Minors travelling: documents in Poland (2026)
Last reviewed: 30 October 2026
In short: Every child needs its own passport or ID card to cross a border, whatever the age. Polish rules require no special consent form or notarised authorisation for a child travelling with one parent, with other adults or alone. Border Guard officers may check that the guardians know of and agree to the trip.
| 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 | Not required [2] |
| Consent when travelling without parentsChild travelling across a border | Not required [1] |
| Official consent form or declarationChild travelling across a border | No [2] |
Notes
- Applies to Polish children, infants included, also inside the Schengen area. Whether an ID card or a passport is needed depends on the destination. Passports for children under 12 are valid 5 years.
- Border Guard officers may still check that the trip is made with the guardians' knowledge and consent, and may refuse the crossing if the facts are inconsistent. Destination countries may set their own requirements.
- The Border Guard advises asking the embassy or consulate of the destination about rules for minors, and says the burden of documenting consent lies with the travellers. Airlines may set their own rules for unaccompanied children.
Sources
- Straż Graniczna, Komenda Główna: Dziecko w podróży - poradnik (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
- Straż Graniczna, Komenda Główna: Podróżuj bezpiecznie. Straż Graniczna w trosce o najmłodszych (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.