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Travel Documents For Children

Do children need ID to fly?

Travel documents and entry requirements do vary from country to country but most importantly, if you are flying internationally a passport is needed for everyone travelling, including baby. Some countries do have restrictions if you are pregnant – for example non-national pregnant women flying to Malaysia. Some countries require at least 6 months remaining on your passport, like UK to Europe. Always check what visas you need too!

What else do I need?

In some countries, like South Africa, even if you are travelling with both parents, you require the child’s full birth certificate, and further documentation if you are flying without one of the parents. It’s a good idea to take along a copy of your child’s birth certificate, and if travelling solo consider bringing  a letter from your partner acknowledging they are aware of you travelling. If neither parent or legal guardian is travelling with your children, then usually a form of written consent is a requirement from the parents.

Below are some countries regulations for travel documents. Do always check with your local government for any updated travel advice and country specific requirements before you book. Make sure you take clear passport photos too

Australia

Domestic travel -If children do not have their own passport, then the accompanying adult must write the full name of the child on the reverse of the adult’s boarding pass, so that the minor can be linked to the accompanying adult and their identification.

International – A valid passport is required for all ages.

Canada

Domestic travel -For travellers younger than 18, no passport is required. However, it is recommended that children carry an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID, e.g. a student card.

Travel to/from USA  All passengers, including minors (children under 18) are required to present a valid passport or other valid travel document such as a Nexus card when travelling by air between Canada and the United States.

International – A valid passport is required for all ages.

South Africa

Where parent/s are travelling with a child – the parent/s must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child (certified copies are acceptable). And if both parents are not travelling, show consent in the form of an affidavit from the other parent, or a court order, or (where applicable) a death certificate for a deceased parent.

– Where a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological child – he/she must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child (certified copies are acceptable), affidavit from the child’s parents or legal guardian giving consent and copies of the identity documents or passport of the parents or legal guardian.

– Unaccompanied minors – must produce (i) consent for the child to travel into or depart from South Africa, in the form of a letter or affidavit from one or both parents or legal guardian (if only one parent then also a court order under which he/she has full parental responsibilities); (ii) a letter from the person who is to receive the child in South Africa, containing his or her residential address and contact details in South Africa where the child will be residing; (iii) a certified copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in South Africa; and (iv) the contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the child. For update information, as these regulations re due to be modified, please visit the South African Department of Home Affairs site.

UK

Domestic flights -Children under the age of 16 do not need to show ID on domestic routes. The adult they are travelling with can vouch for the infant’s/child’s identification, providing the relevant photo ID is shown (by the adult)

If the child is traveling unaccompanied and aged between 12-16 years, they will be required to produce photographic ID. For UK

When travelling with an infant on a domestic route, it’s a good idea to bring either a birth certificate or passport to prove date of birth.

International -A valid passport is required for all ages.

USA

Domestic flights–  No ID or documentation needs to be shown for children under the age of 18 on a domestic flight, unless they are under 14 days old – (in which case a Doctors letter is required) OR if they are travelling as a lap child – ID may be asked for if the infants age is questionable. In this instance proof of age such as a passport, birth certificate (photo or digital copies are allowed) or an immunization record are permitted. If a child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, the adult dropping and picking them up will need photo ID, but the child does not.

International – A valid passport is required for all ages.

 A useful link to check the up-to-date travel documents requirements is on the IATA page

Passport Photos for Children

For tips on how to take a baby passport photo see here.

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