My wife and I had received our referral and were awaiting notification to travel. Of course we were ready to go on a moment's notice - or at least that's we thought. When the call came, did we panic? Yes! Were we really ready? No!
Those who have been through this can appreciate our feelings of both excitement and panic. Since that time, we've learned a lot about traveling internationally based on the experiences with our own adoptions and over 28 years in the travel industry. Whether you're traveling abroad to pick up your child or to visit your child's country of birth we hope these tips will make the trip easier.
Before you step on the airplane, there are several things you will need to obtain and take with you:
Passport/Visa - If you have not already
done so, you must obtain a U.S. passport. Application forms are available at most U.S.
post offices or local government offices or by
clicking here for online
information . Processing time usually takes about three weeks.
Once you receive your passport photocopy the front page and carry it with two passport
pictures in a separate place from your passport. This will make the reissue by the local
U.S. embassy or consulate easier if the passport is lost or stolen. Also, leave
a copy with your loved ones at home as an emergency backup. They can fax
or e-mail it to you if necessary. Visa requirements vary
by country so you will need to check with your adoption agency or Travel Agent for further information.
Adoption documents - If you are
traveling to bring your child home and/or to complete an adoption, bring copies of all
vital documents specified by your agency (e.g. home study, police and medical
certificates, legal approvals, etc.). Ensure that they are properly signed, notarized,
county-clerked, authenticated, apostiled and stamped plus any other
authorization you think
might help speed things up. When the legal process is completed, you should obtain several
extra authenticated copies of any documents issued. You never know when they may be needed
(e.g. naturalization proceedings, social security number application, etc.) and it is
easier to get them now than later.
Clothing and other personal items - You
do not have to take your entire wardrobe with you. Business attire is only necessary to
wear in court, but remember that appropriate attire for everyday wear tends to be more
formal in many countries other than in the United States. Shorts and loud sports shirts
probably won't do. Take comfortable walking shoes. If you're adopting, it is likely you
will be given your child on the day you arrive so bring enough clothing for least the
first few days of your stay. You will want to buy clothing for your child from his or her
country of birth, so be sure to leave room in your suitcase.
If you are adopting an infant, stretchies are convenient, especially when you are not sure of the baby's size. Also include undershirts, socks, a cap, bibs, and sleeping sacks (especially if it's cold). An adequate supply of diapers is a necessity. Plan on using at least seven to 10 each day. The price of U.S.-made disposable diapers is high in most other countries. Baby wipes are useful but they are not plentiful overseas so bring your own. You will have better luck locating Vaseline, Desitin, and baby powder.
Medications - It doesn’t
matter if you’re traveling to some of Earth’s most remote and wild regions or
even to the next state, lost medications can be difficult to replace. Here are a
few smart tips on traveling with your medication (courtesy of MedJet Assist -
ask for details about their emergency evacuation insurance coverage).
 | Take medications in your carry-on luggage. The extreme conditions in the compartments where checked luggage is stored could damage your medication. |
| Bring medications with you in their original containers so that airport security personnel know that what you're carrying are prescription pills from your doctor. |
| Keep a list of medications that’s current in a purse or wallet in the event of an emergency. |
Camera - A camera is an absolute must!
Pictures help to preserve your child's heritage. If you use a video camera, take at least
one extra battery. Most of the newer charging units have internal converters, but you will
need the proper type of adapter plug. Film and blank video cassettes are available in most
countries. Don't forget that many countries use the PAL video format, which is usually not
compatible with our VHS format. If you use digital format make sure you have
extra memory cards and the cables necessary to download the pictures to a
computer. To avoid problems with your duty-free allowances when you
return home, register the camera with U.S. Customs before you leave..
Money - Whether you will be staying for
just a few days or for many months, you will need to have adequate funds. It is risky to
take large amounts of cash with you. Before departing contact your credit card company.
Explain that you will be traveling and ask for a modest increase in your credit limit. If
you are planning to take traveler's checks the most often recognized and easily exchanged
are either American Express or Thomas Cook. Keep a list of serial numbers in a
separate place.
Other necessities - If you are traveling
with an infant, a "huggy-pack" to carry the baby in front of you will come in
handy. It leaves your hands free and is great for sightseeing. For a toddler or
preschooler, a fold-up canvas umbrella stroller is invaluable. You can use
it to carry things when the child wants to walk. You can also "gate-check"
it at the boarding counter so it can be used at each of your intermediate stops
enroute. Ask the airline representative for details. The
stroller usually does not count as part of your normal baggage allowance.
Your airline reservations should be made as soon as you have determined tentative departure and return dates. The cost of a round-trip airline ticket is dependent upon a number of factors including departure date, advance booking requirements, days of the week you are traveling, and the estimated duration of your stay. If you are traveling to adopt, we are usually able to obtain waivers for many of these airfare rules. Most tickets will be issued as e-tickets (electronic tickets) that will be picked up at the airport. Be sure you have the flight information and confirmation number (record locator) to speed up the check-in process.
