Guatemala: Exit Permits for Minors Now Required

The Guatemalan Immigration Institute has implemented stricter requirements for Guatemalan and resident minors traveling with one or no parents, effective immediately. Children who are Guatemalan nationals or who hold either a temporary or definite residence card and are traveling out of Guatemala with only one parent/legal guardian or a third party must now have an exit permit issued by the Guatemalan Immigration Institute. Previously, a signed authorization letter issued by the non-traveling parents sufficed. An exit permit is not required if the traveling parent has sole legal guardianship of the minor. To obtain an exit permit, both parents (or legal guardian if applicable) must submit documentation proving the relationship with the minor and a signed and authenticated authorization letter to the Immigration Institute, among other identification documentation. If the authorization letter is signed outside Guatemala, it must also be apostilled/legalized. Non-resident children traveling out of Guatemala unaccompanied by either parent must show documentation that authorized their exit from their country of origin or residence.