Do Children Need a Passport When Traveling With Parents?

If you plan on traveling outside the United States, all children will require some form of identification, even if their parents are traveling with them. For most countries they will need their own valid U.S. passport, although there are a few exceptions. such as traveling to US territories or driving by car to Canada or Mexico.

  1. Canada or Mexico

    • Children must have proof of citizenship if driving to Canada or Mexico.

      Children under 16 traveling to Canada and Mexico by plane will need their own passport or Nexus card if flying to Canada. However, if you are entering Canada and Mexico at land or sea level, children can enter without a passport. You will need to show proof of their citizenship, such as an original or photocopy of the child's birth certificate. Parents traveling with their children are required to show their own adult passport to enter both Canada and Mexico.

      Parents and children under 18 can also travel to Canada, by air or land, without a passport if they are in possession of a Nexus card. The Nexus card allows quick and easy entry into Canada and the United States at both air and land level, with minimum customs and immigration questioning.

    U.S. Territories

    • U.S. territories, such as the U.S. Virgin islands or Puerto Rico, do not require a passport for either children or their parents. However, you may be asked to show official government identification. If you plan on traveling to U.S. territories in the Caribbean with your children, and wish to do some island-hopping either by boat or plane, both parents and children will need separate passports to enter all non-U.S. territories, such as the British Virgin Islands.

    Rest of the World

    • Children need their own passport to travel outside U.S. territories.

      if you travel to any other countries outside the United States, either by air, sea or land, your accompanying children will need their own passport, regardless of their age. It is not possible to include children on your own passport.

    How to Get a Child's Passport.

    • You can download the DS-11 passport application form from the U.S. State Department website. Once completed, you must print and take the form with you in person to a passport acceptance facility, including approved post offices and some courthouses and public libraries. A full list of passport acceptance facilitates is available from the U.S. Department of State website.

      You will also need two passport-sized photographs of your child, and documents proving both the parents and the child are U.S. citizens. You must also pay the current passport fee.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How Does Moving to Another Country Affect Children?
      Moving to another country is a challenging process that is faced by increasing numbers of expatriates, including children. It is often said that children are resilient, learn new languages easily and adjust to changes in their environment more easily
    • Outside Things to Do With the Kids in Olive Branch, MS
      It is time to get off the couch. Step away, children, from the video games. If you are seeking ways to get the kids outside, there are plenty of options in Olive Branch, Mississippi. From sporting events, to garden tours, those of all ages can stay e
    • Things to Do With Kids in December in St. Pete, Florida
      St. Petersburg, Florida is not just a beach town -- its an ideal getaway even in winter. Florida’s Gulf Coast might be known for white sands and calm, clear waters, but when the winter temperatures finally hit, theres still plenty to do. Decemb