Ask the consul
My spouse and I both have visas. Can we take our grandchild with us to visit the United States?
Children can travel alone or with relatives with the proper parental authorization, but they still require a visa to enter the United States. Since children are unable to qualify by demonstrating their own economic solvency or strong ties to the Dominican Republic, they must qualify by means of their parents or legal guardians. A notarized letter of authorization granting a grandparent or other relative permission to obtain a visa for and travel with the child is not sufficient since the concern is not only whether the child has permission to travel with a person, but also whether or not the child qualifies for the visa. In order for the child to qualify for the visa, the parents or a person who has been granted legal custody by a Dominican court usually must have visas of their own. If neither the parents nor legal guardians have a valid visa, it will be much more difficult for the child to qualify. Additionally, both biological parents and/or legal guardians should be present at the visa interview if at all possible. Parents or legal guardians are advised to bring an original, legalized birth certificate for each child who is applying. If applying as a family and one or more of the children is over 18 years old, please bring an original, legalized birth certificate for them as well. It is always preferable for a family unit to apply together at the same time. For more information regarding the visa application process or requirements, please visit the embassy website at www.embajadausa.gov.do