30.10.2025
Applying for a tourist visa for a child: required documents, parental consent, financial guarantee, processing times, and application rules. Specific requirements for visa applications to Schengen states, the UK, the USA, and Asian countries.
Traveling abroad with a child requires careful preparation. While the visa process may seem routine for adults, minors are subject to specific rules and requirements. In this article, Terrana experts outline the key points: required documentation, the necessity of a notarized consent from the other parent, proof of financial means, the circumstances under which a child must appear in person for visa documents submission, and the differing requirements across countries.
The documents required for a child’s visa are largely similar to those for adults, but are supplemented with proof of relationship and necessary authorizations. The standard documentation package generally includes:
– the child’s passport, valid for at least six months beyond the planned travel date;
– a completed visa application form;
– two passport-sized photos meeting official requirements;
– the child’s birth certificate;
– copies of the parents’ passports;
– medical travel insurance;
– proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations;
– financial documents demonstrating the individual responsible for covering travel costs.
Certain consulates may additionally request a school certificate, certified translations, and notarized copies of documents.
Nowadays, most countries require children to have individual passports. Minors included in a parent’s passport may face difficulties both during the visa application process and when entering or exiting a country.
Many parents choose to apply for short-term, five-year passports for young children. While more economical and convenient due to the child’s rapid physical changes, these passports are non-biometric, and certain countries may no longer accept them. This can lead to complications: for example, if Spain issues a visa in a five-year non-biometric passport, France may refuse entry because it does not recognize such documents. Thus, the challenge extends beyond visa issuance to subsequent travel within Europe.
The best approach is to obtain a biometric passport for children, even at a young age. Such a passport has a longer validity period, is accepted for travel to all destinations, and minimizes the risk of entry refusals.
The visa fee depends on the destination country and the type of visa. On average, obtaining a visa for a child costs between €30 and €80. Certain applicants may be eligible for reduced fees: children under six are exempt from consular charges in all Schengen countries, while those aged six to twelve benefit from a reduced rate of €45 instead of the standard €90.
It is important to note that the fee reductions apply only to the consular fee. An additional service charge is required by the visa service company, and its amount depends on the organization handling the visa application. For example, the fees may differ when applying through VFS Global, BLS International, or other service providers. Payment of this service fee is mandatory for all applicants, regardless of the child’s age.
The processing time for a child’s visa depends on the destination country, the season, and the workload of the consulate. There is no standard timeframe: some consulates process visa applications rapidly, while others may experience delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
Children’s visa applications do not receive faster processing; they are subject to the same review procedures as adult applications. It is recommended to apply early, leaving sufficient time for any additional checks or clarifications.
A financial guarantee confirms that the child will have sufficient funds during the trip. The sponsor can be a parent, legal guardian, or accompanying adult. In some countries, however, sponsorship is accepted only from the parent who is traveling with the child.
Consular authorities evaluate not only the availability of funds but also their origin, income stability, and whether the amounts declared correspond to the number of travelers. The account balance should cover expenses for all participants. For example, if the standard calculation is for one person, a parent traveling with one child should demonstrate at least twice that amount; for two children, the sum should be proportionally higher.
To demonstrate financial support for a child’s visa, it is recommended to prepare the following documents:
– income certificate from the sponsor’s employer, indicating their position, length of employment, and average salary;
– bank statements for the last 3–6 months;
– sponsorship letter specifying:
• full name of the sponsor and their passport details;
• relationship to the child;
• the amount covering the travel expenses;
• dates and purpose of the trip;
• declaration of responsibility for all costs and ensuring the child’s return to their country of residence;
– copy of the sponsor’s passport or residence permit;
– if applicable, evidence of income source (for example, a copy of the employment contract, self-employment registration, or property ownership certificate).
A thoroughly prepared set of financial documents with clearly demonstrated sources of income significantly increases the chances of visa approval.
Furthermore, when a child travels with one or both parents, all accommodation and flight reservations should be made jointly. Consular authorities pay close attention to ensure that the names of the parents and the child appear on the same hotel reservation and flight itinerary. Separate bookings frequently result in additional inquiries and processing delays.
A notarized consent is generally required when a minor is traveling abroad with only one parent. While exceptions are possible, they are uncommon, and regulations vary by country. Therefore, it is important to verify whether consent is necessary in your specific situation before submitting the application.
The notarized consent must specify the parents’ and child’s information, the destination country, travel dates, and the accompanying person’s details. As the consent is valid only for a limited period, ensure it covers the intended travel dates. If a parent is absent or has been deprived of parental rights, a court decision or death certificate must be provided. Certain countries require the consent to be translated into the official language of the destination country and legalized with an apostille. Failure to provide a correctly prepared document can result in visa refusal.
When a minor travels unaccompanied, it is critical to confirm that the trip is safe, the accompanying adult is clearly identified, and all organizational matters have been arranged. Consulates require an extended set of documents to ensure the transparency and proper supervision of the journey.
The documents that must be provided in addition to the standard application package include:
– copies of the parents’ and accompanying adult’s passports;
– contact details of the accompanying adult (phone number, address during the trip);
– a notarized parental authorization permitting the adult to accompany the child;
– medical insurance covering the full duration of the trip.
