Documents for children traveling by plane

A personal document, even for newborns

Every child, regardless of age, must have their own passport with photograph for trips outside the Schengen area. Processing times are the same as for adults, but it is worth getting started a few more weeks in advance: obtaining a photograph conforming to standards (eyes open, neutral expression) from a newborn often requires more attempts than expected.

Identity card for minors: shorter validity

For trips in the Schengen area the electronic identity card (CIE) is enough for children too, but with different validity than for adults: 3 years if issued under 3 years of age, 5 years between 3 and 18 years, versus 10 years for an adult card. It is worth checking the expiration date before a trip planned well in advance, because a document for minors is renewed more often than expected.

Traveling without both parents

Many countries, especially in Latin America, require a declaration of authorization signed by the absent parent, sometimes authenticated by a notary or municipal office: the requirement varies by country and must be verified with the competent embassy. For unaccompanied minors traveling alone through the airline's dedicated service, authorization forms signed by both parents are also required. Grandparents or other relatives traveling with a minor without parents should also bring documentation that attests to the family relationship, in addition to authorization signed by those exercising parental responsibility: without these documents some airlines and borders may deny boarding or entry.

Vaccinations and medicines for the youngest

For the yellow fever vaccination certificate, required by several African and South American countries, the WHO sets the standard minimum age at 9 months, with administration between 6 and 9 months only in exceptional circumstances and contraindication under 6 months: any possible exemption for a child too young to be vaccinated must be verified directly with the embassy of the destination country, not assumed automatically. Those traveling with a child requiring specific medications or medical devices should bring with them a letter from the pediatrician describing the condition and necessity, useful both at security checks and in case of emergency medical assistance.

Rules on minors traveling change more often and more locally than any other documentary area: they should always be verified with the embassy of the destination country, a few weeks before departure, without relying on what applied in a previous trip.