Traveling with minors

Requirements for minors depend on the type of flight and who they travel with. For domestic flights, the child’s ID is enough; to leave Mexico without both parents, a permit from the National Migration Institute (INM) is also required.

Domestic flight

Birth certificate, CURP, passport or school or health ID, in original.

International flight

The minor’s valid passport.

Without both parents

INM SAM form to leave the country.

Domestic flights

The minor must present one of these documents in original: birth certificate, CURP, passport or IMSS or ISSSTE card. The accompanying adult presents their own official ID.

Leaving Mexico: SAM form

Mexican children and teenagers, or foreign minors residing in Mexico, who leave the country alone, with only one parent or with a third party need the INM Minors’ Exit Form (SAM).

It is free.
It is filled out online and presented to the INM for stamping.
It is valid for a single trip within the following six months.
It is presented with the original and three copies of the minor’s passport and birth certificate.

The SAM form must be signed by both parents or by whoever holds parental authority. Process it in advance: without it, the airline or the INM may prevent boarding.

Unaccompanied minors

Airlines offer an escort service at an additional cost. On Volaris it is mandatory from ages 5 to 12 and optional from 13 to 17. Each airline has its own rules on ages, routes and permitted connections; check them when buying the ticket.

Infants

Children under 2 may travel on an adult’s lap with an infant ticket.
They are exempt from the airport fee (TUA).
You may carry breast milk, formula and baby food in quantities over 100 ml.