All citizens of the United States must present a valid passport when entering Mexican territory by any means of transportation. There are no exceptions for minors.
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Just like adults, children also generally need passports to travel to Mexico, even Cancun. However, there are other important guidelines when it comes to kids. For one, children below the age of 16 need to have a document authorizing them to cross the border if they're alone.
There are generally no major risks associated with traveling to Cancun and Riviera Maya with children. These destinations are popular vacation spots with a variety of family-friendly activities and amenities. However, as with any travel, there are always some risks to consider.
Letter of consent must be notarized in Mexico, or notarized and bear either an Apostille or legal certification from the country of issue. Letter of consent must be in Spanish or include Spanish translation. Passport information (number, date of issue, and location of issue) for the minor traveler.
If you travel or are going to travel with a child, consider taking the following documents: If the child is traveling with only one of their custodial parents, they must have a letter of consent, preferably in English and notarized, from the other parent or signed by both parents.
Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic U.S. travel. Airlines will accept identification from the responsible adult on behalf of the minor(s). For international travel, minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult.
Every traveler arriving in Mexico by air, regardless of age, is required to present a valid passport for entry into the country. Unlike some other countries, Mexico does not require passports to be valid for longer than the anticipated length of the visit.
The U.S. State Department recently updated Mexico's Travel Advisory 2023 for U.S. Tourists traveling to Mexico due to crime in several Mexican states popular with American tourists. “Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread and common in Mexico,” warns the State Department.
All children, including infants, must have their own passport or Trusted Traveler Program document for U.S. entry. Carry documents for traveling with minor children. If you are escorting a minor child without the parents, have a letter from both parents indicating that you have permission to travel with the minor.
If you're traveling internationally with anyone under 18, you may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter of Consent or permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. A passport is required for all international travel.
The letter should say I acknowledge that my son/daughter is traveling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission. If one parent has sole custody of the child, a copy of the custody document can take the place of the other parent's letter.