MY HUSBAND AND I ARE CONSIDERING TAKING 2 OF OUR GRANDCHILDREN ON VACATION WITH US ON OUR NEXT TRIP TO ARUBA NEXT OCT OR MAYBE SOONER. WE WERE WONDERING WHAT KIND OF PAPERWORK WE WOULD NEED FOR THEM THEY ARE 3YRS AND 9 YRS. IF ANYONE CAN GIVE US SOME INFO ON THIS IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THEY WOULD LOVE ARUBA.

In the past you only needed a Birth Certicicate, but starting in 2006 I think you will need a valid passport. In addition, you should have a letter from the parents that gives you permission to take the children out of the country and gives you authority to make any emergency medical decisions. This letter should be notorized and you should have at least 2 copies.

You will need their birth certificates with a raised seal and a notarized letter signed by both parents that you have permission to take them out of the country to Aruba for the designated dates- I also suggest this letter include permission to sign for medical treatment if needed. Enjoy....Cheryl
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Bring notarized letters from the parents stating that the kids are traveling with you to aruba for date (x) thru date (x) and staying at x resort and that they have parent's permission to travel with you and that you are authorized to seek and authorize medical care and treatment in the event it is necessary

1 notarized letter may be needed at outbound check in

1 notarized letter may be needed going thru aruba immigration

1 notarized letter may be needed at us customs inbound

You need a notary and you need to have your son or daughter right a letter giving you permission to take the children and give you permission to make choices for them in case of medical emergency. Also I believe that by next year you will need a photo passport and not photo id and birth certificate.

They would need a letter from their parents. My friend just took her granddaughter and that's what she had to do. You can ask your local passport or travel agency what to say in the letter. They'll know.

Maggie,
I don't think you will need pasports for them yet.. although a good idea. However you will need notorized permission from both of their parents stating permission and where, when and duration of trip.
Even parents, if divorsed, need the permission of the other parent to take the child out of the country. Written, notorized permission.
Hope you have a great time!
Barb

The date has changed from 2006 to Jan. 1, 2007 for requiring a passport.

Until then, a orginal birth certifate with raised seal is required.

To be on the safe side (as children do not have picture ID's), I would get them a passport. Easy to do. Most librarys and Post Offices can do all the paperwork (and take passport photo).

I would also have notarized papers signed by the parents. In case of emergency, this may be necessary for doctor/hospital care if needed.

>>> "you should have a letter from the parents that gives you permission to take the children out of the country and gives you authority to make any emergency medical decisions. This letter should be notorized"
---- Passports not needed till 2007 now.
Its the airlines that do the actual screening. Will need a State issued birth cert for each child. Hospital ones do not work. To be on the safe side bring that letter. The airline agent may not ask for it but you never know. For Mexico travel that letter is required I've been told. My 2 grandsons have passports so never been stopped.

I take my child (different surname) in and out of Aruba often and only use her passport.