Schengen Visa for Children & Minors
Taking your kids to Europe? Children need their own Schengen visa, plus some extra documents. Here's everything parents need to know.
In this guide
Key Points for Minors
- ✅ Children need their own passport and visa
- ✅ Reduced visa fee for ages 6-12
- ✅ Free visa for children under 6
- ✅ Parental consent is mandatory
- ✅ Extra documents needed beyond adult requirements
Visa Fees for Children
| Under 6 years | FREE |
| 6-12 years | €45 |
| 12+ years | €90 (adult fee) |
Note: VFS service charges still apply for all ages.
Documents for Minors
Standard Requirements
- ✅ Child's own passport (valid 6+ months)
- ✅ Visa application form (signed by parent)
- ✅ Passport photos (35×45mm)
- ✅ travel insurance for child
- ✅ Flight and hotel bookings including child
Additional Documents for Minors
- ✅ Birth certificate - Original + copy
- ✅ School letter - Leave permission from school
- ✅ Parental consent - See scenarios below
- ✅ Parents' passport copies
- ✅ Parents' visa copies (if parents are also applying)
Parental Consent Scenarios
🧑🤝🧑 Both Parents Traveling Together
- Both parents sign the application form
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate showing both parents
👤 One Parent Traveling with Child
- Consent letter from non-traveling parent
- Non-traveling parent's passport copy
- Consent letter should be notarized
- Include travel dates and permission statement
👥 Child Traveling with Non-Parent (Grandparent, Uncle, etc.)
- Consent from BOTH parents
- Notarized authorization letter
- Relationship proof with accompanying adult
- Both parents' passport copies
💔 Single Parent / Divorced
- Sole custody: Court order granting custody
- Joint custody: Consent from other parent OR court permission
- Other parent deceased: Death certificate
- Other parent absent: Affidavit explaining situation
Consent Letter Template
PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MINOR TRAVEL
I, [Parent Name], holder of Passport No. [Number], hereby give my consent for my child:
Child's Name: [Child Full Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB]
Passport No: [Child Passport Number]
To travel to the Schengen Area from [Start Date] to [End Date] accompanied by:
Traveling Parent/Guardian: [Name]
Relationship: [Mother/Father/Guardian]
Passport No: [Number]
I confirm I have no objection to this travel and authorize [him/her] to make decisions regarding our child's welfare during the trip.
Date: _______________
Signature: _______________
[Parent Name]
[NOTARY STAMP AND SIGNATURE]
School No Objection Letter
Request a letter from your child's school stating:
- Child's name and class/grade
- School enrollment confirmation
- Leave dates approved
- Statement that child will return to school after trip
- School letterhead, stamp, and principal signature
Tips for Traveling with Children
- Apply together - Submit family applications at same time
- Same embassy - All family members same destination
- Photos - Kids photos are tricky, follow specs carefully
- Biometrics - Children under 12 exempt from fingerprinting
- Keep copies - Carry consent letter copies during travel
- Notarize early - Don't wait until last day
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Most Questions Asked by Visa Applicants
Does my infant need a separate passport?
Yes! All children, including newborns, need their own passport for Schengen travel.
Can grandparents take grandchildren without parents?
Yes, with notarized consent from BOTH parents, plus relationship proof and all required documents.
What if other parent won't give consent?
You'll need court permission. This is a common issue in custody disputes - plan ahead and seek legal advice.
Complete your visa file
Complete your visa file with the three bookings every Schengen embassy expects: refundable hotel, flight reservation, and €30,000+ travel insurance.