Under 18's

[Harlequin]

Has anyone visited Cuba with under 18's that don't belong to them, there is a possibility that the kids will be coming with us next year one of the group will be under 18, do you need written permission from both parents I know that some countries insist on it

[JohnnyCastaway]

It's a good thing to have regardless, we haven't travelled to Cuba with under 18's, however we have travelled to Jamaica and the DR with under 18's, and never had a problem.

Here is an excerpt from the Canadian government travel information/advisory site specifically about Cuba:

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

I would say if in doubt, contact the Cuban Embassy in London and see what they have to say, and if you can, get it in writing via email.  However, my thoughts would be to get the permission letter from the parents either way, just so you're not stuck should they decide to start hasseling you.

[Harlequin]

Cheers John, I know some countries can take it to the letter of the law, Portugal is one I think Mexico is another they insist on permission from both parents, that is were the problem could be there as been virtually no contact between them and one of the parents, all I can find for Cuba is that they need a visa

[JohnnyCastaway]

I would then contact the Cuban embassy and let them tell you what you need, after hearing your concerns.  That way you'd be sure.   

[Harlequin]

That's the easy bit, we have got to check the exam dates for two colleges and one university to find a time that will be suitable for everybody, I thought life was supposed to get easier when the kids had grown up

[flopnfly]

Taking kids with you on vacation is never easy, no matter what age they are. 

We usually have a gang of them with us, and it becomes more difficult as they get older.  We have more schedules to accomodate and different budgets.

I contacted the Cuban Consulate one time we were planning on taking a couple of friends with us, they were all 16 at the time and the consulate said they didn't care who they belonged to as long as they had a current passport.

[Gambitt]

My parents have taken Logan to Cuba 3 times now, and nobody ever batted an eye.

We have always sent the letters with them, but nobody has ever asked to see them.


Here's the reply we got from the Cuban Embassy, when we asked about the letters:

Hello! Yes, that letter will be enough, actually it is not a requirenment of the Cuban authorities but it is always a good thing to have just in case.
Good Luck and enjoy your trip in Cuba
 
Luis Gomez
Embassy of Cuba

[Harlequin]

Cheers guys that is more or less what is coming up on the travel sites, the info that is available is a bit vauge