Travel Permits For Minors – All You Ever Wanted To Ask

Introduction:

Uruguay has a strict legal regime to prevent children being abducted by a parent or third parties without permission. The regime frequently causes problems for foreigners who are not familiar with such controls and also not infrequently for Uruguayans who are unfamiliar with the process and do not know what documents are required and when.

Who needs a travel permit?

The law states that all minors (under 18)

Of Uruguayan nationality OR Foreigners with permanent residence granted or applied for OR Who have been living in the country for a year or more must get a permit to travel abroad unless they are travelling with both parents. Note though that in this last case the parents must get a fresh copy of the minor's birth certificate as registered at the Uruguayan Civil Registry (a process which itself takes about 30 days), in order to show that the child really is theirs. The copy must be less than 30 days old to be valid.

General Requirements:

Book a date to apply via the tramites.gub.uy website Get a new copy of the child's birth certificate (less than 30 days old). Valid ID cards or passports of both parents and the minor in a good state of repair (NB: the Immigration Office are getting very difficult about the state of repair of the old style ID cards) If minor is using a foreign passport issued in Uruguay, this must also be presented. Child travelling without either parent:

Both parents must personally attend at the Immigration office and sign the permit.

Child travelling with one parent:

Only the parent not travelling must attend at the Immigration Office, but both parents' ID must be shown and that of the minor.

Child whose parents are deceased:

A special authorization from a Judge will be needed.

Child with one deceased parent:

The surviving parent must attend and have a copy of the death certificate of the other parent.

Child with a guardian:

A permit is not needed to travel with the guardian. If not travelling with the guardian, the guardian will have to attend and take a certified copy of their appointment.

Adopted children:

The adopting parents must attend and take an updated birth...