Do Children Need ID to Fly: The Essentials

Please note: this article details the requirements for US citizens traveling domestically and internationally to Europe.

There's a lot to think about when traveling by air, from the best time to buy tickets to the easiest airports for layovers, and which itinerary will work best for you.

Traveling alone as an adult has many variables, but what about flying with children/minors? This adds an additional layer of consideration, on top of the typical common concerns.

In this article, we will take a look at the flight requirements for domestic flights, as well as international flights within the Schengen area (a group of 29 countries in Europe) when it comes to traveling with kids.

Understanding what type of documentation will be required in order to travel with a minor is crucial to ensure that there aren't any avoidable disruptions in your trip, whether it's within your own country or while heading abroad.

Do children need ID to fly?

It depends. Whether or not minors need ID to fly depends on a few factors like the country's regulations and whether your flight is domestic or international. Let's take a look here, below.

Flying domestically with children

To fly domestically in the US, each airline has the power to determine and enforce its own ID requirements for minors. Because of that, travelers might face different rules and expectations based on the airline that they fly with.

The US Federal Aviation Administration recommends that travelers contact their airline in advance of their trip so they have the most recent information because it can change from time to time.

With that being said, minors (so, anyone under the age of 18) typically do not need to present ID to fly domestically in the United States; meaning the responsible adult's ID can be accepted on their behalf. But again, each airline may have its own conditions that need to be met before take off.

Flying internationally with children

International flights have different requirements than domestic flights when it comes to traveling with minors in the US.

The FAA states: "Minors under the age of 18 must present the same travel documents as the adult."

This means that children must present a valid passport when boarding any flight that leaves the United States, regardless of the final destination.

What are the travel requirements for bringing children to Europe?

This is a very nuanced question. It depends largely on why you're traveling, where you intend to go, and for how long.

If you're planning to move to a European country, the travel requirements will be vastly different than a simple vacation or visit for example.

The EU (which is a governing body of 27 major European countries) doesn't have any rules about whether or not children need ID or other documents to travel throughout. Instead, each EU country can decide whether or not minors require specific types of ID, authorization, or documentation to travel to and from a country in question.

Because of that, it's really important to check with your destination(s) about which documentation will be needed, for both yourself and any minors you might be responsible for.

That said, the bare minimum requirement to travel from the US to any EU or Schengen country is a valid passport, whether you're 5 or 105!

Requirements for vacationing with children in Europe

If you're planning a short trip (under 90 days) for tourism or visiting, such as to explore a new city or visit a loved one abroad, the traveling minor will need a valid passport.

In addition to a passport, US citizens (including children) will need an approved ETIAS beginning in 2025. While applying for this new travel authorization is quick and easy, it will be mandatory for US citizens traveling to the Schengen area once it has officially launched. It is expected to be launched sometime in 2025.

ETIAS isn't a visa. Instead, it is a pre-travel authorization. In the simplest terms, it's permission to enter a country in the Schengen area (as well as Cyprus).

Schengen area countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Minors aren't the only ones who will need to apply for ETIAS. ETIAS will be a requirement for all US citizens heading to the Schengen area or Cyprus. US citizens will be exempt from applying for ETIAS if they're traveling with a valid Schengen visa.

In short, requirements for children (US citizens) traveling to Europe for short stays include:

• A valid US passport
• ETIAS approval (beginning in 2025)

Keep in mind that airlines may have specific requirements depending on the company. In addition to that, each country may also ask for supplementary travel documents, especially if the minor is:

• traveling alone
• traveling with adults who are not their legal guardian
• traveling with only one of their parents

In this case, an airline or Schengen country might require an official document signed by their legal guardian(s) or second parent, approving their travels.

Because the requirements can vary so much, make sure you check with both the airline and the official entry requirements for your destination(s).

💡 Please note: these requirements are specifically for minors who hold US passports. If you live in the United States of America, but hold a passport from a different country (such as India or China, for example), you and the minor in your care may need Schengen visas in order to travel to the zone. Learn more here.

If you and your child require a Schengen visa, there will be a list of necessary documents you'll need to provide at the time of application, including:

• A valid passport issued within the last 10 years with at least 3 months of validity beyond your intended stay and 2+ remaining blank pages.
• Proof of accommodation while in the Schengen area.
• Proof of itinerary (onward flight tickets showing your departure date from the zone).
• Proof of sufficient funds (proof that you can sustain yourself during your time overseas).
• Schengen-compliant travel insurance that adheres to specific requirements set by the EU.
• A recent passport-sized photograph that follows Schengen visa standards.
• A completed Schengen visa application form.

Depending on the specific type of Schengen visa you're applying for, additional documents may be required. Always check with your visa application center or consulate for the official complete list of requirements.