
Whether or not a young traveler needs to bring a passport depends on where they are traveling to and from, as well as their age. For example, children traveling to most other countries are required to have a passport, but there are exceptions for travel within North America. If traveling throughout the continental US, kids don't need a passport, but if the trip includes stops in other countries, such as the Virgin Islands or Mexico, a passport is required. The rules are different for children traveling to Canada, where any kids 15 or younger can cross the US border with a certified copy of their birth certificate. However, for international air travel, regardless of age, all children need a valid passport.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Domestic travel with an adult | No passport needed, but some form of ID is required. |
Domestic travel as an unaccompanied minor | No passport needed, but it is recommended to bring one if they have it. |
International travel with an adult | A passport is required. |
International travel as an unaccompanied minor | A passport is required. |
Traveling to Canada | Children under 16 can travel with a birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship instead of a passport. |
Traveling to/from Mexico | A passport is required for air travel, but not for land or sea travel. |
Traveling to/from the Virgin Islands | A passport is required. |
What You'll Learn
Domestic travel requirements
The requirements for domestic travel within the US differ for adults and minors. Here are the requirements for minors:
Minors Travelling with an Adult:
When travelling with an adult within the US, minors under the age of 18 do not need to present identification. The adult they are travelling with must have identification, such as a state-issued driver's license, passport, or other recognised forms of ID. It is recommended that the minor also carries their birth certificate. If the child is travelling with a non-parent adult, a child travel consent form can be helpful to deal with any questions at security checkpoints.
Minors Travelling as Unaccompanied Minors:
If a child is travelling alone as an unaccompanied minor, they do not need identification, but it is recommended to bring it if they have it. The adult taking the child to the airport will need to show identification. It is also recommended that the child carries their birth certificate, and some airlines may require the adult to sign a release form. Airlines may have their own requirements for unaccompanied minors, so it is important to check with the carrier.
Domestic Travel by Land or Sea:
For children under the age of 16, an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad is sufficient for domestic travel by land or sea. For 16-year-olds or older, a US passport or Trusted Traveller Program card is required.
Please note that each airline may have its own unique policies and procedures for minors, so it is important to contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to determine their specific requirements.
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International travel requirements
Passport Requirements:
All individuals, regardless of age, require a valid passport for international air travel. The passport must be in the same name that appears on the travel tickets. Minors under 16 years of age applying for a passport must have both parents or guardians approve and accompany them during the application process. The passport application process typically requires evidence of citizenship, parental relationship, and parental consent for the child to receive a passport.
Visa Requirements:
In addition to a passport, a visa may be required for entry into certain countries. Children will need to apply for a visa if necessary.
Identification Requirements:
Minors under 18 years of age typically do not need identification for domestic travel within their own country. However, for international travel, minors must present the same travel documents as adults, including a valid passport.
Special Cases:
When travelling to neighbouring countries, such as Canada or Mexico, the rules may differ. For example, children under 16 can enter Canada with a certified copy of their birth certificate instead of a passport. However, for re-entry into the United States from Canada, minors aged 16-18 must have a passport, driver's license, passport card, or Nexus card.
Unaccompanied Minors:
If a minor is travelling alone or with only one parent/guardian, a letter of consent from the other parent or both parents may be required. This letter should be notarized and preferably in English. Additionally, the minor may need to carry other documents, such as a birth certificate or custody documents.
Airline Requirements:
Each airline may have its own unique policies and procedures for minors travelling alone or with a guardian. It is essential to contact the airline well in advance to understand their specific requirements, such as identification, unaccompanied minor forms, and any applicable fees.
Other Documents:
Other documents that may be needed for international travel include proof of vaccinations, permits for restricted items, medication in original packaging, and travel insurance.
In summary, young travellers must carry a valid passport and any required visas for international travel. Additional documentation, such as parental consent and identification, may also be necessary, depending on the specific circumstances of the trip. It is always best to be prepared and carry more documentation than needed to avoid any issues during travel.
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Documents for minors travelling in the EU
When travelling within the EU, minors must carry their own valid passport or ID card. Having their names entered in their parent's passports is no longer permitted, except for document holders from the United Kingdom or Ireland.
