My son is a minor that was 13 when we applied for his U.S. passport. 
He is now 15 and needs to travel abroad unaccompained by his
parent(s).  Can this be done?  When he turns 16, can he do this with
the existing passport, or will we need to get a new one for him? 
Thank you.

Hi mrosson,

Your son's passport is valid for 5 years and therefore he's free to
travel on it for another 3 years.

How long is a passport valid?
If you were [15 or younger] when the passport was issued, then your
passport is valid for 5 Years:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/faq/faq_1741.html#valid

The Unaccompanied Minor - When Children Travel Alone
"Children who are twelve and older can be accepted as unaccompanied
minors as long as the fees are paid and the proper documentation is
completed."
[see 4-page article for more details]
http://airtravel.about.com/cs/safetysecurity/a/Unaccompanied.htm

Children Flying Solo - see Tips For Smooth Sailing
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=203&category=19

How to Apply for a Passport Renewal
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/renew/renew_833.html

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request *before* closing/rating my answer and I'll be
happy to reply.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used: minors travelling alone and I also searched
the U.S. Department of State website.

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Request for Answer Clarification by mrosson-ga on 29 Mar 2005 12:22 PST

Would it be possible for him to travel internationally unaccompained
by an adult?  He will be travelling to Europe with some responsible
friends his own age (15 and 16).  Thanks.

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 29 Mar 2005 12:56 PST

Hi mrosson,

Sure, age 15 is not a problem but check with the airline first to find
out their policy. Generally, airlines consider anyone age 12 and under
to be minors and given that your son is well above that, he should be
"go for launch" without any restrictions. Even if he were age 8 or 10,
he could still travel unaccompanied by an adult as long as the extra
fees were paid to the airline.

Unaccompanied Minors
Children between five and 12 who travel without a parent or guardian
are known as "unaccompanied minors." Many airlines will not allow
children who are under seven to make connections at all, but in the
event a minor is old enough to change planes, they will probably be
assisted by airline personnel and a fee of $40-$75 will be charged.
Some airlines, Southwest for example, will not allow any minor (5-12)
to change planes."
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=203&category=19

The Unaccompanied Minor - When Children Travel Alone
"What is an unaccompanied minor? The short answer is a child traveling
without a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult that the child
knows. The age requirements that are generally used by the airlines to
define the unaccompanied minor are children between the ages of five
and eleven years old (it is always advisable to contact the airline to
make sure that they accept unaccompanied minors as passengers)."
http://airtravel.about.com/cs/safetysecurity/a/Unaccompanied.htm

Please let me know if you have any other questions. Sounds like your
son is in for quite an adventure.
hummer

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Request for Answer Clarification by mrosson-ga on 29 Mar 2005 13:04 PST

Thanks for looking into this for me.  I just want to make sure that
there won't be any problems with customs if he's not accompained by a
parent or anything.  So it's completely okay for him to go on his own?
 Just didn't want him to run into any problems.

For a $2 tip could you please find out what the laws are for hotels in
Europe?  Is there an age requirement or anything?

Thanks for your help.

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 29 Mar 2005 14:50 PST

Hi mrosson,

The best thing to do is to contact the airline once you finalize the
trip. For example, will there be any connecting flights? Given that
they'll be a group of boys (several heads are better than one!), they
should be able to manage ok. However, if it would ease your mind, you
could consider paying the fee for the airline "escort". Either way,
make sure to sign a permission note, giving the details of the trip,
as per the following link.

"Those over eight may change aircraft. If they're eight through
eleven, they will be escorted by airline personnel to their connecting
flight. A significant extra charge for this service is likely. Older
kids ? ages 12 through 15 ? may not be routinely escorted, but you can
request this assistance.
Anyone under age 17 who is flying alone on an international flight
must have a signed note from a parent or responsible adult giving
permission, destination and length of stay.
Minors must be met at the destination by another parent or responsible
adult. As these guidelines vary slightly by airline, be sure to
contact your carrier for specific information."
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=203&category=19

In regards to hotels in Europe, it's sort of like asking about what
are the policies of hotels in North America - it's a broad subject. 
Every country is going to be different, and probably every hotel will
have its own rules and regulations. I would think that when you make
the reservations and mention the ages of the group, the hotels will
let you know of any special policies. Have you consulted a travel
agent?  They would probably be the best ones to advise you.

Rules-and-regulation-wise, it is fine for him to go, however, only you
know your son and his friends. At those tender ages, it would be best
for them to have a structure and purpose for the trip rather than just
letting them loose - there'll be time enough for that when they get
alittle more experience under their belts (sixteen year olds tend to
think that they are immortal!).

Good luck! 
hummer

Thanks for your help!