Traveling Alone To Mexico: What Age Is Allowed?

can a 12 year old travel alone to mexico

If you are considering a 12-year-old travelling alone to Mexico, it is important to be aware of the various requirements and restrictions that apply to unaccompanied minors. Some countries have more restrictions than others for children travelling without their parents or legal guardians, and Mexico is one such country. Here is an overview of the key considerations for a 12-year-old's solo travel to Mexico.

Characteristics Values
Minimum age to travel alone by plane 18 years old
Age range for unaccompanied minors 5-17 years old
Age range for accompanied minors 2-14 years old
Age range for optional unaccompanied minor service 12-17 years old
Age range for optional unaccompanied minor service fee 15-17 years old
Unaccompanied minor service fee $150 each way, plus applicable taxes
Documents required for unaccompanied minors Birth certificate, passport, notarized letter of consent from parents

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Travel authorisation letter

A 12-year-old travelling alone to Mexico will need to use an airline's unaccompanied minor service. Each airline has its own requirements and fees for this service, so it is important to check with the airline before booking.

In addition to using an unaccompanied minor service, a child travelling alone to Mexico will need a travel authorisation letter. Here is a suggested template for a travel authorisation letter:

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I, [parent/guardian name], am the [relationship to the child] of [child's full name]. I am granting permission for [child's name] to travel alone to Mexico on [date(s) of travel].

[Child's name] will be travelling [departure location/city] to [arrival location/city] on the [date(s)]. They will be travelling by [mode of transportation] and any connections are as follows: [list connections].

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at any time. My contact information is as follows:

[Your address]

Phone number: [your phone number]

Email address: [your email]

[Your name]

[Your signature]

[Name of person witnessing the signing]

[Witness signature]

Some important things to note:

  • It is recommended to have the letter notarised.
  • The letter should be an original, not a copy.
  • The letter should include as much detail as possible.
  • The child should carry other necessary documents, such as their passport, birth certificate, or visa.

Please note that this letter is a template and may need to be adjusted to fit the specific requirements of the country of destination and the airline being used. It is important to review all requirements before travelling.

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Age restrictions

According to Volaris, the minimum age to travel alone by plane is 18 years old. However, the airline does offer an unaccompanied minor service for children between the ages of 5 and 17. This service is mandatory for children between 5 and 11 years old and optional for those between 12 and 17 years old. For children under the age of 5, the Volaris is With You service is only available if they are travelling with a family member between 12 and 17 years old.

American Airlines also offers an unaccompanied minor service for children between the ages of 5 and 14, which is optional for children between 15 and 17.

In Mexico, foreign minors under the age of 18 who are travelling alone or with a third party of legal age require authorization or a letter of consent from their parents or guardians. This letter must be translated into Spanish and notarized. The same requirement applies to Mexican nationals, regardless of whether they reside in Mexico or abroad, and foreigners with temporary or permanent residence in Mexico.

When departing from Mexico, in addition to presenting a valid passport, minors must provide an authorization letter granted by a notary public, with both parents or legal guardians giving permission for the minor's departure. This document must include the means of travel, the destination, and the date of travel. If the document is released abroad, it must be attested by an Apostille Stamp.

It is important to note that these age restrictions and requirements may vary depending on the airline and the country of origin. It is always best to check with the specific airline and the relevant embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Airline policies

American Airlines

American Airlines requires children aged 5-14 to use their unaccompanied minor service when travelling alone, and it is optional for those aged 15-17 for an additional fee of $150 each way. The service includes early boarding, access to kids-only lounges, and escorts for connections and arriving flights. Children aged 5-7 can only travel on non-stop flights, while those aged 8-14 can travel on some connecting flights.

Delta Air Lines

Delta offers an unaccompanied minor program for children aged 5-14, which is optional for 15-17-year-olds. The service costs $150 each way for up to four children. Only children aged 8 and above can travel on itineraries with connections. Younger children must be booked on non-stop flights. Delta provides a trackable wristband, access to children-only lounges, and a personal escort throughout the journey.

United Airlines

United Airlines has an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-14, with a fee of $150 each way for every two children. Unaccompanied minors can travel on domestic and international flights as long as they are non-stop. Teens aged 15-17 can travel alone on any United or United Express flight or opt into the service. The drop-off parent can accompany the child to the gate, and the pick-up parent can wait by the arrival gate if gate passes are available.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest allows unaccompanied minors from 5-11 to travel on domestic flights for a fee of $100 each way. Children aged 12 and above can use the Young Travelers service for no fee. Unaccompanied minors can only travel on non-stop or direct flights within the US, and proper identification and paperwork are required during drop-off and pick-up.

