Elimination of Child Passports Effective from January Onset
In a recent announcement, the city has outlined changes to travel document requirements for children, effective from January 2024. These changes will affect children under 18, particularly when travelling for school trips to EU countries like the UK.
From January 2024, children will need two identification documents for travel: a personal ID for travel within the EU and a passport for non-EU travel. The new requirements do not affect the current passport validity period for adults.
For school trips to EU countries, children from third countries will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) permit in advance of travel. This requirement applies to children who are nationals of a third country (non-EU/non-EFTA) residing in certain countries, and where a visa is not required otherwise. Applications for ETIAS must be individual and submitted by a person with parental authority or legal guardianship.
ETIAS applications for children under 18 are free of charge. Family members of EU citizens, including dependent children under 21, may be exempt from paying ETIAS application fees and from certain screening rules if they meet specific criteria.
For general travel within EU countries, minors must hold valid travel documents (passports or identity cards), and when accompanied by non-EU family members, specific rules apply regarding travel documents. Updated guidance on documents needed for minors travelling in Europe is available from the EU’s official travel documents information.
It is important to note that the new travel document requirements for children will not apply to adults or to identification purposes within the country. Starting January 2024, children's travel passports will no longer be issued, renewed, or updated at citizen's offices. Both the personal ID for travel within the EU and the passport for non-EU travel for children will have a validity period of six years.
The city's announcement regarding the changes in travel document requirements for children is final and binding. A new nationwide law will come into effect at the beginning of 2024, marking a significant shift in travel procedures for children in the country. Parents and guardians are advised to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and to plan accordingly for their children's travel needs.
Starting from January 2024, children will require a personal ID for travel within the EU and a passport for non-EU travel. This change in travel policy-and-legislation affects children under 18, especially those joining school trips to EU countries like the UK. For school trips to EU countries, children from third countries will need an ETIAS permit. Meanwhile, for general news, it's crucial to know that ETIAS applications for children under 18 are free, and family members of EU citizens might be exempt from certain fees and screening rules. The new travel rules mark a shift in the lifestyle and travel of children in the country, as their travel document requirements will no longer be processed at citizen's offices from 2024 onwards.
