Can a minor travel internationally without passport?
When it comes to international travel, having the proper documentation is absolutely critical—especially for minors. One of the most commonly asked questions by parents and guardians is: Can a minor travel internationally without a passport? The answer is simple and strict: No, a minor cannot travel internationally without a valid passport.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through the legal requirements, airline rules, immigration protocols, and what documents a child must carry when traveling abroad. If you’re planning a family trip or sending your child abroad for study or leisure, this article will help ensure smooth and hassle-free travel.
Is Passport Mandatory for Minors Travelling Abroad?
Yes. A passport is absolutely mandatory for all international travel, regardless of the traveler’s age—including infants, toddlers, and teenagers.
No child, whether accompanied or unaccompanied, can board an international flight from India without a valid passport. This is enforced by:
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Immigration authorities
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Airlines
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Foreign embassies and visa offices
Without a passport, the child will not be allowed to board the plane or clear immigration on either side of the journey.
Why Is a Passport Required for Minors?
Here’s why passports are non-negotiable for minor travelers:
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Serves as the official international identity document
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Required to obtain foreign visas (tourist, student, dependent, etc.)
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Needed to enter or exit any foreign country legally
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Helps in tracking the movement of minors to prevent human trafficking and abduction
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Needed for any legal, medical, or emergency situation abroad
Even if your child is traveling for just a few days, a passport is compulsory.
Documents Required for a Minor’s International Travel
Aside from the passport, here are the other documents typically required for a minor to travel internationally:
✅ Mandatory Documents
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Minor’s valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
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Visa of the destination country (if required)
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Air tickets (round trip if visiting on a tourist visa)
✅ If Traveling with One Parent or Guardian
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Consent affidavit from the non-traveling parent (Annexure C or a notarized NOC)
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Copy of the non-traveling parent’s passport/ID
✅ If Traveling Alone or With Someone Other Than Parents
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Consent letter signed by both parents (notarized)
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Copy of passports/IDs of both parents
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Letter from the destination host (if applicable)
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Guardianship letter (if applicable)
Always check with the airline and embassy of the destination country for specific minor travel documentation rules.
Exceptions – Are There Any Countries That Allow Minors to Travel Without Passport?
No recognized country allows entry of foreign minors without a passport. However, some countries within the Schengen Area or the EU may allow travel on national ID cards, but this is only for their own citizens—not for Indian nationals.
So for Indian citizens, a passport is 100% compulsory for all international destinations, regardless of the child’s age.
Can a Newborn Travel Without Passport?
No, even a newborn baby must have a passport to travel abroad.
Steps to get a passport for a newborn include:
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Birth certificate issued by the Municipal Corporation
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Parent’s passport and address proof
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Annexure “D” (declaration by parents)
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Photograph of the child (as per specifications)
Passport for a minor is typically issued with 5 years validity or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier.
What Happens If a Minor Reaches the Airport Without a Passport?
The airline staff or immigration officers will deny boarding. The child cannot proceed through immigration even if they have a ticket and a visa. This may result in:
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Cancelled trip
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Financial loss on tickets and bookings
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Possible legal issues if the attempt was deliberate
Always ensure that the passport is valid, undamaged, and has enough blank pages for visa stamps.
Special Tips for Parents
✔ Apply for your child’s passport well in advance
✔ Book visa appointment only after passport is issued
✔ Carry two photocopies of all documents while traveling
✔ If your child is traveling with grandparents or school groups, submit a notarized NOC from both parents
✔ Keep emergency contact details handy
Let Online Passport Agents Help You With Your Child’s Passport and Travel Needs
At Online Passport Agents, we understand that planning international travel for children can be stressful—especially when dealing with strict documentation rules. Our experts are here to help you every step of the way:
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New passport issuance for minors
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Document verification
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Visa processing for family or solo travel
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Consent letters, affidavits, and NOCs
With dedicated teams in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Delhi, we’ve helped thousands of families travel internationally with confidence.
We at Online Passport Agents can help you in getting that. We have offices all over India—Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and Delhi—and provide complete passport and visa services.
Business Name: Online Passport Agents in Mumbai
Address: Room No. 5, 474, Sardar Chawl, Mahaderbhai Desai Road, Kandivali, Govind Dalvi Nagar, Kandivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400101
Phone No- +91 9098335522
Our office - https://maps.app.goo.gl/375BphM5TxTnxM8o7
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