Holidaying abroad with children
It’s probably clear to everyone that travelers have to show identification at the airport. But the same applies to traveling by train or car: anyone traveling abroad must carry personal documents with them – even if they are not necessarily expected to be checked when crossing the border. These rules also apply to children and even babies.
If grandparents are traveling with grandchildren or a family is taking a friend’s child with them, travelers must also be able to prove that they are legally taking the child with them. In an interview with Stiftung Warentest, ADAC spokesperson Alexander Schnaars recommends that you familiarize yourself with the entry regulations of the destination country and all transit countries and take care when issuing travel documents from the beginning .
Do parents need their own travel documents for their children traveling with them?
Yes absolutely. At the end of 2023, the child passport was abolished. Minors now need an electronic child passport to travel abroad. This is a normal passport with a chip. Within the European Union (EU) or the Schengen area, an identity card is sufficient, which can also be issued to children upon request.
“Old” children’s passports, which were extended in good time before the deadline, generally remain valid, but are not accepted in all countries. Before each trip, travelers should therefore check which entry requirements apply in the destination country and also pay attention to the regulations of the countries they are passing through.
At what age does this apply?
When traveling abroad, children need their own travel document from birth.
If I’m not traveling by plane, there are often no border controls. Is it possible without papers?
No. Everyone must carry a valid passport or identity card when crossing the border, even within the EU. Anyone who does not have a valid travel document with them is committing an administrative offense. The fine for this can be up to 1,000 euros. There is also a risk of not being able to enter the destination country or return to Germany.
What if grandparents are traveling with their grandchildren or families with children who are their friends – should they be able to prove that the children can travel with them?
It makes sense and is sometimes even mandatory for grandparents or other people traveling with the child to have proof in the form of a power of attorney or declaration of consent. The background is that special attention is paid to the implementation of border controls against minors in accordance with the Schengen Borders Code. The objective is to prevent children from being illegally removed from custodians or leaving the territory against their will.
Travelers traveling with children other than their own should find out what entry and documentation requirements exist for their destination country and transit countries. In some countries, the proof must even be certified, if necessary by a notary.
What applies to couples where, for example, the father has a different name than the children? Could there be problems there?
If the surnames of the child and accompanying parents are different, you must definitely bring the birth certificate with you. It serves as proof of membership.
How can I get my child an ID or passport as quickly as possible?
The Bundesdruckerei currently has many orders, which means there may be delays in issuing the passport. You should definitely take time into consideration when signing up. Alternatively, you have the option of issuing a temporary passport to your children or yourself. This can often be done immediately. However, temporary passports are not accepted in all countries of travel. This is why it is important to know in advance which rules apply in the respective holiday country.