Travel Authorization Letter to Guatemala: 2026 Requirements
The content of this article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Multi Servicios 360 is not a law firm. If you need advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in California.
Guatemala is a frequent destination for Hispanic families in the United States visiting relatives. But many parents don't know that the National Civil Police (PNC) and Guatemala's General Directorate of Immigration actively verify documentation for minors at La Aurora International Airport and at major border crossings.
If your child is traveling to Guatemala without both parents, you need a notarized travel authorization letter.
⚠️ Important notice: Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys or licensed document preparers. This article is for informational purposes only. For complex legal situations, please consult an attorney.
What does Guatemala require?
Guatemala's Code of Childhood and Youth (Decree 27-2003) establishes that minors leaving or entering the country without both parents must present express authorization from the absent parent.
The authorization must be notarized in the United States and, in many cases, apostilled to be valid in Guatemala. Check with the nearest Guatemalan consulate about current requirements for your specific situation.
Airport and entry points
The requirement applies at:
- •La Aurora International Airport (GUA) — Guatemala City, the main entry point
- •El Carmen / Talismán border crossing — border with Mexico
- •Agua Caliente border crossing — border with Honduras
- •Pedro de Alvarado border crossing — border with El Salvador
What should the letter include?
The authorization letter for Guatemala must contain:
Minor's information: full name, date of birth, US passport number and Guatemalan passport if applicable, nationality. Authorizing parent/guardian's information: full name, Guatemalan DPI number (if applicable) or passport, address and contact phone number. Information about who will accompany the minor: full name, identity document, relationship. Travel details: departure and return date, destination in Guatemala (city or department), airline or means of transport. Notarized signature: mandatory. Must be certified by a notary public in the United States.Apostille: when is it needed?
If the document will be presented to official Guatemalan authorities (not just at the airport), an Hague Apostille may be required. This converts the US notarized document into an internationally recognized document.
The apostille is obtained through the Secretary of State's office of the state where the document was notarized. Check with the Guatemalan consulate if your specific case requires it.
Special situations
Dual citizenship: If your child was born in Guatemala or has a Guatemalan DPI, authorities may treat them as a Guatemalan citizen. The US passport does not change this. Minor traveling alone: Minors flying alone on international airlines must comply with airline requirements in addition to immigration requirements. Most airlines require additional forms for unaccompanied minors. Divorced or separated parents: If there is a custody order, bring it translated into Spanish and consider getting the apostille.Airlines operating flights to Guatemala
The main airlines operating between US cities and Guatemala City are Avianca, United, American Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Spirit. Each has its own policies for minors traveling alone or without both parents — verify directly with the airline before traveling.
Prepare your document today
At Multi Servicios 360, we prepare your travel authorization letter for Guatemala in minutes. The document includes all required information, in Spanish and English, ready to take to the notary.
We are a self-help software — you fill in the details, we generate the correctly formatted document. We do not provide legal advice. → Prepare your travel authorization letter — $49Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help document preparation software. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For complex situations, please consult a qualified legal professional.
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