Documents You Need to Travel with Minors Through Latin America in 2026

Planning a trip with minors to Latin America requires more than buying tickets. Each country has its own rules about what documents minors must present at immigration — and if something is missing, they can be detained at the airport or border, regardless of whether you are the parent.

This guide consolidates the requirements of the main Latin American countries so you arrive prepared.

The General Rule That Applies to Almost All Countries

When a minor travels with both parents, generally only the minor's valid passport is required.

When a minor travels with one parent, most countries require:

• •A notarized travel authorization letter from the absent parent
• •Or proof that the absent parent has sole custody
• •Or a death certificate if the other parent is deceased

When a minor travels alone or with non-parent adults, all countries require a travel authorization from both parents.

Country Requirements

Mexico: Travel authorization required if the minor is traveling with one parent or with third parties. Mexican immigration officers actively verify this. Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama: Require notarized authorization from absent parent. Central American countries have strict controls for child trafficking prevention. Colombia: Requires authorization from the absent parent, notarized and apostilled if the child is a resident of another country. Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia: Similar requirements. Peru is particularly strict — authorization must be notarized and may require apostille. Dominican Republic, Venezuela: Require authorization notarized in the country of departure. Argentina, Chile, Uruguay: Generally require notarized authorization. Argentina requires it apostilled if the child is not a resident. Brazil: Requires authorization notarized and apostilled if the absent parent resides outside Brazil.

The Apostille: When Is It Required?

The apostille is an international certification that validates the notary's signature for use in other countries. In California, the Secretary of State issues apostilles.

When you need an apostille:

• •When the destination country explicitly requires it
• •When traveling to countries that require official document verification
• •When there may be doubts about the document's authenticity

How to get an apostille in California:

1. 1.Notarize the authorization with a California notary
2. 2.Send the document to the Secretary of State's office
3. 3.Pay the $20 fee per document
4. 4.Receive the apostilled document (5-15 business days, or same day with rush service)

What the Authorization Letter Must Include

• •Full names of both parents
• •Minor's full name and date of birth
• •Passport numbers of minor and parents
• •Specific travel details (destination, dates, with whom)
• •Clear authorization statement
• •Notary signature and seal
• •Apostille (if required by destination country)

Frequently Asked Questions

If my child is a U.S. citizen traveling to Mexico, do they need authorization? If traveling with both parents, no. With one parent or alone, yes — a notarized authorization from the absent parent. What if I'm a single parent with full custody? Bring the court custody order. Some countries accept this instead of the absent parent's authorization. How long before travel should I prepare these documents? At least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially if you need an apostille (5-15 business days). Does the authorization expire? Most countries accept authorizations issued within the last 6-12 months. Check the specific requirement for your destination. 👉 Prepare My Child's Travel Authorization Letter

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Multi Servicios 360 is a self-help legal document preparation service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify current rules with the embassy of your destination country before traveling.