international travel
- All passengers (including U.S. citizens and children, regardless of age) must have a valid passport book in order to travel to and from the United States. Passport cards are not an approved form of identification and will not be accepted. Learn more about document requirements for international air travelers at travel.state.gov, cbp.gov or dhs.gov.
- We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time.
- You must check in and check bags no later than 60 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure time. Checked baggage will not be accepted after this point.
- Unaccompanied minors (children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult) are not permitted to travel on international itineraries. No exceptions.
- Pets are not permitted to travel on international itineraries.
- Customers traveling to the Dominican Republic must pay a $10 per passenger tourist tax upon entering the country. Only cash (USD) is accepted for payment.
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Additional policies for children traveling on international flights:
- Children, regardless of age, must have a valid passport book in order to travel.
- Depending on the customer’s circumstances and travel itinerary, additional travel document requirements may be imposed by the originating and/or destination country.
- Many governments have initiated procedures at entry and exit points, which may include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the non-traveling parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s).
- In the case of a child traveling without both legal parents or guardians, customers must follow the guidelines provided by the country of destination.
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For more information on specific requirements by country, click the country name below:
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Aruba
Aruba requires special documentation for minors traveling. If all required documents are not available, boarding will not be permitted until the documents can be assembled.
As provided in the AirTran Contract of Carriage, children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult are not permitted to fly on any international flight.
- In Aruba, a minor is considered any child under the age of 18.
- Minors traveling with anyone other than their legal parent or guardian must have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) from both parents and/or legal guardian(s) authorizing the child to travel alone.
- Minors traveling with only one parent must have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) from the other parent.
- In the case of deceased or divorced parents, legal proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody, etc.) must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. Legal proof documentation can also be shown to a notary who can then notarize an Affidavit of Sole Custody form.
- Visitors to Aruba may be asked to show onward/return tickets, proof of sufficient funds and proof of lodging accommodations for their stay.
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Bermuda
As provided in the AirTran Contract of Carriage, children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult are not permitted to fly on any international flight.
- In Bermuda, a minor is considered any child under the age of 18.
- It is recommended that minors traveling without both parents have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) signed by the absent parent(s) granting permission for travel.
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Bahamas
As provided in the AirTran Contract of Carriage, children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult are not permitted to fly on any international flight.
- In the Bahamas, a minor is considered any child under the age of 16.
- It is recommended that minors traveling without both parents have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) signed by the absent parent(s) granting permission for travel.
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Dominican Republic
As provided in the AirTran Contract of Carriage, children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult are not permitted to fly on any international flight.
- In the Dominican Republic, a minor is considered any child under the age of 18.
- It is recommended that minors traveling without both parents have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) signed by the absent parent(s) granting permission for travel.
- Minors (between the ages of 12-18) who are residents of the Dominican Republic, and traveling alone or with only one parent, must have a valid Exit Permit signed by both parents and authorized by the Immigration Authority.
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Mexico
As provided in the AirTran Contract of Carriage, children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult are not permitted to fly on any international flight.
- In Mexico, a minor is considered any child under the age of 18.
- It is recommended that minors traveling without both parents/legal guardians have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) signed by the absent parents/legal guardians authorizing the child to travel.
- Copies of both parents’/legal guardians’ identifications are recommended.
- The minor’s original birth certificate or a certified copy of the birth certificate is recommended.
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Jamaica
As provided in the AirTran Contract of Carriage, children under the age of 12 traveling without an accompanying adult are not permitted to fly on any international flight.
- In Jamaica, a minor is considered any child under the age of 18.
- It is recommended that minors traveling without both parents have a notarized affidavit (letter of permission) signed by the absent parent(s) granting permission for travel.
- In the case of a minor traveling with a group, the group leader must hold a Letter of Invitation from the organization that the group will be visiting in Jamaica that states the duration of the stay (not applicable to Jamaican Nationals.)
Non-Resident Visitors to the U.S.
All alien non-resident visitors to the U.S. must list their U.S. destination address when entering the country. Learn more about U.S. entry and exit requirements for non-U.S. citizens at the Dept of Homeland Security’s website under Travel Security & Procedures.
More Resources
U.S. Department of State provides country-specific information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad and foreign citizens traveling to the U.S. Topics include documentation requirements, tips for safe and healthy travel and embassy contact information.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security invites international travelers to view multilingual videos and download brochures detailing U.S. entry/exit requirements for non-U.S. citizens. Visit their site to learn about the US-VISIT Program, machine-readable passports and biometric enhancements.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides country-specific information for international travelers on immunizations, disease risks and tips for staying healthy. The World Health Organization offers guidance on travel-related health risks and precautions.