Infants under the age of two will require a ticket (usually a paper ticket because most airlines have not yet developed the technology to produce infant e-tickets) between the international departure city and the point of first U.S. entry. It costs approximately 10 percent of the adult one-way fare plus all of the various taxes and fuel surcharges. On domestic flights within the United States, the infant travels free. Each child age 2 to 10 years requires a ticket between the international departure city and your home airport that costs approximately two-thirds of the adult one-way fare plus all of the various taxes and fuel surcharges. Depending on the regulations of the destination country, these tickets can either be issued in the United States as e-tickets (for children) or carried with you as paper tickets (for infants) or set up as a prepaid ticket for pickup in that country. Certain countries require the purchase of the infant or child's ticket there. We can advise you which option will be the least expensive.
You will enhance your trip and your understanding of the culture if you read, read, read before you go. Start by locating information at your local library and through your Travel Agent. Ask for pamphlets or other general information from the country's embassy or consulate. Also inquire about the addresses for government tourist offices and trade organizations. The government tourist office can provide maps and specific country and city information. Ask for lodging, sightseeing. and other details. There is also a wealth of information available on the internet. In addition, learn some of the native language. Don't worry if your pronunciation is not exactly right because it will become better with practice. Take language classes, listen to tapes in your home or car, or read a book. You have no idea how much this will help to open up the doors to the country.
After you've landed and collected your luggage. follow your fellow passengers to Customs and Immigration. Don't panic!
Immigration - Once you arrive at your
destination, you will present your passport and Tourist Card (if required you will usually
receive it on the aircraft). The officials will check you against their list of
"undesirables," ensure you have the necessary visas and entry
documents then stamp the passport with
your entry approval. Make sure you hang on to the Tourist Card if it is issued
because you will be required to surrender it when you depart the country.
When you return to the United States with the children you have just adopted, turn in the necessary papers (the big, thick packet you have guarded with your life on the trip back) to the U.S. Immigration officials. The documents will be processed and your child will be issued a temporary permit (a stamp in their passport) allowing entry as a legal resident alien pending receipt of the permanent "Green Card", a first step toward naturalization or confirmation of their citizenship.
Customs - In many countries the Customs
inspectors have two lines: The green "nothing to declare" line and the red
"something to declare" line. Normally you should use the green line. The
officials may inspect your luggage, but normally they won't. Be certain you do not exceed
any of the incoming allowances for cash or other controlled-entry items. When you bring
back a child to the United States, U.S. Customs will ask why you were gone so long, what
you bought, and whether you brought back fruits, vegetables, or anything illegal.
Ask about tours through a local tour operator or your Travel Agent. Go shopping! Find out about the handicrafts for which the country is known. Go shopping! Use your driver or strike out on your own to the local flea market or shopping district. Go Shopping! You never know what interesting things you might find.
If you are a member of a service club such as Rotary International, attend the local chapter's meetings. The members will be willing to help you in any way they can and the interchange of cultures is so very important in fostering the cause of world peace and harmony. When we were in Santiago, I regularly went to the Rotary Club de Providencia's weekly meeting. From the friendships we made we were invited to the club's Christmas party and to a member's home for dinner. Overall it widens your horizons and helps you to feel more at home.
You first notice it when you walk out of Customs and Immigration. You can't put your finger on it, but the feeling is there. It's more than just a language difference, a physical difference, a clothing difference, and a difference in physical features of the people. It is a different culture, a different set of values. You are a guest in someone else's homeland and you must conduct yourself accordingly.
If you have done your homework, you will know about the customs that are different than our own. For example, in Central or South America the word "Manana" does not necessarily mean tomorrow - it just means not today. If you know this and accept it, then you should not get upset when things are not done according to the U.S. timetable.
Don't let the culture get the best of you. If you are uncomfortable, just think that many of the people would feel the same way in our country too. Don't be afraid to ask for assistance. Almost everyone will be glad to help and you never know what interesting friendships you might strike up.
As your trip comes to a close, it will be easy to think about relaxing. But, you should reconfirm your air flights at least 72 hours prior to departure or the air carrier may cancel your reservations. Request bulkhead seats from the gate agent for the extra comfort of you and your baby. Then, once you've completed the exit formalities, enjoy the flight home knowing your trip was a success because of the advance planning you did.
Timothy D. Swanson is an adoptive parent of 2 daughters from Chile and Paraguay and president of Federal Travel & Cruises; 3170 North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064.
Information and Fare Quotes: (954)942-8666
Reservations and Ticketing: Toll-Free:
(800)551-8666
Fax: (954)942-4047
Address: Federal Travel & Cruises, 3170
North Federal Highway, Suite 205, Lighthouse Point, FL, 33064 USA
E-mail: adoptravel@federaltravel.com
