Do children need their own visa to travel internationally?
Children need their own passport and usually their own visa for international travel. Learn about fee exemptions, consent letters for solo-parent travel, and what to prepare.
Updated
Quick answer: Yes, in most countries children need their own passport and visa to travel internationally. Being listed on a parent's passport is no longer accepted in the vast majority of countries. Each child must have their own travel documents.
Do children need their own passport?
Yes. Most countries - including all EU member states and the US - require every traveler, including newborns, to hold their own passport. Some countries still allow a child to be listed on a parent's passport for domestic travel, but for international travel, separate passports are almost universally required.
Do children need a visa?
Visa requirements for children are the same as for adults - they depend on the child's nationality and the destination country, not the child's age. If adults from your country need a visa for the destination, so does your child. Some countries waive fees for younger children but not the visa requirement itself.
Visa fee exemptions for children
| Country/Region | Child fee rule |
|---|---|
| Schengen Area | Free under 6; 45 euros for 6-12; full fee 12+ |
| Egypt (VOA) | Free for children under a certain age (varies by nationality) |
| Jordan | Free for children under 12 with Jordan Pass |
Traveling with one parent or a guardian
If a child is traveling with only one parent, or with someone who is not their legal parent or guardian, many countries require a notarized consent letter from the absent parent. Some countries, particularly in Latin America, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, enforce this strictly and can refuse boarding without it.
The consent letter should include the child's full name and passport number, the traveling parent's details, the non-traveling parent's signature and contact information, travel dates and destination, and ideally a notary's stamp. Check the specific requirements of your destination country before you travel.
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What documents do I need to travel internationally?
How long does my passport need to be valid to travel?
What is an e-visa and how does it differ from a traditional visa?
Children and International Travel Visas - FAQ
Yes, in most countries children must have their own passport and visa (if required). A child cannot be listed on a parent's passport for international travel in most countries, and a child's name on a parent's visa is not generally accepted.
Infants are not exempt from visa requirements, but many countries offer visa-free access or no-fee visas for very young children. Always check the specific rules for the destination country - some countries have different age thresholds.
If a child is traveling with only one parent or with a guardian, many countries require a notarized consent letter from the absent parent or legal guardian. This is especially important in countries with strict child protection rules.
For the Schengen visa, children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee. Children aged 6-12 pay a reduced fee of 45 euros. Children 12 and older pay the full adult fee of 90 euros.
