Canada to USA boarder crossing under 18?

Question

I would like to travel to the United States to visit my friend for a week and attend a convention. At the time of travel I will be 16 and am wondering if I could make it past the boarder un-attended by a parental guardian. I do have a passport and have traveled to the states before if that makes any difference.

Thanks

Morg

Answer 1

You can travel unattended to the US, but because you are under the age of Majority (18) you will require a notarized letter from your parents giving you permission to travel to the US, they may or may not ask for the letter, but if they do and you do not have it with you, they will detain you and possibly refuse you entry to the US.

The letter should state that your parents give you permission to travel to the US, from this date until this date, where you are going, why you are going(convention) who you are staying with(your friends info) and when you are returning. As well it will need all the contact info for your parents, addresses, phone numbers they can be reached at etc.  

Answer 2

Shouldn't matter at all...If you want to feel safer about it get a letter from your parents or guardians sayign that they are aware fo your travel.

Answer 3

I don't see why it should matter?

I'm 17 and I recently went to Europe with no family members and after the trip, I flew into Washington DC, and when I went through customs, and they didn't say anything about my age.

So if they ask, just say you're staying with a friend.  

Answer 4

as long as you're 16 or over you should be fine on your own,no written permission required.But then again i travelled pretty much around the world by myself when i was 15 and no one asked me any questions...

Answer 5

flying into states now you definately now need a passport.

If crossing border by car you can still get into US with birth certificate and valid government issued photo id (like your d.l even if "learners")

If you cant get a passport and need to fly think of driving across  (bus/car) and then fly from close US airport as dont need passport to fly domestic US but do need photo id.