Passports for minors to be phased out starting from January onwards
Beginning January 2024, children's passports will no longer be obtainable, renewed, or updated at citizen's offices due to a new nationwide law. This announcement was made by the city.
As a result, children who travel, both within and outside the EU, will need two forms of identification. For travels within the EU, children will require a personal ID. For non-EU travel, a passport will be necessary. Both documents will be valid for six years.
While there are no new laws in the EU that significantly alter travel document requirements for children, there are some key points to consider. When minors travel without both parents, a travel authorization from one or both parents is often required. This can be in the form of a notarized letter or a court order, depending on the circumstances and the countries involved.
In late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is expected to be implemented. This system will require all non-EU travelers, including minors, to obtain approval before entering the Schengen Area. However, this is a future development and does not apply as of January 2024.
For U.S. citizens, passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the EU. The EU generally requires a passport to be valid for at least three months beyond the stay in the Schengen Area.
In summary, starting January 2024, children will need two identification documents for travel. The planned ETIAS system will affect non-EU travelers, including minors, when it is introduced. Windows for obtaining and renewing children's passports will also be closed from this date.
- The new nationwide law, effective from January 2024, necessitates that children have two forms of identification for travel, regardless of their destination being within or outside the European Union.
- In the EU, when minors travel without both parents, a travel authorization, usually in the form of a notarized letter or a court order, is often compulsory, depending on the specific circumstances and countries involved.
- Future developments in travel policy and legislation include the anticipated implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in late 2026, which will mandate approval for all non-EU travelers, including minors, before entering the Schengen Area.
