Taking kids abroad

814man

We've had this question on here before but I cant find the thread. My advice based on personal experience of living in and travelling around Central America would be to get some form of official letter. In my situation I was not married to my partner but our child had my name and this did cause them some problems at remote borders when I was not present. It may seem unnecessary and even inappropriate but if it allows for an easy passage for them then I'd suggest just doing it anyway.

FBaby

Were the children born in the UK and if so, is your name on the birth certificate? I would assume so, in which case, she can take that too.

In doubt, why not write something stating that you agree to your wife taking the children away for 5 weeks and get it certified.

What happens at customs is a bit random (or at least appears to be so!) but better safe than sorry. How old are the children? I remember coming back from an African country and customs seriously questioning me as to why the children were not in school (it was early September and their school had an extra inset day so they were back two days later than the rest of the nation).

addis123

Have emailed the airline (Turkish) and they have replied saying no questions will be asked by the airline at check in or boarding. The Ethiopian embassy rarely respond to emails and are yet to answer the phone but we will keep ringing.
She will take both the children's full birth certificates our marriage certificate. Will get a notarised letter from me as well.

The children are 5 and 3 and the 5 year old has permission from school to be off for this time (personal/family reasons). Never thought about customs asking questions. I agree they can be a bit random with their questioning, I got hauled to one side years ago because I was travelling to LA alone. Their words "it's a bit strange going to America on your own isn't it? " and as I as self employed "what do your customers think about you going away for a week? very odd. Anyway back on topic, maybe get a letter from school too..