Good to know · Legal
Papers for a child traveling with one parent or a guardian
The Los Ángeles consulate says a child traveling with both parents needs no extra document; with one parent, bring the other parent’s authorization or proof of full custody; a guardian brings proof of guardianship.
- Why it matters
- One-parent trips are common after a separation, and the consulate’s rule is easy to miss until the appointment.
- When
- A child under 18 will apply for or travel on a visa with one parent or with a guardian.
- Official page
- Visado de residencia no lucrativa
- Last checked
- 23 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 4 steps, what to bring (4 items), and 2 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
For minors who travel with only one of the parents with joint custody, the non-traveling parent must provide a copy of their ID with a notarized authorization legalized with the Apostille of the Hague (Houston).