Do babies need their own Schengen visa?

Yes, even newborns need individual Schengen visas. However, children under 6 years old don't pay visa fees and may not need to attend appointments in person depending on the consulate.

Can grandparents apply for a child's visa?

Only with notarized authorization from both parents. The grandparents must bring this authorization plus all required documents. Some consulates require the authorizing parents to appear in person to verify their consent.

What if one parent is deceased or unknown?

Bring a death certificate for deceased parents or legal documentation showing sole custody. Single mothers may need to provide additional proof if the father is not listed on the birth certificate or is unknown.

How long is a child's Schengen visa valid?

Same as adult visas - typically matching your intended stay up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas for children follow the same rules as adults, usually valid for 1-5 years depending on travel history.

Can children travel alone on Schengen visas?

Children can have valid Schengen visas but airline and border policies vary for unaccompanied minors. Most airlines require special arrangements for children under 12 traveling alone, regardless of visa status.

How to get Schengen visas for children

Children need their own Schengen visa applications with additional documents including parental consent forms, birth certificates, and custody papers if applicable. The process takes 15-20 days and costs €35-80 per child depending on age and country. Parents must either accompany children to appointments or provide notarized authorization for guardians to submit applications.

Gather child-specific documents. Collect birth certificate, passport photos (taken within 6 months), valid passport, parental consent form, and custody documentation if parents are divorced or separated. The consent form must be notarized and signed by both parents unless one has sole custody.
Complete the application form. Fill out the standard Schengen visa application but have a parent or legal guardian sign it. Children under 18 cannot sign their own applications. Include all travel details, accommodation proof, and financial sponsorship information.
Prepare financial documentation. Provide proof that parents or sponsors can cover the child's expenses. This includes bank statements from the past 3 months, employment letters, and a signed sponsorship letter stating the sponsor will cover all costs including accommodation, food, and return transport.
Book the appointment. Schedule at the consulate or visa application center for your main destination country. Children under 12 are usually exempt from biometric requirements but still need appointments. Some consulates allow children under 6 to skip appointments entirely if parents bring all documents.
Attend the appointment. Both parents should attend with the child when possible. If only one parent can attend, bring a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the application. Bring all original documents plus photocopies. Children 12 and older will need fingerprints taken.
Pay the fees and wait. Pay the visa fee (€35 for children 6-12, €80 for children 12-18, free for children under 6). Processing takes 15-20 days. Some consulates offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you have urgent travel needs.

Do babies need their own Schengen visa?: Yes, even newborns need individual Schengen visas. However, children under 6 years old don't pay visa fees and may not need to attend appointments in person depending on the consulate.
Can grandparents apply for a child's visa?: Only with notarized authorization from both parents. The grandparents must bring this authorization plus all required documents. Some consulates require the authorizing parents to appear in person to verify their consent.
What if one parent is deceased or unknown?: Bring a death certificate for deceased parents or legal documentation showing sole custody. Single mothers may need to provide additional proof if the father is not listed on the birth certificate or is unknown.
How long is a child's Schengen visa valid?: Same as adult visas - typically matching your intended stay up to 90 days. Multiple-entry visas for children follow the same rules as adults, usually valid for 1-5 years depending on travel history.
Can children travel alone on Schengen visas?: Children can have valid Schengen visas but airline and border policies vary for unaccompanied minors. Most airlines require special arrangements for children under 12 traveling alone, regardless of visa status.