viajeFebruary 28, 2026·4 min read·By Multi Servicios 360

Travel Authorization Letter for Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua 2026

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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.

Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua are three countries with very different contexts but with one thing in common: all three require formal documentation when a minor travels without both parents.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has one of the most robust legal frameworks in Central America for child protection. The National Child Welfare Agency (PANI) actively monitors the welfare of children and adolescents, and the General Directorate of Immigration enforces requirements for minors crossing the border.

What Does Costa Rica Require?

Minors under 18 leaving Costa Rica without both parents need notarized authorization from the absent parent. Costa Rican legislation is explicit and its border controls are among the most organized in Central America.

Situations where it applies:

•Minor travels with only one parent
•Minor travels with grandparents, aunts/uncles, or other family members
•Minor travels with a school or sports group
•Minor travels alone

Cities and Airports

•San José — Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) — the most important
•Liberia (Guanacaste) — Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) — tourist area
•Palmar Sur, Quepos, Tamarindo — Small regional airports

Airlines

•United Airlines — Direct flights from SFO, LAX
•American Airlines — From LAX (MIA or DFW layover)
•Delta — From LAX (ATL layover)
•Alaska Airlines — From the West Coast
•Avianca — Connections from Bogotá
•Copa Airlines — With Panama layover (from LAX)

→ Travel authorization letter for Costa Rica — $49

Panama

Panama is special for two reasons: first, it has its own requirements for minors; and second, it is the most important connection hub in Latin America — Copa Airlines operates there, and thousands of families have layovers at Tocumen International Airport when traveling to any country in the region.

Requirements for Minors

Panama's National Migration Authority requires authorization from the absent parent for minors leaving the country without both parents. The letter must be notarized.

The Tocumen Hub Factor

When your child has a layover in Panama (Tocumen International Airport - PTY) to connect to another destination, they are technically in transit and normally don't need authorization for Panama. However, if the flight is canceled, if there's a long delay, or if for any reason the minor leaves the transit area, Panamanian law may apply.

The recommendation is simple: always carry the letter even for transit. It's the same $49 document and avoids unforeseen complications.

→ Travel authorization letter for Panama — $49

Nicaragua

Nicaragua's situation presents special considerations given the current political dynamics, but immigration requirements for minors remain in effect and are being enforced.

Requirements

Nicaragua's General Directorate of Immigration requires authorization from the absent parent for minors traveling without both parents. The letter must be notarized.

Cities and Airports

•Managua — Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA)
•San Juan del Sur — tourism
•León, Masaya, Granada — cultural destinations
•Corn Island — small flights from Managua

→ Travel authorization letter for Nicaragua — $49

One Document for All Three Countries

If your child's trip includes Costa Rica, Panama, AND Nicaragua — for example, a Central American tour — our letter can cover all countries in the itinerary. Simply indicate this when filling out the form.

The Importance of Having Everything on Paper

In these three countries, especially in border areas and small airports, connectivity can be limited. Don't assume you can show the document on your phone — always print two physical copies. One to present at immigration and one as backup.