What do children need in order to travel?

The requirements for children travelling are more specific than for adults, especially when they travel without both parents. Below is what is needed in each case.

1. Travel documents for children

Children need one of the following, depending on the destination:

Within the EU / Schengen

• A passport, or
• A new-format ID card (with Latin characters, where one has been issued)

Outside the EU

• A passport is mandatory (Most countries do not accept an ID card.)

For the United Kingdom, every child, infants included, also needs their own ETA. See what you need to know before travelling to the United Kingdom.

• A family record book is not a travel document.

2. Infants and young children (0 to 2 years)

• They need a passport, whatever the destination.
• Infants cannot travel on an ID card.

3. When the child travels without one or both parents

Official written consent with a certified signature is required from:

• The parent who is not travelling, or
• Both parents, if the child is travelling with a third party (a relative, a chaperone, a school trip)

Border authorities and airlines can ask for this document before allowing departure.

4. What else may be needed

Depending on the country:

• A completed entry form or parental declaration
• A visa, if the destination requires one (outside the EU)

Always check the official guidance of the destination country or the airline.

Important

• All documents must be valid on the day of travel.
• Many countries outside the EU require a passport valid for 3 to 6 months beyond the return date.
• If you are not sure what your child needs, it is worth a quick check with the destination's official sources.