Any person under the age of 18 must travel with their own valid passport, whether German, Mexican, or of another nationality, as well as with the visa or residence permit required by the destination country, if applicable.

When a minor does not travel accompanied by all persons who hold custody or parental authority, it is recommended to carry a written consent declaration from those who are not traveling, preferably with signatures certified by a notary public or another competent authority.

Airlines operating flights between Germany and Mexico may impose additional requirements (special forms for unaccompanied minors, authorization letters, copies of documents, etc.). Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the airline prior to travel.

It is recommended that the minor carry a travel authorization signed by the persons exercising custody or parental authority, stating:

• Explicit authorization to travel to Mexico.
• Planned departure and return dates.
• Travel itinerary (flights, destination city).
• Contact details of the responsible persons in Mexico and in Germany.

It is advisable that the signatures of the authorizing persons be notarized in Germany.

For presentation to Mexican authorities, it is recommended that this authorization bear an apostille and, if applicable, a translation into Spanish.

Additionally, the airline may require completion of internal forms for unaccompanied minors, which must be arranged directly with the airline.

In addition to the child’s travel documents (passport and, if applicable, visa), it is recommended that the accompanying parent carry a written authorization from the other parent who holds custody or parental authority, consenting to the trip to Mexico.

It is suggested that the signature of the non-traveling parent be certified by a notary public or another competent authority and that a copy of their identification document be attached.

If only one parent holds sole custody or parental authority, it is recommended to carry a copy of the court ruling, record, or official document proving this, in order to justify the absence of consent from the other parent.

When a child travels accompanied by an adult other than their parents or legal guardians, it is recommended to have a travel authorization signed by all holders of custody or parental authority.

The document should:

• Clearly identify the minor.
• Identify the accompanying adult and their relationship to the minor.
• Specify authorization to travel to Mexico, including travel dates and purpose.

It is recommended that the authorization be notarized, apostilled for use in Mexico, and, if necessary, translated into Spanish.

Children and adolescents of Mexican nationality must enter Mexico with a valid Mexican passport.

In cases of dual nationality, it is recommended to carry both passports; however, Mexican authorities may require the use of the Mexican passport to enter or leave Mexico.

If a Mexican child or a foreign child residing in Mexico subsequently leaves Mexico without both parents or guardians (e.g., return trip to Germany or another country), Mexican regulations on the departure of minors will apply (see Section III below).

Minors of German or other nationalities must comply with Mexico’s general immigration entry requirements, depending on their nationality and the purpose of travel (tourism, family visit, residence, etc.).

In general, a valid passport is required (with minimum validity covering at least the intended length of stay in Mexico) and, if applicable, a visa or immigration authorization in accordance with Mexican regulations.

When a foreign minor enters Mexico alone or accompanied by third parties, Mexican authorities may require authorization from the parents or custody holders, particularly to rule out cases of child abduction. For this reason, it is prudent to carry an authorization letter that is apostilled and, if applicable, translated into Spanish.

At immigration checkpoints, authorities may request documents proving the relationship between the minor and the accompanying persons (e.g., birth certificate, family record book, or equivalent documents).

In cases of doubt regarding custody, guardianship, or travel authorization, immigration authorities may conduct interviews or request additional documentation.

The presentation of clear, apostilled, and translated authorizations, where applicable, facilitates and expedites immigration control.

For minors of Mexican nationality, as well as foreign minors residing in Mexico, who leave the country alone or accompanied by an adult third party other than those exercising parental authority or guardianship, it is mandatory to have the Exit Authorization Form issued by the INM (also known as SAM).

This form must be signed by the persons exercising parental authority or guardianship and be accompanied by copies of their official identification documents.

The form must be presented to the INM at the time of departure together with the minor’s passport and, where applicable, their immigration documentation.

Mexican minors or foreign minors residing in Mexico who travel without an accompanying adult must have the duly completed and signed INM exit authorization form.

Additionally, airlines may require their own forms and conditions for unaccompanied minors.

When a child leaves Mexico accompanied by only one parent, the INM may require the exit authorization form or equivalent documentation proving the consent of the non-traveling parent.

It is recommended that the absent parent provide a written authorization with a notarized or officially certified signature.

If there is a court ruling granting sole custody or parental authority, it is advisable to carry a copy of such ruling to present to immigration authorities if necessary.

If a Mexican minor or a foreign minor residing in Mexico travels accompanied by a person other than their parents or legal guardians (grandparents, relatives, friends, etc.), it is mandatory to have the express authorization of those exercising parental authority or guardianship, generally through the form issued by the National Immigration Institute (INM).

The accompanying person must be clearly identified in the document and must match the data presented at the immigration checkpoint.

1. Valid passport of the minor.
2. Appropriate Schengen visa or residence permit, depending on the child’s situation.
3. Documents proving filiation and/or custody, where relevant (birth certificate, court rulings, etc.). 

It is recommended to carry a consent declaration signed by those exercising custody or parental authority, authorizing the child’s entry into Germany and detailing the trip and contact information.

It is suggested that this declaration be notarized or officially certified and, if possible, translated into German or English.

The accompanying parent should ideally carry an authorization from the other parent with parental authority, with a certified signature, expressly consenting to the trip.

If sole custody exists, it is recommended to carry a copy of the ruling or document proving this.

When a child enters Germany accompanied by an adult third party, it is recommended to present a consent declaration from those exercising parental authority or guardianship, clearly identifying the accompanying person and the purpose of the trip.

It is advisable that the declaration be notarized and translated into German or English.

Minor’s details

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Nationality(ies)
• Passport number(s) and type(s)

Details of persons exercising parental authority, custody, or guardianship

• Full names
• Addresses
• Telephone numbers and email addresses
• Identification or passport numbers

Travel details

• Destination country/countries (Mexico and/or Germany)
• Approximate departure and return dates
• Flight number(s), airline(s), and stopover cities, if known
• Purpose of travel (tourism, family visit, studies, etc.)

Accompanying person (where applicable)

• Full name
• Relationship to the minor (relative, trusted person, etc.)
• Passport or identification number
• Contact details

Formalities

• Place and date of signature
• Signature(s) of the authorizing person(s)
• Notarization or certification by a competent authority, depending on the country of issuance
• Hague Apostille for use in the other country, where applicable
• Official translation (e.g., into Spanish, German, or English), when the language of the document does not match that of the destination country

Always verify, prior to travel, the specific airline requirements regarding the transport of minors (unaccompanied minors, accompaniment by third parties, age limits, internal forms, etc.).

Consult well in advance the current regulations of Mexico’s National Immigration Institute (INM) and the competent German authorities regarding the entry and exit of minors.

Keep copies of all relevant documentation (passports, birth certificates, court rulings, authorizations, identification documents) throughout the entire journey.

In case of doubt, contact the Embassy of Mexico in Germany or the Mexican consulates within German territory for general and up-to-date guidance.