Travel Authorization Letter for Mexico: Immigration Requirements 2026

Every year, millions of Latino families travel between California and Mexico. Cancun in the summer, Mexico City for the holidays, Jalisco to visit grandparents. But if your minor child is traveling without both parents, Mexican law requires a specific document — and many families discover this too late, at the airport or at the border crossing.

What Does Mexican Immigration Law Require?

Article 42 of Mexico's Immigration Law establishes that minors entering or leaving Mexican territory accompanied by only one parent, or by a third party who is not a parent, must present written and notarized authorization from the absent parent.

This law applies regardless of whether your child holds a U.S. or Mexican passport. Mexican immigration authorities at the National Institute of Migration (INM) enforce this law at both airports and land border crossings.

Cities and Destinations Where This Applies

This letter is required for any destination in Mexico:

• •Cancun and Riviera Maya — Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen, Tulum
• •Mexico City — Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM)
• •Guadalajara and Jalisco — Primary destination for families of Jalisco origin
• •Tijuana and Baja California — San Ysidro, Otay Mesa land border crossings
• •Monterrey — Northern International Airport
• •Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mazatlán — Popular tourist destinations
• •Oaxaca, Veracruz, Puebla — Cultural and family travel

Important for California residents: If you cross through San Ysidro or Otay Mesa by car, Mexican immigration agents at the checkpoint can also request this letter.

Airlines Operating Flights to Mexico from California

The following airlines may deny boarding if a minor is traveling without the authorization document:

• •Volaris — Direct flights from LAX, SFO, SJC to 25+ destinations in Mexico
• •Aeromexico — Mexico's primary airline, flights from LAX, SFO, SAN
• •VivaAerobus — Low-cost options
• •American Airlines, Delta, United — Connections to Mexico from major hubs
• •Alaska Airlines — Flights from the West Coast

These airlines' policies are consistent: if an agent has doubts about whether a minor can legally travel, they may deny boarding until proper documentation is presented.

Most Common Situations

Mom stays home working, dad takes the kids on vacation — Mom needs to sign the authorization before they fly. Grandparents taking grandchildren to Mexico — Both parents must sign the letter authorizing the grandparents. Child traveling alone — For minors under 18 traveling without any accompanying adult, additional procedures are required along with the authorization letter. Divorced or separated parents — Especially important. Without the letter from the non-traveling parent, Mexican authorities may suspect international parental child abduction. Child born in Mexico but living in the U.S. — If your child has dual citizenship, Mexico applies its own laws regardless of which passport they present.

What Information Does the Letter Need?

Our travel authorization letter for Mexico includes:

• •Full name and information of the authorizing parent
• •Full name and date of birth of the minor
• •Full name of the adult traveling with the minor and their relationship
• •Exact travel dates (departure and return)
• •Destination in Mexico
• •Minor's passport number
• •Authorization for emergency medical decisions
• •References to Mexican Immigration Law and U.S. Department of State recommendations

The document is provided in both Spanish and English — ready to present to Mexican authorities and to CBP upon departure from the U.S.

Does It Need to Be Notarized?

Yes. INM and airlines place much greater weight on notarized documents. Our format includes the notarial acknowledgment block ready to go — you just need to take it to any notary public (available at UPS Store, banks, many tax preparation offices).

How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?

The authorization letter at Multi Servicios 360 costs $49. You complete it online with a guided system in Spanish or English, and receive the document ready to sign and notarize — in less than 10 minutes.

No appointment needed, no waiting days, no paying $200+ to an attorney.

→ Prepare your Mexico travel authorization letter now — $49

Final Tip

Don't wait until the day before your flight. Notaries have limited weekend hours. Prepare the document at least one week in advance so you have time to get it notarized comfortably.

If you have any questions about what specific information to include for your situation (divorce, shared custody, grandparents as guardians), contact us — we're here to help.

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