ETIAS Application for Minors: What Parents and Guardians Need to Know

From 2025 onward, many travelers who currently visit Europe without a visa will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, better known as ETIAS. This includes minors.
If you are planning a trip to Europe with your child, it is important to understand how the ETIAS process works for travelers under 18. While the application is straightforward, there are a few key differences and responsibilities for parents and legal guardians.

What Is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a travel authorization system for citizens of visa-exempt countries who plan to visit countries in the Schengen Area for short stays. It is not a visa. Instead, it works similarly to systems like ESTA in the United States. Travelers apply online before departure and receive approval linked electronically to their passport.
ETIAS will be required for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, medical visits, or transit.
Importantly, ETIAS applies to all eligible travelers regardless of age. That means infants, toddlers, teenagers, and every minor in between must have their own approved ETIAS before traveling.

Do Minors Need a Separate Application?

Yes. Each minor must have an individual ETIAS application submitted in their own name.
Even if you are traveling as a family, there is no group application that covers everyone under one parent’s authorization. Each child’s passport number must be linked to a separate approved ETIAS.
The good news is that the process is entirely online and generally quick. Most applications are expected to be processed within minutes, though in some cases additional checks may take longer.

Who Submits the Application for a Minor?

A parent or legal guardian must complete and submit the ETIAS application on behalf of the minor. During the process, the responsible adult will provide their own contact details and confirm that they are legally authorized to apply for the child.
This is especially important in cases where:

  • The child is traveling with only one parent.
  • The child is traveling with relatives or school groups.
  • The child is traveling alone.

While ETIAS itself is not a parental consent form, immigration authorities may request additional documentation at the border. For example, if a minor is traveling without both parents, border officers may ask for a signed consent letter from the absent parent. Requirements can vary by country, so it is wise to check ahead of time.

What Information Is Required for a Minor’s ETIAS?

The application for minors requires much of the same information as for adults. This includes:

  1. Full name
  2. Date and place of birth
  3. Passport details
  4. Nationality
  5. Contact information
  6. Intended travel details

There will also be security and background questions. These must be answered truthfully, even if the child is very young. For infants or young children, most of these questions will typically be straightforward “no” responses, but accuracy remains essential.
One important point is that the passport used for the application must be valid. ETIAS is electronically linked to the passport number provided. If the child receives a new passport, a new ETIAS application will be required.

Fees for Minors

The ETIAS fee structure is expected to differ by age. In general, minors under 18 are exempt from paying the application tax. However, an application must still be submitted and approved.
It is always best to verify the current fee rules before applying, as policies can change over time.

How Long Is ETIAS Valid for a Minor?

An approved ETIAS is typically valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
For children, this can be especially relevant because minors often have passports with shorter validity periods than adults. If a child’s passport expires in two years, their ETIAS will expire at the same time.
If the passport changes, even if the ETIAS has not yet reached its three-year limit, a new application must be submitted.

What Happens If a Minor’s Application Is Denied?

Although most ETIAS applications are approved quickly, it is possible for an application to be refused if the system flags an issue. In that case, the parent or guardian will receive notification explaining the decision and outlining the appeal process.
If ETIAS is denied, the minor will not be allowed to board a flight to a participating country until the issue is resolved or a visa is obtained instead.
For this reason, families should apply well in advance of travel. Even though approval is often fast, applying at least a few days or weeks before departure provides peace of mind.

Tips for Traveling to Europe with Minors

Here are a few practical tips to make the process smoother:

  1. Apply early. Do not wait until the last minute, especially during peak travel seasons.
  2. Double-check passport validity. Many European countries require that passports be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date.
  3. Keep documentation handy. If a child is traveling without both parents, carry consent letters and copies of identification documents.
  4. Print confirmation. While ETIAS is electronic, having a printed confirmation email can be helpful in case of questions at check-in.

The ETIAS application for minors is not complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Every child, regardless of age, must have their own approved authorization before traveling to participating European countries.
For parents and guardians, the key is preparation. Confirm passport validity, submit accurate information, and apply ahead of time. With those steps taken care of, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your trip together.
Traveling with children already involves planning flights, accommodations, and activities. Adding ETIAS to your checklist early will help ensure that border formalities do not interrupt your plans.