Exit Permit for Minors in Costa Rica

Under Costa Rican law, certain minors must obtain a Permiso de Salida de Menores (Exit Permit for Minors) before leaving the country. This authorization ensures that any child covered by the requirement is traveling with the express consent of their parents or legal guardians, serving as a safeguard against unlawful removal, abduction, or trafficking.

Costa Rica is a signatory to multiple international conventions and treaties aimed at protecting children’s rights. In compliance with these obligations, the country has adopted strict measures regulating a minor’s departure from its territory, placing child welfare at the center of its immigration controls.

Who Must Obtain a Minor’s Exit Permit?

According to the rules in effect at the time of this 2019 publication, the following minors must secure an exit permit before leaving Costa Rica:

• Costa Rican citizens, whether sole or dual nationals

• Temporary residents

• Permanent residents

• Student visa holders

• Refugees

• Asylees

• Stateless persons

All of the above categories fall under the authority of Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), which is responsible for regulating a minor’s lawful departure from the country.

The exit permit functions as the official authorization granted by the parents or legal guardians, specifying who is permitted to accompany the child during international travel.

Legal Framework Governing Minor Travel

Costa Rica’s Código de la Niñez y la Adolescencia (Law No. 7739) establishes that Immigration authorities are responsible for controlling the departure of minors from the country. To fulfill this mandate, DGME maintains a registry of authorizations and travel restrictions issued by individuals who hold:

• Parental authority

• Legal custody

• The legal duty to protect, represent, and administer the minor’s interests and property

This framework allows Immigration to verify, in real time, whether a minor is authorized to travel and under what conditions, ensuring that departures occur in compliance with Costa Rican law.

Types of Minor Exit Permits

Parents or legal guardians may request one of two types of exit permits:

Temporary Exit Permit

• Valid for 30 calendar days

• Authorizes travel only within a specific timeframe

• Commonly used for short trips or one-time travel

Permanent Exit Permit

• Valid indefinitely

• Allows the minor to leave Costa Rica at any time with the authorized individuals

• Particularly useful for families who travel frequently

Both types of permits may be modified or revoked at any time at the request of the parents or legal guardian.

Practical Considerations for Expat Families

For expatriate families residing in Costa Rica, obtaining the exit permit shortly after a minor acquires legal status is strongly recommended. Once a child obtains temporary or permanent residency, the exit permit becomes mandatory.

Waiting until just before a planned trip—especially during peak travel seasons—can lead to delays, missed flights, or the inability to travel altogether.

Where and How to Request the Exit Permit

As of 2019, exit permits must be processed by appointment only at the offices of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).

Requesting the Permit at the Airport

In limited situations, when both parents are traveling with the minor, it may be possible to complete the authorization process at the airport prior to departure. However, this option carries notable risks.

Families choosing this alternative should be aware that they must:

• Arrive at the airport at least one additional hour earlier than normal

• Present all required documentation, including:

  • Passports

  • DIMEX cards

  • Birth certificates

  • Certified translations, if applicable

Airport processing is dependent on system availability. If the system is down or any required document is missing or incomplete, the minor will not be allowed to depart. For this reason, Immigration authorities strongly encourage completing the process in advance at DGME offices.

Why Costa Rica Enforces Strict Controls on Minor Travel

Costa Rica’s approach reflects a broader commitment to protecting children’s rights and personal safety. Exit permit requirements ensure that no child leaves the country without verifiable parental or guardian consent.

Although some foreign nationals may find these procedures more stringent than those in other jurisdictions, they are consistent with Costa Rica’s obligations under international child protection treaties and domestic law.

These measures seek to balance a minor’s freedom of movement with the State’s responsibility to prevent situations that could endanger a child’s well-being.

Final Considerations

Minor exit permits require advance planning and careful documentation, but they play a critical protective role within Costa Rica’s legal system. Understanding the applicable rules and securing the necessary authorization ahead of time allows families to travel with confidence and avoid last-minute complications.

Feel free to reach us with your questions or comments.