If a child is traveling with a relative or as part of a group, additional documents must be provided to confirm the family relationship or the organization’s official role in accompanying the child. These measures allow the consulate to ensure that the child is under reliable supervision and that the journey is safe.
The visa application form is completed by a parent or legal guardian. The child may sign the form themselves if they have reached the minimum age requirement, typically 14 years. Until then, the parent (or guardian) submitting the application must sign documents on the child’s behalf.
When a child travels with both parents, some countries require signatures from both on the visa application form. If the child travels with only one parent, the accompanying parent signs the form, and a notarized consent from the other parent is generally required. In some countries, however, if both parents appear in person at the visa center, they can sign the documents on-site, eliminating the need for a notarized consent.
The visa application form must be completed legibly and without corrections. It should include the child’s details, information about accompanying persons, the purpose of the trip, and financial information. Any inaccuracies may raise questions from the consulate, so it is recommended to thoroughly review the form prior to submission.
In most countries, a child is only required to be present during the visa application if biometric data collection is necessary. If the child has not yet undergone biometric registration, the parent or legal guardian must accompany them in person.
In some consulates, it is possible to submit a child’s visa application without the minor being present, provided that the package of documents is complete and includes all required signatures and authorizations. However, for first-time applications, visa authorities strongly recommend attending the appointment with the child, as this helps prevent additional requests and increases the credibility of the application.
Original documents and copies must be submitted together as a single package. To streamline the process, it is helpful to organize the documents by category — passports, consents, financial statements, bookings, and application forms. This approach can speed up the review process and reduce the risk of errors during submission.
Different countries set different age thresholds for submitting biometric information:
– in Schengen countries, children aged 12 and older must provide fingerprints, while younger children only need to be photographed;
– in the United Kingdom, children aged 5 and older must provide biometric data, and a photograph is required for all ages;
– in the United States, biometric data is collected selectively: fingerprints are usually taken from teenagers, while younger children are only photographed;
– in Canada and several Asian countries, such as Singapore and South Korea, biometric data is required for children aged 14 and older.
When a child meets the age requirement for biometrics but cannot provide fingerprints (due to injury or medical limitations), a medical certificate or statement explaining the situation must be submitted.
The procedure typically takes a few minutes, during which the child’s photograph is taken and fingerprints scanned if required. The submitted biometric data remains valid for several years (five years in the Schengen area) and is stored in the international visa center database, meaning it usually does not need to be resubmitted for subsequent visa applications to the same region.
Schengen Countries. The procedure for minors is largely standardized: a separate passport for the child is mandatory, and a notarized consent from the non-accompanying parent must be included. Children aged 12 and older must provide fingerprints, while younger children are photographed only. The standard processing time for a short-stay visa is up to 15 calendar days, although it may be extended in certain cases. Children may benefit from reduced consular fees, but eligibility depends on age and bilateral agreements between individual countries and the Schengen area, which may establish special conditions for visa fee payment.
The United Kingdom. When applying for a minor’s visa, it is important to demonstrate that the trip is properly arranged: the child’s accommodation, accompanying adults, funding, and return travel must all be clearly documented. Written parental consent is required if the child travels alone or with a third party. Biometric requirements include a photograph for all ages and fingerprints for children aged five and older; for those under five, only a photograph is taken. In practice, children usually attend the visa center with a parent or legal guardian. The requirements for proving guardianship and consent are stricter than the average standards in Schengen countries.
The United States. The basic package of documents for a child is similar to that for an adult: a separate passport, visa application form, proof of travel purpose and financial means, and parental consent if the child is traveling without them. Effective October 2025, children must appear in person for the interview at the consulate. Even if an interview was not previously required, exceptions are now extremely limited. Fingerprint collection generally applies to older children, although younger children may also be asked to provide biometrics if required. A key distinction in the United States is the focus on mandatory in-person interviews and strict requirements for confirming parental rights and consent.
Southeast Asia. Requirements vary depending on the country and type of entry (visa, e-visa, or electronic authorization). Common elements include a separate passport for the child, parental consent, travel itinerary and proof of financial means. For visiting Thailand and Vietnam, minors often need an extended package of documents: birth certificate, copies of parents’ passports, parents’ consent to leave the country if traveling without them, accommodation bookings, and return tickets. Consulates of these countries provide their own checklists for children. For short-term trips, biometric requirements are usually limited to a photograph, while fingerprint collection applies only to a certain group of countries.
The main differences can be summarized as follows: in the Schengen area, there are uniform age thresholds for biometric data collection and standard processing times; in the United Kingdom, requirements are more detailed, including verification of guardianship, the accompanying adult, and a safety plan for the child’s accommodation, with fingerprints required for children aged five and older; in the United States, emphasis is placed on mandatory in-person interviews and verification of legal guardianship; in Southeast Asian countries, procedures vary by country, though a separate passport for the child, parental consent, and a confirmed travel itinerary with a return travel are almost always necessary.
Carefully prepared documents and authorizations, and clear evidence of financial support are the three essential factors that facilitate a child’s visa approval and make travel planning easier. Terrana specialists can assist in compiling a full set of documents, reviewing visa application forms, and drafting authorizations in compliance with the requirements of the destination country. The service’s experts are familiar with the nuances of visa regulations across different countries and provide support to clients through every step of the process until the visa is granted.
