Passport Information for Kids Traveling to Europe
Every traveler leaving the U.S. needs a valid U.S. passport to travel abroad, including children. Before you board a plane to Europe, obtain the proper documentation for a child.
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Card vs. Book
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Minors need a passport book to visit Europe. A passport card, the cheaper, wallet-sized alternative, can be used only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Bahamas.
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Visas
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U.S. citizens visiting Europe for longer than 90 days must apply for visas in the countries they plan to reside in or visit. Additionally, travelers planning to study at a university or work during their stay in the Spain also must apply for a visa, even if the visit is shorter than 90 days. Otherwise, all U.S. travelers can travel to and among European countries for up to 90 days after arrival.
Application Procedures
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All applicants for a new U.S. passport submit the necessary documents and fees in person at a passport acceptance facility. Children younger than 16 years old need both parents present at the time of the application.
Special Circumstances
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If one parent cannot be present, the second parents' notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) must be submitted at the time of the application. The form can be obtained on the U.S. Department of State website.
Minors Age 16 and 17
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Minors aged 16 or 17 do not need a parent present at the time of application unless they don't have photo ID of their own.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "El mundo es tuyo..." is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Daquella manera (Daniel Lobo) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
