If you're planning a trip to Mexico with your child, you may be wondering what travel documents they need. Here's what you need to know: when travelling by air, all US citizen children, regardless of age, must hold a US passport or Trusted Traveller Program card. However, if you're travelling by land or sea, the rules are slightly different. US citizen children under the age of 16 can present alternative documents, such as their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. It's important to note that these requirements are for re-entry to the US, and Mexico may have different entry requirements.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Travel by air | A US passport or Trusted Traveler Program card is required for all children. |
Travel by land or sea | Children under 16 can use a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. |
Travel by land or sea with US citizen children | An original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate is required. |
Travel by land or sea with children under 19 in a group | An original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate is required, along with a letter on organizational letterhead detailing the group's information, children's information, and parental consent. |
Travel by land or sea without both parents | A letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, is required. |
What You'll Learn
Travel by air
If you are travelling to Mexico with your child by air, there are a number of things you need to be aware of. Firstly, all travellers arriving in Mexico by air, regardless of age, are required to present a valid passport for entry into the country. This means that your child will need their own travel documents, such as a passport or visa.
Secondly, the passport must meet certain requirements. It should be valid at the time of entry, have at least one blank page per stamp, be in good condition, and not be reported lost or stolen. Airlines and customs officials are strict about these rules and will only allow your child on board if their passport meets all the criteria.
Thirdly, if your child is travelling alone, with only one of their parents, or with a guardian, there may be additional documentation required. For example, a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both custodial parents. This letter should state that the parent acknowledges that their child is travelling outside the country with the specified adult and that they have their permission. If your child is travelling alone, you may also need to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay a fee for an unaccompanied minor service, which provides an airline employee to escort the child.
Finally, it is important to carry all travel documents with you and not pack them. This will ensure a smooth journey and avoid any unnecessary delays or issues.
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Travel by land
If you are planning to travel to Mexico with your child by land, you may be wondering what documents you need to bring. Here is some information to help you prepare for your trip:
When travelling to Mexico by land, U.S. citizens, including children, are not required to have a valid passport book. However, it is highly recommended to carry your child's passport with you, as it can make the border crossing process smoother and provide identification for your child during your trip. If you do not have a passport for your child, other documents can be used as proof of identification and citizenship.
For children under the age of 16, the following documents are accepted when entering and exiting Mexico by land:
- Birth certificate (original or copy)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- Naturalization Certificate
- Citizenship Certificate
- Trusted Traveller Card
It is important to note that these documents only apply when entering Mexico by land or sea. If your child is flying to Mexico, a valid U.S. passport is required, regardless of their age.
When travelling with your child, it is also essential to carry supporting documentation that proves your relationship with the child. This could include a birth certificate listing you as the parent or a letter of consent from the other parent if you are travelling alone with the child.
In addition to the documentation for your child, there are other requirements for driving into Mexico. You will need to register your entry as soon as possible and obtain a temporary permit if you plan to drive beyond the border zones. Mexico enforces these permits if you are driving 20 kilometres or more from the border. However, a permit is not required in the Baja Peninsula. You can obtain the permit online, at the Mexican border, or at certain Mexican consulates in the United States. Ensure that you also have valid proof of automobile registration when entering Mexico, as expired registration may result in the confiscation of your vehicle by Mexican authorities.
Lastly, it is recommended to check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) website for the latest information on acceptable documents and any changes to the requirements.
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Travel by sea
If you are travelling to Mexico by sea with your child, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, if you are on a closed-loop cruise, that is, a cruise that begins and ends at the same US port, your child does not need a passport. Instead, they can use a government-issued ID with a photo and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, or citizenship certificate. However, if you are travelling by sea to Mexico and not on a closed-loop cruise, your child will need a valid US passport. This is the case for children of all ages. It is always a good idea to carry your child's passport with you when travelling to Mexico, even if it is not required for their entry.
If your child is travelling without both parents or legal guardians, you will need to provide a letter of consent from the other parent. This should be in English and notarised, and should state: "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission." If your child is travelling alone, you may also need to submit an unaccompanied minor form and pay a fee for the service. This will provide an airline employee to escort your child.
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Parental consent
If you are planning a trip to Mexico with your child, it is important to be aware of the specific documentation requirements for children, especially if they are travelling without both parents. Here is some detailed information about parental consent and what you need to know:
- If your child is travelling with only one custodial parent or guardian, or is travelling alone, you may need to provide a letter of consent from the other parent. This letter should be written in English and notarized.
- The letter should include the following statement: "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [name of the adult] with my permission." It should also include the name of the child, the name of the accompanying adult, and any other relevant details.
- If you are the sole custodian of the child, it is recommended to carry documentation proving your sole custody status.
- For groups of children travelling with a supervising adult, such as a school or sports team, a letter on organizational letterhead with the names of the children, their primary contact information, and a signed statement of consent from a parent or legal guardian for each child is required.
- These requirements are in place to prevent international child abduction and ensure the safety of minors.
Additional Travel Documentation for Children:
- All children, regardless of age, are required to present a valid passport when travelling by air to Mexico. This is a requirement for both entry into Mexico and re-entry into the United States.
- When travelling by land or sea, children under the age of 16 can use their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate instead of a passport. However, it is still recommended to carry their passport if they have one.
- If your child is travelling alone, additional documentation and fees may be required by the airline, and you may need to provide identification and contact information for yourself and the person receiving your child at the destination.
- It is important to check with the specific country and airline for any additional requirements or restrictions, as these may vary.
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Documents required for re-entry
When travelling with children, it is important to carry all relevant documents with you and not to pack them away in your luggage.
If your child is a US citizen under the age of 16, they may present one of the following when arriving by land or sea from Mexico:
- An original or a copy of their birth certificate
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- A Naturalization Certificate
If your child is a US citizen aged 16 or over, they must show a US passport or Trusted Traveller Program card.
If your child is travelling with only one custodial parent or guardian, or is travelling alone, they may need to present a letter of consent at the border. This letter should be written and notarized by the other parent, or signed by both parents if the child is travelling with a guardian or alone. It should include the sentence: "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."
If your child is under the age of 19 and travelling with a school, religious, social, or cultural group, or a sports team, the supervising adult should carry a letter on organizational letterhead, including:
- The name of the group and supervising adult(s)
- The names of the children in the group, along with their primary address, phone number, date and place of birth, and the name of at least one parent or legal guardian for each child
- A written and signed statement from the supervising adult, certifying that they have parental or legal guardian consent for each child
If your child is arriving by air, they must carry a US passport book.
Additional documents for all travellers:
- A visa or other entry document for the countries you will visit
- Receipts or registration (CBP Form 4457) for new electronics, such as a camera or laptop (suggested if the goods are less than six months old)
- Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs
- A valid license for driving overseas and for use as a second form of photo ID
- Permits and/or certificates if bringing restricted animal or plant products
- Medications in their original packaging, with only the amount needed for the trip. Prescription medications must be under the traveller's name
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a US passport is one of the documents your child can use to travel to Mexico.
Children under the age of 16 arriving by land or sea can present their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. Children over the age of 16 will need to show a US passport or Trusted Traveler Program card.
By air, your child will need a US passport to re-enter the US. By land or sea, children under 16 can present the same documents as for entry into Mexico.
Your child may need a letter of consent from the other parent. This should be in English and notarized.
Yes, you may need to fill out FMM forms if you are spending more than 7 days in Mexico.