What are the requirements for a minor (16) traveling alone from Russia to the USA and back?
- By
- Aparna Patel
- |
- 30 Jul, 2023
- |
She will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa just like an adult Russian would, using the DS-160 form, which is done here.
She will be required to go to an interview and have her fingers scanned as part of the application process. Below 14 years children travelling with a parent (who has their own visa) or a school group, would be able to skip these steps.
Regarding the actual flying-there part, 16 years (actually 12 and over) is considered ‘adult’ by the airlines for the purposes of solo travel. The unaccompanied minor programs are really designed for kids up to about 11 – they basically nanny the kid the whole way until hand-over. You CAN register 12-17 year olds as unaccompanied minors if you think such treatment is warranted. In this case, at 16, I can’t think of anything worse.
There are some anecdotal reports of 12-17 year olds getting hassled for travelling alone by either airline staff or immigration, mainly due to incompetence and not knowing the rules. You should definitely make sure she has a parental consent letter allowing the solo travel, signed by both parents. This will not only smooth over these bumps should they occur, but may be required by Russian emigration laws (see Robert’s link in comments).
Good luck!
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘
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