ETIAS for children: Do minors need travel authorization?
Yes — all children from a country eligible for ETIAS will need to obtain individual authorization before traveling to Europe, regardless of their age. This is one of the most frequently asked questions from families planning a trip to Europe starting in the last quarter of 2026. The European ETIAS regulation is clear: a minor is defined as any third-country national under the age of 18, and children are not exempt from the ETIAS requirement. However, the €20 fee is waived for those under 18—so the application is free for every child in the group.
ETIAS Overview for Children
| Setting | Rule for children |
|---|---|
| Is ETIAS required? | Yes — for any child of eligible nationality, regardless of age |
| Price | Free — no charge for those under 18 |
| Validity | 3 years or until the child’s passport expires (often shorter) |
| Passport required | Yes — each child must have their own valid passport |
| Who submits the application | A parent or legal guardian may complete the form on behalf of the child |
| Individual application | Yes — one application per child, even for twins |
Why do children need an ETIAS?
The main objective of ETIAS is to strengthen security at the external borders of the Schengen Area by conducting advance checks on all visa-exempt travelers against security databases. This check applies to everyone, regardless of age—nationality, not age, determines who must obtain an ETIAS. The fee waiver for minors is a social measure designed to avoid placing a financial burden on families, but it does not exempt them from the requirement to apply.
The child’s passport: a key concern
ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport used in the application. For children, two points deserve special attention:
| Country | Validity period of a child’s passport | Impact on ETIAS |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 5 years (under 16) vs. 10 years (adults) | The ETIAS will expire along with the passport—often well before 3 years |
| Australia | 5 years (under 16) vs. 10 years (adults) | Same situation — frequent renewal required |
| Canada | 5 years (under 16) vs. 10 years (adults) | The ETIAS will be valid for a maximum of 5 years—often less |
| United Kingdom | 5 years (under 16) vs. 10 years (adults) | Same rule—check the expiration date before each trip |
| Japan, South Korea | 5 years (children under 5) vs. 10 years (adults) | Infants may have a passport that expires very quickly |
If the child’s passport expires before the ETIAS authorization’s 3-year validity period ends, the authorization becomes invalid on the passport’s expiration date. When the passport is renewed, a new ETIAS application must be submitted—free of charge for children under 18. See our page on passports for travel to Europe for detailed requirements. For more information on validity periods, see our page on ETIAS validity.
How do I apply for an ETIAS for a child?
A parent or legal guardian may submit the ETIAS application on behalf of the child. The process is the same as for an adult, with a few exceptions:
| Step | Specifics for a child |
|---|---|
| Access the form | The same official form is available at travel-europe.europa.eu ↗ |
| Applicant’s Information | Provide the child’s information (not the parent’s) — last name, first name, date of birth, passport |
| Legal representative | Indicate that a third party is submitting the request — provide their own contact information |
| Safety Questions | Answer on behalf of the child—the answers are about the child, not the parent |
| Payment | No payment required for those under 18 — the form automatically detects the exemption |
| Confirmation | Sent via email to the parent/guardian’s email address provided on the form |
Infants and babies: ETIAS from birth
There is no minimum age requirement for obtaining an ETIAS. An infant just a few weeks old whose nationality is eligible will need to obtain an individual authorization to travel to Europe. This means that the baby must have their own valid passport at the time of application—children cannot be included on their parents’ passports in the vast majority of ETIAS-eligible countries.
For infants, the application is completely free and can be submitted by either parent from any country. Given that passports for very young children often have a short validity period, it is advisable to check the passport’s expiration date before each trip to Europe and to renew the ETIAS if necessary after obtaining a new passport.
Child traveling alone or with one parent
ETIAS does not replace the specific documents that border authorities may require for children traveling alone or with only one parent. Even with a valid ETIAS, border officials may ask to verify that the child is traveling with the consent of both parents or legal guardians. Rules vary by country, but it is generally recommended to bring:
| Location | Recommended document |
|---|---|
| Child traveling with only one parent | Letter of consent from the other parent (notarized if possible), along with a copy of their passport |
| Child traveling alone | Letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, contact information for the persons receiving the child |
| Child in the care of another adult | Letter of consent from the parents, document certifying the relationship between the accompanying adult and the child |
| Child in joint custody | Custody order or written consent from the other parent authorizing the trip |
These requirements are separate from ETIAS and fall under the border rules of each Member State. ETIAS ensures that security checks are conducted in advance—it does not replace these child protection documents.
Frequently Asked Questions About ETIAS for Children
Does a 2-year-old really need an ETIAS?
Yes. There is no minimum age requirement for ETIAS. All nationals of eligible countries, regardless of age, must obtain an individual authorization. The application is free for those under 18 and can be completed by a parent in just a few minutes using the official form.
My child is listed on my passport—is that enough?
No. In the vast majority of ETIAS-eligible countries, children have not been allowed to be listed on their parents’ passports for many years. Every traveler, including children, must have their own individual travel document. Without a personal passport, it is impossible to obtain an ETIAS, and entry into the Schengen Area will be denied.
My child turns 18 while their ETIAS is still valid—what happens?
Nothing in particular. The ETIAS remains valid until it expires or until the associated passport expires—regardless of the holder’s age during the validity period. Reaching the age of majority does not invalidate the authorization. However, at the time of the next renewal, the €20 fee will apply because the applicant will be of legal age.
Can ETIAS applications be submitted for all the children in the family at the same time?
Yes. Each application is individual and linked to a passport, but there is nothing to prevent a parent from submitting several applications in succession, one after the other. Each application takes a few minutes. It is advisable to submit all applications at the same time to avoid forgetting one of the children before departure.
Does the ETIAS for an adopted child follow the same rules?
Yes. ETIAS is linked to the traveler’s nationality and passport. If the adopted child is a national of an ETIAS-eligible country and is traveling with their own passport, an individual ETIAS application is required. If the adoption has resulted in the acquisition of citizenship of an EU country, ETIAS is not required.
