Travel Authorization Letter to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Cuba: 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.
Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Cuba represent four distinct destinations in Central America and the Caribbean, each with their particularities for travelers with minors without both parents. Here are the updated requirements for 2026.
Panama
Why is Panama important for Latino families?
Panama is not only a destination for Panamanian families in the United States, but also an important transit hub. Copa Airlines is based at Tocumen International Airport, and many families have layovers in Panama en route to Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and other destinations. If your minor has a layover in Panama — even if they don't leave the airport — it's convenient to have the documentation ready.
What does Panama require?
Panama's Family Code establishes that a Panamanian minor or resident traveling without both parents needs a notarized authorization letter from the absent parent. The National Immigration Service applies this requirement at Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Popular destinations in Panama
- •Panama City — the capital and Panama Canal
- •Colón — port city
- •Chiriquí (David, Boquete) — western zone
- •Bocas del Toro — Panamanian Caribbean
Costa Rica
What does Costa Rica require?
Costa Rica's Code of Children and Adolescence establishes that a Costa Rican minor or country resident traveling without both parents needs notarized authorization from the absent parent.
Popular destinations
- •San José — the capital
- •Guanacaste — Liberia, Pacific beaches
- •Caribbean Coast — Puerto Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo
Nicaragua
What does Nicaragua require?
Nicaragua's Law 287 requires that Nicaraguan minors traveling outside the country without both parents have notarized authorization from the absent parent.
Popular destinations
- •Managua — the capital
- •León and Granada — historic colonial cities
- •Chinandega, Chichigalpa — Pacific north zone (high emigration to U.S.)
Cuba
Cuba's special situation
Cuba has a unique situation in the region. The Cuban-American community, especially in Miami, Tampa, and South Florida, regularly travels to Cuba to visit family. The situation depends on whether the minor has Cuban citizenship and current U.S.-Cuba travel regulations from the Department of the Treasury (OFAC).
Prepare your letter today
Regardless of which of these destinations you visit, a notarized travel authorization letter is your best protection at immigration. At Multi Servicios 360 we prepare it in minutes.
→ Prepare your travel authorization — $49Multi Servicios 360 provides legal documents at affordable prices for Latino families. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.
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