The necessary travel documents and entry requirements are different for each country. The most important thing is one – for an international flight a valid passport is needed for all passengers, including babies. Some countries do have restrictions for pregnant women and others require at least 6 months remaining on your passport.
South Africa is an example of a country with strict control for passengers under 18 – whether they are accompanied or solo. If the child is flying with both parents, only the child’s full birth certificate is required; but if there is one parent travelling, a form of an affidavit from the other parent, or a court order, or (where applicable) a death certificate for a deceased parent is needed. The best option is to show copies of every single document to prevent loss. When a person is travelling with a child who is not their biological one, he/she must produce an unabridged birth certificate for the child (certified copies are acceptable), affidavit from the child’s parents or legal guardian giving consent and copies of the identity documents or passport of the parents or legal guardian (again, is there is a deceased parent, a death certificate is needed). The most complicated option is when an unaccompanied minors are flying – whether in the country or abroad. The parents must produce consent for the child to travel and their actual contact details. If there is a single parent, also a court order under which he/she has full parental responsibilities. The person who will receive the child must send a letter to contain his/her residential address and contact details in South Africa where the child will be residing and a certified copy of the identity document or valid passport and visa or permanent residence permit.
It is recommended to check with the requirements of the country you are going to travel in before to book tickets. Below are some countries regulations for travel documents.
Australia
Domestic travel -If children do not have their own passport, then the accompanying adult must write the full name of the child on the reverse of the adult’s boarding pass, so that the minor can be linked to the accompanying adult and their identification.
International – A valid passport is required for all ages.
UK
Domestic flights -Children under the age of 16 do not need to show ID on domestic routes. The adult they are travelling with can vouch for the infant’s/child’s identification, providing the relevant photo ID is shown (by the adult)
If the child is traveling unaccompanied and aged between 12-16 years, they will be required to produce photographic ID.
When travelling with an infant on a domestic route, it’s a good idea to bring either a birth certificate or passport to prove date of birth.
International -A valid passport is required for all ages.
Canada
Domestic travel -For travellers younger than 18, no passport is required. However, it is recommended that children carry an original birth certificate or non-government issued ID, e.g. a student card.
Travel to/from USA All passengers, including minors (children under 18) are required to present a valid passport or other valid travel document such as a Nexus card when travelling by air between Canada and the United States.
International – A valid passport is required for all ages.
USA
Domestic flights– No ID or documentation needs to be shown for children under the age of 18 on a domestic flight, unless they are under 14 days old – (in which case a Doctors letter is required) OR if they are travelling as a lap child – ID may be asked for if the infants age is questionable. In this instance proof of age such as a passport, birth certificate ( photo or digital copies are allowed) or an immunization record are permitted. If a child is travelling as an unaccompanied minor, the adult dropping and picking them up will need photo ID, but the child does not.
International – A valid passport is required for all ages.
Author: Savina Danailova