Does a baby need their own passport?

Yes. Every person entering Europe needs their own passport regardless of age, including newborns. You cannot add children to a parent's passport.

What if my child and I have different last names?

Carry your child's birth certificate showing both parents' names. This is especially important for mothers traveling with children who have the father's surname. It prevents delays and questioning at border control.

Do I need a consent letter if both parents are traveling together?

No. Consent letters are only required when one parent travels alone with children, or when children travel with someone other than their parents.

How specific does the consent letter need to be?

Include child's full name and date of birth, traveling parent or guardian's name, destinations and countries to be visited, travel dates, non-traveling parent's contact information, and signature with notarization date. The more specific, the better.

What if one parent has sole custody?

Carry certified copies of custody orders. If the other parent is deceased, bring a death certificate. These documents prevent issues if questioned about the missing parent.

Can grandparents take our kids to Europe without us?

Yes, but they need notarized consent letters from both parents, copies of the children's birth certificates, and copies of both parents' passport ID pages. Some families also provide a letter with emergency contact information and medical authorization.

How to Handle Visas and Documents When Traveling to Europe with Kids

Children traveling to Europe need their own passports regardless of age, and the same visa rules apply to them as adults. If traveling with only one parent or without parents, you'll need additional documentation like notarized consent letters to avoid issues at border control.

Get passports for every child. Every child needs their own passport, even infants. Apply at least 8 weeks before your trip. Both parents must be present for the application or provide notarized consent. Child passports under 16 are valid for 5 years only.
Check visa requirements for your family. US, Canadian, Australian, and UK passport holders can visit the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to children too. Starting 2025, you'll need ETIAS authorization (similar to ESTA) which costs €7 per person including children, valid for 3 years.
Prepare consent documentation if needed. If one parent is traveling alone with children, carry a notarized letter from the other parent authorizing travel with specific dates and destinations. If a child is traveling with grandparents, relatives, or school groups, both parents must provide notarized consent letters. Include photocopies of the non-traveling parent's passport ID page.
Gather supporting documents. Carry birth certificates for all children showing both parents' names. If you have different last names from your children, this prevents questioning at borders. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. In cases of sole custody or deceased parents, bring court orders or death certificates.
Make copies and backups. Photocopy all passports, birth certificates, and consent letters. Keep one set separate from originals in your luggage, email scans to yourself, and store digital copies in cloud storage you can access from your phone.

Does a baby need their own passport?: Yes. Every person entering Europe needs their own passport regardless of age, including newborns. You cannot add children to a parent's passport.
What if my child and I have different last names?: Carry your child's birth certificate showing both parents' names. This is especially important for mothers traveling with children who have the father's surname. It prevents delays and questioning at border control.
Do I need a consent letter if both parents are traveling together?: No. Consent letters are only required when one parent travels alone with children, or when children travel with someone other than their parents.
How specific does the consent letter need to be?: Include child's full name and date of birth, traveling parent or guardian's name, destinations and countries to be visited, travel dates, non-traveling parent's contact information, and signature with notarization date. The more specific, the better.
What if one parent has sole custody?: Carry certified copies of custody orders. If the other parent is deceased, bring a death certificate. These documents prevent issues if questioned about the missing parent.
Can grandparents take our kids to Europe without us?: Yes, but they need notarized consent letters from both parents, copies of the children's birth certificates, and copies of both parents' passport ID pages. Some families also provide a letter with emergency contact information and medical authorization.