Is it necessary to have full custody of a child to take them out of the country?

[DeparRudeAnts]

Im pretty sure it is...
And it's already been confirmed she's happy to sign.
Just making sure I'm not wasting time and money on things that don't need doing.

Thanks in advance

[Darkcel]

I took my son to Korea to visit her uncle on base and my wife just signed a document we typed on word in English and Khmer stating she can travel out of the country with me.

Turns out we didn't even need it, just wanted her ticket just like mine. But it's better safe than sorry.

[PSD-Kiwi]

Have the mother write and sign a Consent Letter for Travel (as a Solo Parent Travelling with Kids), along with a copy of the birth certificate showing you as the father and a copy of the mother's passport or National ID.

It is highly unlikely you will be asked anything, especially by Cambodian Immigration, and certainly not if you share the same last name. If your kids don't have your last name, then you may be questioned, so better to have the letter to be on the safe side.

I do this whenever i travel with the kids without my wife, not once have I ever been questioned, kids have my last name, but better to be safe than sorry.

[John Bingham]

It depends on the destination. I think you need to show you have permission in some countries. I've traveled out of the country with just my son many times and have never been asked.

[DeparRudeAnts]

Thanks, just what I wanted to hear! His BC has been sent back to correct everything, I'm hoping to get the application done for his UK passport very soon.

Ive been told this can be a lengthy process.. I'm guessing a Khmer passport is useless except for when we're returning?

Any ideas if health reasons might fast track the application? Dropping me in winter would do me no good. I can't even do fans these days

[krisduncs]

I took both of my daughters out to europe. Nobody checked anything.

[krisduncs]

Twice

[John Bingham]

Thanks, just what I wanted to hear! His BC has been sent back to correct everything, I'm hoping to get the application done for his UK passport very soon.

Ive been told this can be a lengthy process.. I'm guessing a Khmer passport is useless except for when we're returning?

Any ideas if health reasons might fast track the application? Dropping me in winter would do me no good. I can't even do fans these days

For the UK it can be difficult. They might demand a DNA test, it's happened to friends.

[Kammekor]

Im pretty sure it is...
And it's already been confirmed she's happy to sign.
Just making sure I'm not wasting time and money on things that don't need doing.

Thanks in advance

Generally in Phnom Penh there's no hassle when leaving, but entering / leaving any Western country without written consent by the mother is asking for trouble. I did it once in 2022 with my (then) 10 year old and I was not asked for the document, because my kid could answer all questions asked in a satisfying way.
Since it's legally required, you might as well.use it when leaving.

[Kammekor]

Ive been told this can be a lengthy process.. I'm guessing a Khmer passport is useless except for when we're returning?

You can use it, but a visa (for ur kid) is required then and it will raise questions, for instance why your kid doesn't travel with a passport with your nationality. If immigration suspects trafficking they can make life very difficult for you at the airport. So better travel as smooth as possible.

If you return, apply for a K-visa for your kid @ Pochentong. It's free if you provide the correct documents and will allow your kid to enter / leave Cambodia using the foreign passport (too).