10/21/2026
OUR STATEMENT REGARDING MEXICO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Mexico has approved significant new legislation that could affect families traveling with children under the age of 18.
On October 7, 2026, the Mexican Senate approved changes to the General Tourism Law that will require tourism providers to verify an adult's legal relationship to accompanying minors.
This could affect check-in procedures at resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, tours, rental cars, transfers, and other tourism services once the legislation takes effect.
⚠️ WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Failure to provide acceptable documentation under the new requirements could result in denied services.
At Destinations Select, we're encouraging families to prepare additional documentation before traveling.
📋 OUR RECOMMENDED DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
👨👩👧 CHILD TRAVELING WITH BOTH PARENTS
✅ Child's valid passport
✅ Original or certified copy of the child's birth certificate showing the parents' names
✅ Copies of both parents' photo IDs or passports (recommended)
👩👧 CHILD TRAVELING WITH ONLY ONE PARENT
✅ Child's valid passport
✅ Original or certified birth certificate
✅ Notarized travel consent letter from the non-traveling parent (strongly recommended when applicable)
✅ Custody or guardianship documentation, if applicable
👵 CHILD TRAVELING WITH GRANDPARENTS, RELATIVES, FRIENDS, OR GROUP LEADERS
✅ Child's valid passport
✅ Original or certified birth certificate
✅ Notarized travel authorization signed by both parents or appropriate legal guardians
✅ Supporting documentation establishing the adult's relationship or legal authority, where applicable
✅ Emergency contact information for parents or guardians
✅ Medical authorization for emergencies (recommended)
⚖️ DIVORCE, SOLE CUSTODY, OR LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP
✅ Applicable court orders establishing custody or travel authority
✅ Official guardianship or adoption documentation
✅ Death certificate if a parent is deceased and documentation is relevant
✅ Notarized travel consent when required by the custody arrangement or applicable travel rules
IMPORTANT: Documentation requirements can vary based on the child's citizenship, custody circumstances, and accompanying adults. A consent letter alone may not satisfy every verification requirement.
📅 WHEN DOES THIS TAKE EFFECT?
The legislation was approved by the Mexican Senate on October 7, 2026, and referred to the executive branch. Its official effective date and final documentation procedures have not yet been confirmed.
OUR ADVICE: PREPARE BEFORE YOU DEPART.
Don't assume that having a passport automatically provides sufficient proof of your relationship to a child.
Contact your Travel Concierge before departure to verify the documentation applicable to your family.
-THE TEAM @ DS
