Minors travelling: documents in Germany (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A child needs their own recognised travel document, including infants. A written consent from absent custodians is recommended, not required, and there is no official form.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Child needs own passport or ID cardChild travelling across a border | Yes [1] |
| Consent when travelling with one parentChild travelling across a border | Written consent recommended [2] |
| Consent when travelling without parentsChild travelling across a border | Written consent recommended [2] |
| Official consent form or declarationChild travelling across a border | No [2] |
Notes
- Applies to minors travelling abroad, infants included. Children's passports are no longer issued since 1 January 2024; those already issued stay valid until they expire.
- Recommended for a child travelling alone or with one custodian. Whether signatures must be notarised depends on the destination country.
- The declaration is informal. Only non-binding templates exist.
Sources
- Bundespolizei: Reisen mit Minderjährigen - Bundespolizei (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Auswärtiges Amt: Einverständniserklärung für Minderjährige - Auswärtiges Amt (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.