toddj99

First off, my wife and kids went to Panama to visit the other half of the family (wife is Panamanian). Little did we know that there is now a policy that when one parent is traveling with a child that was born in Panama, (my daughter, I was stationed down there) regardless of citizenship or even if she has an American passport, that parent needs and authenticated letter of authorization, in Spanish, from the other parent to leave the country. They, and others, were denied boarding last Friday. I called Panamanian Immigration and through broken Spanish, I had a half-ass idea of what I needed to do.
Saturday, went to UPS. The notary stated that she couldn't notarize it because it was in Spanish. After "convincing" her that I and my family needed it, she saw it my way then helped me out. Was told the fastest it could get there was Thursday. FEDEX was no better. They (Panamanian authorities) won't take email or fax.
Sunday, called the American consulate and talked to the duty officer for 45 minutes to get some type of idea of what was happening. He didn't have much more of an idea than I did but did say he has seen quite a pickup in business in reference to the policy. I tried convincing him that since he couldn't get any response by telephone, GO TO THE AIRPORT, get on the ground, and find out what was actually happening. He didn't think that would do any good. I tried telling him that he is our representative down there and he should do what it takes to get to the bottom of any issues - even if it means the "grueling and tasking" task of driving to the airport and talking directly to the immigration personnel and getting and example of that letter.
Monday, called the Panamanian Consulate in DC and got ahold of some lady. She was the only one that would help. I took the same paperwork, notarized it again then emailed it to her. She put her stamp on it all then sent it down. Things were starting to look up although she couldn't give any promises. My brother called and asked if they would keep his wife and kids also.
Tuesday, no update on the family issue but while at work, I delivered a plant stand to a customer, got paid and while thinking of what I can do with the money while backing out, my right tire hit a post and bent the living hell out of my tie rod. Now I know what I'll do with the money.
Today, got the word from my wife that everything is straightened out and she'll be hitting the ground tomorrow at Nashville. Keeping my finger crossed and watching out for posts.

nblumert

Wow, that's a hell of a story. Hope everything works out for you.
Nick

cabinetman

Some of those rules can really hang you up. Your post may save someone the same grief you went through. As for your tie rod, that post was there the whole time. Good thing it wasn't a litle kid on his way home from school carrying all his books, wearing new clothes, and eating fresh fruit.

Kenbo

Good gosh man!!! I hope that everything works out now. You must be frustrated as all heck. Keep your chin up. Things can only get better from here.
Ken

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toddj99

The policy is a good one that has gone into effect between a bunch of countries. It keeps an adult from stealing kids. I just had heartache with the implementation of it. No one knew anything about it. My wife and kids traveled almost yearly and never had any issues. There was even a lady with a kid who's husband is in Iraq. Don't know how that one will get straightened out. As for the tie rod/post - my own dumbass fault. 2 seconds of inattention as I was backing out.

frankp

For future reference, this requirement of documentation is standard for any children leaving/entering the US without both parents. In fact, I had to sign similar documents just to get my daughter's passport and we have to have paperwork every time she flies back and forth to Europe. Generally it's a good policy, but I'm really surprised no one told you about it before.

__________________
"I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!"

--Theodore Roosevelt

toddj99

my wife and kids have gone back almost yearly and we've never had a problem. the new deal is when leaving the country of panama (possibly others) the one parent has to have the authenticated letter from the other to take the kid(s) out of country. They're back now - finally. Most people who've traveled to panama haven't known about it. my wife said that there were others with her who were denied boarding along with her and more were denied the day when she and the kids finally got to leave. it's not a bad policy as it keeps someone from stealing a kid, just that word about it never got widely disseminated.

rocklobster

Wow. I didn't know that. We've been waiting for the little boy to get big enough for the 13 hour flight to Japan. He'll probably be going next year and I'm not sure if I'll be with them.

I'm glad I saw this post. I'll have to look into that.

Rob

frankp

Rob,

Yeah, we didn't know about it until the first time my daughter was to go to Europe with just her mom. The airlines told my ex when she bought her ticket that it was a requirement, so we just make it standard to have a letter now, just in case. They've only asked for it once I think. The bigger issue was getting her passport.

The long flights to Asia seem to be better equipped for dealing with children than the European and domestic flights. All the airlines we've flown (admittedly none of the US ones) to Asia (we go every year) have the in-seat personal tv screens with lots of movie and tv options, plus video games. I don't know how old your boy is, but my daughter always flew pretty well and was very easy on flights. Babies just need some good foods to make them sleep and I recommend feeding them during descent (it helps pop their ears better) but young kids just need to get up and walk every once in a while. I always just got up and walk to the plane windows (by the exit doors and such) and tried to point things out to her. Now she's old enough to entertain herself and the baby (just born a few days ago) will be a new adventure. We get to start all over again...

FrankP

__________________
"I care not what others think of what I do, but I care very much about what I think of what I do! That is character!"

--Theodore Roosevelt