My child was born in Costa Rica. Does that matter?

Yes. The State Department says every child born in Costa Rica is a Costa Rican citizen, and Costa Rican children, including dual nationals, need an exit permit to leave.

Does Mexico's SAM form apply to my US-Mexican child?

Mexican consular guidance says the SAM applies when a child who lives in Mexico leaves alone or with an adult who is not their parent, and that it is not needed when the child travels with one parent. Separately, the State Department says Mexican minors, including dual US citizens, need notarized permission from a parent to travel without that parent.

Does Costa Rica's exit permit apply if my child uses a US passport?

The exit permit applies to Costa Rican children even if they hold dual nationality. Ask the Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.

Home › Guides › Dual citizens

Dual Citizen Kids: Exit Permits and Permission Rules Abroad

By Tanika Hall · Rules checked against official sources on 20 October 2026

The short answer: a child who is also a citizen of the country you are visiting can be treated as that country's national when leaving. Mexico and Costa Rica have rules that apply to dual US citizens, and the Dominican Republic's rule can apply to Dominican children. Check before you book.

Mexico

The State Department says all Mexican minors, including dual US citizens, must have notarized, written permission from a parent or guardian to travel without that parent or guardian. Mexico's SAM exit form is for children who live in Mexico and leave alone or with a third party, and it is not needed when a child travels with one parent.

Costa Rica

Costa Rican children, even if they hold dual nationality, need an exit permit to leave the country, and the State Department says this is strictly enforced. Every child born in Costa Rica is a Costa Rican citizen.

Dominican Republic

The State Department says the certification is required for all Dominican citizen children leaving without one or both parents, so a dual national should check with Dominican migration before booking.

Spain

Spain's travel declaration is for Spanish children, including dual US-Spanish children according to the State Department, who travel with neither parent. It does not apply when a parent is on the trip.

Sources: US State Department: Mexico · Consulate of Mexico in Montreal: SAM · Costa Rica DGME: exit permits · US State Department: Costa Rica · Dominican migration: child departure · Spanish Ministry of the Interior · US State Department: Dominican Republic · Embassy of Mexico: minors traveling

Common questions

My child was born in Costa Rica. Does that matter?: Yes. The State Department says every child born in Costa Rica is a Costa Rican citizen, and Costa Rican children, including dual nationals, need an exit permit to leave.
Does Mexico's SAM form apply to my US-Mexican child?: Mexican consular guidance says the SAM applies when a child who lives in Mexico leaves alone or with an adult who is not their parent, and that it is not needed when the child travels with one parent. Separately, the State Department says Mexican minors, including dual US citizens, need notarized permission from a parent to travel without that parent.
Does Costa Rica's exit permit apply if my child uses a US passport?: The exit permit applies to Costa Rican children even if they hold dual nationality. Ask the Costa Rican embassy or consulate before you travel.

Want the letters ready to fill in? The Child Travel Consent Kit has Letter A for one parent traveling, Letter B for a grandparent, relative or friend, a notarization checklist and notes for ten destinations. Get the kit for $14.

Related guides

This guide explains what official sources say. It is not legal advice, and border officers apply the rules on the day. Check the linked source and your airline's own rules before you fly, and talk to a family law attorney if there is a custody order or a dispute.