If a minor is travelling with an adult who is not their legal guardian, or with only one parent, they may need an extra (official) document signed by their parents or legal guardian(s) authorising them to travel. This is not an EU-wide rule, and each country decides on its requirements. It is recommended to check the rules for the countries being travelled to and from, as well as any countries being transited through.
When travelling by air, it is highly recommended to check with the airline before departure, as many require official authorisations and have their own specific forms.
For minors travelling to Austria, in addition to a passport, an informal declaration of consent for foreign travel is required. This should be accompanied by a copy of the child's birth certificate and a copy of the legal guardian's passport. If the child's surname differs from their guardian's, a copy of the parents' marriage certificate is also recommended.
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Travelling with one parent
When travelling with children, it is important to have the correct documentation. Here are some tips for travelling with one parent:
Proof of Relationship
Firstly, always carry a document that proves your relationship with your child. This is particularly important if you and your child do not share the same last name. There are several documents you can use for this, including:
- Marriage certificate
- Certificates of name change
- The child's birth certificate
Child Travel Consent
Secondly, your child will need a Child Travel Consent form if they are travelling without both parents. This form should be signed by both parents or legal guardians and should include:
- The child's basic information, such as name, gender, birthday, and place of birth
- Both parents' contact information
- The travel arrangements
- If applicable, the child's passport information and birth certificate number
If you have sole custody of your child, you may not need the other parent's signature, but you should carry a copy of your court custody documentation. If the other parent is deceased, some countries might require a copy of their birth certificate.
It is highly recommended that you have your Child Travel Consent form notarized. This will decrease the chance of travel authorities questioning its validity.
Passports and Visas
All children, including infants, must have their own travel documents when entering the US. For US citizens, this means a US passport book or a Trusted Traveller Program card. For non-US citizens, this could be a passport or a visa.
Additional Documents
Depending on the country, your child may need additional documents such as a visa or other entry documents. It is recommended to carry original documents, as copies may not be accepted.
Airline Requirements
Each airline has its own identification requirements for minors. Contact your airline well in advance of your travel date to determine their policies and procedures for minors. Some airlines may require an unaccompanied minor form and a fee for unaccompanied minor service.
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Travelling without parents
When travelling without their parents, minors will need to carry identification and travel documents. The specific requirements vary depending on the country of origin, destination country, and the mode of transportation. Here are some important considerations:
Identification and Travel Documents:
Minors travelling internationally, including within the EU, typically need to carry their passports or equivalent travel documents. Each country has its own rules, so it is essential to check the requirements of the specific countries involved in the travel. For example, U.S. citizen children travelling by air to Canada or Mexico must have a U.S. passport or Trusted Traveller Program card, while those travelling by land or sea under the age of 16 can present a birth certificate, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
Parental Consent:
When travelling without both custodial parents, minors may need to provide a letter of consent from the absent parent(s). This letter should ideally be in English and notarized, stating that the parent(s) give permission for the child to travel with the specified adult. The specific requirements for this letter may vary by country, so it is important to check with the relevant embassies or consulates.
Airline Requirements:
Airlines may have their own specific policies and procedures for minors travelling without their parents. It is recommended to contact the airline well in advance to understand their requirements for identification, documentation, and any applicable fees or services for unaccompanied minors.
Transit Countries:
Even if the departure and destination countries do not require official authorization, any countries through which the minor transits may have their own requirements. Therefore, it is important to check the rules for all countries involved in the journey.
Other Documents:
In addition to passports and parental consent letters, minors may need other supporting documents, such as visas, birth certificates, or naturalization certificates, depending on the country's requirements. It is always best to carry these documents on one's person, rather than packing them in checked luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, minors under the age of 18 do not have to present identification for domestic travel. However, it is recommended to carry some form of identification, and certain airlines may have their own rules regarding ID requirements for minors.
Yes, all individuals, including minors, traveling internationally are required to carry a valid passport or other specified travel documents.
Yes, additional documents may be required depending on the country of travel and the traveler's circumstances. For example, if traveling with only one parent or guardian, a letter of consent from the other parent may be necessary. It is recommended to check the specific requirements of your destination country and any countries transited through.