Minor Child Tourist Visa

[Mark and Sasha 0]

Hello VJers,

Myself - US Citizen

Wife - Ukrainian Citizen, permanent resident, will likely have US citizenship next year

My wife's cousin's daughter is 8 years old, and we'd like for her to visit for a summer when she's 10 (2014). It seems likely a tourist visa probably isn't too difficult to apply for and get her here.

- Has anybody had any experience with this?

- Is 10 too young to travel by themselves?

- Would she be able to have a guardian escort her to the plane? (or on it?)

- Do the airlines support a child traveling alone?

- What about border control leaving Ukraine or entering US?

Thanks for the thoughts!

~M&S

somewhat related post, if any other thoughts ... http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/402934-minor-child-tourist-visa-eventual-immigration/

Edited December 5, 2012 by Mark and Sasha

[jaycali 415]

I have not heard of a 10 year old getting a tourist visa to visit the US on their own. I don't know how possible it is. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that.

I would never ever send a 10 year old by themselves on a transatlantic flight, especially one with a stop over at large international airport!

Any guardian would have to apply for a tourist visa on their own merit.

Edited December 5, 2012 by Jay Jay

[Noah Lot 391]

Hello VJers,

Myself - US Citizen

Wife - Ukrainian Citizen, permanent resident, will likely have US citizenship next year

My wife's cousin's daughter is 8 years old, and we'd like for her to visit for a summer when she's 10 (2014). It seems likely a tourist visa probably isn't too difficult to apply for and get her here.

- Has anybody had any experience with this?

- Is 10 too young to travel by themselves?

- Would she be able to have a guardian escort her to the plane? (or on it?)

- Do the airlines support a child traveling alone?

- What about border control leaving Ukraine or entering US?

Thanks for the thoughts!

~M&S

In general, minor children qualify through their parents, which means her parents must either have a visa or will apply at the same time...doling out a visa to a 10 year old all by herself is not a career enhancing decision...

somewhat related post, if any other thoughts ... http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/402934-minor-child-tourist-visa-eventual-immigration/

[Mark and Sasha 0]

I have not heard of a 10 year old getting a tourist visa to visit the US on their own. I don't know how possible it is. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that.

I would never ever send a 10 year old by themselves on a transatlantic flight, especially one with a stop over at large international airport!

Any guardian would have to apply for a tourist visa on their own merit.

I believe that there are direct flights from Kiev to Los Angeles

[reese1 68]

You can pay extra for an escort from the airlines that will make sure they get on the flight, take them through customs and if there is a layover they take them to a lounge with video games and snacks, and make sure they are only delivered to the person that is on the form that is suppose to pick them up from the airport. Have done this for my son to fly internationally when he was 12.

[C-ma'am 684]

You can pay extra for an escort from the airlines that will make sure they get on the flight, take them through customs and if there is a layover they take them to a lounge with video games and snacks, and make sure they are only delivered to the person that is on the form that is suppose to pick them up from the airport. Have done this for my son to fly internationally when he was 12.

Indeed.

If the kids are under 14 years old, they have to be supervised by the airline and you pay around $100 (depends on the airline). They will need to complete a form stating the name of the adult that will be picking them up at the airport.

Airlines do this all the time. Give them a call.

[Mark and Sasha 0]

Indeed.

If the kids are under 14 years old, they have to be supervised by the airline and you pay around $100 (depends on the airline). They will need to complete a form stating the name of the adult that will be picking them up at the airport.

Airlines do this all the time. Give them a call.

Thank you all for the replies!