Traveling To Mexico? Newborn Passport Requirements Explained

If you're planning a trip to Mexico with your newborn, you may be wondering about the passport requirements for infants. The good news is, if you're travelling by land or sea, your baby does not need a passport and can enter Mexico with a birth certificate. However, if you're flying to Mexico, a valid passport is required for everyone, regardless of age. So, if you're planning to take your newborn on a plane to Mexico, make sure to allow enough time to get their passport processed before your trip.

Flying to Mexico with a newborn

Passports and Documentation

Firstly, it is important to note that all passengers, regardless of age, must have a valid passport when flying internationally. This is a requirement of international air travel guidelines. So, if you are flying to Mexico with your newborn, they will need a valid passport. This means that their passport must be:

• Valid at the time of entry
• In good condition
• Not reported lost or stolen
• Have at least one blank page per stamp

Additionally, you may need to provide other documents, such as:

• A valid visa for the purpose of your stay
• Travel insurance
• Prescriptions for any medication

It is recommended to check with your airline for specific requirements and advice.

Travelling by Land or Sea

If you are travelling to Mexico by land or sea, a passport is not required for your newborn. In this case, they can use their birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, citizenship certificate, or a trusted traveller card. However, it is important to note that you will need to register your entry as soon as possible and carry supporting documentation to prove your relationship with the child.

Other Considerations

• Bring everything you need for feeding your baby, including bottles, formula, and cleaning supplies. The variety of formula available in Mexico may be limited, so it is best to bring your own supply.
• Pack your own sunscreen and lightweight clothing to protect your baby from the sun.
• Bring a fold-up travel stroller or baby carrier instead of a standard car seat stroller, as it will be more convenient for navigating cobblestone streets and taxis.
• Take advantage of baby equipment rentals to save space and hassle.
• Prepare a bag of entertainment for your toddler, such as magnetic puzzles or colouring books.

Land and sea travel to Mexico without a passport

When it comes to travelling to Mexico without a passport, the requirements and restrictions vary depending on the mode of transportation and the traveller's age. Here is a detailed guide for land and sea travel to Mexico without a passport:

Land Travel:

It is possible to enter Mexico by land without a passport, especially when crossing at border towns. U.S. citizens, including children, can use alternative forms of identification, such as a birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, citizenship certificate, or a trusted traveller card. However, it is important to note that while Mexican authorities may not always enforce passport requirements at the border, official recommendations and U.S. regulations advise carrying a passport for identification.

When returning to the U.S. by land, children under the age of 16 can present alternative documents such as their birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalisation certificate. However, it is important to carry supporting documentation to prove the relationship with the child, and adults should be prepared for additional questioning and possible delays during the border crossing.

Sea Travel:

For sea travel, the requirements depend on the type of cruise. For closed-loop cruises that start and end at U.S. ports, children may not need a passport and can use alternative forms of identification, similar to land travel. However, for standard cruises that include non-U.S. ports, all passengers, including infants, are typically required to have valid passports and visas, if necessary, for entry and exit from foreign ports.

It is important to note that while some forms of sea and land travel to Mexico may not strictly require a passport, having a valid passport can provide advantages. It allows for more travel options, including international flights, and can be crucial for emergency evacuation or unexpected travel changes. Additionally, it is always good to carry proper identification when travelling internationally to avoid potential issues or delays.

Documentation for a newborn to travel to Mexico

The documentation required for a newborn to travel to Mexico depends on the mode of transport and the newborn's nationality. Here is a breakdown of the requirements:

Air Travel

If you are travelling to Mexico by air, your newborn will need a valid passport book. This is a requirement for international air travel, and your child will not be allowed on board without it. The passport must be valid at the time of entry and have at least one blank page for stamps. It should also be in good condition, with no damage or alterations, and it must not be reported lost or stolen.

Land or Sea Travel

If you are entering Mexico by land or sea, a passport is not required for your newborn. However, they will need to present certain other documents at the border. For US citizens, these documents include:

• A birth certificate
• A naturalization certificate
• A citizenship certificate

It is important to note that while a passport is not required for land or sea entry, it is highly recommended. A passport will allow for greater flexibility during your trip, as it may be needed for certain activities or in case of an emergency that requires air travel back to your home country.

Cruises

The documentation required for a newborn to travel to Mexico by cruise depends on the type of cruise.

Closed-Loop Cruises

Closed-loop cruises begin and end at the same US port, and your newborn can travel on one of these cruises without a passport. Instead, they can present the following documents:

• A birth certificate
• A naturalization certificate
• A citizenship certificate
• A trusted traveller card

Standard Cruises

Standard cruises that begin or end at a non-US port will require a valid passport book for your newborn, along with any necessary visas. The passport must meet the validity requirements of the foreign ports and have enough visa pages for all destinations. It should also be in good condition and not reported lost or stolen.

Additional Considerations

When travelling with a newborn, it is important to carry all necessary documentation with you and not pack it in your luggage. If only one parent is travelling with the child, it is recommended to carry a consent letter from the other parent to avoid any concerns about child abduction or trafficking. This letter should include contact information for the parent and a statement of consent.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of other travel requirements when entering Mexico, such as proof of vaccination, travel insurance, and any necessary visas or entry forms. These requirements may vary depending on your nationality, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your country.

Applying for a passport for a newborn

If you are planning to travel to Mexico with your newborn, you may need to apply for their first passport. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Fill Out Form DS-11

Use the Form Filler tool to complete Form DS-11 on a desktop or laptop. Remember not to sign the form until asked to do so by a passport acceptance agent or employee. You can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both. If you require more visa pages, you can request a larger passport book at no extra cost by checking the 'large book' box on the form.

Step 2: Evidence of U.S. Citizenship and Parental Relationship

You will need to provide evidence of your newborn's U.S. citizenship. This can be their U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a Certificate of Citizenship, or an undamaged U.S. passport. Please note that the birth certificate must be issued by the city, county, or state of birth and include the child's full name, date of birth, place of birth, parent(s)' full names, the date filed with the registrar's office (within one year of birth), the registrar's signature, and the official seal or stamp.

Additionally, you must also provide a document that establishes your relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, or divorce or custody decree. If your name is different from what appears on the relationship document, submit proof of your legal name change.

Step 3: Parental Consent

Both parents or guardians must approve the issuance of the passport and accompany the child when applying in person. If one or both parents or guardians cannot be present, additional documentation is required. In the case of sole legal custody or if one parent cannot be present, you will need to submit relevant documents such as a court order, birth certificate, or death certificate.

Step 4: Photo Identification

Both parents or guardians must bring physical photo IDs, such as a valid or expired U.S. passport, driver's license, Certificate of Naturalization, military ID, or government employee ID. If the photo ID is from a different state than the application state, a second form of ID is required.

Step 5: Additional Documents

If neither parent can be present during the application, a Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) must be signed and notarized, and a photocopy of the photo ID provided to the notary public must be submitted. If only one parent has sole custody or if one parent is unavailable (e.g., deceased), additional documents such as court orders or death certificates must be provided.

Step 6: Photograph

You will need to provide one photograph of your child that meets the passport photo requirements. Do not attach or staple the photo to the form.

Step 7: Fees and Payment

When applying using Form DS-11, you will need to pay two fees: the application fee to the U.S. Department of State and the execution (acceptance) fee to the facility that takes your application. You can choose to pay for expedited service and/or faster shipping of the completed passport.

Step 8: Find a Location to Apply

If you are not travelling within the next 3 weeks, you can make an appointment at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office or local government office. If your travel date is less than 3 weeks away, make an appointment at a passport agency or center.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your newborn's passport application is complete and processed efficiently, allowing you to travel to Mexico with all the necessary documentation.

Travelling to Mexico with a newborn – tips

Documentation

If you are travelling by air, your newborn will need a passport to enter Mexico. If you are travelling by land or sea, a birth certificate will suffice.

Feeding

If you are breastfeeding, remember to feed your baby during takeoff and landing to help them release the pressure in their ears. If you are bottle-feeding, you may want to bring a pacifier to help with this.

Bring everything you need for feeding your baby, including bottles, formula, and supplies for cleaning bottles on the go. The variety of formula brands available in Mexico is limited, and switching formulas could upset your baby's stomach.

Travel equipment

Bring a fold-up travel stroller and/or baby carrier, rather than a standard car seat stroller. A baby carrier will allow you to go hiking or stroll along the beach. If you are staying in a resort, you can usually order transport with a car seat installed. If you are renting a car, bring your own car seat.

Take advantage of baby equipment rentals, such as cribs, strollers, and high chairs, to save you the hassle of packing bulky items.

Entertainment

Prepare a bag of goodies to keep your baby entertained on the plane, such as a magnetic puzzle, a travel colouring book, or search-and-find books.

Health and safety

Pack your own sunscreen, as well as lightweight clothing, a sun hat, and baby sunglasses to protect your baby from the strong Mexican sun.

Use a mosquito net for the baby carrier, and apply bug spray with DEET for babies two months and older.

Bring a flashlight for nighttime walks on the beach or to restaurants, as there are no sidewalks in many Mexican towns.

Dining

Bring your own harness or portable high chair if you think you will need one, as high chairs in restaurants can be hit or miss.

Frequently asked questions