Children's passport

Children need an identity document when travelling abroad. There are various options for children with German citizenship. Depending on the destination, these are

• Passport
• Identity card as a substitute for a passport
• children's passport if necessary

Please note: For some destinations, a passport is mandatory for the child. However, children can also enter many countries with an identity card or , if applicable, a child's passport, provided it is still valid. This applies in particular to the countries of the European Union (EU).

Detailed travel and safety information for all countries can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office. Under "Entry requirements for German nationals" you can find out for which countries a passport is required or an identity card is sufficient Identity card is sufficient.

Children's passport

From 1 January 2024, no new children's passports will be issued.

Children's passports that have already been issued will remain valid.

The renewal and updating of documents that are still valid and the correction of entries regarding height, eye colour and place of residence are no longer permitted.

If a child's passport becomes invalid because, for example, the child's name has changed, the photograph should be updated or, for example, the place of residence should be corrected after a move corrected after a move, a regular passport or identity card can be issued for the child.

Difference to other ID and travel documents for children

Unlike passports and ID cards, children's passports do not contain an electronic chip on which biometric data such as a photograph or fingerprints are stored.

Passport

There are no age restrictions for passports. For persons under the age of 24, the validity period is six years. An extension is not possible. If clear identification is no longer possible on the basis of the photograph, the passport becomes invalid. A new passport must then be applied for. There are no travel restrictions with this passport.

Identity card as a passport replacement

There are no age restrictions for the identity card. It is valid for six years for people under the age of 24. An extension is not possible. Just like the passport, the ID card becomes invalid as soon as it can no longer be clearly identified by means of a photograph. The ID card is issued in cheque card format.