One question I’ve noticed parents ask when traveling is “Do Infants Need Passports.” If you are among such parents, then you are on the right page. This article will cover everything you need to know about traveling internationally with your baby and how you can prepare for it. Without further ado, let’s jump in!
READ MORE: How Do I Get An E-Passport?
Do Infants Need A Passport?
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Yes, infants need a passport to travel. If you are going on an international trip between countries your infant will most likely need a passport to leave your home country. However, there are exceptions to the general travel rule in some countries.
Here’s what I mean.
For instance, when moving from the U.S. to Canada, people below the age of 16 are not required to have an official passport. They only need a birth certificate as an official document to enter and leave the country. Hence, ensure you review the travel rules of the country you are visiting to know if your infant needs a passport.
READ MORE: All You Need To Know About Infant Passport Photo
How To Apply For An Infant Passport
You have to apply for your infant passport in person. You cannot apply for your baby’s passport on the phone, via email, or online.
As an adult, you can have various options to apply for a new or renewed passport through mail or some states online for yourself. But for your baby, you will have to visit the acceptance facility in your area.
You can search the U.S. Department of the State’s travel website to know how a passport can be acceptable. In some situations, the local post office can also be able to perform passport processing which you will give to verify before you go.
Some passport processing facilities will ask you to make an appointment ahead of time to apply for a passport in other to make sure they check the rules and schedule an appointment if you are asked.
READ MORE: Rejected Infant Passport Photo
Lastly, if you want your infant’s passport to be fast you will have to visit the expedited passport processing facility. However, be prepared to pay some additional fee which is around $60 to get the expedited passport.
The application for your infant passport form is DS-11. The form DS-11 has to be completed in person for all those who want to register their passport including minors and infants.
Make sure you print out a copy of the PDF version of the form on the U.S. Department of State’s travel website or you can use the online form generator to fill in your computer browser after that then print it out. The form contains two pages that are long and fairly straightforward to fill out with your personal information.
After filling out the form, don’t sign it until you get to the office of the person applying for the passport.
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Documents To Bring Along When Applying for Infant Passports
Before you get your appointment for your infant passport you need to arrange the documents you need together. The following are the things you will bring along with you:
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Your Baby’s Birth Certificate:
Take along your baby’s birth certificate to present to them and safeguard it. You can also bring along a digital backup and a photocopy of the original copy.
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Evidence Of U.S. Citizenship
Your infant birth certificate may not be ready if you intend to travel as soon as you give birth to your baby. In this case, you can call the local county clerk’s office to see if it is possible to expedite the process or if they have another recommendation you can use for a verified form.
If your child doesn’t have a U.S. birth certificate you can make use of the forms of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad Certification of Birth or a Certificate of Citizenship.
Depending on the situation different documents could be used as evidence of citizenship including religious or family records, like doctor forms, baptism announcements, or personal registers.
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Bring Along Your Baby’s Social Security Number
If your baby doesn’t have a social security number yet which usually takes two weeks after the birth, then you can apply for a passport according to the U.S. Department of State by giving a signed and dated statement saying “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America which the following is true and correct: ( your child full name) which has not been issued a social security number by the Social Security Administration.
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Photocopies Of All Your Documents
To prove the original citizenship of your citizenship you need to bring all photocopies of your documents that are plain black and white in 8×11 size.
It includes your identity card you will also provide. As the photocopy will stay with the application and may not be officially required. If you don’t provide for It will delay your processes.
If you refuse to bring it then you will need a secondary proof of your citizenship which the photocopy won’t be needed.
READ MORE: How Do I Get An E-Passport?
Conclusion
If you are traveling with your baby out of the country, your baby will need a passport to permit entry and exit from another country. Hence, your baby’s passport has to be applied for physically in other to be sure of the plan accordingly before the actual date of travelling, especially for the first time.
You have to make sure your baby has his passport, to make your travel process go smoothly and help you get the first stamp on the passport without stress.
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