Documents Required for Children Entering Mexico
We have traveled extensively throughout Mexico with our children. You don’t want to be sent back home from the border so ensure you have the proper Documents Required for Children Entering Mexico. In the 25 years of travel with kids of various ages, our experience says
- The regulations are unevenly enforced AND
- The rules are continuing to get more stringent.
We therefore highly recommend that children carry a passport regardless of age or requirements and that you carry authorizations letters, custody papers and any other document you feel may be requested by officials.
Children Under the Age of 18 
Mexican law requires any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 carry notarized written permission from a parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico. This includes children traveling with only one parent. This permission must include the name of the parent, the name of the child, the name of anyone traveling with the child, and the notarized signature(s) of the absent parent(s).
The US State Department recommends the permission include travel dates, destinations and a brief summary of the circumstances surrounding the travel. The child must be carrying the original letter – not a facsimile or scanned copy – as well as proof of the parent/child relationship (usually a birth certificate or court document) – and an original custody decree, if applicable. Travelers should contact the Mexican Embassy or closest Mexican Consulate for current information.
A similar letter allowing the person bringing the child into Mexico to make medical decisions for the child in the event of a medical emergency is also a good idea.
Exceptions to this rule:
- In the case that only one parent’s name appears on the birth certificate, that parent’s authorization is sufficient, along with presentation of the birth certificate or passport.
- If one parent has sole custody of the child, a court order must be presented.
- If a parent is deceased, the death certificate should be presented.
Sample Letter of Authorization for Travel
(Date)
I (parent’s name), authorize my child/children, (child/children’s name) to travel to (destination) on (date of travel) aboard Airline/Flight # (flight information) with (accompanying adults), returning on (date of return).
Signed by parent or parents
Address:
Telephone/Contact:
Notary Public Signature/Seal
Call the nearest Mexico Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date requirements.
Passport
By far a passport is the best document to carry for identification into Mexico. We highly recommend a passport for children – regardless to whether it is required – when traveling with kids.
Via Air
Children must now produce a passport when entering Mexico by air.
Via Land or Sea
Canadians or Americans 16 and older are required to carry a passport or a passport card.
Children up to the age of 15 may present proof of citizenship alone; birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card.