UPDATED: Changes in Mexico Entry Requirements
The new entry requirements that the Mexico government was set to put into place on Feb 15, 2013, have BEEN DELAYED until January 2014. Laws and regulations regarding entry requirements often change, so be sure to check the Entry Requirements each time before traveling to an international destination.
Minors traveling to Mexico
Effective January 16, 2013, Mexican immigration policy requires that children under the age of 18 must provide the following documentation when traveling to Mexico:
If the minor is traveling with only one parent:
- A valid passport
- A tourist card (to be issued by the airline or cruise before arriving in Mexico)
- A notarized letter of permission (including dates and destination) from the other legal parent, in both English and Spanish. Both letters must be notarized.
- If the other parent is absent or deceased, provide evidence of sole custody or single-parent status (e.g. death certificate, sole custody document, or "father unknown" document)
If the child's last name is different from the last name of the accompanying parent, an original document as proof of parentage is required (photocopied documents are not acceptable). Parents' name changes must be documented (e.g. original notarized copy of marriage certificate).
If the minor is traveling unaccompanied, or accompanied by an adult other than a legal parent or guardian:
- A valid passport
- A tourist card (to be issued by the airline or cruise before arriving in Mexico)
- A notarized letter of permission (including dates and destination) from the other legal parent, in both English and Spanish.
- For unaccompanied minors, the letter should include the name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the minor upon arrival.
- For minors traveling with an adult of legal age, the letter should include the name, address, and phone number of the person with whom the child is traveling.
- A photo ID is required for adults dropping off and picking up the minor.
Minors without the proper paperwork will be detained by immigration authorities at the border, and will be deported on the next available flight.
Exception: Mexican children that have a stamp on their passports that reads, "El titular del presente pasaporte viaja de conformidad con El Articulo 421 del Codigo Civil Vigente," can travel round-trip with only one parent and without a notarized letter.
Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information
