United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requests written consent from both parents or the parent who is not accompanying the minor for minors (those less than 18 years of age) traveling to the U.S. alone or accompanied by only one parent.

Yes, a 14-year-old can travel to the U.S. alone in 2026, but they must use the airline's mandatory Unaccompanied Minor (UNMR) service. Most major carriers like American, United, and Delta require this service for any child aged 5 to 14 traveling without an adult. The process involves a parent or guardian taking the child to the departure gate, and another authorized adult meeting them at the arrival gate. The airline provides a dedicated staff member to supervise the child during the flight and through customs and immigration. For international travel, the child must carry a valid passport and, crucially, a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents or legal guardians authorizing the solo travel. This letter is vital to prevent issues with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Once the child turns 15, the unaccompanied minor service typically becomes optional, allowing them to travel as a "Young Passenger" with fewer restrictions, though they still need proper documentation.