Passport Rules For Teen Travelers: What 13-Year-Olds Need To Know

If you're planning a trip and your only valid identification is an outdated passport, you may be wondering if you can still travel. This is especially relevant for 13-year-olds, who are considered minors in most countries and have different travel requirements than adults. In this paragraph, we will explore the topic of international travel for 13-year-olds with outdated passports and provide some insights into the requirements and restrictions they may face.

Can a 13-year-old travel without their parents?

For a 13-year-old to travel without their parents, they would need to use an airline's unaccompanied minor service. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines both offer such a service for children aged 5–14. A fee is required for this service, which is typically $150 each way, plus applicable taxes. This service is optional for children aged 15–17, but if requested, a fee will still apply.

To book a reservation for an unaccompanied minor, you must contact the airline's reservations team by phone. When booking, the adult making the reservation will need to provide a 4-digit PIN that will be required to make any changes to the itinerary.

On the day of travel, the adult accompanying the minor to the airport will need to provide the following:

• Photo ID (e.g. license, passport)
• Address (as shown on ID)
• Contact phone number
• Name, address, and phone number of the adult meeting the unaccompanied minor at their destination

The adult must also remain with the minor at the departure gate until the flight has left the ground.

Upon arrival, the adult picking up the minor will typically be issued a gate pass to collect them from the gate. They will need to present a valid form of ID, which must match the details provided at check-in.

What documents does a 13-year-old need to travel?

When it comes to travel, a 13-year-old will need a variety of documents, especially if they are travelling alone or with only one parent/guardian. Here is a list of the necessary documents for a 13-year-old to travel:

Passport

Firstly, a valid passport is essential for any international travel, regardless of age. Passports for children under 16 are valid for five years and cannot be renewed. Thus, if a 13-year-old's passport has expired or will expire soon, a new application must be submitted in person. The passport application process requires the following:

• Filling out Form DS-11 and printing it.
• Evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Citizenship. This must be an original or replacement copy with the official seal or stamp of the issuing office.
• Proof of the relationship to the child, such as a birth certificate, divorce decree, or custody decree.
• Photo identification for the parents or guardians, such as a valid or expired passport, driver's license, or government employee ID.
• If one parent or guardian cannot be present during the application process, additional documents are required, such as Form DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" or a notarized statement from the absent parent.

Parental Consent

If a 13-year-old is travelling alone or with only one parent/guardian, a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) or guardian(s) is required. This letter should be notarized and preferably in English. It should include a statement such as, "I acknowledge that my child is travelling outside the country with [the name of the adult] with my permission."

Visa

Depending on the destination country, a visa may be required for a 13-year-old to travel there. This process can take time, so it is best to apply in advance.

Other Documents

While not always necessary, having additional documents can be helpful in certain situations. These include:

• A copy of the child's birth certificate.
• A Child Travel Consent form, which provides authorisation for the child to travel alone and includes information such as the child's basic information, parent/guardian contact details, and travel arrangements.
• Proof of auto insurance or a Social Security card, which may be required by some airlines for minors travelling alone.

In conclusion, a 13-year-old travelling internationally will need a valid passport, parental consent if travelling without both parents/guardians, and possibly a visa depending on the destination. Additionally, having extra documents like a birth certificate or Child Travel Consent form can be beneficial.

Can a 13-year-old apply for a passport alone?

In the United States, children under 16 must appear in person to apply for a passport. Both parents or guardians must also be present and must sign the application form. If one or both parents or guardians cannot be present, additional documents must be provided.

Children aged 16-17 can apply for a passport alone if they have their identification documents. However, a parent or guardian must either provide a signed statement of consent or attend the appointment with the child.

How much does a passport for a 13-year-old cost?

The cost of a passport for a 13-year-old depends on the country of residence.

In the United States, a passport for a 13-year-old costs $130 for a passport book and $30 for a passport card. This is because passports for children aged 16 and above are valid for 10 years and are therefore charged at the standard adult rate. There is also an additional $35 acceptance fee, which goes to the facility where the application is submitted.

What is the validity of a 13-year-old's passport?

The validity of a 13-year-old's passport depends on the country of issue. For example, in the United States, passports issued to children under 16 years of age are only valid for 5 years. This means that if your 13-year-old child has a passport that was issued when they were younger than 13, it may be expired or about to expire. In this case, you must submit a new application in person for your child.

To apply for a passport for a child under 16 in the United States, the child must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, and a parent (preferably both) must be present and sign the passport application. Both parents or guardians must approve the issuance of the child's passport and provide proof of their relationship to the child. This can be done by submitting documents such as a birth certificate, foreign birth certificate, divorce or custody decree, or other relevant documents.

It's important to note that the processing times for passport applications may vary throughout the year, and there may be additional fees for expedited services. Additionally, some countries have specific requirements for passport validity when entering, such as requiring the passport to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the specific passport requirements and validity rules for your destination country.

Frequently asked questions