Travel - affecting Minor children and Parents

In addition to possessing a passport (ALL international travel, including Canada and Mexico), under the new law taking effect June 1, 2009, unaccompanied U.S. or Canadian citizen under 18 years of age (however, keep in mind that the below has been on the books for a long time..the big change is the passports between Mexico and Canada, doesn't matter if you walk, ride, plane or cruise):

is required to possess a notarized letter signed by both parents giving permission for the minor to travel alone.

If traveling with one parent, he or she must have a notarized letter from the absent parent giving permission for the traveling parent to take the minor out of the country, or an original court order indicating that the traveling parent has full custody.

if the minor is traveling with one parent, and the other is deceased, the deceased parent’s death certificate must be presented.
Immigration requirements are subject to change by the country you are visiting.