The authorization for minors to travel out of Guatemala is one of the most commonly needed immigration documents in the country, and one that catches many families off guard. Under Article 61 of Guatemala’s Codigo de Migracion (Migration Code), no person under 18 years old can leave Guatemalan territory without the documented consent of both parents or legal guardians. This rule is enforced at every airport, land border crossing, and seaport by IGM officers, and there are no exceptions.

This requirement exists to protect children from unauthorized removal from the country, which can be a concern in custody disputes and child trafficking prevention. It applies to all minors departing Guatemala, whether they are Guatemalan citizens, foreign nationals, or dual citizens. Even if both parents are present at the airport, IGM may ask for proof of parental relationship (birth certificate) if the last names do not match.

For the large Guatemalan diaspora in the United States, this document is critically important. Many children travel between the US and Guatemala to visit family, and the parent remaining abroad must provide written authorization for the child to leave Guatemala when the visit ends. The good news is that Guatemalan consulates in the US can process this authorization free of charge, acting in their capacity as notarial officers.

Quick summary: Both parents must authorize a minor’s departure from Guatemala. Authorization can be done at a notary in Guatemala or a Guatemalan consulate abroad (free). Without it, the child cannot leave the country. Processing takes 1-3 days.

Information verified March 2026.

When Is Authorization Required?

Scenario What You Need
Child travels with both parents Birth certificate proving parentage
Child travels with one parent Written authorization from the absent parent (legalized signature)
Child travels with a third party (grandparent, aunt, etc.) Written authorization from BOTH parents (legalized signatures)
Child travels alone Written authorization from BOTH parents + additional IGM requirements

Requirements

  • DPI or passport of both parents (originals and copies)
  • Valid passport of the minor
  • Recent birth certificate from RENAP (certifying parentage)
  • Written authorization with legalized signature(s) of the authorizing parent(s)
  • If via consulate: parent’s DPI or passport and proof of identity

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine the travel scenario — is the child traveling with one parent, a relative, or alone?
  2. If the authorizing parent is in Guatemala, visit a notary (notario) to draft and legalize the authorization document
  3. If the authorizing parent is abroad, visit the nearest Guatemalan consulate to grant the authorization (free of charge)
  4. Include all required details in the authorization: minor’s full name, passport number, travel dates, destination, and identity of the accompanying adult
  5. If granted at a consulate, the signed document is sent to Guatemala (original document preferred)
  6. Present the authorization at the immigration checkpoint when departing Guatemala along with the minor’s passport and birth certificate

From the US (Diaspora Info)

This is one of the most critical tramites for Guatemalan families in the United States. Here is what you need to know:

  • Consulate processing is FREE — the consulate acts as a notary at no cost for minor travel authorizations
  • You can process this at any Guatemalan consulate in the US (Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, Washington DC, and others)
  • Appointments may be required — check your local consulate’s website or call ahead
  • The original authorization must reach Guatemala — send it via certified mail or courier (FedEx, DHL) to the custodial parent or guardian in Guatemala
  • Plan ahead — do not wait until the last minute. Allow at least 1-2 weeks for the document to be processed at the consulate and shipped to Guatemala
  • Mobile consulates periodically visit cities with large Guatemalan communities and can also process these authorizations
  • Find your consulate: minex.gob.gt/consulados

What If a Parent Cannot Be Found?

If one parent is absent, deceased, has abandoned the family, or refuses to grant authorization, the custodial parent must:

  1. File a petition with a Juzgado de Familia (Family Court) requesting judicial authorization for the minor’s travel
  2. Provide evidence of the situation (death certificate, court orders, proof of attempts to contact the absent parent)
  3. The judge issues a judicial order authorizing the minor’s departure
  4. This process takes 2-4 weeks and may require a lawyer

For cases involving a parent who actively refuses to sign, the court process may take longer as the judge must hear both sides.

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • Do NOT arrive at the airport without this document. IGM officers will turn you away, and there is no way to resolve it on the spot. No amount of arguing or explaining will override this legal requirement.
  • Carry the original birth certificate. A photocopy is not sufficient. Get a recent certified copy from RENAP if yours is old or damaged.
  • Include specific travel dates and destinations in the authorization. Vague authorizations (“for any trip at any time”) may be questioned by IGM officers. Be specific.
  • If you are a single parent with sole custody, carry the court order proving sole custody in addition to the birth certificate. This eliminates the need for the other parent’s authorization.
  • Dual-citizen children need the same documentation. Even if the child has a US passport, departing from Guatemala requires Guatemalan immigration compliance.