Also read: New Immigration Law for Minors Traveling to Mexico
Air Travel
All US and Canadian citizens, regardless of age, traveling by air to Mexico are required to present a passport. Find out how to get a passport.
Travel by Land and Sea
US and Canadian citizens aged 16 and over who are entering the United States from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean by land or sea are required to show a passport or alternative WHTI-compliant document such as a passport card. Children up to the age of 15 may present proof of citizenship alone, such as a birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a Canadian citizenship card.
Group Trips
Special provisions have been made under the WHTI to allow US and Canadian school groups, or other organized groups of children aged 19 and under, to enter the US by land with proof of citizenship (birth certificate). The group should be prepared to present a letter on organizational letterhead with information about the group trip including the name of the group, the names of the adults responsible for the children and a list of the names of the children in the group as well as signed permission from the childrens' parents.
Parental Authorization
In order to prevent international child abductions, minors traveling without their parents, or with only one parent, may be asked to present proof that they have their parents' authorization for travel.
- A minor traveling unaccompanied by his or her parents must carry a notarized letter signed by the parents authorizing the travel.
- If only one parent is traveling with the child, they may be asked to show either documents proving they have sole legal custody of the child, or a notarized letter from the other parent authorizing the child to travel outside the country of origin. See an example parental authorization letter.
More frequently asked questions about Mexico travel documents and entry requirements:
