Does my baby need a passport?

Parents could once include their children in their own passports for travel purposes. But children are now required to have their own passport regardless of the age. This applies to those who never had a passport before and are not included in their parent’s passport. For those who are included in their parent’s passport, this will take effect once the adult passport needs to be renewed or updated.

To apply for your baby's passport, you will required to have a completed application form, original copy of your baby's birth certificate, 2 certified photos and a proof of you or your spouse's nationality or immigration status. Proofs can be your birth certificate, passport or your home or office certification. Your best bet is to go to a pharmacy that takes photos – they will ensure that the picture meets specifications when it comes to photos that will be used for important documents such as the passport.

When applying for a passport for your baby, remember that it is not a one-minute process, so make sure to file your application as early as possible, especially if you have any plans of travelling with your baby. Passport applications may take about 3 weeks to be processed, but it can take even up to 6 weeks for those who are making new applications. But your baby's passport will last for up to five years from the date it was issued and the renewal will not take as long as the original application process.

More questions

When can I travel or fly with my baby?

The best time for you to travel with your baby depends on his condition, your condition and the weather.

What's the best way to cope with a sick child on a trip?

When you are travelling with your baby and she gets sick, the best thing you can do is to use the same judgement as how you do it at home.

What's the best way to carry a small child when we're travelling?

The best method for carrying depends on the circumstances of your journey, and on the age and weight of your child.

What is the best way to baby-proof a hotel room?

Here are the top three ways on how to make sure your hotel room is safe for your baby:

What should I do if the local culture discourages breastfeeding?

When you are travelling to other countries or to a place where there is a different culture, you have to make sure that you can respect it, as sometimes you mind find yourself in trouble if you do not.

What should I do if my child cries during a flight?

Going on a plane trip with your baby or your toddler can be very challenging so you have to prepare yourself for this.

Is there a best time of day to travel with a baby or toddler?

Scheduling a flight with your baby or your toddler may depend on her best and worst time of day.

Is it safe to sedate my baby for travel?

Make sure to try as many other options as possible before trying a sedative on your child