is allowed to travel unaccompanied by most airlines, so parental consent should not be required. You may want to check the specifics of the airline you're flying.

have fun!

Within the last few months I took a 17 year old girlfriend of my son's along with the rest of the family to St. John. I had no problems and I even spelled the kid's name wrong on her ticket! Hey its a tough ethnic name give me a break.
She did have her passport but nobody seemed real interested in that and we got zero questions about the arrangements.
Passports can be rushed if you have a few weeks Because you will need it for any crusing to the BVI no doubt about that unless you want to drop her off in Tortola.
We had a German exchange student also 17 with us the year before and traveled extensively with her . In most instances they did not want to see her ID because she was under 18 and traveling with adults.

Last summer, we took our granddaughter's best friend, who was 14. They both had passports, as I insisted that they get them. You'll be fine without one if you're staying on STJ. I know before my son got his, they frowned at the STT airport on the way home and asked him why he didn't have one - just makes life a lot easier - if she still has time to get one, I'd say do it - I've even had them expedited for an additional fee.

I second the advice about original notarized letters from the parents. When traveling with my minor step children we always carry a letter from their Mom, it may be more important when crossing an international border, but better safe than sorry. May want to include an authorization to allow you to consent to medical treatment as well, just in case there is an emergency. You wouldn't want to have to wait while someone tries to contact the parents if the kid needs medical attention. Im overly cautious can you tell.. an occupational hazard.. Have a great trip!

Ksea wrote:I would advise getting a notarized letter from BOTH her parents allowing you to take her. Be specific with flight numbers and stuff. "they" may not ask for it, but if they do, you will be prepared. I always get one from my son's father since we are divorced. No one has ever asked for it, so far!

Agreed, I do the same with my ex when I take the kids out of the 48 contiguous states. We've never had a problem, have never been asked. Best to be safe. But, id for minors is not technically required at all for travel in the US.

17 year olds being what they are, I would make certain that make copies of all of the ids.

Another thought, the drinking age on STJ is apparently 11. Set ground rules regarding alcohol. My oldest daughter was inadvertently served her first mixed drink at the age of 12 on STJ. She never thought to ask for a virgin dacquri. She definitely must ask for virgins at the age of 16, though she is partial to kir royales when we are in Paris, where the drinking age IS 14 with parents.

Cheers, RickG

I remember RickG's warning about the alcohol and minors thing while we were on STJ with my 14 year old. I smelled and tasted all his drinks if I did not see them being made! I was a nervous wreck. I must have said 3 times to each waiter "That's virgin right, no alcohol?"