Infant ID & Travel Requirements (2025 Guide)
Traveling with a baby can be one of life’s most rewarding adventures — but it also comes with a few extra details to manage before take-off. One of the most important (and sometimes confusing) steps is knowing what identification or travel documents your infant needs.
Whether you’re taking your baby on their first short flight or heading abroad for a family vacation, this guide will help you understand exactly which documents to bring — so you can focus on making memories, not managing paperwork.
Important Tips for Parents
Before diving into country-specific rules, here are some universal tips that can save you time (and stress) at the airport:
- Use the exact same name on your infant’s ticket and passport.
- Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, even for domestic flights.
- If traveling alone with your child, carry a parental consent letter from the non-traveling parent.
- Review entry and transit requirements for every country on your route.
- Start the passport process early — issuing infant documents can take several weeks.
- Some airlines (like Lufthansa, KLM, or British Airways) require infants to have their own booking, even if they don’t have a seat — so always bring documentation that matches the ticket.
Flying with Kids Tip: Keep all your family’s travel documents together in a single pouch — passports, boarding passes, and consent letters — so you can easily access them during check-in and security checks.
🇩🇪Germany & the European Union
Domestic & Intra-EU Travel
For flights within Germany, infants under two years old generally don’t need their own ID, provided they’re traveling on a parent’s lap. However, airlines may ask for proof of age, such as a birth certificate.
When flying within the EU or Schengen area, every child — regardless of age — must have a valid travel document(passport or national ID card). Infants can no longer be added to a parent’s passport.
If your baby travels with only one parent or guardian, authorities may also request a consent declaration from the other parent.
International Travel
For any flight outside the EU, infants must have their own passport.
Since 2024, Germany issues standard biometric passports for children (valid up to six years). Both parents (if applicable) must usually appear in person when applying and provide the child’s birth certificate and parent IDs. Processing can take several weeks, though express service is often available.
🇺🇸 United States
Domestic Flights
Infants don’t need ID for domestic U.S. flights, but airlines may ask for proof of age (such as a birth certificate) to confirm lap-infant eligibility.
International Flights
Every infant needs their own U.S. passport, regardless of age.
If your baby was born abroad to U.S. citizen parents, obtain a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) — it serves as proof of citizenship and simplifies the passport application process.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇨🇦 Canada & Other Countries
Infants must always have a valid passport for international travel. Some regions (like the EU) may allow infants to travel with national ID cards, but rules differ by country.
If your child is traveling with only one parent or another adult, a signed parental consent letter may be required — particularly when surnames differ. Some destinations may also request additional documentation, such as a birth certificate, visa, or vaccination proof.
Always verify requirements through the embassy or consulate of your destination — entry laws can change frequently.
✈️ Related Guides on Flying with Kids
- How to Book a Baby Cot on Long-Haul Flights
- Traveling Solo with a Child: Consent Letters Explained
Prepared by Flying with Kids
Helping families take off, one flight at a time.