Do Children Need ETIAS? A Family Travel Guide

As Europe prepares to launch the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in late 2026, families planning transatlantic vacations are seeking clarity on the new requirements. This system will affect citizens from over 60 countries who currently enjoy visa-free travel to 30 European nations. A common question on the minds of parents is whether their children will also need to secure this new travel authorization. The short answer is a definitive yes.

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization designed to enhance security within the Schengen Area and associated countries. It applies to all eligible travelers, regardless of their age. From infants to teenagers, every member of the family must have their own approved ETIAS before embarking on their European adventure. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for parents and guardians to ensure a smooth and compliant travel experience.

To be perfectly clear, there are no age exemptions for the ETIAS requirement. Every citizen of an ETIAS-required country, from newborns to adults, must hold an individual, approved ETIAS travel authorization to enter the participating European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule is unwavering and central to the system's design for comprehensive security screening.

This means that when planning your family trip, you must account for an ETIAS application for each child. The authorization is electronically linked to the individual's passport, so each child must also have their own valid passport. A single ETIAS cannot cover an entire family; each traveler needs their own.

While minors must have their own ETIAS, they are not expected to complete the application themselves. A parent or legal guardian is responsible for filling out and submitting the ETIAS application on behalf of their child. The process is entirely online and designed to be straightforward.

The guardian will need the child's valid passport and will be required to provide personal data, travel document details, and answer a series of background and security questions. The information required is the same as for an adult applicant. Honesty and accuracy are critical, as any discrepancies could lead to delays or denial. In most cases, the automated system will process the application within minutes, and the approved ETIAS will be sent to the guardian's email address.

Traveling with children often involves unique circumstances. For instance, if a child is traveling with only one parent, or with grandparents or other legal guardians, border authorities may require additional documentation. While not an ETIAS requirement itself, it is a crucial aspect of international family travel.

It is highly recommended to carry a signed consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This document should authorize the travel and provide contact information. In cases of sole custody, a copy of the court order may be necessary. These precautions help prevent parental child abduction and ensure a hassle-free entry into the ETIAS countries.

The ETIAS requirement also extends to children traveling on school trips, with sports teams, or in other organized groups. The legal responsibility for ensuring each child has an approved ETIAS falls to the parents or guardians, not the school or organization.

Parents should coordinate with trip organizers to understand the travel itinerary but must complete the ETIAS application for their child independently. Given that ETIAS is valid for three years, or until the passport expires, it can be obtained well in advance of the planned trip, providing peace of mind for everyone involved.

An approved ETIAS for a minor functions exactly like one for an adult. It is valid for a period of three years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. This multi-year validity is convenient for families who plan to visit Europe multiple times.

The authorization allows for multiple entries into the 30 ETIAS countries for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Since the ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport, there is no need to print anything. Border officials will scan the passport, and their system will verify the valid ETIAS authorization automatically.