Do children need their own passports for Mexico and the Caribbean?

Yes, all travelers regardless of age need their own valid passport for international travel. Children cannot be included on parent passports anymore.

What if my child's other parent won't provide consent for travel?

You'll need legal documentation like sole custody papers or a court order allowing travel. Consult an attorney if you're in this situation, as requirements vary by destination.

Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?

Only if you're traveling by land or sea. Passport cards aren't valid for air travel to Mexico or the Caribbean. Get the book if you're flying.

How long are tourist cards valid in Mexico?

Mexico issues tourist cards (FMM) for up to 180 days, but immigration officers decide the actual length at entry. Keep this card with your passport - you'll need it to exit Mexico.

What happens if we lose documents while traveling?

Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate immediately. Having backup copies and photos speeds up replacement. Emergency passports typically take 2-3 business days to issue.

How to Handle Documents for Family Travel to Mexico and the Caribbean

Family travel to Mexico and the Caribbean requires valid passports for all travelers, birth certificates for minors, notarized consent letters if one parent isn't traveling, and potentially visas depending on your destination and nationality. Start the document process 3-4 months before travel since children's first passports take longer.

Check passport validity for all family members. Ensure all passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Mexico requires 6 months validity, most Caribbean islands require 3-6 months. Children's passports expire after 5 years, adult passports after 10 years.
Apply for missing or expired passports immediately. First-time child passports take 6-8 weeks for routine processing, 2-3 weeks expedited. Both parents must appear in person with the child. Bring certified birth certificate, photo ID for parents, passport photo for child, and Form DS-11.
Gather birth certificates for all minors. Bring certified copies of birth certificates for children under 18, even if they have passports. Some countries require these at entry. Order official copies from vital records office if you don't have them.
Prepare consent documentation for single-parent travel. If one parent isn't traveling, get a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. Include child's full name, travel dates, destinations, traveling parent's contact info, and non-traveling parent's signature. Some countries require specific forms.
Research visa requirements by destination. Mexico doesn't require visas for US citizens staying under 180 days. Most Caribbean islands allow visa-free entry for US citizens for 30-90 days. Check each specific island's requirements as they vary significantly.
Organize your document stack. Keep passports together in a family passport holder. Make copies of all documents and store separately. Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself as backup.

Do children need their own passports for Mexico and the Caribbean?: Yes, all travelers regardless of age need their own valid passport for international travel. Children cannot be included on parent passports anymore.
What if my child's other parent won't provide consent for travel?: You'll need legal documentation like sole custody papers or a court order allowing travel. Consult an attorney if you're in this situation, as requirements vary by destination.
Can I use a passport card instead of a passport book?: Only if you're traveling by land or sea. Passport cards aren't valid for air travel to Mexico or the Caribbean. Get the book if you're flying.
How long are tourist cards valid in Mexico?: Mexico issues tourist cards (FMM) for up to 180 days, but immigration officers decide the actual length at entry. Keep this card with your passport - you'll need it to exit Mexico.
What happens if we lose documents while traveling?: Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate immediately. Having backup copies and photos speeds up replacement. Emergency passports typically take 2-3 business days to issue.