Traveling with Minors from Costa Rica Without Parental Permission: Legal Consequences and How to Prevent Problems

Traveling with Minors from Costa Rica Without Parental Permission: Legal Consequences and How to Prevent Problems

Traveling internationally with children can be an exciting experience, but in Costa Rica, the departure of minors is strictly regulated by law. Leaving the country without the proper authorization can lead to serious legal consequences, delays at the airport, and even judicial intervention. Understanding these rules is essential for parents, guardians, and relatives to avoid unnecessary stress and legal disputes.

At SAP Legal, a leading Costa Rican law firm with over 42 years of experience in family law, we regularly advise both Costa Rican and foreign families on how to comply with exit requirements for minors and prevent costly mistakes.

What Does Costa Rican Law Say About the Exit of Minors?

Costa Rican law prioritizes the best interests of the child. For this reason, any minor under 18 years of age must have authorization to leave the country, unless both parents are traveling together with the child.

Authorization is required in situations such as:

• When only one parent travels with the minor
• When the minor travels with a relative, third party, or school group
• When the minor travels alone

These authorizations are regulated by the Patria Potestad (parental authority) framework and are strictly enforced by Migración y Extranjería (Immigration Authorities).

Legal Consequences of Leaving Without Permission

Attempting to take a minor out of Costa Rica without the required authorization can trigger serious consequences, including:

1. Immediate Travel Denial

Immigration officers have full authority to prevent the minor from leaving the country. Tickets, accommodations, and travel plans may be lost.

2. Judicial Intervention

Authorities may refer the case to Family Court, especially if the situation suggests parental conflict, risk of abduction, or violation of custody arrangements.

3. Criminal Implications

In severe cases, unauthorized removal of a minor may be classified as international parental abduction, which can carry criminal penalties under Costa Rican law and international conventions.

4. Impact on Custody and Visitation Rights

Violating exit regulations can negatively affect future custody or visitation decisions, as courts may interpret the action as acting against the child’s best interests.

Common Situations That Generate Legal Problems

Many legal conflicts arise not from bad intentions, but from lack of information. Common scenarios include:

• Divorced parents assuming consent is implied
• Verbal agreements without legal documentation

• Foreign parents unaware that Costa Rican law applies even if the child holds another                nationality

• Emergency travel without formal authorization

Unfortunately, immigration authorities only recognize formal, legally valid authorizations, not informal agreements.

How to Properly Authorize a Minor’s Exit

Authorization can be granted through:

• Notarial authorization, signed by both parents
• Authorization before the Immigration Department
• Court-issued authorization, when one parent refuses or cannot be located

Each option has specific legal requirements, formats, and timelines. Errors in wording, missing signatures, or improper legalization can render the authorization invalid.

How SAP Legal Helps Prevent Legal Issues

At SAP Legal, we provide comprehensive legal support to ensure that minors can travel legally and safely. Our services include:

• Drafting and reviewing exit authorizations
• Legal representation in family court proceedings
• Assistance in cases involving international parents
• Advice in complex custody or parental authority disputes
• Services in English and Spanish, tailored for expatriates and multinational families

Our extensive experience allows us to anticipate potential issues and resolve them before they escalate into legal conflicts.

Why Legal Advice Is Essential Before Traveling

Family law in Costa Rica is highly procedural. Even small mistakes can result in denied travel or legal exposure. Consulting a specialized family law firm ensures:

• Compliance with Costa Rican regulations
• Protection of parental rights
• Safeguarding the child’s legal and emotional well-being

Final Thoughts

Traveling with minors from Costa Rica requires more than plane tickets and passports—it requires legal certainty. Understanding the law and securing proper authorization protects everyone involved, especially the child.

If you are planning to travel with a minor or facing a dispute regarding exit permissions, early legal guidance can make all the difference.

SAP Legal stands ready to assist you with trusted, experienced, and bilingual family law services in Costa Rica.