JetBlue

JetBlue allows unaccompanied minors between 5 and 14 years old to travel alone, with a fee of $150 per person each way. There is a limit of three unaccompanied minors per flight, and they can only travel on non-stop flights, including some international destinations. A photo ID and three copies of a completed unaccompanied minor form are required at drop-off, and the guardian listed on the form must be at least 18 and present an ID at pick-up.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines permits unaccompanied minors from 5-14 on select domestic, non-stop flights for a fee of $150 each way. The drop-off parent must provide a valid ID and escort the child to the gate, waiting 15 minutes after take-off. The pick-up parent should request a gate pass and be waiting at the arrival gate.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines offers an unaccompanied minor service for children aged 5-11 for a fee of $35 per flight segment between Hawaiian islands and $100 per flight segment between Hawaii and continental North America. The service is optional for children aged 12-17. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on international flights.

Volaris

Volaris offers the "Volaris is With You" service for unaccompanied minors aged 5-17. The service includes assistance from the airport of origin, during the flight, and until arrival at the destination airport. Minors must arrive at the check-in counter with someone over 18 and their printed boarding pass. The adult companion must remain at the airport until the flight's departure.

Other Airlines

Some other airlines, such as Allegiant Air, Avelo, Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, and Sun Country, do not allow unaccompanied minors or have specific age restrictions for unaccompanied travel. It is important to check the policies of your chosen airline before booking.

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Required documents

A 12-year-old travelling alone to Mexico will need to provide certain documents to be allowed entry into the country. Here is a list of the required documents:

  • A valid passport: This is a mandatory document for any minor travelling to Mexico. The passport serves as proof of the child's identity and citizenship.
  • Letter of consent or authorisation: Foreign minors under 18 years of age travelling to Mexico alone or with a third party require a letter of consent or authorisation from their parents or legal guardians. This letter should be granted by a notary public and include both parents' or legal guardians' signatures, authorising the minor's travel to Mexico. It must also contain details such as the means of travel, destination, and date of travel. If the document is released abroad, it must be attested by an Apostille Stamp, and a Spanish translation must be attached. As an alternative, a form is available on the website of Mexico's National Institute of Migration that can replace the notarised letter if properly filled out with the necessary attachments.
  • Unaccompanied minor form: Some airlines may require an unaccompanied minor form to be completed by the parent or guardian. This form must remain with the child during the journey.
  • Customs and Immigration documents: Any necessary customs and immigration paperwork must be completed for the day of departure, and any applicable fees must be paid.
  • Proof of age: The child's birth certificate or passport can serve as proof of age.
  • Adult's identification: The adult accompanying the child to the airport must present their government-issued photo ID, which includes their current address.
  • Contact information: The phone number of the parent or guardian must be provided so that they can be contacted during the flight if needed. Additionally, the name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the child at their destination are required.

It is important to note that these requirements may vary depending on the country of origin and the specific circumstances of the trip. It is always recommended to check with the relevant embassies, consulates, or immigration authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Check-in process

Checking in is the process of letting the airline know that you will be travelling on the flight you booked. This is usually done at the airport, but some airlines allow you to check in online or through a mobile app. Checking in online can save you time at the airport, but you will still need to go to a check-in counter for document verification if you are travelling to a country that requires a visa.

What to Prepare

Before checking in, make sure you have your ticket confirmation, passport, and any other necessary documents. If you are under 18 and travelling alone, you will need a notarised letter of consent from your parent or guardian. If you are checking in at the airport, you will also need to bring your luggage.

Checking In

At the check-in counter, you will need to provide your confirmation number, passport, and any other required documents. You will also need to provide the information of the adult who will be meeting you at your destination. The airline staff will then print your boarding pass and check your luggage.

Boarding

After checking in, proceed to the departure gate specified on your boarding pass. You will need to show your boarding pass in order to board the plane, so keep it easily accessible. Boarding usually begins 30 minutes to an hour before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions

No, a 12-year-old cannot travel alone to Mexico. The minimum age to travel alone is 18 years old.

Children from 5 to 11 years old travelling alone are considered unaccompanied minors and can only travel using a special service like Volaris is With You. Children 12 to 17 years old can use this service optionally.

Foreign minors (under 18 years of age) travelling to Mexico with a third party must have a letter of consent from their parents or guardians. This letter must be translated into Spanish and notarised.

Yes, some airlines have their own restrictions for unaccompanied minors. For example, American Airlines does not allow unaccompanied minors to travel on the last flight of the day, or on overnight connecting flights.

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