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South Africa is the most famous example — families denied boarding or entry over missing paperwork for their own child. But it's not just South Africa: several other countries actively check for a notarized consent letter when a minor travels with only one parent, a grandparent, or another adult, and some check specifically on departure rather than arrival. It costs almost nothing and takes minutes to get notarized, and every government and airline recommends carrying one regardless of your specific destination's enforcement level.