ETIAS travel authorization for minors
From 2025, the European Union will be introducing ETIAS. This electronic travel authorization system applies not only to adults, but also to minors. Families planning to travel within the Schengen area will therefore need to ensure that each member, whatever their age, has a valid ETIAS authorization.
Are minors covered by ETIAS?
The ETIAS requirement for minors
Yes, minors must obtain an ETIAS authorization in the same way as adults. All visa-exempt third-country nationals, regardless of age, must obtain an ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen area.
To make an application for a minor: simply complete the ETIAS form online.
Categories of minors concerned
ETIAS applies to all minors, whether infants, children or teenagers. There is no age exemption. If a minor is not a citizen of a Schengen country and comes from a visa-exempt country in Europe, he or she must have a valid ETIAS. This requirement applies to all types of stay: tourist trips, family visits or travel for other reasons.
How do I make an ETIAS request for a minor?
Information to be provided
The ETIAS application for a minor follows the same steps as for an adult, with a few differences in the information provided. Parents or legal guardians must complete the ETIAS form online, providing :
- Information from the child’s passport;
- Personal identity data ;
- Medical and travel history.
It is essential to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted, as any error could result in the ETIAS application being rejected.
Who can submit a request for a minor?
The ETIAS application for a minor must be submitted by a responsible adult or legal guardian. It is the guardian’s responsibility to complete the form on the official ETIAS website and to ensure that all information is correct. It is important to note that the ETIAS is linked to the minor’s passport. Each child must have a valid passport before applying. If the child’s passport expires before the ETIAS is valid, it will be necessary to submit a new application once the passport has been renewed.
How much does the ETIAS cost for a minor?
ETIAS authorization is free of charge for minors under the age of 18. Unlike adults, who must pay a fee to obtain their ETIAS, children benefit from a fee waiver. Although the ETIAS is free of charge, it is compulsory to apply for an ETIAS for every minor, regardless of age.
How long is the ETIAS valid for minors?
The ETIAS is valid for three years, or until the minor’s passport expires. This means that if the minor’s passport expires before the three-year period, it will be necessary to apply for a new ETIAS authorization with the new travel passport. This validity allows families to travel several times within the Schengen area without having to re-apply for each trip.